IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

Great leaders don’t just lead people. They connect with them first.

In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Sara Ann Brown, president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi, to explore John C. Maxwell’s Law of Connection and why trust begins with making people feel seen, heard and valued.

Drawing from her experience in the military, healthcare, leadership development and now the Boys & Girls Club, Sara Ann shares one of the most important leadership lessons she has learned: meet people where they are, but don’t leave them there. Great leaders don’t lower their standards. They adjust their approach to help people reach them.

Sara Ann also discusses the importance of showing up consistently, listening, asking questions and taking the time to understand the people you lead. Whether connecting with young people, employees or an entire community, she explains why meaningful relationships aren’t built overnight. They’re built through small, intentional moments that eventually create trust.

The conversation also explores why connection doesn’t mean being liked. Strong relationships create room for accountability, difficult conversations and respectful disagreement, all while helping people grow into better versions of themselves.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia, our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

SEE THE SHOW NOTES, TRANSCRIPT AND MORE AT:  https://cdf.ms/s9e2-shelley

What does it take to turn a setback into momentum?

In the 50th episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Shelly Miller, Tupelo High School teacher and girls soccer coach, to explore John C. Maxwell’s Law of Momentum and what it looks like on the field, in the classroom and in everyday leadership.

Shelly shares the story behind Tupelo’s state championship run, including how a previous championship loss helped fuel the team’s belief that they belonged on that stage. She explains why momentum doesn’t mean avoiding adversity. Instead, great teams learn to use setbacks to “fail forward” and propel themselves toward the next goal.

The conversation also explores creating healthy competition, getting an entire team to buy in and why “the bench wins games.” For Shelly, momentum grew when individual success became team success and every player understood the role they played in making the team better.

That same philosophy carries into Shelly’s classroom, where she believes caring for students and holding them to high expectations go hand in hand. Whether she’s teaching math or coaching soccer, her goal is to help students embrace the struggle, push through adversity and believe they are capable of more.

Tune in for a conversation about belief, resilience, teamwork and how controlling your response can help you create momentum when you need it most.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia, our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

What does it really mean to put people first?

In the Season 9 premiere of Ignitecast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Jay Carney, senior pastor of Life at Tupelo Church, for a conversation about servant leadership, the Law of Addition in John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.

Jay shares lessons from his journey from the construction industry to ministry, his experience with John Maxwell and Maxwell Leadership, and why he believes great leaders equip and empower the people around them. He also discusses the importance of bringing different strengths, generations and perspectives to the table and getting involved in the community you serve.

Plus, Jay takes us behind the scenes of his connection to Maxwell Leadership and the role he played in helping bring John C. Maxwell, Mark Cole and Valorie Burton to Tupelo for the 10th annual Ignite Leadership Conference. 🔥

As Jay reminds us, leadership is ultimately about people: people of value, value people and add value to people.

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

The wait is over—the speakers for the 10th annual Ignite Leadership Conference have officially been revealed!

In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor celebrate a decade of Ignite and look back at the impact the conference has made over the years. Since its beginning in 2018, Ignite has welcomed more than 40 speakers including bestselling authors, CEOs, Olympic athletes, and more.

Now, for year 10, Ignite is going bigger!

The 2027 lineup features legendary leadership expert John C. Maxwell, Mark Cole,  and Valorie Burton.🔥

Hear why this milestone year is so special, what to expect from the conference, and why you'll want to secure your seat early.

📅 Thursday, January 21, 2027
📍 The Orchard | Tupelo, Mississippi
🎟️ Early Bird Tickets: $249

Get your tickets now at igniteleadership.com and join us as we celebrate 10 years of learning, growing, and leading together.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

What can adults learn from kids?

Quite a lot, actually.

In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor welcome campers from Wear It Well Kids Day Camp back to the studio for the second year in a row to share their thoughts on leadership, teamwork, kindness, and purpose.

The campers tackle big questions with remarkable wisdom: What makes a great leader? What advice would they give adults? How do you become a better teammate? And if they were principal for a day, what would they change?

Their answers are thoughtful, honest, and often surprising covering everything from listening before making assumptions and leading with empathy to finding your purpose, respecting others, and never judging someone without knowing their story.

This conversation is a reminder that leadership isn't about age. It's about character, compassion, and the choices we make every day. Whether you're leading in the workplace, at home, or in your community, these young leaders offer lessons that every generation can learn from.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia, our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

What does it take to lead a team of creative thinkers while building a business that serves clients across the South—all from Tupelo, Mississippi?

In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Josh Mabus, founder and CEO of The Mabus Agency, to explore the leadership principles that have helped grow one of the region's leading marketing agencies.

From launching his business in the Renasant Center for IDEAS to mentoring entrepreneurs through the CDF Pitch Competition and helping shape the Find Your Tupelo brand, Josh shares why curiosity, intentionality, and caring about people are at the heart of great leadership.

The conversation dives into leading creative teams, navigating different personalities and generations in the workplace, setting clear expectations, and why the smallest details often make the biggest difference. Josh also discusses why he chose to build a nationally recognized agency in Tupelo and why investing in your community can be one of the greatest leadership decisions you'll make.

Whether you're leading a creative team, starting a business, managing employees, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, memorable stories, and plenty of laughter.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

What happens when a Gen Z student, a Millennial entrepreneur, a Baby Boomer nonprofit leader, and a Gen X host all sit down at the same table?

A lot of laughs—and a few leadership lessons.

In this special episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor welcome Autumn Simmons, a Tupelo High School graduate and ICC sophomore; Zell Long, retired CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi; and Luis Sosa, manager of Loco Taco, for a fun, game-show-style conversation exploring how different generations think, communicate, and lead.

From decoding phrases like "touch grass" and "main character energy" to debating work-life priorities, mentorship, technology, and coffee preferences, each generation brings a unique perspective while discovering they have more in common than they expected.

Along the way, the conversation highlights the value of authenticity, embracing different viewpoints, and why strong leaders make room for every generation at the table.

Whether you're Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, or Baby Boomer, this episode is guaranteed to make you laugh—and maybe even help you better understand the people you work with every day.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Molly Nolan, Executive Director of the GumTree Museum of Art, to discuss leadership, confidence, community impact, and the power of stepping into opportunities before you feel fully ready.

Molly shares her journey from graphic designer and startup employee to leading one of Tupelo’s most treasured cultural institutions. She reflects on the importance of understanding the people you lead, finding purpose in your work, and learning to embrace uncomfortable opportunities that foster growth.

The conversation explores how Molly is helping reshape the perception of the GumTree Museum by creating a more welcoming, community-centered space that engages both longtime supporters and a new generation of artists and art lovers. As a wife, mother, nonprofit leader, and advocate for the arts, Molly offers valuable insight on balancing responsibilities while staying true to your values.

Whether you're navigating a career change, stepping into a leadership role, or looking for ways to make a difference in your community, this episode is a reminder that leadership often begins with simply saying "yes" when the opportunity arises.

🎧 Tune in for a conversation about confidence, purpose, service, and helping others see new possibilities through art and community.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

Season 8, Episode 2: Leading with Kindness with Lori Dillon

What if one of the most powerful leadership strategies is also one of the simplest?

In this episode of Ignite Cast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Lori Dillon, Director of Marketing at Absolute Restoration, community advocate, wife, mother, and self-described "goldendoodle in a room full of people."

Lori shares how kindness, authenticity, and intentional connection have shaped her leadership journey—from growing up at the Tupelo Children's Mansion to becoming a respected leader involved in organizations across Northeast Mississippi. She opens up about balancing family, career, volunteer commitments, and community service while learning the importance of saying "no" to protect the quality of her impact.

The conversation explores overcoming imposter syndrome, building confidence through curiosity, asking better questions, and why some of the most influential leaders are simply those willing to show up, listen, and make others feel seen.

Whether you're a seasoned leader, a young professional finding your footing, or someone looking to make a difference in your community, Lori's story is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about being willing to learn, serve, and lead with grace.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

•  Why kindness is Lori's most important leadership principle 
•  How to overcome imposter syndrome and lead with authenticity 
•  The value of asking questions and staying teachable 
•  Finding balance between work, family, and community involvement 
•  Lessons learned from the Tupelo Children's Mansion that still guide her today 

Because sometimes the strongest leaders aren't the loudest voices in the room—they're the ones making sure everyone else feels welcome in it.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

Season 8 of Ignite Cast kicks off with one of the most recognizable voices in Mississippi weather — Matt Laubhan. In this episode, Matt sits down with hosts Taylor and Judd to share the story behind launching Mississippi Live Weather after stepping away from his longtime role as chief meteorologist. 

Matt opens up about leadership, faith, overcoming uncertainty, and what it takes to build something from the ground up. From creating a culture people want to be part of to navigating fear, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, this conversation dives into the mindset that helped him turn a difficult season into a new opportunity.

The episode also explores the importance of trust, teamwork, innovation, and community partnership, plus the vision behind Mississippi Live Weather and how it’s changing the way people consume weather coverage across the state.

Whether you’re leading a business, navigating change, or simply looking for encouragement to take the next step, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.

🎧 Tune in to hear why sometimes the biggest setbacks can become the foundation for your greatest purpose.

Big thanks to iHeartMedia—our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are.

Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference?
 Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com