ChangeMakers

This 100th ChangeMakers Podcast episode honors the legacy, career, and calling of Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson, who has been intertwining medicine and ministry for decades to transform lives and communities. Join host Jeremy C. Park as he talks with Rev. Kenneth S. Robinson, M.D., who announced his retirement in June 2024, after serving as President and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South for more than nine years. Dr. Robinson became President and CEO in February 2015 after nearly 25 years as a volunteer and Board member of United Way of the Mid-South, the region's largest public, exclusively charitable foundation.

During the interview, Dr. Robinson shares how being born premature and facing illnesses paved the way for his calling to pursue medicine, how his parents fostered a focus on education and faith, and how they instilled the confidence for him to succeed. He discusses how his paths for medicine and ministry started to become intertwined while at Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, and how those callings came with personal sacrifices and hard decisions. Dr. Robinson reflects on meeting his wife and how they've built their family, how and why he balanced working at Vanderbilt while pursing a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School, and then the transition to serving in the Governor's Cabinet as Tennessee's Commissioner of Health from 2003-2007.

Dr. Robinson talks about serving as Pastor and CEO of St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis and how they worked to transform South Memphis, and then what led him to United Way of the Mid-South, where his legacy will be the social entrepreneurial approach that he brought to human services through Driving The Dream™ Identifying poverty as the critical, underlying issue impacting every facet of our community, Driving The Dream™, established in 2016, currently connects over 170 independent agencies and organizations in a system of care for people living in, or at risk, of poverty. The network of support allows individuals in need to connect to available resources with a single phone call or visit to a participating agency. Through a shared database and communication system, multiple agencies are able to offer services to families. Driving The Dream™ Care Coordinators, or case managers, assist families in building their own roadmap to self-sufficiency. To date, Driving The Dream™ has helped over 15,000 individuals advance toward financial stability.

Dr. Robinson wraps up with some of the lessons learned, his advice and encouragement for those who want to make a difference, and a fun, lightning round of short questions and answers where he shares what he likes to do to relax, his love of the Memphis Grizzlies, favorite Bible verses, and his plans for the future.  

About Dr. Kenneth S. Robinson:

Dr. Robinson’s bi-professional synthesis of medicine and ministry has made him a strong leader in the areas of public policy, health and healthcare, and community development at the highest levels of local, state and national impact. He served in the Governor’s Cabinet as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Health (2003-2007), guiding significant contracting and grant-making authority within his Department’s $548 million budget. Prior to joining United Way, he was the consultant and public health policy advisor to the Mayor of Shelby County (2008-2015) and Chair of “Healthy Shelby,” which was highlighted by United Way Worldwide as a replicable model of public/private collective impact.

For 25 years (1991-2016), Dr. Robinson also served as Pastor and CEO of St. Andrew AME Church in Memphis; developing health and human services, high-quality childcare, Pre-K and K-5 education, and economic development initiatives.  He founded an associated CDC, The Works, Inc., a very effective nonprofit that partners with United Way to impact lives locally. The entire St. Andrew Enterprise has become a major stakeholder in creating a healthy, sustainable community; responsible for over $22 million of new investment in South Memphis.

In 2000, United Way of America (now United Way Worldwide) awarded him its Community Builder of the Year award; recognizing both his local volunteer work with United Way and his formative community work through St. Andrew. Dr. Robinson has held board and leadership positions with numerous nonprofits, foundations, colleges, civic organizations, health-related entities and “think-tank” groups across the Mid-South and Tennessee.  He holds a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, from Harvard College; the Doctor of Medicine degree from Harvard Medical School; and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School.

He and his wife, Marilynn, have twin daughters – both accomplished physicians.

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Host Jeremy C. Park talks with ChangeMaker, Gabrielle Thompson, President and CEO of IDEAS (International Development and Educational Associates), who shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting how stepping into hard moments and saying "yes" can transform the world.

During the interview, Gabrielle talks about growing up in a family of creatives and how lessons learned from her parents carry through today, noting that creating a new nonprofit program is like creating a piece of art. She talks about being born in Los Angeles, California and moving to Nashville, Tennessee, when she was six, and how around that same timeframe, she started to become interested in helping other girls her age around the world overcome social challenges and improve their lives after looking at pictures and asking her parents a lot of questions. She shares how that curiosity and passion led her to focus on making a difference globally throughout high school and college and led her to start traveling overseas to learn, serve, and volunteer at an early age, which paved the way for her to step into leadership roles and become the CEO of an international anti-human trafficking organization.

Gabrielle talks about her transition to become the President and CEO of IDEAS and discusses their asset-based approach to help communities and individuals flourish by helping to remove barriers to dignity. She shares some stories that have changed her life and perspective on leadership, talks about how working globally has impacted her perspective locally, and how individuals can turn anger into positive action to make a difference. This powerful episode will inspire you and enlighten you, and it will show you how stepping into hard moments and saying "yes" can transform the world.

Visit https://ideasworld.org to learn more about IDEAS and Gabrielle Thompson.

About Gabrielle Thompson:

Gabrielle Thompson has a heart for empowerment, justice and serving vulnerable populations around the globe. She has worked as a development practitioner in South and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Latin America. Thompson is the current President and CEO, for IDEAS (International Development and Educational Associates), where they work help communities and individuals flourish by helping to remove barriers to dignity. Prior to leading IDEAS, Gabrielle was the CEO of an international anti-human trafficking organization for eight years, and an adjunct professor in the Masters of International Affairs program at Middle Tennessee State University. Thompson was awarded Nashville’s Top Professionals 30 under 30 in 2018 by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Nashville Business Journal’s Top 40 under 40 Professionals in 2020, and Middle Tennessee State Universities’ Alumni Achievement Award in 2021. Thompson previously worked in gender-based development initiatives in Costa Rica and Turkey and holds a Master of International Affairs from Middle Tennessee State University.

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Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Chris Powers, Founder and Executive Chairman of Fort Capital and host of The Fort Podcast, who shares his personal and professional journey and highlights the intersection of mentorship and business growth. 

During the interview, Chris talks about growing up in El Paso and Lubbock, Texas, and how he started getting into real estate after seeking mentorship from another young entrepreneur who inspired him as a college student at Texas Christian University. He shares some fun stories and lessons learned during the early years of being an entrepreneur and talks about how those experiences have helped build and shape the company today. What started with residential real estate evolved into a focus on multi-family and now Class B industrial, after teaming with Jason Baxter, who is CEO and President, and building the business structure for scalability to become "the best real estate operator in the world."

Fort Capital is a privately-owned real estate investment firm with a track record of transacting more than $2 billion in assets throughout Texas, Florida, and Tennessee. Fort's mission is to acquire prime real estate, operate with excellence, and deliver exceptional returns to all stakeholders.

Chris discusses why Fort Capital narrowed its focus on Class B industrial after he and Jason read "Good to Great" by Jim Collins, and how they have built a culture based on the purpose of creating a place that attracts the most talented individuals and provides an environment that inspires them to be their absolute best. He talks about some of the industry trends, current challenges and opportunities, and then some of the lessons he has learned from guests on The Fort podcast. The Fort is an entrepreneurship podcast hosted by Chris Powers. Each episode’s mission is to help you to level up your entrepreneurial game by hearing directly from the men and women in the arena. Chris talks about how "Great takes time" and uses his recent podcast episode featuring Rusty Reid of Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services as an example. 

Throughout the interview, though, Chris talks about the importance of mentorship and how others have helped guide and shape his personal, professional and spiritual journey, and led to his own growth and development and that of his business. He shares valuable lessons and advice from his father and how his father continues to impact his life everyday, even after his loss; and how his mother, wife, and family inspire and guide him with his faith. He wraps up with a fun lighting round that touches on golf, travel, the power of anonymous giving to help others in need, and creating a legacy of giving more in the community.

Visit www.fortcapitallp.com to learn more about Fort Capital. Visit www.thefortpod.com to learn more about The Fort Podcast hosted by Chris Powers and to watch and listen to past episodes.

About Chris Powers:

Chris is a serial entrepreneur with more than 20 years of real estate development and investment experience. He founded Fort Capital and to date, the company has invested over $2B in Class B industrial, and land development projects throughout the state of Texas and the Sunbelt.

Chris spends time focusing on Fort’s long-term strategy, fostering strategic relationships, and building capital relationships that will help complement the firm’s growth. He is also the host of The FORT Podcast, a Top 100 Business Podcast that has published 340+ episodes to date through a series of raw business conversations with business leaders and entrepreneurs.

Chris graduated with a BBA in Finance & Marketing from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX. Chris is a member of the Fort Worth YPO Chapter and attends Christ Chapel Bible Church. He lives in Fort Worth, TX with his family.

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On this episode, we have the pleasure of diving into the world of community transformation with Dr. Chris Lambert, a visionary who's redefining nonprofit success and neighborhood revitalization.

Dr. Chris Lambert is the founder and CEO of Life Remodeled, an award-winning author of "Next Level Nonprofit," and founder of the Next Level Nonprofit organizational operating system. His journey began far from the nonprofit sphere, with aspirations of law school and dreams of a lucrative career in real estate development. However, during his junior year at Indiana University, a profound spiritual awakening redirected his path towards a more service-oriented life.

After earning his MDiv and a doctorate in preaching, Chris, along with his wife, moved to Liberia where they played a pivotal role in helping a village drill a well, acquire farm animals, and build their very first school. This transformative experience in Liberia set the stage for what would become his life's work. Upon returning to the U.S., Chris founded the church Ekklesia and shortly thereafter, in 2010, launched Life Remodeled. This impactful organization focuses on repurposing vacant school buildings into vibrant community centers and spearheading sustainable neighborhood revitalization projects. Dr. Lambert's work has not only earned him recognition on platforms like TEDx and accolades such as Crain’s 40 Under 40, but also the admiration of communities and leaders around the nation. Yet, for Chris, the true excitement lies in the journey ahead and the people who join him in making a lasting difference. 

In today’s episode, Dr. Lambert shares invaluable insights into creating scalable, sustainable, and impactful nonprofit organizations. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of turning abandoned structures into thriving community hubs, the importance of community involvement in revitalization projects, and how other nonprofit leaders can apply the principles of his Next Level Nonprofit system to magnify their impact. 

Join us as we explore the transformative power of dedication, community, and innovative thinking with Dr. Chris Lambert on ChangeMakers. 

Visit https://liferemodeled.org/ to learn more about Life Remodeled or https://www.nlncoaching.org.

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Welcome to this inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, where we dive into the importance and power of community colleges, civic engagement, and mentorship with one of host Jeremy C. Park's closest friends from grade school in Weatherford, Texas, Dr. Molly M. Harris, Vice President of Community Engagement at Grayson College.

Dr. Harris has been a beacon in higher education for over 21 years, deeply committed to enriching lives and fostering community ties. Dr. Harris also is the one responsible for introducing Jeremy to his wife, Meredith, so this ChangeMakers episode offers a lot of fun, personal backstories between host and guest.

Dr. Harris's academic journey began with a spark of passion for drama at Weatherford College, leading her to earn an Associate of Arts. She expanded her horizon at Texas A&M-Commerce, where she claimed both a BS in Theatre and an MS in Higher Education Administration. Her pursuit of educational leadership peaked with a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership from Mississippi State University.

Today, Dr. Harris is the Vice President of Community Engagement at Grayson College, where she’s a major force behind initiatives that range from foundational work and strategic communications to overseeing grants and the South Campus. Her role is crucial in integrating the college’s resources with the community’s growth, bringing education and community service together.

Dr. Harris's dedication stretches into numerous community boards, from the Denison Area Chamber of Commerce to the United Way of Grayson County, showcasing her belief in the ripple effect of civic engagement.

Living in Denison with her husband, Mark, and their daughter, Parker, Dr. Harris is a proud community member, a Mississippi State athletics fan, and a devoted family woman.

In our conversation, Dr. Harris shares her personal and professional evolution, her pivotal role in shaping community college initiatives, and her insights on how mentorship and civic engagement can dramatically uplift careers. She believes community colleges are not just educational institutions but launchpads for societal contributions and personal growth.

Join us as Dr. Harris enlightens us on making significant impacts, both in our careers and communities, through the nurturing grounds of community colleges. It’s a journey of empowerment, engagement, and finding one's voice in the vast world of opportunities that community colleges provide.

Visit www.grayson.edu to learn more about Grayson College and email [email protected] to connect directly with Dr. Molly Harris.

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During the interview, Jerry talks about growing up in Northern California and going through traumatic experiences with his family. He shares how he was able to move forward in college and work with a friend to launch a durable medical equipment business, and how his frustration of working with attorneys caused him to go to law school to help his company. Jerry's pursuit of learning and practical application for the law led him in a new direction with a defined sense of purpose to help others beyond his company. Jerry talks about his time in law school and then his pivot to becoming an attorney, and ultimately, how he and his wife were then called to start Immix Law Group.

Jerry highlights Immix Law Group, the industry change agent that serves as a catalyst for innovation by representing diverse, international, and trailblazing clientele at every stage of the business lifecycle. He talks about the importance of understanding a client’s “Why" and your own "Why," and how he and his team have safeguards in place to make sure the proper perspective and priorities always remain in place. He talks about moving to the Franklin, Tennessee area, how he draws inspiration from his wife and daughters, and how he and his wife have strategically invested in and helped lift nonprofits in their communities.

Throughout the interview, Jerry shares how faith has played an integral role in his personal and professional journey, and how he values the opportunity to help others become closer to God. It's an interview that shares a powerful story, helpful advice, and inspiration for the power of purpose and helping others.

Visit https://immixlaw.com/ to learn more about Immix Law Group and to connect directly with Jerry Carleton.  

About Jerry Carleton:

Jerry Carleton, founder and principal of Immix Law Group, is a seasoned corporate and securities attorney specializing in advising private emerging and growth-stage companies on various corporate, finance, and securities matters. His expertise encompasses pre-formation planning, entity formation, capital raising, securities compliance, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, leasing and contractual issues, and general business advisory. Jerry also brings experience in estate planning and intellectual property law.

Jerry’s clientele spans diverse industries, including technology, SaaS, cryptocurrency, VR/MR/XR, professional and medical services, wellness services, medical devices, non-profit, manufacturing, automotive, wineries, retail, art services, creative agencies, marketing and print, graphic design, CPA services, realty and real estate acquisition, mortgage planning, fashion, apparel, upholstery, and recreation.

The name "Immix" signifies “to combine,” reflecting the firm's core mission to blend business and law seamlessly. Jerry and Heather Carleton established Immix to offer a unique partnership approach with privately held companies, focusing on growth and acquisitions, intellectual property, employment, corporate governance, fundraising, and corporate litigation.

Immix Law Group leverages cross-functional teams with real-world experience to craft creative legal strategies that align with business objectives. Serving a global clientele, Immix provides tailored solutions and appropriate team sizes for various transactions, ensuring that legal services enhance ROI and facilitate deals rather than being a mere formality.

The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

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