Inside Source

Amanda Fontaine, president of the Mississippi Association of Broadcasters and founder of She Gets Success, joins Inside Source to share how intentional planning, strong teams, meaningful networking, and effective time management have shaped her leadership journey. From choosing three daily priorities to redefining success beyond titles, Amanda offers practical encouragement for professional women...

In this episode of Inside Source, Mary Straton Smith sits down with Toya Barnes-Teamer and Tia Teamer for a meaningful conversation about legacy, leadership, and working alongside family. From the roots of Teamer Strategy Group to the ways the next generation is helping shape its future, this episode explores what it means to lead with excellence, stay open to growth, and create a business culture...

What does it look like to build a career that strengthens both people and place? On this episode of  Inside Source , Mary Straton Smith talks with architect Belinda Stewart about the work of preserving history, serving communities, and leading with vision in a profession that shapes everyday life. From small-town roots to lasting impact across Mississippi, this conversation offers thoughtful insig...

On this episode of  Inside Source , Mary Straton Smith talks with Musee Bath founder Leisha Pickering about the journey from a small creative idea to a thriving international business. Leisha reflects on motherhood, leadership, personal adversity, and why creating opportunity for others has remained central to her company's mission.

What happens when trust, relationships, and opportunity come together? In this episode of Inside Source, host Mary Straton Smith sits down with Hartwell Furr and Brenley Rinuado, co-founders of the Hartwell Collective, to discuss how the seasonal Nanny Network evolved into a people-first staffing partner creating real career pathways for young women. From grassroots beginnings to long-term communi...

In this episode of Inside Source, we sit down with historical fiction author Gabriella Saab to explore how untold women's stories shape the way we understand identity, resilience, and belonging. From her journey as a lifelong writer with a background in marketing to becoming a traditionally published author, Gabriella shares how curiosity, research, and creative discipline come together to bring f...

What does it take to bring scientists, business leaders, government officials, and communities together around a shared vision? In this episode, Roberta Swann of the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program shares her unexpected journey from economics and community development into environmental leadership. She reflects on partnership-building, long-term thinking, conservation as quality-of-life strate...

What if wellness wasn't something extra—but essential? In this heartfelt conversation, Carrie Smith, Director of Student Care and Outreach at the University of Georgia, shares her winding career journey from corporate PR in New York to founding a groundbreaking student support program in Athens. Carrie opens up about mental health, meaningful pivots, and the power of simply "taping ankles"—creatin...

From Mississippi to Capitol Hill, Sandra Sentell Klaich has built a career on connection, courage, and authenticity. In this episode of Inside Source, we sit down with Sandra, Vice President of Government Affairs at Amentum, to talk about mentorship, navigating male-dominated spaces, and why using your voice can change everything. She channels her experiences into real-world lessons on confidence,...

From luxury hotels in D.C. to iconic restaurants in Jackson, designer and entrepreneur Mary Sanders Cavicchi shares how storytelling shapes every space she touches. In this conversation, she opens up about balancing beauty and functionality, preserving community institutions like Hall & Mal's, and why she believes design should reflect personal and local identity. With candid reflections on challe...

What happens when a mom's desire for flexibility meets entrepreneurial grit? Katherine Rosenblatt shares her journey from corporate consulting to founding  Mom to Virtual Assistant , a company connecting moms with meaningful, remote work. In this episode, she opens up about balancing motherhood and business, shifting from client work to building a scalable company, working alongside her husband, a...

What if the changes you're feeling aren't "just in your head"? In this dynamic follow-up episode of  Inside Source , psychiatrist Dr. Avani Patel returns to unpack how hormones profoundly impact women's mental health, especially high achievers navigating burnout, social media pressures, and unrealistic expectations. From decoding hormonal shifts to building boundaries, Dr. Patel offers expert insi...

In this episode of Inside Source, we sat down with psychiatrist Dr. Avani Patel for a timely conversation recorded during Mental Health Awareness Month. Dr. Patel opens up about her journey into psychiatry, the hidden cost of high achievement, and why women—especially those in leadership—need to rethink self-care, boundaries, and burnout. From the biological differences in how men and women proces...

What happens when life brings a diagnosis you never saw coming? In this deeply personal episode of Inside Source, Kellye Smith opens up about living with a chronic, invisible illness while raising three boys, leading in the workforce, and redefining what success looks like. From navigating seizures and wheelchairs to showing up with purpose and humor, Kellye shares hard-earned wisdom on resilience...

What does it take to carry a family legacy into the future—while staying true to your roots? In this powerful conversation, Shelley Brown Floyd, Executive Vice President of Brown Bottling Group, shares how she climbed the ranks of her family's third-generation business—starting in the warehouse and working her way up. She opens up about working in a family business, the unique value women bring to...

In this inspiring episode of Inside Source, host Mary Straton Smith sits down with Portia Green, the dynamic principal of Prichard Preparatory School in Mobile, Alabama. What began as a parent's search for a better education for her daughter became a life-changing calling for Portia, who now leads the school with wisdom, humility, and an unshakable faith. She shares her incredible journey from vol...

What does it truly mean to provide a shelter? In this inspiring episode of Inside Source , Mary Straton Smith sits down with Dawn Bradley Fletcher, CEO of the New Orleans Women and Children's Shelter, to discuss how her team is transforming lives beyond just offering a place to stay. Dawn shares her personal journey into nonprofit work, the realities of family homelessness, and the innovative prog...

In this inspiring episode of Inside Source, host Mary Straton Smith sits down with Tifferney White, CEO of the Louisiana Children's Museum. Tifferney shares her unexpected career path from chemistry and psychology to leading a museum that shapes young minds. She opens up about the power of purpose, the magic of New Orleans' community, and how early childhood experiences can unlock a child's full p...

Laura Johns, Founder and CEO of The Business Growers, shares her inspiring journey from babysitter to tech-focused marketing agency leader, crediting effective networking, seizing opportunities, and a workplace culture focused on solutions. Her experience and commitment to supporting women in tech both shape her leadership style and entrepreneurial vision. In this episode, Laura offers valuable ad...

Mandi Stanley, a certified speaking professional and seasoned entrepreneur, shares her transformative journey and strategies for effective communication – from public speaking to professional networking. Combining the power of intentionality with the art of audience engagement, Mandi delves into the core practices that have sustained her 30-year career. Listen to her practical advice on crafting a...

You probably best recognize Julie McAllister of Julie McAllister Cakes from her appearances on Food Network and Netflix's hit show Is It Cake?, but she didn't start out there. Julie shares her incredible journey from a career in advertising to becoming a renowned cake artist best known for her confections that are as realistic as they are delicious. She talks with  Inside Source  about the pivotal...

MK Hennigan, founder of In the Curious Kitchen, went from a decades-long career in corporate sales to launching her own business during the uncertainties of the pandemic. Her Southern roots, love for family traditions, and entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of a unique line of products inspired by cherished family recipes. Listen as MK opens up about overcoming fear, the importance of auth...

In this special episode of  Inside Source , our very own Katy Hedglin breaks down the origin story of The Source and gives a glimpse into her 15-year journey at BankPlus, her role in developing The Source, and the challenges and triumphs of being a working mom. A lot happened behind the scenes while creating a women's network that flourished beyond expectations, and Katy's unique position at BankP...

In this episode of Inside Source, host  Mary   Straton Smith welcomes Kristi Brown, a regional economic development consultant with TVA and a life and leadership coach with Upside Browns. Kristi shares her unique journey, balancing her dual roles, and delves into her passion for helping communities and individuals thrive. Listen as Kristi discusses the importance of overcoming adversity, leveragin...

Elizabeth Randall's career journey has taken her from the Mississippi Delta to New York City and back, leading her to found Randall Commercial Group in Oxford. #InsideSource invited Elizabeth to discuss her early inspiration for entrepreneurship, embracing a non-linear path to success, and how she finds fulfillment in serving her community.