IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

Ignite your leadership passion with Ignitecast, the official podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference in Tupelo, MS. IgniteCast features content from past Ignite speakers along with insights from local leaders. Each episode will be a short, engaging 20-to-30-minute conversation designed to highlight the impact of leadership and economic development in Tupelo and Lee County. Our purpose is to tell the Community Development Foundation’s story by showcasing how we create more and better jobs, attract top talent, and foster leadership growth within the community. Through these conversations, we aim to strengthen talent retention, support business expansion, and ensure that Tupelo, Lee County, and CDF remain relevant and forward-thinking.

IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF is a business podcast hosted by Community Development Foundation, with 48 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 81. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Community Development Foundation hosts IgniteCast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF, a business show with 48 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #7

  BONUS EPISODE: The Ignite 2027 Speaker Reveal

  Aug 10, 20267 minS8

  The wait is over—the speakers for the 10th annual Ignite Leadership Conferenc e have officially been revealed! In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor celebrate a decade of Ignite and look back at the impact the conference has made over the years. Since its beginning in 2018, Ignite has welcomed more than 40 speakers including bestselling authors, CEOs, Olympic athletes, and more. Now, for year 10, Ignite is going bigger! The 2027 lineup features legendary leadership expert John C. Maxwell, Mark Cole, and Valorie Burton . Hear why this milestone year is so special, what to expect from the conference, and why you'll want to secure your seat early. Thursday, January 21, 2027 The Orchard | Tupelo, Mississippi ️ Early Bird Tickets: $249 Get your tickets now at igniteleadership.com and join us as we celebrate 10 years of learning, growing, and leading together. Big thanks to iHeartMedia —our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! New episodes drop every other Thursday , packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are. Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference? Visit www.igniteleadership.com

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  Episode #5

  Care, Curiosity, and Creative Leadership

  Jul 16, 202626 minS8

  What does it take to lead a team of creative thinkers while building a business that serves clients across the South—all from Tupelo, Mississippi? In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Josh Mabus, founder and CEO of The Mabus Agency, to explore the leadership principles that have helped grow one of the region's leading marketing agencies. From launching his business in the Renasant Center for IDEAS to mentoring entrepreneurs through the CDF Pitch Competition and helping shape the Find Your Tupelo brand, Josh shares why curiosity, intentionality, and caring about people are at the heart of great leadership. The conversation dives into leading creative teams, navigating different personalities and generations in the workplace, setting clear expectations, and why the smallest details often make the biggest difference. Josh also discusses why he chose to build a nationally recognized agency in Tupelo and why investing in your community can be one of the greatest leadership decisions you'll make. Whether you're leading a creative team, starting a business, managing employees, or simply looking to become a better leader, this episode is packed with practical wisdom, memorable stories, and plenty of laughter. 🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday , packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are. Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference? Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

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  Episode #4

  3 Generations, 1 Leadership Game

  Jul 2, 202627 minS8

  What happens when a Gen Z student, a Millennial entrepreneur, a Baby Boomer nonprofit leader, and a Gen X host all sit down at the same table? A lot of laughs—and a few leadership lessons. In this special episode of IgniteCast , Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor welcome Autumn Simmons, a Tupelo High School graduate and ICC sophomore; Zell Long, retired CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi; and Luis Sosa, manager of Loco Taco, for a fun, game-show-style conversation exploring how different generations think, communicate, and lead. From decoding phrases like "touch grass" and "main character energy" to debating work-life priorities, mentorship, technology, and coffee preferences, each generation brings a unique perspective while discovering they have more in common than they expected. Along the way, the conversation highlights the value of authenticity, embracing different viewpoints, and why strong leaders make room for every generation at the table. Whether you're Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X, or Baby Boomer, this episode is guaranteed to make you laugh—and maybe even help you better understand the people you work with every day. 🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday , packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are. Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference? Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

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  Episode #3

  The Art of Making a Place Matter

  Jun 18, 202617 minS8

  In this episode of IgniteCast, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with Molly Nolan, Executive Director of the GumTree Museum of Art, to discuss leadership, confidence, community impact, and the power of stepping into opportunities before you feel fully ready. Molly shares her journey from graphic designer and startup employee to leading one of Tupelo’s most treasured cultural institutions. She reflects on the importance of understanding the people you lead, finding purpose in your work, and learning to embrace uncomfortable opportunities that foster growth. The conversation explores how Molly is helping reshape the perception of the GumTree Museum by creating a more welcoming, community-centered space that engages both longtime supporters and a new generation of artists and art lovers. As a wife, mother, nonprofit leader, and advocate for the arts, Molly offers valuable insight on balancing responsibilities while staying true to your values. Whether you're navigating a career change, stepping into a leadership role, or looking for ways to make a difference in your community, this episode is a reminder that leadership often begins with simply saying "yes" when the opportunity arises. 🎧 Tune in for a conversation about confidence, purpose, service, and helping others see new possibilities through art and community. Big thanks to iHeartMedia —our Presenting Sponsor for the entire IgniteCast podcast and the powerhouse fueling this season’s episodes! 🔊🔥 🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday , packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—right where you are. Want to learn more about the Ignite Leadership Conference? Visit 👉 www.igniteleadership.com

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  Episode #2

  Lead with Kindness, Win with Transparency

  Jun 4, 202624 minS8

  <p><b>Season 8, Episode 2: Leading with Kindness with Lori Dillon</b></p><p>What if one of the most powerful leadership strategies is also one of the simplest?</p><p>In this episode of <b>Ignite Cast</b>, Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor sit down with <b>Lori Dillon</b>, Director of Marketing at Absolute Restoration, community advocate, wife, mother, and self-described "goldendoodle in a room full of people."</p><p>Lori shares how kindness, authenticity, and intentional connection have shaped her leadership journey—from growing up at the Tupelo Children's Mansion to becoming a respected leader involved in organizations ac...

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