In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, join Tabitha Kapic, Director of Innovation at the Chalmers Center, for a bold conversation on how creativity and design thinking are driving grassroots innovation around the world—especially in places often overlooked.Discover how the Chalmers Center (www.chalmers.org) is equipping local leaders to spark change from within, using a faith-based, asset-based approach.We explore practical tools like the 9-week Design Journey and train-the-trainer models, and share real stories of communities solving their own challenges with their own resources.Key Takeaways:• Why people closest to the problem must be part of the design team• How to scale impact with simple, empowering tools• Why innovation isn’t limited to “creatives”—everyone can be a problem-solver• What it looks like when joy and dignity drive changeLet’s reimagine innovation—starting at the margins.Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

Generative AI is revolutionizing the way professionals solve problems, drive innovation, and enhance creativity. By automating repetitive tasks, generating new ideas, and providing deep insights, AI is becoming an essential tool across industries. This one-hour session is designed to equip leaders and professionals with a strong foundation in AI fundamentals while integrating human-centered design principles. Participants will learn how to leverage AI to accelerate brainstorming, streamline prototyping, and enhance decision-making, all  through the lens of  responsible and ethical AI use.

This Session Will Cover

• AI Fundamentals - Gain a strong foundation in Generative AI, including how ChatGPT Turbo and other cutting-edge AI models process information, generate content, and support innovation. Understand how AI is reshaping industries and how businesses can leverage it for strategic advantage.
• Prompt Engineering - Learn how to craft effective prompts to optimize AI-powered brainstorming and problem-solving. Using structured prompt techniques like context-driven personas and constraint-based prompting, participants will learn how to guide AI towards producing more creative, relevant, and actionable outputs.
• AI in Design Thinking - Discover how AI enhances each phase of the design thinking process, from ideation to prototyping and insight generation. Through exercises like AI-powered brainstorming (e.g., “How Might We” frameworks with AI collaboration), participants will explore how AI can spark novel solutions while complementing human intuition and creativity.
• Ethical use of AI - Navigate the ethical considerations of AI, including bias mitigation, data privacy, and responsible implementation. Through real-world case studies, participants will analyze the risks and responsibilities of AI-driven decision-making and explore strategies for building human-centered AI solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Harness AI for Innovation – Unlock the power of Generative AI to accelerate problem-solving and creativity.
• Learn AI-Driven Brainstorming – Learn prompt techniques to generate better, faster ideas.
• Streamline Prototyping – Use AI tools to test and refine concepts with speed and precision.
• Navigate AI Ethics – Apply responsible AI practices to ensure fair, human-centered solutions.
• Collaborate with AI – Work smarter by integrating AI as a creative partner, not just a tool.

Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

When disaster strikes, the Red Cross moves fast—but never alone. In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, join us as Julia Wright, Executive Director at American Red Cross of Southeast Tennessee, takes us on a quick dive into how they mobilize volunteers, partners, and donors to meet urgent community needs.We’ll cover:

• What community mobilization really looks like
• The role of trained volunteers and strong partnerships
• How collaboration drives impact in times of crisisPerfect for anyone interested in disaster response, volunteerism, or building community readiness.

Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

Too many "problems" are really just three symptoms in a trenchcoat. In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, join expert facilitator and problem-solver Seth Owings for a fast-paced conversation on how to uncover root issues hiding in plain sight. We’ll explore how to apply tools from user-centered design and cognitive psychology to build sharper, smarter problem-solving frameworks.

We dig into questions like:

• How do you decide which problems to solve?

• What are the signs you’re tackling a symptom, not the root?

• How do you push back without shutting people down?

• What tools and approaches actually work—and how do you get teams on board?

If you're tired of spinning your wheels on surface-level fixes, this one's for you.

Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

What if your next competitive edge isn't a new strategy, but a more authentic leader?

In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, we explore how coaching can unlock untapped leadership potential and drive real business results. Vicki Gordan, Senior Vice President and Chief Auditor at Unum® (Retired), and Sherri Parks, Holistic Life Coach, share practical insights on how developing authentic, multi-dimensional leaders can transform teams and performance in today’s complex environment.

What You'll Discover:

• Unlock Hidden Leadership Potential - Learn how coaching helps uncover strengths that traditional development often misses.
• The Business Case for Authentic Leadership - See how companies are achieving measurable improvements in performance and engagement.
• What Authentic Leadership Really Looks Like - Understand how authenticity shows up in practice and why it matters.
• Coaching Strategies That Work - Explore proven methods for building self-awareness, resilience, and trust.
• Building a Coaching Culture - Find out how to create an environment that consistently develops authentic leaders.

Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, Keri Randolph, Executive Director of Chattanooga 2.0, dives into the game-changing Chattanooga Future Fund and its transformative impact on Hamilton County students. We explore the innovative financial solution designed to address educational and opportunity gaps, empowering the next generation of leaders.

Key Topics Include:

• What is the Chattanooga Future Fund? Discover how this new initiative is creating lasting change for students in Hamilton County by providing access to critical resources and opportunities.
• Human-Centered Innovation: Learn how Bridge Innovate's approach of human-centered design is making this solution truly impactful, addressing the specific needs of students and empowering them to succeed.
• Engaging Stakeholders: Understand how the traditionally slow-to-innovate financial services sector has come together to develop and launch this initiative, breaking barriers to create a more equitable future for all.
• Closing the Opportunity Gap: Hear how the Chattanooga Future Fund is directly working to close the education and opportunity gap, leveling the playing field for students in the community.
• Community Support: Find out how local businesses and organizations are partnering to make this initiative a reality and how their support is driving success.
• What’s Next? Get a sneak peek at other innovative financial literacy solutions in the works that aim to further empower students and strengthen the community.
• Leadership in Innovation: Gain valuable advice from leaders on how to drive innovation and inspire change in your own initiatives.

In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, hear an engaging and insightful session on how adaptability and continuous learning are key drivers of leadership growth. This episode with Wendy Gibson and Tom White, retired SVPs from Unum, is designed for both emerging and seasoned leaders who want to enhance their leadership skills and navigate change effectively.

Discover practical strategies from experienced leaders on fostering growth, building resilience, and leading in a constantly evolving environment. You’ll leave with actionable tools and insights to drive success in your leadership journey.

Key Takeaways:

• Practical strategies for leading with resilience

• How to foster a culture of adaptability in your team

• Tools for navigating change and driving growth

Wendy Gibson and Tom White dive deep into these five key topics during the session:

1. Why is adaptability essential for leadership success?

2. What strategies help build a culture of adaptability in teams?

3. How do you balance innovation and change with team stability?

4. What’s the biggest challenge leaders face in adapting, and how can they overcome it?

5. What guidance would you give to leaders for their continuous learning and professional development, to lead in an adaptive environment?

Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

Engaging your leadership team in shaping and executing talent strategy is crucial to organizational success. In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, explore why leadership development is vital for inspiring and equipping talent at all levels.

Join Us To Learn:

• Why Leadership Development Matters: The ROI of investing in your leaders.

• Engaging Leaders in Talent Strategy: How to get leaders actively involved.

• Inspiring and Equipping Talent: Practical tips for developing and retaining top talent.

• Aligning Leadership with Business Goals: Connecting leadership development to organizational success.

This Session Will Explore:

• Why is leadership development critical for business growth?
• How can leaders be engaged in talent strategy?
• What’s the best way to inspire and equip talent for success?
• How do you align leadership development with business goals?
• What challenges do organizations face in leadership development?
• How does a strong talent strategy improve engagement and retention?

Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5

In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, join Dr. Mark E. Mendenhall, J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, for a practical dive into leadership ethics. Dr. Mendenhall explores a fundamental framework to apply as leaders when making decisions and giving direction.

Topics:

• Breaking down the many ethical theories into a practical framework for everyday leadership

• Principles to consider in making exceptions to rules as a leader.

• The need to balance tradition and innovation in leadership.

Questions We Will Cover:

Success today requires more than just a solid strategy—it’s about collaboration that sparks innovation and insights. In this episode of ⁠⁠Leaders in the Arena⁠⁠, hear from Susan Harris and Barry White from Chattanooga Tourism to learn how a unified approach can drive growth.

In this session, you’ll learn how to:

• Leverage diverse perspectives for stronger strategies

• Make strategic planning a continuous process

• Use innovation and insights for smarter, agile strategies

• Align teams for seamless execution

Whether you're a leader, strategist, or team member, this webinar will give you the tools to create strategies that deliver results.

What We Will Cover:

• What is collaborative strategy design, and why is it important?

• How can organizations make strategy planning ongoing?

• How can innovation reshape traditional strategy?

• How can leaders ensure team alignment in execution?

• What challenges do businesses face integrating innovation into strategy?

• How can success be measured in a collaborative strategy?

Catch the next episode of Leaders in the Arena, and check out other exciting events on our website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.bridgeinnovate.com/events⁠⁠

Subscribe to the ⁠⁠⁠Bridge Innovate® newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up with our latest programs and services: http://eepurl.com/gv3ST5