Ignitecast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF CDF and GOinnovation

Alex Lange is an executive coach and leadership development facilitator living and working in Mumbai, India, where he moved with his family right before the pandemic took off. In this episode we talk about what "coaching skills" are, why he chose to become a certified coach, and how any leader can use coaching skills to improve her leadership, communication, and organizational culture. We also talk about understanding and honoring others' values that might be different than ours, and get a firsthand look at what it's like to live in India through their very difficult and ongoing experience of the pandemic.

Matt Laubhan is the Emmy award-winning Chief Meteorologist for the WTVA Weather Authority. Thousands of people instinctively look and listen for his guidance when rough weather is on the way--which makes him a leader. Judd and Rory wanted to find out what motivates Matt. Along the way they got to geek out about tornado science, have a candid conversation about global warming, and hear Matt tell a very personal story about a recent near-death experience he had and how that's affected him.

The pandemic presented one of the most pressing leadership challenges in recent memory. In this interview, Pastor Jeffrey Daniel reflects on lessons he's learned leading a congregation through an especially challenging season. He gives an inside perspective to how he thinks about empowering others toward greater vision, leading teams of volunteers (where you can't just tell people what to do but must inspire them), and shepherding people through difficult conversations.

Lisa Hawkins has worn many hats in her career: nurse, educator, employee, employer, mentor, business owner, and more. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. In this episode, Rory and Judd talk with Lisa about her career, what decisions helped her along the way, how she leads her business (Room to Room Furniture), what makes employees want to stay working there, and what has anchored her through difficult circumstances.

State and federal public health officials usually find themselves working in the background. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they've been thrust into the spotlight. It's fair to say that Dr. Thomas Dobbs became a Mississippi household name as he quickly became a leading voice in livestreams and press conferences alongside Governor Tate Reeves.

In this episode, Dr. Dobbs talks about his experiences working through a pandemic, other health challenges and opportunities facing Mississippi, the intersection of science and politics, how he thinks about mask wearing, and what he does to recharge in the midst of so many leadership responsibilities.

Registration is now open for the 2021 Ignite Leadership Conference on April 15, 2021. Visit www.igniteleadership.com to reserve your ticket and be part of North Mississippi's premiere one-day leadership development event to ignite your leadership.

Blue Delta Jeans are some of the most coveted bespoke jeans available anywhere--and the company was founded and thrives In Tupelo, Mississippi. Josh West and Nick Weaver, Blue Delta's co-founders, join Judd and Rory to talk entrepreneurship, growth, pivoting to PPE in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, why they're happy to do business in Mississippi, and what you need to do to create a thriving culture. This is a long and multi-faceted conversation!