Social Impact Leader

This week on the Plywood Podcast, we are throwing it back to an inspiring talk from Plywood Presents 2022. We are learning from the ever-wise and vulnerable Hillary McBride. She is a therapist, researcher, speaker, and writer. Her expertise includes working with trauma, trauma therapies, and embodiment, at the intersection of spirituality and mental health. In Hillary's talk, she talks about the i...

In this episode of the Plywood Podcast, we are joined by Leroy Barber, an accomplished Author, Speaker, and the dedicated Executive Director of Neighborhood Economics. Leroy shares the significance of comprehending the very communities one engages with before endeavoring to bring about change. With clarity, he distinguishes between the roles of assistance and ownership, shedding light on nuanced d...

In this episode of the Plywood Podcast, we're thrilled to welcome Kishshana Palmer, an international speaker, trainer, and coach boasting over two decades of expertise in fundraising, marketing, and talent management. Join us as Kishshana delves into her journey from investment banking to the dynamic realm of non-profit work. Tune in to glean valuable insights as she shares not only her personal t...

This week on the Plywood Podcast, we are hearing from Scottie Goodness Parker, who is the lead trainer for the NBA team, Atlanta Hawks. In this episode, we talk to Scottie about mobility, what it means to be in shape, & the question “Are you trainable?” He gives advice about getting our bodies moving, how to overcome feelings that stop us, & how we can achieve our goals by starting small....

Get ready to be inspired by this episode of the Plywood Podcast! Join us as we welcome Brad Montague, Bestselling Author + Illustrator. Brad takes us on his journey from his creative beginnings and the challenges and through the different ways he's found success. He opens up about the tough decisions he had to make along the way to achieve his dreams. Brad also passionately shares the love he has...

In this week's episode of the Plywood Podcast, we feature Micah Whitson—an artist, designer, and business owner who founded Old Try. Join us as Micah shares his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the highs and lows, personal reflections, and motivations behind transitioning out of his business. Gain valuable insights into the realities of running a business and be inspired by Micah's unique persp...

Join us this week as we dive into the world of Plywood with our team members Jeff, Kayla, and Emily. In this episode, we explore the exciting new Layers program, uncover Plywood's community connections, and discover invaluable advice for those feeling stuck and unsure of their next steps. Jeff, Kayla, and Emily share their insights on harnessing the power of community support, empowering individua...

Welcome back to the Plywood Podcast's "What's Good Series"! This week, we have Eryn Eddy, founder of So Worth Loving, sharing her inspiring journey. Discover how Eryn found what's good in her soul, dealt with burnout, and gained practical tips for self-regulation. Join us for this empowering episode that equips you to navigate tough situations and find value in various aspects of life. Take a list...

Welcome back to the Plywood Podcast, What's Good Series. In this episode, we delve into the captivating journey of BT Harman, a talented content strategist, and creator based in Atlanta. Follow along as he recounts his Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, revealing how walking enhances mental health and challenges societal norms. Uncover the accessible adventure within everyone's grasp. Join us as we ex...

This week, the Plywood Podcast continues our "What's Good" series, featuring a captivating conversation with Nate Butler. As a multifaceted individual, Nate wears many hats - music producer, talent recruiter, reality show host, and an unwavering advocate for all things creative. Join us in this episode as Nate shares his remarkable journey, recounting his childhood aspirations of becoming a singer...

This week, join us as we hear from Kitti Murray, the remarkable founder of Refuge Coffee Co. This inspiring establishment is dedicated to providing mentorship and livable wages to refugees who have immigrated to Georgia. In this captivating episode, Kitti shares her unique perspective on various aspects, including how she defines good intentions, the personal struggles she faced as both a mother a...

This week, we kick off our series titled "What's Good" with a talk featuring Jeff Shinabarger, the founder of Atlanta-based non-profit organization Plywood Place. Join us in this episode as Jeff shares profound insights into his personal journey of discovering the true essence of "good" through the influence of his children, Toms's shoes, and the artistry of Picasso. Together, we explore the impli...

This week we are hearing from Keith Pepper, an experienced journalist and media professional from Atlanta. Keith is the publisher of Rough Draft Atlanta and produces newspapers in Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, and more. In this episode, Keith Pepper explains his journey as he transitioned from regular employment to entrepreneurship in the media industry to fulfill his childhood pa...

This week we are hearing from chef and restauranteur, Ford Fry (of Rocket Farms Restaurants). In this episode, Ford Fry shares the importance of establishing strong teams, how his tenacity for good service and hospitality reflects in customer satisfaction, and how he creates restaurants that have unique personal feelings and ambiance. Ford also discusses his expectations of good ownership, balanci...

Joining us today is Charles Lee, the Founder & CEO at Ideation, an idea-execution company that specializes in helping executives and brands scale their business with strategic clarity and smart brand execution. Listen as Charles gives insight on how to embrace technology in the new age of AI. Jeff also introduces Plywood Presents: Here To There, coming August 24th, @ Center Stage, in Atlanta....

On today's podcast, we have Jay Bailey, entrepreneur and President and CEO of Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (a Black Business Generator). Jay shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the struggles he experienced along the way. He also gives us insight into how he's separated himself as a leader in the community and nonprofit world, from losing it all to finding purpose in building t...

On this episode of The Plywood Podcast, we have multidisciplinary designer, Ansley Ko! We learn about her design process, how moving across the pond has shaped her style, and how to process critique from clients. The Plywood team is a big fan of Ansley and her work. In this episode, we also chat about an upcoming announcement and launch. Hint: Ansley is playing a big part in it. We can't wait to s...

In this episode of The Plywood Podcast, the team shares what drives them to make important decisions, Jeff explains the different processes of decision-making, and how they play a major role in the choices we make. Want to know what type of decision-maker you are? Tune in now! __ Welcome to the Plywood Podcast: Real talk for social entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders. Plywood is a nonprofit in Atl...

This week on The Plywood Podcast, we sit down with the author of "Radically Relevant" and co-founder of Matchstic, Blake Howard, who shares about his 20-year journey of branding. Matchstic is a company that helps growing brands define and express their unique identity. Blake breaks down creating brand archetypes and shares how your brand can propel your business or organization forward. We also di...

Ever wonder how to mix generosity with business? This week on #thePlywoodPodcast, we have Bryan Papé, founder of @Miir, a design-forward, and generosity-driven brand, slinging drinkware of every kind. Listen in as Bryan shares the importance of "observation and curiosity." This founder also dives into his relation-building mindset which can lead to the expansion of your brand and impact. Listen in...

Introducing a new segment on #thePlywoodPodcast called "From Here to There." In this series, we'll unpack the journey of a startup leader and learn about where they are right NOW.  Our first guest is Maggie Brown, co-founder of @recesspickleball. Maggie shares how her love for a simple recreational game has turned into a successful business in only 18 months! We talk about learning on the job and...

Listen as we chat with Liz Forkin Bohannon, founder of Sseko Designs, Author of Beginner's Pluck , and  Chief Growth Officer at Noonday Collection. Liz speaks about taking accountability and ownership of your actions within a partnership. As a collective, we discuss how to cultivate a consistent community that supports you in the most transformative parts of your life. Liz also shares how creating...

On today’s podcast, we have the Founder of fab'rik and author of Love What You Do, Dana Williams Spinola. In this episode, we discuss the origins of building her brand as well as building a team and what it takes to sustain it. Dana also shares her struggles with making hard decisions for her company and why it’s important to give your team the license to be brave! If you’re interested in the comm...

On today's episode, we have Eric Brown and Taylor Jones, founders of Whiteboard, an award-winning creative agency, and Certified B Corporation empowering visionaries to lead meaningful brands. Take a listen as the tech founders share how to keep a partnership healthy and keeping your team on mission to fight for a common outcome. They also explain how redefining the word "agency" serves the greate...

Have you ever hit a turning point that altered your perspective? Terence Lester, Founder of Love Beyond Walls and long-time Plywood person, shares for the first time publicly how a single moment transformed his entire life. He speaks on identifying with vulnerable communities, the importance of advocating for yourself, and recognizing your worth in the midst of struggle. This interview is beyond i...