21 Podcast

On this segment of 21, we talk with Vanessa Scott, Director of Accounting for the Houston Dynamo & Dash.

Vanessa is native Houstonian who attended Westside High School.  Vanessa has a tough job, in a tough industry.  She attributes her mental toughness to a life lesson her Mom taught her in the 6thgrade.   Listen as Vanessa describes this ‘life moment’ that probably shifted her career trajectory, even at this early age.

After graduating high school, Vanessa decided to attend Tulane University where she majored in Finance and Spanish.  Vanessa knew that she wanted a career connected to professional sports, so she created a network within the sports arena and applied for several positions.  She eventually landed a job with the Houston Rockets, and subsequently reunited with a former boss when she joined the Dynamo & Dash to lead their accounting function.  Another reminder, 21 listeners, to the power of relationships and building your network.

Vanessa is committed to her personal life-long learning and the development of others. Vanessa leads with a spirit of kindness, while holding others accountable to deliver their best.  She is a role model to many who are looking to have successful careers in sports operations.

When not at work, Vanessa, and her family support various volunteer community projects.  She is also a dog lover; Vanessa’s dog even makes a cameo during our recording session!

Enjoy this episode of 21!

This episode of the 21 podcast is dedicated to the memory of Drew’s cousin, Amanda Sampson. Amanda was a loving mother and daughter who leaves us too soon. May the joy she brought to her family continue in all that they do.

On this episode of the 21 Podcast, we team up once again with Linda Lorelle.

Linda is a pillar in the Houston community. She is a former news anchor for KPRC, Houston’s NBC Affiliate. With her podcast, Our Voices Matter, Linda remains a master storyteller, committed to being a megaphone for causes that change our world for the better.

In our conversation, we simply learn more about Linda, the person. From her upbringing in Chicago, to her college years at Stanford, to her dance career in New York, to her ‘chance’ meeting in a restaurant that transformed her career.

Linda has worked very hard during her career, but more important, she has been strategic. Linda is very intentional; every career opportunity had a specific purpose and she knew how to create pathways to her next step.

If you are a fan of Linda (like the 21 Family is!), you are going to enjoy this listen.

March is Women’s History Month, which was established to highlight the contributions of women in society, in business, in the arts, and in our homes. In the spirit of Women’s History Month, we thank Linda, and all the women who have joined our podcast.

Most of all, we thank the women in our lives, especially Vera Lott (Drew’s Grandmother) and Dr. Carol Yvonne Plummer Harris (Yvonne’s Mom) who continue to serve as the inspiration for this podcast.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, we talk with Valerie Holland, Houston Dynamo & Dash Director of Community Relations and Dynamo Charities.

Valerie is relatively new to Houston, a transplant from Colorado and an alum of Colorado State University and University of Colorado Denver. Prior to moving to Houston, Valerie started her career in sports operations in the Denver area. 21 listeners, Valerie is another testament to the benefits of internships and being open to opportunities! Valerie impressively obtained her advanced degree while working full time. Listen as she describes how she managed her schedule to ensure that she excelled at both work and her studies. Another reminder, that the grind is available to all who want it bad enough.

In her current position with the Dynamo & Dash, Valerie is a real difference maker in the Houston community. She leads efforts to connect more youth to the sport of soccer, including the support of schools that want to start or build a soccer program for their students.

As you get to know Valerie, you can tell that she is living out her purpose. She loves her job, and she is passionate about being a role model for young women. To this end, Valerie is driving the planning efforts for the Dynamo & Dash celebration of International Women’s Day 2021. The event is geared towards coaches and student athletes, and will highlight successful women in professional soccer, both players and leaders in operations. Just another day in the office for Valerie…a day that sends moregoodness into our community.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, we spend time with Jonathan “JD” Messinger.  JD is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and served our country as a nuclear submarine officer.

JD had a successful corporate career, as he rose through the ranks to become CEO of Ernest & Young in SE Asia. It was during that time that he had a self-described wake-up call, which transformed how he views success, and propelled him into his true purpose.

Thankfully, JD was called to share this experience with others.  In his book, 11 Days in May, JD describes his near-death experience which catapulted him into a spiritual awakening.  His insights and lessons have inspired countless others to maximize their potential by aligning their careers with their higher callings.

JD is a modern-day Renaissance Man and pre-eminent thought leader on the connection between our spiritual lives and professional lives.  His most recent book release, Manifesto for Change describes the ‘great awakening’ that humanity is currently experiencing.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, spend time with John Anderson. John is the Head Basketball Coach for Scottsdale Christian Academy, and one of Drew’s former teammates.

John played high school basketball at Scottdale Christian (where he now coaches), and his success as a player afforded him the opportunity to attend Pointe Loma Nazarene University (PLNU).

At PNLU, John dedicated the time needed as an underclassman to evolve his game; he went into ‘the lab.’ This intense focus and dedication led to him becoming the school’s all-time block leader, with 241 blocks!

Post college, John followed in the family tradition by becoming an entrepreneur and starting his career a coach. Family has always been at the core of John’s ‘why.’ Throughout his life, John has been blessed to have a strong support system from his family, which extended to his teammates. Today, John calls his players his family, and he still considers many of his former teammates his brothers. John’s wife and children are his greatest priority…and he beams with pride as he talks about his wife’s talent as a photographer!

Listen as John provides sage advice and lessons learned from the various season of his life, with humility and a quiet sense of humor. 

And of course, John shares a hilarious ‘Drew Story’. Another reminder, 21 listeners, that Drew, oceans, and beaches may not be an ideal mix.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

On this segment of 21, we talk with Emmy-winning, beloved news anchor for KHOU 11 News in Houston, Mia Gradney.

Mia is a proud, native Houstonian and graduate of Sam Houston State University (Go Bearkats!). She pursued a degree in Radio/Television due in large part to a seed of advice planted by a mentor.

After college, Mia started her TV career behind the scenes, making her on-screen debut in cities outside of Houston. She eventually returned to Houston and has been welcomed into our homes for over 20 years. Mia’s warm smile, smart reporting, and generous spirit are an important part of our city’s news landscape.

Mia has covered major events that have impacted our city, our country, and our lives. She has also had fun sharing sports and entertainment stories. Mia’s greatest gift to our community, however, comes from her commitment to report on the tough stories that empower and inform. She led a powerful news segment that highlighted the maternal mortality and morbidity issue that has been a silent health crisis in Houston.

When she is not on the air, Mia enjoys time with her husband, daughter, and family. She also makes time to support various volunteer/charity efforts in our community.

Enjoy this episode of 21, and check Mia out at 5:00, 6:00, and 10:00 pm on KHOU.

This segment of 21 is being released as the world celebrates and remembers the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The impact of Dr. King’s work lives on in all of us. He was a hero among heroes.

As we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy, let us also remember our everyday heroes. Our teachers, coaches, first responders, and community leaders. And our mentors, like Jesse Tyson who we feature in this episode.

Jesse came from humble beginnings. He played basketball but chose to make academics his competitive sport. Jesse’s life was forever changed when he traveled outside of the US for the first time.

Fast forward, Jesse went on to become a highly respected executive with ExxonMobil. After ExxonMobil, Jesse was the President and CEO of the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA), the largest association of MBA graduates with over 12,000 members and 400 corporate partners representing leading Fortune 1000 companies. His work with the NBMBAA changed the career trajectory of thousands of students and professionals.

Jesse’s efforts were not done for or in the limelight, were largely unheralded but countless people can point to the positive impact that Jesse had on their lives. Jesse is a hero and his two of his superpowers are mentorship and sponsorship.

As you listen to Jesse, reflect on the everyday heroes who have changed your life, and also think of ways that you can be a hero/mentor/sponsor/coach to someone in your life.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

This is the third in our 3-part series with Fabulous “Fab” Flournoy. (Notice that we don’t say our last segment as we hope Fab will join us for another chat in 2021. Setting the intention!)

This episode follows Fab’s professional career, which may be familiar to many who will listen. Fab continues to share his story with an authentic spirit of humility. Off the court, Fab is kind, laid back, and humorous. On the court, he is a fierce, formidable opponent. And to the latter point, Fab’s current workout and diet regimens are just as disciplined as when he played. (No cheeseburgers for Fab!)

There is no question that Fab is living out his purpose. He was created to play basketball. The sport is in his DNA. Fab will always have a special connection to the hardwood. Period.

Now that all 3 episodes of our discussion with Fab are available, consider a ‘binge’ and listen to Fab’s story in 1 sitting. We are confident that you will hear at least one nugget of wisdom that could become a new habit for you in the new year.

As we transition from 2020 to 2021, the 21 Family expresses gratitude to all our supporters.

Enjoy this episode of 21, and let’s all make greatness happen in 2021!

This is the second in our 3-part series with Fabulous “Fab” Flournoy.

When we leave Fab in episode 1, he is about to begin his collegiate journey. College basketball takes Fab from New York to Texas, then Louisiana.

It is during this season of his life, the Fab begins to really know how good he is at basketball, and that the sport can be a tool to help him create the life he wants. (This is still very true for Fab today!)

While in college, Fab was diagnosed with dyslexia. He embraced resources provided to him and transformed his learning difference into a gift for storytelling. Dyslexia was yet another “Virgil” that shifted Fab to a higher level of greatness.

Fab also faced tragedy, as his brother was killed while he was away at college. Fab mourned the loss of his brother and shifted his sadness into a determination to honor his brother’s memory through his hard work and love of basketball. Fab has done just that, and then some.

Enjoy this episode of 21!

This segment of 21 is the first in a 3-part series of a recent conversation with had with Fabulous “Fab” Flournoy. Fab is one of Drew’s former teammates with the Newcastle Eagles, and he is currently with the Toronto Raptors organization.

You cannot be a fan of the British Basketball League and not know Fab. His accomplishments in the sport seem surreal. He is not only a BBL record-holder, a fan favorite, a medalist with the EnglandNational Team, and a BBC Commentator, in 2017, Fab was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to British basketball and the community.

Fab shares his story with Drew and Yvonne in a way that is authentic, captivating and inspiring. It feels like old friends catching up after years apart. This episode guides us from Fab’s formative years through high school.

Lastly, listen for the name, Virgil. He could very well be the person who played a major role in changing the trajectory of Fab’s life. Who are the Virgils in your life? And do you face your Virgils in a way that set you up for long-term success?

As a reminder, 21 Listeners, it is not where you start…it is where you finish AND how you create and embrace milestone moments along the way.

Enjoy this episode of 21!