Gateway to Growth

Jamal Cornelious
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Careers

Introducing Gateway to Growth 🎙️ Gateway to Growth is a career and personal development podcast spotlighting the people, stories, and ideas shaping St. Louis. Hosted by Jamal Cornelious in partnership with STL Bucket List, each episode features candid conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigating their own paths to growth.From career pivots and creative pursuits to leadership, community, and opportunity, Gateway to Growth explores what it really takes to build meaningful work and thrive especially early in your career. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or professional looking for your next chapter, this podcast offers real insight, practical advice, and inspiration from those doing the work. Made in partnership with STL Bucket List

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Building Community, Creativity & Career with Anastasia Harris

    What does it look like to build a successful career while also pursuing your passions and creating meaningful community? 🎧✨🏃🏾‍♀️ In this episode of Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with St. Louis creative, community builder, and entrepreneur Anastasia Harris to explore how she balances a career in public health research while growing multiple passion-driven ventures. Anastasia wears many hats: clinical research associate, DJ, track coach, founder of Run It Back Track Club, mentor, and community advocate. Throughout the conversation, she shares how St. Louis became the perfect place to blend her professional ambitions with her creative pursuits and why community has been the foundation of her success. This episode explores: • How Anastasia built a career in maternal and child health research while pursuing creative passions outside of work. • The story behind Run It Back, St. Louis' adult track and field club creating space for former athletes and newcomers alike. • Why community support has been critical to turning ideas into reality. • The challenges of balancing a full-time career, entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership. • Lessons on avoiding burnout through intentional rest, structure, and boundaries. • How she's growing her DJ career and helping others break into corporate event opportunities. • The importance of delegation, building teams, and learning to let go of control as organizations grow. • Advice for professionals looking to pursue creative passions alongside their corporate careers. • Why St. Louis continues to be a city where entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders can thrive. Key Takeaways 💡 • Start before you're ready—perfection isn't required to begin. • Creative pursuits require discipline, consistency, and sacrifice. • Community can accelerate growth in ways you can't accomplish alone. • Rest is just as important as productivity when pursuing multiple goals. • Building something meaningful means learning not to take every setback personally. Whether you're navigating a career transition, building a side project, pursuing creative work, or searching for ways to connect more deeply with your community, Anastasia's story offers practical insights and inspiration for creating a life that blends purpose, passion, and impact. Connect with Anastasia:   Run it Back Instagram ▶   https://www.instagram.com/runitbacktrackclub/?hl=en   Personal Instagram ▶   https://www.instagram.com/papistazi/?hl=en    LinkedIn ▶https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-harris-mph-ches-91315863/   Run it Back Website ▶ https://www.joinrunitback.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnM-IS5OCd40HohE0OXpEq0BLm86uo0wRyoUhw6OtifTfp6RQBYzxsY20-Dx8_aem_S8TxKEYSJTbAFsFwQoor9A  Connect with Gateway to Growth:  Instagram ▶   / gateway_to_growth   🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶   / stlbucketlist    Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/ab...

    25 min

  2. May 25

    From Aerospace Engineer to Entrepreneur: Kay Wells on Innovation, Purpose & Building Posie Pots

    On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with entrepreneur, inventor, and Posie Pots founder Kay Wells for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurship, innovation, and finding purpose through creation. Kay shares her journey from working as a mechanical engineer for companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon to leaving the corporate world and launching Posie Pots — a patented self-watering planter designed to make plant care easier and more accessible. She reflects on her background in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and 3D printing, and how those experiences unexpectedly laid the foundation for entrepreneurship. The conversation explores startup growth, innovation, resilience, and the realities of building a business from the ground up. Kay opens up about turning an idea into a product, receiving early support through St. Louis’ startup ecosystem, landing opportunities with Walmart, Good Morning America, and Shark Tank, and navigating the emotional highs and lows that come with scaling a company. Kay also discusses mentorship, creating opportunities through STEM education and 3D printing programs, empowering future entrepreneurs, and why St. Louis continues to be an important place for innovation and community building. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, founders, engineers, creatives, and anyone considering a career pivot or pursuing an idea they feel called to build. Connect with Kay Wells & Posie Pots:   Company Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/PosiePot/   Personal Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/kaywells_posiepots/   LinkedIn ▶ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionna-h-wells/   Website ▶ https://www.posiepot.com/ 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop regularly. 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

    28 min

  3. May 11

    Building Community Through Entrepreneurship: Matt Menietti on Culture, Connection & Career Growth

    On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, community building, and what it really means to create meaningful work and culture. Matt shares his journey from growing up in Iowa and studying engineering to finding purpose through nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, and community leadership in St. Louis. He reflects on how experiences with AmeriCorps and youth-focused nonprofit work shaped his perspective on service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others. The conversation explores topics like workplace culture, leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving nature of careers in today’s world. Matt discusses the importance of finding purpose beyond a paycheck, building authentic relationships, creating environments where people can thrive, and why strong communities are essential for long-term growth and innovation. Matt also shares practical advice for young professionals looking to build their network, navigate career transitions, and get more involved in their local community through service, mentorship, and meaningful connection. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, young professionals, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking to build a more intentional career and community. Connect with Matt Menietti:  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmenietti/  TechArtista Website: https://www.techartista.org/ 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram  Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

    51 min

  4. Apr 27

    The Power of the Arts: Vanessa Cooksey on Access, Equity & Community Impact

    On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Vanessa Cooksey, President and CEO of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, and the role of arts in building stronger communities. Vanessa shares her dynamic and non-linear career journey—from working at Mary Kay and Cartoon Network to leadership roles across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors—ultimately leading one of the largest public funders of the arts in the region. She reflects on the challenges of navigating change, stepping into executive leadership, and the importance of relationships, integrity, and community in shaping both career and impact. The conversation dives deep into themes like inclusive leadership, organizational culture, career growth, and the power of the arts to create access, belonging, and opportunity. Vanessa also shares practical advice on succeeding in new roles, building meaningful connections, and staying grounded in your purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, stepping into leadership, or looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. Connect with Vanessa Cooksey: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafc/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-arts-commission-of-st-louis/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlouisarts/ 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

    46 min

  5. Apr 13

    From Athlete to Anchor: Mikala McGhee Bass on Career Pivots, Purpose & Personal Brand

    On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Mikala McGhee Bass for a powerful conversation about growth, reinvention, and the winding path of a modern career. Mikala shares her journey from being a student-athlete to working service jobs after college, breaking into broadcasting, winning Miss Missouri USA, and ultimately building a career in corporate communications. Along the way, she opens up about the challenges of career pivots, the importance of resilience, and how every experience helped shape her professional identity. The conversation explores key themes like personal branding, storytelling, leadership, and the evolving role of communications in today’s world—including how professionals can leverage AI to stay ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, building their career, or learning how to turn every experience into opportunity. Connect with Mikala Mcghee Bass: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikalamcghee/  Booking Inquiries: https://forms.gle/UNgnKbiT33awGELH6  Personal Instagram: @mikalamcghee  🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

    38 min

  6. Mar 30

    Leading with Purpose: Dr. Darryl Diggs on Education, DEI, and Building Meaningful Relationships

    In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Dr. Darryl Diggs, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the Special School District of St. Louis County, for a powerful conversation about leadership, education, and the impact of relationships. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Diggs shares how his journey, from living overseas to growing up in St. Louis, shaped his perspective on people, community, and service. Through a wide range of experiences in education and beyond, he developed a leadership philosophy rooted in curiosity, authenticity, and helping others reach their full potential. Dr. Diggs breaks down what diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility really mean in practice and why the work is often misunderstood. At its core, he explains, it is about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute, whether in schools, workplaces, or communities. The conversation also explores the realities of navigating large organizations and building a career with purpose. From early jobs and unexpected mentors to leading through challenges like COVID and complex school systems, Dr. Diggs shares lessons on staying grounded in your values, asking better questions, and keeping your “fire” alive. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of relationships in St. Louis, why curiosity is a leadership superpower, and how leaning into hard conversations can create stronger, more meaningful connections. This episode is a reminder that growth is not linear, and that staying true to your purpose, building relationships, and continuing to learn can open doors you never expected. Connect with Dr. Darryl Diggs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967/  🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS Note: Due to a technical issue, some visuals differ from our usual format. Appreciate you sticking with us!

    38 min

  7. Mar 16

    From Athlete to Entrepreneur: Dr. Allie Foddrill on The Well Yard and Chiropractic in St. Louis

    In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Dr. Allie Foddrill, chiropractor and founder of The Well Yard in Maplewood, Missouri, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and a new approach to patient-centered care. Originally from Michigan, Allie came to St. Louis to attend chiropractic school at Logan University—but what started as a temporary stop quickly became home. After falling in love with the city’s culture, running community, and support for small businesses, she made the leap to launch her own practice with a mission to do chiropractic care differently. Allie shares how her background as an athlete shaped her passion for working with the human body and how that experience influenced the philosophy behind The Well Yard. Rather than the typical quick in-and-out chiropractic model, her approach focuses on identifying root causes, combining rehabilitation with treatment, and helping patients build lasting strength so they don’t need to rely on constant care. The conversation also explores the realities of building a business—from sending cold messages and networking over coffee to learning how to delegate, build a team, and grow beyond what one person can accomplish alone. Allie reflects on the courage it takes to quit a stable job, start something from scratch, and trust that the community will support you. Along the way, she shares insights on why St. Louis is a hidden gem for entrepreneurs, how authenticity and hard work build trust with clients, and why both business owners and patients alike must be willing to do the work to create real change. This episode is a reminder that building a meaningful career often requires taking a leap, surrounding yourself with the right people, and committing to helping others live healthier, fuller lives. Connect with Dr. Allie Foddrill and The Well Yard: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-foddrill-a00b963aa?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-well-yard/ Personal Instagram: @dr.alliefoddrill Company Instagram: @thewellyard 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

    21 min

  8. Mar 2

    Where Belonging Lives: Kristin Mosley on DEIB, Identity, and Impact in STL

    In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Kristin Mosley, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at St. Louis City SC, for a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and building spaces where everyone can thrive. Kristin shares her journey from growing up as the only Black girl in her private school classroom to leading DEIB efforts inside one of St. Louis’ most dynamic organizations. Drawing from nearly 15 years in HR and her lived experience navigating spaces where she didn’t always feel seen, she reflects on the defining moments that shaped her voice, her leadership style, and her commitment to advocacy. Together, they explore what diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging truly mean beyond buzzwords, how setbacks can become turning points, and why “failing forward” is often the doorway to purpose. Kristin opens up about losing two jobs in one year, leaning into relationships, and taking a leap of faith that ultimately positioned her to help shape culture within a professional sports organization. The conversation also highlights the broader impact of sports beyond the field—from creating career pathways for young people to expanding access, representation, and opportunity across the region. Kristin shares her passion for literacy, authorship, and ensuring that children see themselves reflected in the stories they read. This episode is a reminder that you don’t have to shrink to succeed, that setbacks don’t define your trajectory, and that real change happens when individuals decide to show up fully—both for themselves and for their city. Connect with Kristin Mosley and St. Louis City SC: • Kristin Mosley on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-mosley-mhrm-16b86917/  • St. Louis City SC on LinkedIn linkedin.com/company/stlcitysc/  • St. Louis City SC on Instagram @STLCITY

    43 min

  9. Feb 16

    Where Leadership Begins: Dr. Trezette Dixon on Purpose, Growth, and STL

    In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Dr. Trezette Dixon, Vice President of the Fellows Experience at Greater St. Louis Inc., for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, purpose, and building inclusive talent pipelines in St. Louis. Dr. Dixon shares her journey as a first-generation college student and professional, tracing her career from higher education into the civic and economic development space. With nearly two decades spent connecting students and professionals to life-changing opportunities, she reflects on the “golden thread” that has guided her work: educating, empowering, and elevating others. Together, they explore why leadership skills are transferable across industries, how the Fellows Experience is being reimagined to meet the future of work, and what it takes to make St. Louis a true talent engine and magnet. Dr. Dixon also offers insight into navigating career pivots, leaning into your strengths during moments of change, and the power of building authentic networks rooted in purpose. This episode is an inspiring reminder that leadership doesn’t begin with a title—it begins the moment you decide to make a difference, and when leaders grow, the entire community grows with them. Connect with Dr. Trezette Dixon and Greater St. Louis Inc.: • Dr. Trezette Dixon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trezettedixon/ • Greater St. Louis Inc. on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greaterstlinc/ • Greater St. Louis Inc. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greaterstlinc

    19 min

  10. Feb 2

    Building Power Where It Matters: Charli Cooksey on Equity, Early Childhood, and the Future of STL

    In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Charli Cooksey, Founder and CEO of We Power, for a powerful conversation about equity, power, and what it will take to truly transform St. Louis. Charli shares her journey growing up in North St. Louis while also navigating spaces of privilege. That experience shaped her lifelong commitment to justice and systemic change. From voter advocacy at an HBCU in Texas to returning home as a teacher, Charli explains how living in close proximity to inequity made it impossible to look away and ultimately led her into policy change work. Together, they explore why early childhood investment is one of the most effective levers for economic growth, gender equity, and family stability, and why St. Louis’ future depends on bold, honest decisions rather than surface-level solutions. Charli also discusses the challenges of funding policy change, the real cost of misinformation, and how employee ownership could help close the racial wealth gap during the largest wealth transfer in U.S. history. This episode is a call to action for anyone who believes real growth requires courage, integrity, and long-term vision. Connect with Charli and We Power: • Charli Cooksey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charli-cooksey-4569067/ • We Power on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wepowerstl • Charli Cooksey on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlialexacooksey/ • We Power on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wepower_stl/

    31 min

  11. Jan 19

    From Side Hustle to Career: Finding Creative Freedom in Marketing with Olivia Wiselogel

    In the debut episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious kicks things off with a conversation that’s “coming from inside the house.” He sits down with STL Bucket List’s own Olivia Wiselogel, account manager, content creator, and Chicago transplant who’s helping shape St. Louis’ creative scene. Join us as we chat about being two Chicago kids who have planted roots in STL and love it, while exploring Olivia’s journey from studying marketing at Saint Louis University to building a career in content creation right out of college. Jamal and Olivia discuss choosing creative freedom over a traditional corporate path, finding opportunity in a growing city, and why St. Louis has been the perfect place to stand out and build community. The episode also features the show’s first audience question from Natalia, a recent Missouri State graduate navigating her first steps in marketing. Their advice is simple and actionable: stop waiting for permission and start doing the work. This episode is a must-listen for students, recent grads, creatives, and anyone looking to turn passion into a sustainable career.

    28 min

  12. 12/18/2025

    Gateway to Growth Teaser

    Introducing Gateway to Growth 🎙️  Hosted by Jamal Cornelious, Gateway to Growth is a podcast centered on thoughtful career conversations with people from St. Louis, spanning every stage of the professional journey, from interns to the C-suite. Each episode explores real career paths, lessons learned, and the pivotal moments that shape success.    Coming soon—subscribe now to start your journey. Made in partnership with STL Bucket List

    18 sec
  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Introducing Gateway to Growth 🎙️ Gateway to Growth is a career and personal development podcast spotlighting the people, stories, and ideas shaping St. Louis. Hosted by Jamal Cornelious in partnership with STL Bucket List, each episode features candid conversations with creatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals navigating their own paths to growth.From career pivots and creative pursuits to leadership, community, and opportunity, Gateway to Growth explores what it really takes to build meaningful work and thrive especially early in your career. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or professional looking for your next chapter, this podcast offers real insight, practical advice, and inspiration from those doing the work. Made in partnership with STL Bucket List

Information

  • Creator
    Jamal Cornelious
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Gateway to Growth
  • Show Website
    Gateway to Growth

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