IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

In this episode of IgniteCast presented by iHeartMedia, Judd sits down with Justin Patton—national keynote speaker, bestselling author, and executive coach—for a high-impact conversation on what truly sets great leaders apart.

Justin shares powerful insights on the importance of trust, how to build confidence in others, and why a leader’s energy is one of their greatest tools for influence. With his signature mix of passion, clarity, and real-world experience, Justin challenges us to lead with intention and authenticity—starting from the inside out.

🎧 Whether you're leading a team or simply leading yourself, this episode will leave you inspired to step up, show up, and spark meaningful change.

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 4 of IgniteCast, we sit down with Katina Tucker, Executive Director of Wear It Well, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose.

Katina shares how her own journey through loss, trauma, and unexpected setbacks became the foundation for one of Tupelo’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. From her early days volunteering as a child to founding Wear It Well and launching programs like “Ready. Set. Goals.” she offers real insight into what it means to lead from experience—and with heart.

She reminds us that you can’t pour from an empty cup, that balance is key, and that dreams don’t work unless you do.

🎧 Whether you're a seasoned leader or just starting your journey, this episode is a reminder that your story—and your spark—can change lives.

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

Join us for Episode 3 of IgniteCast featuring Jack Reed Jr. of Reed’s Department Store.

In this inspiring conversation, Jack dives into the power of listening first as a leader and how that simple habit can transform teams and communities. He also shares his philosophy on giving back, why employees should be treated as your number one customer, and how to recognize and seize opportunities wherever you go.

Don’t miss this chance to hear timeless leadership lessons from one of Tupelo’s most respected business and community leaders.

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

Join us for Episode #2 of IgniteCast featuring Philip Shackelford, Executive Director of the Lee County Library.

In this episode, Philip shares the importance of being actively involved in your community and how leadership at the local level can create lasting impact. A dynamic leader and strategist, Philip is passionate about building strong, supportive teams and driving positive change that helps communities thrive.

Outside of his leadership role, Philip is also a military historian and the author of Rise of the Mavericks, which explores the Cold War history of the U.S. Air Force Security Service. The book was nominated for both the William E. Colby Military Writer’s Award and the Captain Richard Lukaszewicz Memorial Book Award.

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

Meet your hosts, Judd and Taylor!

The Community Development Foundation is excited to relaunch Season 4 of IgniteCast, presented by iHeartMedia. In this season, we’re sparking fresh conversations with dynamic leaders across Tupelo and Lee County—all centered on one big question: How can YOU lead in your community?

🎧 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

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To learn more about iHeart Media visit, iHeartMedia, Inc.

🎧 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

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.

🎧 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

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.

🎧 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 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.

🎧 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

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.

🎧 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

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.

🎧 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