Driving Change When Trust is Rare with Erin Hafkenschiel

Driving Change When Trust is Rare with Erin Hafkenschiel

What does it take to create meaningful change in a world where people increasingly distrust institutions, information, and one another? In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister sits down with Erin Hafkenschiel, President of ThinkTennessee, to explore the leadership lessons she has learned while working across philanthropy, city government, higher education, transportation policy, and statewide civic leadership. Erin traces her passion for public policy back to a childhood lesson about how communities make decisions and why people often view the same issue through very different lenses. From studying urban development in China as a Fulbright Scholar to helping shape Nashville's transportation future, she shares how those experiences shaped her understanding of leadership, human behavior, and systems change. The conversation dives deeply into Nashville's failed 2018 transit referendum and the lessons that emerged from one of the city's most visible public policy defeats. Erin reflects on the importance of humility, coalition building, and trust, and explains why every policy leader should experience a loss that challenges their assumptions. What You'll Learn In This Episode:  * The surprising leadership lessons hidden inside major public failures * How Nashville's 2018 transit referendum defeat shaped future policy successes  *  Why people are often social actors rather than rational decision-makers  *  How effective leaders build coalitions without demanding complete agreement  *  Why implementation is often harder than passing the policy itself  *  The role social capital plays in strengthening communities and democracy  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470405/fan_mail/new] Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One Twelve Strategies [https://www.one12strategies.com/podcast], brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

Leading with Hope: Greg Jones on Character, Culture, and the Future We Build Together

What does it take to lead through uncertainty without losing sight of purpose? In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister sits down with Dr. Greg Jones, President of Belmont University, to explore the intersection of leadership, faith, innovation, and institutional transformation. Drawing from a career that has spanned theology, higher education, and organizational leadership, Greg shares how the loss of his father shaped his understanding of character, why "moral imagination" may be one of the most important leadership skills of our time, and what it means to build institutions that prepare people not just for careers, but for lives of meaning and impact. Together, they discuss the challenges facing higher education, the importance of balancing tradition and innovation, leading through cultural polarization, and why the best leaders focus on creating environments where others can flourish. Greg also offers practical insights on sustaining leadership over the long term, the role of rest and play in avoiding burnout, and the books and ideas that continue to shape his thinking. Whether you lead a university, a business, a nonprofit, or simply want to create positive change in your community, this conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership is ultimately about formation, hope, and helping others imagine a better future. What You'll Learn in This Episode: * Why character formation matters more than information acquisition * How leaders can balance tradition and innovation without losing their core purpose * What "moral imagination" is and why it matters for solving complex problems * How to lead through disagreement while building a culture of trust * Why rest, play, and Sabbath are essential leadership disciplines * What gives Greg hope about the next generation of leaders Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470405/fan_mail/new] Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One Twelve Strategies [https://www.one12strategies.com/podcast], brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

Generosity, Influence, and the Power of Proximity with Hal Cato

What does it take to create lasting change in a community? In this episode of Catalysts for Change, Adam Lister sits down with Hal Cato, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, for a conversation about leadership, philanthropy, and the power of staying close to the people you serve. Hal shares the experiences that shaped his leadership journey, from feeling like an underdog as a child to founding Hands On Nashville and eventually leading one of Tennessee’s most influential philanthropic organizations. Along the way, he reflects on the lessons he's learned from working alongside both billionaires and families struggling to pay their utility bills, and why proximity to people and problems remains one of the most powerful forces for meaningful change. This conversation explores what effective philanthropy really looks like, why trust is a leader’s most valuable asset, and how organizations can balance urgent needs with long-term impact. Hal also offers a candid look at leading through some of Middle Tennessee’s most difficult moments, including natural disasters, community crises, and decisions that drew both praise and criticism. From collaboration and influence to burnout and legacy, this episode is packed with wisdom for nonprofit leaders, business executives, public servants, and anyone seeking to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. What You'll Learn in This Episode: * Why proximity to people and problems creates better leaders. * How effective philanthropy is about purpose and relationships, not just dollars. * The role trust plays in leadership, especially during moments of crisis. * Why the biggest community challenges require collaboration, not competition. * How to navigate difficult decisions while staying true to your mission and values. * What nonprofit leaders can do to avoid burnout and sustain their impact over the long term. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470405/fan_mail/new] Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One Twelve Strategies [https://www.one12strategies.com/podcast], brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

Pipelines, People, and Leading Under Pressure with Meagan Flippin

In this episode, Adam Lister sits down with Meagan Flippin, CEO of Nashville's Center for Nonprofit Excellence, whose career spans the United Way network, the Musicians Hall of Fame, and 20 years of watching organizations say they develop leaders — and mostly fall short. With refreshing honesty, Meagan reflects on what she got wrong early, what actually builds a leadership pipeline, and why the best thing you can do for a high performer is prepare them to leave you better than they arrived.   What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  * Why Meagan would rather have a "10 for two years than a two for ten" — and what that means for how you invest in your team.  * How to lead through a crisis without passing your panic to the people around you. * What a healthy leadership pipeline actually looks like inside a nonprofit — and the one sign that tells you an organization is getting it wrong. * Why change management is as much about pacing and sequencing as it is about the change itself. * How to own your professional development when no one's handing you a roadmap. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470405/fan_mail/new] Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One Twelve Strategies [https://www.one12strategies.com/podcast], brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative

ENCORE: From Grit to Grace: Sunny Bray on Purpose, Loss, and Leading Out Loud

Encore presentation of one of our most popular episodes.  In this episode, Adam Lister sits down with Sunny Bray, founder of Catalyst Collective and a champion for nonprofits and mission-driven organizations, from her early days in corporate sales to launching a community-first consultancy. Sunny shares how grief, grit, and bold purpose shaped her path. With honesty and insight, she reflects on building a business rooted in values, relationships, and the belief that nonprofit work deserves abundance, not scarcity.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  * Why Sunny built a consultancy that puts nonprofit missions, not metrics, at the center of the work.  * How grief, motherhood, and mentorship reshaped her approach to leadership and boundaries. * Why nonprofits need trusted partners, not just service providers—and how to find the right support. * How to lead authentically, say no with confidence, and prioritize what truly matters. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2470405/fan_mail/new] Catalysts for Change is an initiative of One Twelve Strategies [https://www.one12strategies.com/podcast], brought to you in part by the Southern Research Collaborative