Meanwhile in Memphis with New Memphis

On the heels of a sold out New Memphis Leadership Summit last week, it got us thinking about other leadership lessons we’ve learned along the way. Some have come from amazing facilitators, others from workshops, and more still from the TEDxMemphis stage. As Memphis gears up for another TEDx event on September 28, we wanted to focus in on a few of the lessons that are not only impactful to leadersh...

"You shouldn't have to travel outside of our city to have this multi-dimensional experience and playground, and I like to nickname it the multiverse of Memphis." How do global technological advancements impact local entertainment and tourism?  It may come as no surprise, but Memphis is once again at the forefront of trends in the entertainment industry. The tech-savvy team behind Baron V...

"We knew that we had an opportunity to be the difference. It is a challenge for those 18 to 25 years old currently; I need them to see themselves [in their elected officials]. They have the opportunity to be the change." It is election season, mane! This topic is mission critical all year long, but the need for courageous conversations is always heightened during this season. We're chatt...

"If we're looking at long term solutions, the changes need to be within the systems that prevent people from realizing the opportunities they can have." How would our city change if we collaborated more?  New Memphis convened a series of  conversations with leaders from three visionary organizations who are revolutionizing the way Memphis develops and implements solutions. Hear how these...

"You borrow things from your neighbors, and the library is everyone's neighbor. We lend you our books, our space; why not lend other stuff, too?" They say don’t judge a book by the cover, but what about libraries? Memphis is full of unique libraries that create access and opportunity, not only for knowledge, but experiences. Today we’re chatting with Anthony Lucatelli and Jenna Pertl of...

"The need is there; people are hungry . We will continue to provide resources, but we have to also figure out a way to truly make it attainable with the education piece and policy, too. We continue to be reactive rather than proactive... food should be a true right attainable to everyone." New Memphis has had several conversations about how social determinants of health all rely on each...

What does the path to public office look like at the local level? New Memphis recently hosted a live event at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art to explore this question and more...and we're bringing audio from the event to your inbox today! In a series of short, nonpartisan conversations in which elected officials interviewed each other, this week's episode gives some insight into what drew some ou...

Whether or not you're a sports fan, there is something we can all learn from the way a team functions. Luckily for Memphis, there are some dedicated city champions who are working collaboratively to help the community evolve. Not only are they working to attract global sporting talent for locally-hosted events, they also work hard every day to shine a light on the city where the champions want to...

"We do see real estate breathe new life into communities and neighborhoods where they go." How do residential and commercial real estate work together to create an attainable city? Hear what makes our city attractive to investors, renters, home-owners, and varied industries alike as Landon Williams and Worth Jones share trends, barriers, and exciting projects on the horizon. Resources me...

Does behavior and mindset impact medical outcomes? We discuss how holistic care is a critical piece of the healthcare sector with Leighanne Soden of the West Cancer Foundation and Dr. Marian Levy of The University of Memphis' School of Public Health. Together they share the confidence-building the resources available to Mid-South patients and caregivers that provide grow confidence and take back t...

"As a kid I spent so much time trying to not be different, but I finally realized being different is my superpower." Today's conversation takes a closer look at inclusive, healthy communities -- how they're created, why visible leadership is critical, and their impact to city livability. For communities to thrive, all members must be valued, safe, and respected. Renee Parker Sekander and...

"There is an age where [young people] stop believing they can do anything and start to develop language about comparison. We need mentors, who are not the parent or caregiver, there to help young people grow in self respect, develop resiliency, and get back to believing in themselves." Do extracurricular activities impact student success in the classroom? Giving young people tools to man...

"The stakes are so high, and it's very easy for educators to get overwhelmed and burnt out with things often outside the locus of their controls. You really need to build some sustainability in order to persist in the classroom, and that's where our organizations come in." If educators support students, who is supporting the educators?_ _Hear about the resources available to local educat...

What if we could see roadblocks in advance and navigate to a smoother path? Slingshot's MemWorks initiative is utilizing data to discover roadblocks hindering the local workforce, and collaborating with organizations like Soulsville Charter School to create solutions to move the community forward. Josh Gettys of Slingshot Memphis and Maya Robinson of Soulsville Charter School share what the data s...

What does it mean to learn, lead, and leave a legacy?  New Memphis understands that the leaders of tomorrow are created in the classroom today through the transformative power of education. Empowering and educating youth is one way that our city continues forward momentum. Happy Teacher Appreciation Week, Memphis! In this conversation with newly appointed Memphis Shelby County Schools Superintende...

How do you continue to grow what you know? With 96 acres, 30 specialty gardens, and a brand new tropical plant house, Memphis Botanic Garden offers the people of all ages and interests opportunities for education, relaxation, and connection. Olivia Wall and Gina Harris drop by to share how the Youth Education and Tropical Plant House is a unique regional asset and what role the gardens play in exp...

What does it really mean to champion your city? Tune in to today's conversation to hear how leaders are able to thrive in Memphis inside arenas, on fields, and most importantly, in their connections with others. Today's guests are Chandell Ryan from the Downtown Memphis Commission and Jason Mims from Memphis 901FC. Resources mentioned in this episode include: Memphis 901FC Downtown Memphis Commiss...

What happens when a community takes chance on second chances? Ellen Zahariadis of the Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County and Dominique Winfrey-McKinnie of Shelby County Mayor's Office of Innovation share how their new project is creating meaningful experiences and increasing empathy for animals and humans alike in this week's episode. With dogs being utilized in hospitals, schools, and mo...

"The first eight years really determine so much about our life in the future. Most of our brain growth and development happens in the first five years of life. Then at eight, there's a lot of research that shows that, good or bad, we have a general sense of how someone's life will be like as adults." Dr. Kandace Thomas of First 8 Memphis and Kimberly Carter of Brilliant Minds Child Devel...

"It is about leveraging all the stories that we have from the past -- every song, every story, every everything -- to be able to co-create the stories of the future." Memphis is making a smart business case for arts and culture because t_here's no business like show business, after all!_ New Memphis' Celebrate What's Right: Creative Economics brought local experts to the stage who shared...

"We stand by the fact that these individuals will be some of the best employees you've ever had -- they're going to work hard, come in on time, do what they have to do, and then go home. But until more employers start giving opportunities to justice-involved individuals, it will be a revolving door system of barriers." Josh Spickler of Just City and Myletta Moore-Dawson of Center for Emp...

In 2023, Memphis earned the dubious distinction of being ranked the  second most overweight city  in America. With the health of our city on the line (literally!), medical professionals across organizations are joining hands to rally for our community. Healthier 901 aims to help Mid-Southerners create small changes to access the vibrant quality of life we all deserve. Here with us to discuss the i...

"You can complain about what you don't have or you can build what you want. If we want a prosperous Memphis, we can't expect anyone to give it to us. It is something that we have to work, spend our own blood, sweat, and tears to build. Whether it's a business, your career, or anything -- you can complain about it or you can build it." Alan Gumbel of Black Business Association of Memphis...

"The opportunity for students to see Memphis outside the classroom brings the city to life." We're heading out on a discovery mission to learn more about the impacts of experiential learning on students in the Mid-South. Interim Superintendent Toni Williams , Dr. Myke Collins , and Ekundayo Bandele of Hattiloo Theatre are sharing how they've collaborated to create access for students to...

"The world is changing more rapidly today than ever before; so, the needs of young people are different than even the needs of young people five years ago. If we don't center the experience, expertise, and lived experience of young people in decision-making that impacts them directly, we're missing the mark." Leadership has no age requirements, and we're diving into why with Dana Wilson,...