Sweet Tea and Strategy

Did you know that children aren't just "little adults" when it comes to medicine? From the way a bone heals to the emotional resilience required in a hospital ward, pediatric care is a world of its own—one built on trust, sun-steeped traditions, and a deep-seated mission to protect the next generation. In this episode, you’ll discover the heart behind East Tennessee Children’s Hospital and how spe...

Can a single book change the trajectory of a child’s life? Jeff Conyers believes so—and with 150 million books mailed and counting, the data is on his side. In this episode, you’ll learn the heartwarming personal story that inspired Dolly Parton to launch the Imagination Library and how a "turnkey" replication model allows local communities worldwide to gift books to every child from birth to age...

In this episode of "Sweet Tea and Strategy," Kathy Ackerman sits down with former Governor Bill Haslam to reflect on his two terms in office and explore his current initiatives. Haslam shares insights from his upcoming book about civil discourse, emphasizes the critical link between education and Tennessee’s economic future, and discusses the impact of landmark programs like Tennessee Promise. He...

Can a "side gig" fueled by artistic vulnerability evolve into a luxury brand featured on hit TV shows and red carpets? Moving from the art studios of Knoxville to the fashion competitive landscape of Manhattan requires more than just a creative eye—it requires a relentless business strategy and a willingness to reinvent yourself like Madonna. In this episode, you’ll learn how to navigate the trans...

Listeners will discover how a legacy family business pivoted from local canning to global leadership by focusing on "Bean Goodness" and environmental sustainability. Al Williams, CEO of Bush Brothers & Company, joins Cathy Ackermann to trace the company's fascinating history, from its 1908 origins in East Tennessee to the 1969 invention of their secret baked bean recipe. Al reveals how the com...

From retail management to leading a force of over 400—Chief Eve Thomas shares her unexpected journey into law enforcement and her vision for the Knoxville Police Department. In this episode, you’ll learn about the evolving landscape of policing, from the impact of national events on local departments to the critical role of technology and community engagement in building a safer city. Cathy Ackerm...

What if the key to managing chronic pain isn't lowering a "pain score," but baking three pies and cleaning a kitchen? In this episode, you’ll learn why traditional pain management often fails and how a shift toward "Targeted Pain Treatment" focuses on restoring physical function and overall health rather than just masking symptoms. Erin Freeman sits down with Dr. Stephanie Vanterpool, Director of...

Listeners will learn how a hyper-local retail experience in Gatlinburg provided the "engine of growth" for a global wholesale distribution network. Joe Baker, the "serial entrepreneur" behind Ole Smoky Distillery and Yee-Haw Brewing Company, joins Cathy Ackerman to discuss his unconventional career path. Joe reveals the high-stakes risks of mortgaging his law office to fund a startup, the intense...

Did you know Tennessee ranks number one in the nation for its music industry workforce relative to size? Listeners will understand the complex logistics of location scouting and how Tennessee competes with global entertainment hubs like LA and London. Bob Raines, Executive Director of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission, joins Cathy Ackerman to break down the economic impact of the state's mult...

Does a college degree really matter anymore? Dr. Philip Oldham, President of Tennessee Tech, argues that it's more vital than ever for quality of life and career longevity. Listeners will learn how Tennessee Tech focuses on student retention with simple, strategic interventions and prepares graduates for careers that may change eight times in their lifetime. In this episode, Dr. Philip Oldham shar...

Listeners will gain an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous clinical trial process, moving past misinformation to understand the facts of vaccine research. Robin Wilhoit, anchor at WBIR-TV, joins Erin Freeman to discuss her decision to participate in Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine trial at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Robin details the extensive screening process, the physic...

What does it take for a state to not only attract global giants like Amazon and Facebook but also keep its established businesses thriving? Listeners will understand the complex interplay of workforce development, strategic infrastructure, and personal relationships that drive Tennessee's status as a top economic hub. In this episode, Cathy Ackerman sits down with Bob Rolfe, Commissioner of the Te...

What happens when an NHL pro trades the Canadian winter for the Tennessee sun and becomes the heart of a city’s sports scene for 30 years? In this episode, listeners will discover how professional sports strategies translate into resilient business leadership, especially when facing a global shutdown. Mike Murray, President and CEO of the Knoxville Ice Bears, joins Aaron Freeman to discuss his jou...

Why does a leading national healthcare consultant believe East Tennessee is on the verge of a cultural breakthrough? Ed Pershing shares how PYA evolved from a local accounting firm into a top-tier national consulting leader, and why he’s now focusing on regional advocacy and public policy. Ed Pershing, co-founder of PYA, joins the podcast to discuss his 36-year journey in professional services. He...

What does it take to clean up 6 million square feet of the world's most hazardous buildings—and finish the job four years ahead of schedule? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll learn how Ken Rueter and the UCOR team turned a "troubled" federal project into a model of "Investment Worthy" performance, saving taxpayers $600 million while fueling a quarter-billion-dollar annual economic...

What does it mean to truly "be a volunteer" at one of the country's most iconic universities? Chancellor Donde Plowman shares how she is shifting the University of Tennessee Knoxville from a reactive to a proactive institution, focusing on inclusivity and strategic community engagement. In her first few months as Chancellor, Dr. Plowman has prioritised listening to the campus community through ope...

What if the modern full-time ER doctor was an entirely new concept only 40 years ago? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll learn how Dr. Lynn Massingale and his partners transformed a local emergency medicine gap in East Tennessee into TeamHealth, one of the largest physician groups in the United States. Dr. Lynn Massingale, co-founder of TeamHealth, shares the strategic blueprint beh...

What if a simple building filled with water could single-handedly revitalize a desolate downtown and generate over $100 million in annual economic impact? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll learn how the Tennessee Aquarium shifted from a bold 1990s vision to a global scientific leader, leveraging its unique freshwater mission to drive regional growth and conservation. Keith Sanford,...

What if the secret to building a world-class tourist attraction wasn't the artifacts themselves, but the stories you tell about them? In this milestone 10th episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll discover how Mary Kellogg Joslyn applied decades of high-level Disney and CBS experience to transform the historical tragedy of the Titanic into an immersive, multi-million dollar "museum attraction."...

What if the key to your city's economic growth was hidden in its greenways and riverbanks? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll discover how a small but mighty nonprofit is transforming the East Tennessee landscape, turning natural assets into powerful drivers for workforce development and community livability. Carol Evans, Executive Director of the Legacy Parks Foundation, shares the...

What if the secret to a multi-million dollar sponsorship deal isn't a handshake, but a deep dive into data and analytics? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you’ll learn how the sports marketing landscape has transformed from a "gut feel" industry to a high-stakes arena of data-driven brand activations. Ed Willett, Vice President of Sponsorship at Topgolf Media, shares his journey through...

What if the secret to doubling your company's assets isn't just about the numbers, but about telling your team exactly what's in your head? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll discover how a deliberate focus on "cultural sync" and associate engagement can fuel an aggressive growth strategy while maintaining an award-winning workplace. Billy Carroll, CEO of SmartBank, shares the journ...

What if the secret to building a global brand isn't just about what people see, but how they hear and interact with your mission? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you’ll learn how New York Public Radio’s CMO, Lisa Baird, leverages consumer insights to turn rigid corporate identities into accessible, mission-driven brands. Lisa Baird shares the blueprint behind the successful launch of th...

In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, you'll learn how the "Academic Medical Center of the region" is bridging these gaps through a process called clinical integration—ensuring every provider, from EMS to rehab, follows a single, patient-centric plan. Joe Landsman, President and CEO of the University of Tennessee Medical Center, discusses the hospital's reputation as a Level 1 trauma hub and...

Is cybersecurity actually as spooky as the industry makes it out to be? In this episode of Sweet Tea and Strategy, Tommy Smith sits down with Jeff Schmidt, CEO of Avertium, a newly formed powerhouse in the cyber defense space. Schmidt breaks down the complex world of data protection into a pragmatic, manageable framework that even small to mid-market businesses can master. Listeners will learn abo...