Ignitecast - Official Podcast of the Ignite Leadership Conference by CDF

In this powerful episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Chief John Quaka, Tupelo’s Chief of Police and former FBI agent, to discuss what it means to lead in moments of crisis. From witnessing 9/11 unfold as an FBI agent to handling high-pressure situations here in Tupelo, Chief Quaka shares how preparation, training, and most importantly, relationships built before the crisis make all the difference.

You’ll hear his journey from Lo...

Building Dreams, Backed by Community

In this inspiring episode of IgniteCast, we sit down with Matt and Sarah Anderson, owners of Mae's To-Go Cup, a family-run coffee shop that has quickly become a community favorite. From launching out of a 14-foot trailer to opening their second brick-and-mortar location, their journey is one of grit, faith, and relentless community support.

Matt and Sarah open up about the risks of leaving be...

Season Kickoff: A Look Back & A Look Ahead

We’re kicking off a brand-new season of IgniteCast with a conversation that blends the best of the past with the excitement of what’s ahead for the Ignite Leadership Conference 2026.

Join hosts Judd Wilson and Taylor Tutor as they reflect on past Ignite highlights, share behind-the-scenes insights on how speakers are chosen, and revisit powerful moments from keynote voices like Kwame Chr...

In this special bonus episode of IgniteCast, presented by iHeartMedia, we turn the mic over to the next generation of leaders—the children from Wear It Well’s Summer Camp.

You’ll hear heartfelt, honest, and often inspiring reflections as they share what being a leader means to them, how they recognize the importance of setting an example, and why they know that someone is always watching.

These young voices remind us that leadership ...

In this episode of IgniteCast presented by iHeartMedia, Judd sits down with Justin Patton—national keynote speaker, bestselling author, and executive coach—for a high-impact conversation on what truly sets great leaders apart.

Justin shares powerful insights on the importance of trust, how to build confidence in others, and why a leader’s energy is one of their greatest tools for influence. With his signature mix of passion, clarity...

In Episode 4 of IgniteCast, we sit down with Katina Tucker, Executive Director of Wear It Well, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience, and purpose.

Katina shares how her own journey through loss, trauma, and unexpected setbacks became the foundation for one of Tupelo’s most impactful nonprofit organizations. From her early days volunteering as a child to founding Wear It Well and launching prog...

Join us for Episode 3 of IgniteCast featuring Jack Reed Jr. of Reed’s Department Store.

In this inspiring conversation, Jack dives into the power of listening first as a leader and how that simple habit can transform teams and communities. He also shares his philosophy on giving back, why employees should be treated as your number one customer, and how to recognize and seize opportunities wherever you go.

Don’t miss this chance to he...

Join us for Episode #2 of IgniteCast featuring Philip Shackelford, Executive Director of the Lee County Library.

In this episode, Philip shares the importance of being actively involved in your community and how leadership at the local level can create lasting impact. A dynamic leader and strategist, Philip is passionate about building strong, supportive teams and driving positive change that helps communities thrive.

Outside of his ...

Meet your hosts, Judd and Taylor!

The Community Development Foundation is excited to relaunch Season 4 of IgniteCast, presented by iHeartMedia. In this season, we’re sparking fresh conversations with dynamic leaders across Tupelo and Lee County—all centered on one big question: How can YOU lead in your community?

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a le...

Alex Lange is an executive coach and leadership development facilitator living and working in Mumbai, India, where he moved with his family right before the pandemic took off. In this episode we talk about what "coaching skills" are, why he chose to become a certified coach, and how any leader can use coaching skills to improve her leadership, communication, and organizational culture. We also talk about understanding and...

Matt Laubhan is the Emmy award-winning Chief Meteorologist for the WTVA Weather Authority. Thousands of people instinctively look and listen for his guidance when rough weather is on the way--which makes him a leader. Judd and Rory wanted to find out what motivates Matt. Along the way they got to geek out about tornado science, have a candid conversation about global warming, and hear Matt tell a very personal story about a recent ...

The pandemic presented one of the most pressing leadership challenges in recent memory. In this interview, Pastor Jeffrey Daniel reflects on lessons he's learned leading a congregation through an especially challenging season. He gives an inside perspective to how he thinks about empowering others toward greater vision, leading teams of volunteers (where you can't just tell people what to do but must inspire them), and sh...

Lisa Hawkins has worn many hats in her career: nurse, educator, employee, employer, mentor, business owner, and more. Her life is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and meaningful relationships. In this episode, Rory and Judd talk with Lisa about her career, what decisions helped her along the way, how she leads her business (Room to Room Furniture), what makes employees want to stay working there, and what has anchor...

State and federal public health officials usually find themselves working in the background. During the Covid-19 pandemic, they've been thrust into the spotlight. It's fair to say that Dr. Thomas Dobbs became a Mississippi household name as he quickly became a leading voice in livestreams and press conferences alongside Governor Tate Reeves.

In this episode, Dr. Dobbs talks about his experiences working through a...

Blue Delta Jeans are some of the most coveted bespoke jeans available anywhere--and the company was founded and thrives In Tupelo, Mississippi. Josh West and Nick Weaver, Blue Delta's co-founders, join Judd and Rory to talk entrepreneurship, growth, pivoting to PPE in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, why they're happy to do business in Mississippi, and what you need to do to create a thriving culture. This is a long an...

Rory Tyer (executive coach and co-founder of GoInnovation) gets put in the interview hot seat by Judd, and talks about the founding of the business, how he got into leadership development and coaching, and several pieces of advice for leaders on dealing with failure and empowering the people around them.

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, inspiration, and actionable ideas to help you grow as a leader—rig...

Judd Wilson is Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce in the Community Development Foundation. In this episode Rory (his co-host) interviews him about his journey to this role, what he likes most (and what's challenging), and how he maintains healthy work-life harmony in the midst of so many personal and professional commitments. Judd interviews Rory in part 2.

🎧 New episodes drop every other Thursday, packed with insight, ...

Can leadership development change the world? Before founding GoInnovation, CEO Steadman Harrison opened the first Africa-based office of the Center for Creative Leadership in Ethiopia 2009. As part of a movement called Leadership Beyond Boundaries, he and others scaled research-based leadership development to more than 500,000 people in five years. Today he has come full circle and leads GoInnovation's globally dispersed team ...

Barton Ramsey disrupted the gundog training and breeding industry by founding and flourishing Southern Oak Kennels, as well as Cornerstone Gun Dog Academy - the first fully online gun dog training program. In this episode Barton talks about growing up and being perceived as "rebellious" (which later became an entrepreneurial drive to create something new), the values that sustain him during seasons of change (and what can...