IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

IgniteCast S6 E3: “Rolling With the Dough & the Punches” Featuring Tiffany Grice of Kreechers Creations

In this inspiring episode of IgniteCast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson sit down with local entrepreneur Tiffany Grice, owner of the beloved French-inspired bakery Kreechers Creations. From buttery croissants to bold business moves, Tiffany shares the real story behind her rapid rise—from baking out of a shared studio space to opening (and reopening!) her own thriving brick-and-mortar shop.

Tiffany opens up about navigating unexpected setbacks, finding her niche, embracing creativity, and learning to balance business with life. She also reflects on her Pitch Competition experience, the power of community partnerships, and the mentors who helped her build confidence along the way.

Whether you're a small business owner, a dreamer with a side hustle, or someone in need of a reminder that “there’s always something” in entrepreneurship—but also always a way through—this conversation will leave you encouraged, motivated, and hungry for a croissant.

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 Episode 2 of Season 6, Taylor and Judd sit down with Amy Tate, State Director for Government & Community Relations at TVA and a longtime champion of leadership, mentorship, and community impact. From her new favorite leadership mantra — “clarity is kindness” — to her firsthand experience navigating male-dominated spaces, Amy brings honesty, humor, and wisdom to every minute of this episode.

Amy shares how TVA’s mission of service shapes her work across 36 Mississippi counties, and how her passion for developing young leaders inspired her to launch a middle-school girls’ leadership program at Milam. She opens up about finding mentors in unexpected places, building confidence the authentic way, and why the next generation deserves to see what's possible long before they reach adulthood.

You’ll hear stories about bold career moves (including the now-famous “walk into City Hall and introduce yourself to the mayor” moment), meaningful mentorship, and the power of simply pitching the idea — even when you’re unsure of the answer.

If you’re a leader, mentor, young professional, or someone seeking a spark of courage, this conversation will inspire you to be bold, be clear, and be yourself.

🎧 Listen now for leadership insight, practical wisdom, and a fresh dose of Ignite energy.
 Presented by iHeartMedia.

🎧 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 the Season 6 premiere of Ignite Cast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson welcome Dr. Jay Allen, President of Itawamba Community College, and Chief of Staff Tyler Camp for a powerful conversation on leadership, growth, and community impact.

From servant leadership and student empowerment to building a culture where failure fuels innovation, this episode dives deep into how ICC is shaping the next generation of leaders—both inside and outside the classroom. Hear how the college is expanding its footprint, investing in people, and staying future-focused while keeping heart at the center of everything.

Whether you're an educator, student, or community leader, this episode will leave you inspired to lean in, lead boldly, and make a difference.

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 special bonus episode of IgniteCast, hosts Taylor Tutor and Judd Wilson sit down with renowned management expert and seminar leader Glenn Shepard. With over 30 years of experience helping professionals become better managers and leaders, Glenn shares powerful insights on servant leadership, employee engagement, and the real-world challenges of supervising teams.

From humorous anecdotes about his early career to thought-provoking advice on how to retain talent and foster a mission-driven workplace, Glenn offers practical wisdom for leaders at every level. Whether you're a seasoned executive or a first-time manager, this episode will inspire you to lead with purpose, communicate with clarity, and invest in your people.

Tune in for a candid and uplifting conversation that reminds us all: leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about service.

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

🎙️ Episode 6: Driving Leadership — Inside the Culture of Toyota Mississippi

In this episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Derric Morrison and Tiffannie Hedin from Toyota Mississippi — two local leaders shaping one of the region’s most respected workplaces. Both graduates of the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute, Derric and Tiffannie share how Toyota’s people-first culture fuels innovation, loyalty, and long-term success.

From servant leadership and continuous improvement (kaizen) to mentorship, employee wellbeing, and community partnerships, this conversation dives into what makes Toyota’s culture truly special — a place where everyone is valued, challenged, and empowered to grow.

You’ll hear how Toyota invests not only in vehicles but in people — through on-site wellness programs, career development, childcare, and education initiatives that uplift families and strengthen the entire community.

💡 As Derric shares, “Real leaders value people,” and Tiffannie reminds us, “To lead well, you have to lead by example.”

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring look at leadership that drives both people and progress — on and off the production line.

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 special episode of IgniteCast, we gather around the table with members of the Ingram family to reflect on the life and legacy of Jim Ingram — a beloved leader, mentor, and the namesake of the Jim Ingram Community Leadership Institute. Nearly two decades after his passing, his words, values, and leadership style continue to shape meetings, decisions, and leaders across Tupelo and Lee County.

You’ll hear personal stories from his children and grandchildren about a man who showed up for his family and his community, who believed in giving people opportunities, and who treated everyone with respect, no matter their circumstances. From a humble childhood and a basketball scholarship at Ole Miss to becoming a general in the National Guard and a trusted community banker, Jim Ingram’s story is one of resilience, inclusion, and impact.

The conversation also explores how his legacy lives on today through leadership development, cross-generational training, and the reminder that great leaders listen, show up, and always give their best.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring look at how one man’s influence continues to spark leadership across generations.

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 powerful episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Chief John Quaka, Tupelo’s Chief of Police and former FBI agent, to discuss what it means to lead in moments of crisis. From witnessing 9/11 unfold as an FBI agent to handling high-pressure situations here in Tupelo, Chief Quaka shares how preparation, training, and most importantly, relationships built before the crisis make all the difference.

You’ll hear his journey from Los Angeles to Mississippi, the lessons he’s carried from federal law enforcement, and why he believes “building friendships is work.” Chief Quaka also reflects on the importance of servant leadership, diversity, and community trust as the true foundation of effective leadership.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation on leadership, resilience, and leading when it matters 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

Building Dreams, Backed by Community

In this inspiring episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Matt and Sarah Anderson, owners of Mae's To-Go Cup, a family-run coffee shop that has quickly become a community favorite. From launching out of a 14-foot trailer to opening their second brick-and-mortar location, their journey is one of grit, faith, and relentless community support.

Matt and Sarah open up about the risks of leaving behind steady jobs, the lessons learned through trial and error, and the long hours that go into making a dream a reality. They share how family support, strong leadership, and customer service rooted in genuine connection have carried them forward—even through moments of doubt and broken espresso machines.

Most of all, they remind us that entrepreneurship is never a solo journey—when the community shows up, anything is possible.

🎧 Tune in for an honest look at small business leadership, the power of teamwork, and what it takes to keep showing up day after day.

#IgniteCast #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessLeadership

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 Kickoff: A Look Back & A Look Ahead

We’re kicking off a brand-new season of IgniteCast with a conversation that blends the best of the past with the excitement of what’s ahead for the Ignite Leadership Conference 2026.

Join hosts Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor as they reflect on past Ignite highlights, share behind-the-scenes insights on how speakers are chosen, and revisit powerful moments from keynote voices like Kwame Christian on navigating difficult conversations, Dr. Henry Cloud on the power of connection, and Aaron Davis on knowing your “why.”

Plus, get a sneak peek into what makes Ignite such a transformative experience for leaders and why January 29, 2026 is already circled on our calendars. The speakers are still a secret—but trust us, you won’t want to miss this year.

🎧 New season, new energy, same mission: to spark leadership that lasts.

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 special bonus episode of IgniteCast, presented by iHeartMedia, we turn the mic over to the next generation of leaders—the children from Wear It Well’s Summer Camp.

You’ll hear heartfelt, honest, and often inspiring reflections as they share what being a leader means to them, how they recognize the importance of setting an example, and why they know that someone is always watching.

These young voices remind us that leadership starts early—and sometimes the greatest wisdom comes from the smallest voices.

🎧 Tune in for a dose of joy, perspective, and the spark of future leadership.

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