The Power of the Arts: Vanessa Cooksey on Access, Equity & Community Impact

From Aerospace Engineer to Entrepreneur: Kay Wells on Innovation, Purpose & Building Posie Pots

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with entrepreneur, inventor, and Posie Pots founder Kay Wells for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurship, innovation, and finding purpose through creation. Kay shares her journey from working as a mechanical engineer for companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon to leaving the corporate world and launching Posie Pots — a patented self-watering planter designed to make plant care easier and more accessible. She reflects on her background in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and 3D printing, and how those experiences unexpectedly laid the foundation for entrepreneurship. The conversation explores startup growth, innovation, resilience, and the realities of building a business from the ground up. Kay opens up about turning an idea into a product, receiving early support through St. Louis’ startup ecosystem, landing opportunities with Walmart, Good Morning America, and Shark Tank, and navigating the emotional highs and lows that come with scaling a company. Kay also discusses mentorship, creating opportunities through STEM education and 3D printing programs, empowering future entrepreneurs, and why St. Louis continues to be an important place for innovation and community building. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, founders, engineers, creatives, and anyone considering a career pivot or pursuing an idea they feel called to build. Connect with Kay Wells & Posie Pots:   Company Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/PosiePot/ [https://www.instagram.com/PosiePot/]  Personal Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/kaywells_posiepots/ [https://www.instagram.com/kaywells_posiepots/]  LinkedIn ▶ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionna-h-wells/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionna-h-wells/]  Website ▶ https://www.posiepot.com/ [https://www.posiepot.com/] 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop regularly. 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO [https://apple.co/36ycuuO] Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS [https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS] 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ [https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/] Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ [https://stlbucketlist.com/] 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us [https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us]

Building Community Through Entrepreneurship: Matt Menietti on Culture, Connection & Career Growth

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, community building, and what it really means to create meaningful work and culture. Matt shares his journey from growing up in Iowa and studying engineering to finding purpose through nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, and community leadership in St. Louis. He reflects on how experiences with AmeriCorps and youth-focused nonprofit work shaped his perspective on service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others. The conversation explores topics like workplace culture, leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving nature of careers in today’s world. Matt discusses the importance of finding purpose beyond a paycheck, building authentic relationships, creating environments where people can thrive, and why strong communities are essential for long-term growth and innovation. Matt also shares practical advice for young professionals looking to build their network, navigate career transitions, and get more involved in their local community through service, mentorship, and meaningful connection. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, young professionals, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking to build a more intentional career and community. Connect with Matt Menietti:  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmenietti/  TechArtista Website: https://www.techartista.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.techartista.org/ 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram  Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

The Power of the Arts: Vanessa Cooksey on Access, Equity & Community Impact

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Vanessa Cooksey, President and CEO of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, and the role of arts in building stronger communities. Vanessa shares her dynamic and non-linear career journey—from working at Mary Kay and Cartoon Network to leadership roles across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors—ultimately leading one of the largest public funders of the arts in the region. She reflects on the challenges of navigating change, stepping into executive leadership, and the importance of relationships, integrity, and community in shaping both career and impact. The conversation dives deep into themes like inclusive leadership, organizational culture, career growth, and the power of the arts to create access, belonging, and opportunity. Vanessa also shares practical advice on succeeding in new roles, building meaningful connections, and staying grounded in your purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, stepping into leadership, or looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. Connect with Vanessa Cooksey: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafc/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafc/]Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-arts-commission-of-st-louis/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-arts-commission-of-st-louis/]Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlouisarts/ [https://www.instagram.com/stlouisarts/] 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO [https://apple.co/36ycuuO] Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS [https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS] 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram] Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us [https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us]

From Athlete to Anchor: Mikala McGhee Bass on Career Pivots, Purpose & Personal Brand

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Mikala McGhee Bass for a powerful conversation about growth, reinvention, and the winding path of a modern career. Mikala shares her journey from being a student-athlete to working service jobs after college, breaking into broadcasting, winning Miss Missouri USA, and ultimately building a career in corporate communications. Along the way, she opens up about the challenges of career pivots, the importance of resilience, and how every experience helped shape her professional identity. The conversation explores key themes like personal branding, storytelling, leadership, and the evolving role of communications in today’s world—including how professionals can leverage AI to stay ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, building their career, or learning how to turn every experience into opportunity. Connect with Mikala Mcghee Bass: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikalamcghee/  Booking Inquiries: https://forms.gle/UNgnKbiT33awGELH6  Personal Instagram: @mikalamcghee  🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

Leading with Purpose: Dr. Darryl Diggs on Education, DEI, and Building Meaningful Relationships

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Dr. Darryl Diggs, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the Special School District of St. Louis County, for a powerful conversation about leadership, education, and the impact of relationships. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Diggs shares how his journey, from living overseas to growing up in St. Louis, shaped his perspective on people, community, and service. Through a wide range of experiences in education and beyond, he developed a leadership philosophy rooted in curiosity, authenticity, and helping others reach their full potential. Dr. Diggs breaks down what diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility really mean in practice and why the work is often misunderstood. At its core, he explains, it is about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute, whether in schools, workplaces, or communities. The conversation also explores the realities of navigating large organizations and building a career with purpose. From early jobs and unexpected mentors to leading through challenges like COVID and complex school systems, Dr. Diggs shares lessons on staying grounded in your values, asking better questions, and keeping your “fire” alive. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of relationships in St. Louis, why curiosity is a leadership superpower, and how leaning into hard conversations can create stronger, more meaningful connections. This episode is a reminder that growth is not linear, and that staying true to your purpose, building relationships, and continuing to learn can open doors you never expected. Connect with Dr. Darryl Diggs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967/  🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS Note: Due to a technical issue, some visuals differ from our usual format. Appreciate you sticking with us!