re:Purpose with Buddy Teaster

From Molecules to Markets: Yuly Fuentes on Reimagining Footwear, Systems, and What Comes Next

Yuly Fuentes, scientist, systems thinker and leader of the Footwear Collective, joins Buddy Teaster to share her unconventional journey from biochemistry and neuroscience to MIT and the global footwear industry. Along the way, she's redefining how innovation happens — by connecting science, economics, and design to rethink one of the most complex consumer products in the world. From growing up in Chile under a dictatorship to becoming a leader in systems thinking and sustainability, Yuly's story is a powerful reminder that real change doesn't happen in silos — it happens at the intersection.

Beyond the Org Chart: Dane Groenveld on Teaming, Leadership, and the Future of Work

Dane Groenveld — entrepreneur, CEO, and host of The Future of Teamwork podcast — explores how the way we work together is fundamentally changing. From growing up in constantly shifting communities to building global teams across 70 countries, Dane shares why "teaming," not hierarchy, is the new leadership skill. He reflects on burnout, belonging, AI-driven change, and how leaders can create healthier, more sustainable teams in a rapidly evolving world of work.

Stewardship Over Spotlight: Sean Granahan and the Quiet Turnaround of The Floating Hospital

Sean Granahan, President and General Counsel of The Floating Hospital, joins Buddy Teaster to share the remarkable story of stepping into a 160-year-old institution on the brink of closure — and choosing stewardship over shutdown. Sean reflects on leadership in crisis, rebuilding trust with staff and board, redesigning care for homeless families, and why planning for succession is one of the most important responsibilities a leader can have. It's a candid conversation about quiet leadership, long-term thinking, and doing the right thing when it matters most.

Mission, Money, and the Middle Ground: How Bill Strathman Learned to Lead Between Two Worlds

Bill Strathman — former CEO of Network for Good — shares his remarkable journey from childhood medical challenges to the collapse of Arthur Andersen to leading one of the most impactful digital fundraising platforms in the country. Bill opens up about purpose vs. profit, reinventing Network for Good as a B Corp, and the power of aligning mission with money. With candor and insight, he explains how social enterprise can unleash generosity at scale — and why the small, joyful moments matter most in the end.

From Outsider to Community Builder: Hal Cato's Lifelong Mission to Strengthen Nashville

Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee CEO Hal Cato opens up about his winding path from real estate to launching Hands-On Nashville, transforming Oasis Center, revitalizing Thistle Farms alongside founder Becca Stevens, and ultimately stepping into one of Nashville's most influential civic roles. Hal shares the lessons he's learned about trust, belonging, and knowing when to stay — and when to walk away. With honesty and heart, he reflects on leading through change, navigating community tensions, and why building a stronger Nashville requires courage, empathy, and all of us working together.