Next Generation Leader Podcast

Life, career, and leadership do not happen instantly, they all take development. Much like the film from a camera, your life takes time to develop. Delayed gratification has been lost in this generation but we talked with Brandon about how to see the big picture. Brandon Gibson was named Chief Operating Officer for the State of Tennessee in May 2020. Gibson previously served as Senior Advisor to Governor Lee, working primarily on rural and criminal justice initiatives. Prior to joining Governor Lee’s administration, Gibson served on the Tennessee Court of Appeals for over four years after being appointed to the court by Governor Bill Haslam. 

If 2020 was "the longest year ever," what do you have to show for it? This year has thrown every curveball in the books at us, but GREAT leaders see great adversity as great opportunity. Our prayer is that the listeners of this podcast are challenged to look beyond the challenge in front of you and see this bigger picture. Many of us have been quarantined for weeks and months, but mental health issues have sky-rocketed. We believe that lack of purpose has been the biggest virus of 2020 and that comes from within. Make 2021 the year you CHOOSE to make a change, and leave this world a better place. LET'S GO. 

Lindsey’s passion for advocating for those treated unfairly stems from her own childhood story of resilience. That passion led her to join Traffick911’s grassroots team of volunteer pioneers in 2010 and ultimately to leave her job in corporate America in 2012 to serve full time. After serving in the anti-trafficking field for a decade, one of her favorite topics to discuss is ‘free people free people’ - the discovery of our own brokenness, shared humanity, and stories as we walk alongside others seeking freedom. Traffick911 exists to free youth from sex trafficking through trust-based relationships. WARNING: There is sensitive information in this episode that you "can't unknow," therefore proceed with caution but know that we do not hide from difficult issues. 

George Seay is a nationally recognized speaker, civic leader, and financial industry CEO with senior-level experience working in government and on GOP political campaigns. George is the founder and chairman of Annandale Capital, a global investment firm that manages capital for clients all across the country. Mr. Seay has significant public policy experience through his work for the Governor of Texas and the Deputy Secretary of State at the U.S. State Department in Washington. Mr. Seay discusses with us how to prepare to lead, and how to steward your money for future success. 

George Seay is a nationally recognized speaker, civic leader, and financial industry CEO with senior-level experience working in government and on GOP political campaigns. George is the founder and chairman of Annandale Capital, a global investment firm that manages capital for clients all across the country. Mr. Seay has significant public policy experience through his work for the Governor of Texas and the Deputy Secretary of State at the U.S. State Department in Washington. Mr. Seay discusses with us how to prepare to lead, and how to steward your money for future success. 

John Koufos is the National Director of Reentry Initiatives at Right on Crime with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. John’s reentry work has been recognized by President Donald J. Trump, and he works with the public and private sector to build partnerships designed to lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities. His leadership in the business community was recognized in 2016 when NJBIZ named him one of New Jersey’s “Top 40 Under 40.” In today's episode, we talk about how we can slam the revolving door of the prison system, and create opportunities for those caught in the prison cycle. 

A thought-leader, two-time TEDx speaker, author, and CEO of Strata Leadership, Dr. Mellor is an experienced executive coach, who has provided in excess of 3,000 coaching sessions for executive leaders. He serves as a sounding board, sparring partner, and a source of encouragement for leaders seeking to maximize their effectiveness. Since its founding in 2009, Strata Leadership has pursued its mission of “Elevating Life at Work.” In today's episode, we discuss the mental models that can either hold us back or propel us forward. Sometimes, there is something you believe about yourself that you must leave behind in order to go forward. 

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Each year, over 11 million shoeboxes go overseas and land in the hands of little children, some of whom have never received a gift before. Ranjita Kumar was one of those children. Today, hear her story of how God used these simple acts of faithfulness to radically change her life. We would encourage you to pack a box and share the gift of Jesus Christ to a child in need. Visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ for more information! 

Daneshe Bethune is the current executive director of the C5 Youth Foundation of Texas. The mission of the C5 Youth Foundation of Texas is to change the odds for high potential youth...inspiring them to pursue personal success and preparing them for leadership roles in college, work, and their communities. The five C's in their program are character-driven, community-focused, challenge-ready, college-bound, and committed to a better future. Dani gives us inspiration in the non-profit world and creating brighter realities for the people around us. 

Tom Lindsay, Ph.D., is a distinguished senior fellow of higher education and constitutional studies at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He has more than two decades’ experience in education management and instruction, including service as a dean, provost, and college president. Confucius once said, "If your plan is for one-year plant rice. If your plan is for 10 years plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years educate children." In today's highly volatile culture, it is more important than ever to know our nation's history and to respect what our country stands for. It is impossible to love that which we do not understand. Know your history. Become educated. Respect our great country.