Host Jeremy C. Park talks with George Abbott, Co-convener of Reimagining the Civic Commons, who highlights the collaboration of national foundations and civic leaders dedicated to revitalizing public spaces in ways that benefit communities and how the initiative has impacted Memphis locally. Reimagining the Civic Commons is an ambitious national initiative demonstrating that strategic investments in public spaces can connect people of all backgrounds. It is a collaboration of The JPB Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, William Penn Foundation, and local partners.

During the interview, George shares how the initiative was launched in 2016 and how Memphis applied and was selected to participate, working with a network of leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to change how they design, manage, and program urban spaces. He shares some of the ways local projects and efforts have benefited from sharing ideas and best practices with other cities, and how data is being used to drive decision making and activations for the future. Local collaborators include Innovate Memphis, Memphis Parks, Public Libraries, and place-based organizations, including Bloom, The Heights CDC, Memphis River Parks Partnership, and Overton Park Conservancy. George wraps up talking about what makes him excited for 2025 and his encouragement for everyone to enjoy some of the many exciting things taking place this year in the public spaces across the Mid-South.

Visit https://civiccommons.us/ to learn more about Reimagining the Civic Commons.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with author, speaker, facilitator and trainer, Steve Woodruff, known as the King of Clarity, who shares lessons from his two books, Clarity Wins and The Point, and highlights how he helps people flip the script on the corporate status quo by finding their focus and making themselves clear.

During the interview, Steve talks about his career spanning over three decades and how he became known as the King of Clarity. He discusses why it is vital for individuals and businesses to "to get to the point" in a noisy and cluttered, competitive environment, and why a "memory dart" is better than an "elevator pitch." He goes in to detail on memory darts and how to craft them to be interesting, relevant, and vivid.

Steve then talks about his two books. His first, Clarity Wins, teaches individuals how to rise above the noise and get referred. His second, The Point, trains individuals how to use his Clarity Fuel Formula, backed by practical brain science, to communicate with clarity and focus. He talks about how the book will equip readers with four easy steps and eight simple shortcuts to communicate clearly, concisely, strategically, and effectively. Steve wraps up sharing how he is now working with individuals around the nation, one-on-one, in quick, affordable sessions to create memory darts and enhance communication clarity and effectiveness.

Visit https://www.stevewoodruff.com to learn more and to connect with Steve Woodruff.
https://www.facebook.com/kingofclarity
https://www.linkedin.com/in/swoodruff/

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Dr. Bobby White, President and CEO of Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis, along with Candace Tate, Director of Volunteer Memphis and Community Outreach, who highlight Leadership Memphis and its action initiative, Volunteer Memphis, which both serve to connect leaders to leaders, leaders to information, and leaders to the community. Leadership Memphis develops community change agents, connects them with others who have a passion to serve, and empowers them with information and opportunities to make a difference. The nonprofit organization strengthens and mobilizes “impact networks” of community leaders and volunteers through best-in-class programs, strategic alumni and partner engagement, and targeted action initiatives focused on creating a more equitable city – and making Memphis a place where everyone belongs, contributes, and is valued.

Originally founded in 1979 as The Memphis Institute of Public Responsibility, Leadership Memphis has graduated more than 4,100 leaders from its programs. During the interview, Dr. White shares some of his personal background and his vision looking forward after stepping into the role as President and CEO in October 2024. Dr. White is a native Memphian, long-time educator and founder of Frayser Community Schools, a Leadership Memphis Changemaker award recipient, and a 2014 Leadership Memphis Executive Program graduate. He discusses the importance of building on the organization's legacy and becoming even more strategic with how he and his team equip and engage leaders and alumni, and align their efforts and programs to make a meaningful and measurable impact in the community.

Candace Tate then spotlights Volunteer Memphis, which is an action initiative of Leadership Memphis and builds capacity for effective volunteering and connecting people with opportunities to serve throughout Memphis and Shelby County. The organization helps individuals, families, corporate teams, and community groups strengthen Memphis and the Mid-South through service at more than 300 nonprofit organizations and schools. Candace talks about their MLK Days of Service taking place January 16-20, 2025, and how the community can get involved and then help carry the spirit of service and volunteerism throughout the year. Dr. White and Candace wrap up talking about what makes them excited for 2025 and how the community can get involved with Leadership Memphis and Volunteer Memphis.

Visit https://leadershipmemphis.org to learn more about Leadership Memphis. Visit https://volunteermemphis.org to learn more about Volunteer Memphis, and https://volunteermemphis.org/mlk-days... to learn more about their MLK Days of Service.

Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Keisha Walker, Community Affairs Manager with Vitalant Blood Donation, who highlights the nonprofit organization's mission and efforts to "unite blood and biologics donors, talent, and innovation to save and improve lives" and how donating blood helps save lives in our community. She touches on the local history dating back to Lifeblood and how Vitalant is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit blood and biotherapies healthcare organizations, providing hospitals and patients across the U.S. a safe blood supply. Vitalant has a network of about 115 donation centers across the U.S. and hosts approximately 60,000 blood drives annually. Vitalant provides blood and special services to patients in about 900 hospitals across the U.S., helping millions of people who depend on blood donations from generous volunteer donors. Keisha talks about Vitalant's four local donation centers and ongoing blood drives at schools, places of worship, and businesses, and how easy it is to donate blood. She shares some best practices and details the ongoing local need for volunteer blood donors and community parters to host blood drive campaigns. Keisha then highlights their MLK Spirit of Service Blood Drive Campaign, taking place January 2 to January 20, 2025 with the finale blood drive at the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis on King Day. She talks about some of the special perks associated, including a commemorative T-shirt and front-of-the-line admission to the museum. Keisha wraps up talking about how the community can carry the spirit of service forward and support Vitalant throughout the year so Memphis can become more self-sufficient with the blood needed to save lives here in our community.

Visit https://www.vitalant.org to learn more about Vitalant and visit https://www.vitalant.org/mlkspiritofs... to learn more about the MLK Spirit of Service Blood Drive Campaign.
https://www.facebook.com/Vitalant/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vitalantorg/

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Kevin Yates, Vice President of Sales at ImageWorks Commercial Interiors, to dive deep into the evolving landscape of office design and workplace trends. Kevin and his team at ImageWorks are at the forefront of creating innovative work environments that cater to modern needs, such as hybrid work setups, employee wellbeing, and sustainability.

Kevin shares valuable insights on how companies are reimagining their spaces post-pandemic, balancing remote and in-office requirements, and fostering collaboration in a hybrid world. He also discusses how ImageWorks integrates technology and flexible solutions to make offices more efficient, employee-friendly, and supportive of mental and physical health. The conversation covers a range of topics from the impact of office design on employee satisfaction and productivity to the importance of embedding brand culture into physical spaces.

Whether you're an executive, office manager, or simply interested in the future of work, this interview offers practical tips and inspiration for creating spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring and adaptable. Don’t miss out on this insightful conversation with Kevin Yates, as he explores the trends that are shaping the future of office spaces.

Top moments with Kevin include:

“In today's workplace, it's not just about where people work, but how we make them feel when they're there. Designing spaces that support both productivity and wellbeing is at the heart of what we do at ImageWorks.”

“Hybrid work isn't just a trend—it's the new normal. Our goal is to create environments that bridge the gap between remote and in-office needs, so teams can truly thrive wherever they are.”

“Sustainability in office design goes beyond just using green materials. It’s about creating spaces that stand the test of time, that can adapt to future needs without constant rework or waste.”

“One of the most important things we’ve learned is that office space should reflect a company’s culture. It should be a physical representation of the brand, a place where employees feel connected to the mission and values every day.”

“We’re seeing a shift in priorities—from maximizing square footage to maximizing impact. Smaller, smarter spaces that foster collaboration and wellness are becoming the future of the workplace.”

Learn how ImageWorks is helping organizations transform their workspaces for today—and tomorrow: https://www.imageworksci.com/

In this inspiring episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta sits down with Jamie Heard, Co-founder and Executive Director of Faithfully Restored.

Jamie shares her deeply personal journey through loss and resilience, which ultimately led her to establish Faithfully Restored, a nonprofit dedicated to uplifting women who are facing hardship. Faithfully Restored provides support to women nationwide through prayer requests, care packages, counseling assistance, and special projects designed to bring comfort during difficult times. Jamie delves into the organization’s mission to serve women affected by grief, illness, financial struggles, and more, providing them with hope, encouragement, and a compassionate community.

We explore how Faithfully Restored started, the impactful ways they are helping women today, and Jamie's insights on how we can all support those going through tough times. From unique initiatives like holiday care packages for grieving families to full-service support for those in crisis, this conversation highlights the transformative power of compassion and community.

Join us to hear Jamie’s moving story and learn how Faithfully Restored is making a difference in the lives of women across the country. If you're interested in supporting their mission or getting involved, visit www.FaithfullyRestoredWomen.com.

Together, we can bring hope to those who need it most.

In this inspiring episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta speaks with Leonard and Paula Cochran from Leah's House, a faith-based restoration home for adult women facing challenges such as addiction, behavioral issues, and more.

Leonard and Paula share the heart behind the creation of Leah's House, the holistic support they provide, the role of Biblical teachings, and how community involvement plays a critical role in their mission.

Through transformative stories and future plans, we explore how Leah's House continues to empower and uplift women in need.

Learn more and support their efforts: https://www.leahshouse.com/

In this episode of the cityCURRENT Show, host Andrew Bartolotta interviews Tiffani Morrow-Smith, Executive Director of REACH Memphis.

For over 55 years, REACH Memphis has provided high-potential students with the resources, mentoring, and support necessary to prepare for college and their careers.

Tiffani shares insights into the organization’s rich history, the impact of their summer experience program, and how REACH Memphis continues to empower Memphis students. She also discusses future plans, organizational values, and how the community can get involved.

Learn more: https://www.reachmemphis.org/