Episodes

  • Mike Pohlman of Pickering Firm, Inc. reflects on 45+ years of leadership and service in the community

    Mike Pohlman of Pickering Firm, Inc. reflects on 45+ years of leadership and service in the community
    Mar 28 2025

    Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Mike Pohlman, who has been a driving force at Pickering Firm, Inc. for more than 45 years, shaping the company's growth, culture and leadership. After graduating from Christian Brothers College (now Christian Brothers University) in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he joined Pickering and quickly established himself as a leader. From his early days as an energy engineer to his transition into project management, Mike developed a deep understanding of the industry and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, humility, and purpose. His influence helped guide Pickering through transformative milestones, including its transition to an employee-owned firm and a renewed commitment to the company’s core values of Service and Good Work.

    As CEO since 2002, Mike has led the firm through significant expansion and record-breaking growth while fostering an environment where employees and clients thrive. Known for his dedication to both the business and the people who make it possible, he has always viewed Pickering as more than just a company—it’s a second home. Outside the office, Mike enjoys golf, Memphis basketball, and spending time with his wife, Catherine, their four children, and six grandchildren. As he prepares for his retirement in June 2025, his legacy of leadership, integrity, and vision will continue to shape Pickering for years to come.

    During the interview, Mike talks about his family's move from Cincinnati, Ohio to Memphis, Tennessee in 1962 and how they've been deeply rooted in the Mid-South ever since. He shares some of the traditions and lessons learned growing up as one of seven boys, and talks about how those experiences have shaped and continue to shape him personally and professionally. Mike discusses how he got into engineering and why he chose to start his career with Pickering Firm right out of college. He talks about his early years at Pickering Firm and how the company has grown over the years, how his career evolved through different leadership roles and positions to eventually become President and CEO, and where the company now stands as he gets ready to transition into retirement. Mike shares a number of leadership lessons and talks about the importance of community engagement and giving back, and how that focus on making a difference will continue, as he continues to serve on a number of boards. It's an interview that touches on the importance of family, faith, community service and the rare experiences of building a 45+ year legacy of leadership at one company with a heart for coaching and serving people.

    To learn more about Pickering Firm, Inc. visit https://www.pickeringfirm.com.

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

    Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    51 mins
  • Why Community Support is Essential for Survivor Recovery with Kathy Mull - Executive Director of The Cocoon

    Why Community Support is Essential for Survivor Recovery with Kathy Mull - Executive Director of The Cocoon
    Mar 7 2025
    This episode of the ChangeMakers podcast, produced by CityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, features an insightful conversation with Kathy Mull, the Executive Director of The Cocoon, a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence agency located in Wood County, Ohio. Hosted by Jeremy C. Park, the episode delves into the critical issues of domestic and intimate partner relationship violence, highlighting the work of The Cocoon and its innovative programs like Champions of Change.Kathy Mull's Journey and Inspiration:Kathy Mull shares her background growing up in a small town in Ohio, which instilled in her the importance of community care but also exposed her to hidden struggles within families.Despite initial reservations about social work, influenced by her mother's psychology background and her own observations of unhealthy relationships among her peers in high school, Kathy was drawn to the profession as a way to support survivors of violence.She emphasizes that her understanding of social work evolved beyond child protective services to encompass a broad spectrum of support for individuals in need.Kathy defines a social worker as someone who walks alongside individuals during difficult times, opens doors, provides support in a safe space, and fosters community.She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Toledo and a Master of Social Work from Eastern Michigan and has over 22 years of experience serving survivors.Kathy is one of a small number of individuals who completed the Advocacy Learning Center course through Praxis International, underscoring her specialized training and expertise in supporting survivors.The Cocoon: Providing Safety, Healing, and Justice:Established in 2005, The Cocoon provides shelter and advocacy services to survivors of various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, stalking, and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, The Cocoon serves Wood County, a largely rural area where resources for survivors were limited before its establishment.The impetus for The Cocoon's creation was heightened by four domestic violence homicides in the community, which underscored the need for local support.The Cocoon offers 24/7 support, 365 days a year, always at no cost to the survivor.The organization's mission is to provide safety, healing, and justice for survivors and all those affected by abuse, while also engaging in educational outreach.Kathy notes the significant increase in demand for services during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased isolation and other factors, and highlights that the healing process for survivors is now often longer and more intensive.The Cocoon serves an average of 850 to 900 survivors a year locally.Champions of Change: Engaging the Workplace:Champions of Change is an innovative program developed by The Cocoon to partner with local businesses and organizations to support employees experiencing or at risk of domestic and sexual violence.The program aims to expand the safety net for survivors and prevent violence by creating safe workplaces and providing resources and education to employees.Recognizing that employees often confide in coworkers or supervisors before seeking formal help, the program equips workplaces to offer initial support and connect individuals with resources.The program also addresses the issue of survivors losing their jobs due to the impact of abuse on their work performance or abusers interfering at the workplace.Champions of Change provides businesses with workshops and resources to educate stakeholders and employees, fostering a corporate culture that does not tolerate violence.Kathy highlights the importance of a partnership approach, tailoring the program to the specific needs and culture of each organization.The program emphasizes proactive engagement rather than solely reacting to identified problems, sending a message that the company cares about its employees' well-being.A key aspect of the program involves training leadership and HR personnel first to equip them with the tools and language to support employees who disclose abuse.Kathy shares red flags that employers can be aware of, such as changes in work performance, increased absenteeism, implausible excuses, lateness, eagerness to leave work, changes in demeanor, and visible signs of physical abuse.The program provides employers with strategies for intervention and problem-solving to support affected employees while maintaining business productivity.Lessons Learned and the Impact of the Work:Kathy emphasizes that every organization is different, necessitating a tailored approach to partnership.Overcoming employer reluctance by framing the program as proactive support rather than an admission of problems is crucial.The transformative impact of the program on workplace culture and the lives of survivors has been significant, exemplified...
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    52 mins
  • How Authenticity, Consistency, and Proximity Create Opportunity to Transform Lives with Monnie Bush - Founder & CEO, V1CTORY PROJECT

    How Authenticity, Consistency, and Proximity Create Opportunity to Transform Lives with Monnie Bush - Founder & CEO, V1CTORY PROJECT
    Feb 5 2025

    During the interview, Monnie talks about how growing up in Dayton, Ohio, and spending summers working on a family farm in Kentucky, picking tobacco and baling hay, helped form a work ethic that continues to drive success today. He talks about father's service and his family's legacy of service and how that led him to serve in the US Marine Corps, then seek to serve locally as a police officer. After a distinguished 15-year career in law enforcement, Monnie was recognized with prestigious state and local awards, including multi Officer of the Year and Medals of Valor. Monnie shares how an accident and injury led him to pivot and become a Vice President of a private investigations firm, spearheading nationwide investigations into corporate espionage, fraud, and internal theft, but then how his faith and heart led him to launch V1CTORY PROJECT to help the very youth and families he got to know while in law enforcement, but didn't have the ability to effectively serve and support. He talks candidly about the challenges of being a police officer and yet the importance of the role and power of relationships to support the community. He then talks in-depth about V1CTORY PROJECT, the early days and the growth to now being able to serve and support one hundred youth across two campuses.

    Monnie shares the V1CTORY PROJECT model and some of the valuable lessons learned along they way serving disengaged youth, and giving them something to believe in, to fight for and want to be part of and attend. He shares how accountability is a love language and how Authenticity, Consistency, and Proximity create Opportunity. Monnie also talks about how this work has impacted his own family, as a husband to Kelly and father of four sons. It's an important conversation centered on how we can more effectively engage our youth, live out our faith, uplift our community, and create lasting, positive change.

    Visit https://victoryproject.org/ to learn more about V1CTORY PROJECT.

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

    Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    54 mins
  • The Power of Play on Early Childhood Development with Dr. Stewart Burgess, CEO - Children's Museum of Memphis

    The Power of Play on Early Childhood Development with Dr. Stewart Burgess, CEO - Children's Museum of Memphis
    Jan 14 2025

    In this episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Dr. Stewart Burgess, CEO of the Children's Museum of Memphis (CMOM). With over 25 years dedicated to childhood development, Dr. Burgess shares his fascinating journey—from early inspirations in childhood to groundbreaking research in emotional and cognitive processes—and how it all culminates in his leadership at CMOM.

    Dr. Burgess discusses the importance of play in childhood learning, how emotions influence memory and suggestibility, and the impact of enriching environments on brain development. He provides an in-depth look at CMOM’s innovative exhibits, including the newly launched Mississippi River exhibit and upcoming STEAM-focused learning spaces. Dr. Burgess also highlights CMOM’s efforts to ensure accessibility for all families, working collaboratively with organizations like Porter-Leath and St. Jude to provide enriching experiences for underserved communities.

    Listeners will be inspired by Dr. Burgess’ passion for education, his vision for the future of early childhood learning, and his dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, and equity in the Greater Memphis area. Whether you're a parent, educator, or community member, this episode will leave you with actionable insights on how to inspire and empower the next generation.

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

    Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Taylor and Carter English - How Faith, Family, Football, and Insurance Led to Launching a School

    Taylor and Carter English - How Faith, Family, Football, and Insurance Led to Launching a School
    Dec 12 2024

    In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of the ChangeMakers Podcast, host Jeremy C. Park sits down with Taylor and Carter English, co-founders of The Rise School of San Antonio, to explore the transformative power of faith, family, and purpose-driven action. Their journey begins with personal challenges—the birth of their daughter Isabelle, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome—and evolves into a mission to redefine inclusion and early intervention for children with special needs.

    Through their story, listeners witness the couple's unwavering commitment to turning challenges into blessings. From Carter's transition from coaching and sports to insurance and leadership at Higginbotham, to Taylor’s poignant reflections on motherhood and resilience, their narrative highlights how purpose and community can fuel extraordinary impact.

    The couple's creation of The Rise School of San Antonio emerges as a testament to their vision of a better world—not just for Isabelle, but for all children who deserve tailored care and education. They share moving moments of personal growth, the generosity of others, and the collective effort required to build something greater than themselves.

    Key themes in this episode include:
    • The importance of embracing unexpected challenges with faith and determination.
    • How small, consistent steps create ripple effects that inspire broader change.
    • The power of community and leadership in making dreams a reality.
    • Celebrating progress, big and small, as life’s most meaningful milestones.

    Listeners will leave inspired to look inward, find their own unique ways to make a difference, and embrace life’s unexpected turns as opportunities for growth.

    This episode is a powerful reminder that, when fueled by purpose and love, even the hardest challenges can lead to the most profound transformations.

    To learn more or donate, please visit the Rise School of San Antonio website at riseschoolsa.org.

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

    Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Dr. Kenneth Robinson - How Intertwining Medicine and Ministry Led to Driving The Dream

    Dr. Kenneth Robinson - How Intertwining Medicine and Ministry Led to Driving The Dream
    Oct 29 2024
    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. The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services. Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Gabrielle Thompson, President and CEO of IDEAS - Stepping Into Hard Moments: How Saying Yes Can Transform the World

    Gabrielle Thompson, President and CEO of IDEAS - Stepping Into Hard Moments: How Saying Yes Can Transform the World
    Sep 25 2024

    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.

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

    Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    52 mins
  • Chris Powers of Fort Capital and The Fort Podcast - The Intersection of Mentorship and Business Growth

    Chris Powers of Fort Capital and The Fort Podcast - The Intersection of Mentorship and Business Growth
    Aug 20 2024

    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.

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

    Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    55 mins
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