In the latest episode of Signature Required, John Hoomes, the CEO and Artistic Director of the Nashville Opera, shared his journey of transforming the organization over his nearly 30-year career. He revealed valuable insights into leadership, innovation, and the importance of making opera accessible to new audiences. From building an inclusive company culture to harnessing the power of storytelling, John’s lessons extend far beyond the world of opera and offer inspiration for leaders across Tennessee’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Carli and I had the pleasure this year of hosting Katie Marchetti, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT). Born and raised in Nashville, Katie returned to her roots after a global career, bringing a fresh perspective to her work at CFMT, where she helps connect Middle Tennesseans with the causes that matter most to them. Through CFMT, Katie and her team are mobilizing resources to ensure a brighter future for the community by supporting the nonprofits that shape the region.

In the world of entrepreneurship, especially for women balancing family, business, and leadership, Sondra Noble stands out as a powerful example. As the co-founder and CEO of Hip Hues, Sondra isn’t just an entrepreneur but a creator of memorable experiences through customized, interactive swag bars at events. With her sister and co-founder, Tracy, they have built Hip Hues into a unique business that combines quality branding, artistry, and an unforgettable customer experience.

In this insightful episode of Signature Required, Spencer Patton and Annalee Cate sit down with Jason Dukes, VP of Advancement at Love Justice International, to discuss the intersection of cryptocurrency and nonprofit work. Focusing on how Bitcoin and blockchain technology could revolutionize nonprofit operations, the conversation touches on everything from fighting human trafficking to increasing financial transparency for donors. With a focus on leadership in the digital finance space, this episode highlights how decentralized finance can empower nonprofits.

In a recent episode of Signature Required, Spencer Patton sat down with James Evans, founder of Benchmark Adventure Ministries, to explore how his Tennessee-based organization is helping military personnel develop leadership skills and emotional resilience through immersive wilderness experiences. The conversation offers powerful insights into the unique challenges faced by service members and how outdoor adventures provide a vital platform for personal growth, reflection, and leadership development.

Autism has long been a topic of exploration, understanding, and advocacy. Over the past few decades, our collective understanding of autism has significantly evolved, and Tennessee has positioned itself as a leader in diagnosing and supporting individuals on the autism spectrum. In a recent episode of Signature Required with Spencer Patton, John Staubitz, Director of Behavior Analysis and Education at TRIAD (Vanderbilt’s Autism Institute), shared valuable insights into how far we've come in understanding autism and how Tennessee stands out in this space.

On a recent episode of Signature Required, I spoke with Jim Ward, Executive Director of Matthew 25, a Nashville-based transitional housing organization focused on helping homeless men, especially veterans, regain stability. Our conversation highlighted the deep-rooted challenges of homelessness in Tennessee and revealed practical solutions that are making a real impact.

In this episode of Signature Required, host Spencer Patton speaks with Jim Bartoo, the Director of Public Relations and Marketing at the Nashville Zoo, about the role of cultural institutions in city growth. Jim shares valuable insights on how the zoo has become a catalyst for community development, tourism, and long-term growth in Nashville.

In a rapidly evolving higher education landscape, leaders must be adaptable, innovative, and attuned to the unique needs of their student populations. Dr. Maria Cronley, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost at Austin Peay State University, offers a compelling vision of what the future of higher education leadership might look like, particularly in a state like Tennessee where diversity, accessibility, and flexibility are paramount.

In the latest episode of Signature Required, Tennessee entrepreneur and nonprofit leader Tommy Rhodes shares his incredible journey as the founder and executive director of Barefoot Republic. This Christ-centered camp, based just outside Nashville, brings together children from diverse racial, socioeconomic, and cultural backgrounds, creating a unique environment for personal growth and reconciliation. Tommy’s story of leaving behind a PhD program at Vanderbilt University to follow his calling is not only inspiring but packed with valuable lessons on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the challenges of building a successful nonprofit in Tennessee. Whether you’re an aspiring business owner or a seasoned leader, these five key takeaways from Tommy’s journey will resonate.