HomeUncategorizedA Year in Review from NEXUS Director

A Year in Review from NEXUS Director

May 17, 2021 Uncategorized

A YEAR IN REVIEW 

WE DID IT!  We successfully provided an engaging and meaningful NEXUS experience for the Class of 2021 within a pandemic.

When we started recruiting and matching mentors and proteges last summer we weren’t sure what the year ahead would look like.  We were intentional and strategic in recruitment and the class size.  We took all measures to provide a safe environment with social distancing and masks.

In August, at the Orientation event I shared the following quote with this year’s class “People can adapt and change when called to do so,” by Jessica Meir, NASA Astronaut.   This year’s class participants, speakers, NEXUS Board and Program Committee members adapted to the ever-changing environment that is now our “new” normal.  NEXUS Board members and Program Committee volunteers were intentional and creative in how we delivered each monthly session.  Participants embraced the different meeting formats including in-person, live stream, and zoom depending on the current situation.  Speakers adjusted and delivered impactful messages.

 

We were honored to have many proven leaders speak this year.  NEXUS co-Founder Sandy Willson reminded the class that “Memphis’ greatest asset is You!”  In December, via zoom Cindy Brewer shared “An effective leader responds to change and has a direct impact on the team and business.”

Bobby White shared how to plan for the unplanned.  We also hosted a candid panel around the topic of Diversity and Inclusion this past fall with panelist Corbin Carpenter, Leslie Coleman, Terri Freeman, George Robertson, and Jose Velazquez. 

The popular NEXUS IN MOTION event looked a little different this year.  Rather than participants rotating through different table topics, speakers Matt Gandy, Brent Stenberg, and Cassandra Webster rotated through important, a timely, topics while sharing experiences and application.

Although many of our networking and special events were not able to happen, we were committed to hosting several workshops.  Katie West presented a series of workshops on the Enneagram and we hosted an “All Things LinkedIn” workshop with experts Gracie Leathers, Tracie Montgomery, and Kerra Saine.

The NEXUS Board of Directors recently met, we will continue to be flexible and adapt but are planning to bring NEXUS back to it’s fullest for the Class of 2022.  I am so excited to welcome the new proteges and mentors and create opportunities to bring all of the members of NEXUS Network back together again.

Again, I am proud to say WE DID IT!  Thank you to everyone who adapted and made this year a success!

In appreciation,

Heather Hunt, Director, NEXUS Leaders, Inc.

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Announcements

  • NEXUS + Streets Ministries

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  • March Session with Doug Carpenter

    Doug Carpenter, Principal & Executive Creative Director of Doug Carpenter Associates spoke at the March session to the NEXUS Class of 2023. Doug shared on the topic of “Asking the Right Questions”. Doug shared about the questions he has asked along his journey and said to not be intimidated to ask questions. He said, “Are you afraid of failure, if so, you aren’t going to make it – it’s how... Read More

  • Emily Callahan Shares at NEXUS

    ”Good communicators own their own brand and style.” -Emily Callahan It was an honor to have Emily Callahan, Chief Marketing and Experience Officer for ALSAC-St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital share at the December session on the topic of “Communicating as a Leader”. Emily is a dynamic leader who has a passion for St. Jude, our city, and creating a brand. The Class of 2023 benefited from Emily’s message about communicating... Read More

  • NEXUS Class of 2023

    The Class of 2023 began their NEXUS experience in August with Orientation. The successful event provided an opportunity for Mentors and Proteges to connect with fellow class participants, learn about individual strengths, and participate in training and team building exercises. The impact of the Mentor/Protégé relationship and the interactive, teaching lessons from key Memphis leaders paired with a proven curriculum continues to make NEXUS unique. The Orientation provided the foundation... Read More

  • NEXUS Class of 2023 Meet & Greet

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  • NEXUS NIGHT OUT

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  • Sharing the Success of NEXUS IN MOTION

    Each year NEXUS invites NEXUS Alumni to return and share on timely topics at NEXUS IN MOTION. This year the NEXUS Class of 2022 hosted Sam Coates, Christina Cook, and Cindy Klatt who spoke on important topics which included Stepping Outside of Your Comfort Zone, New Normal Workplace, and Leadership at all Levels. The evening provided messages that impacted those in attendance and an opportunity for several alumni to attend... Read More

  • Indigo Ag’s Barry Knight Shared at NEXUS

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  • NEXUS Volunteers at the MidSouth Food Bank

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  • Bill Seely Inspired at NEXUS

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Upcoming Events

May 4, 2023 - May 4, 2023
NEXUS Celebrates Class of 2023 with Graduation

We are excited to celebrate and honor the Class of 2023 Mentors and Proteges. The NEXUS Graduation and Closing Session will

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April 27, 2023 - April 27, 2023
Recruitment Reception for Class of 2024

Potential Mentors and Proteges are invited to attend an Informational Recruitment Reception on Thursday, April 27 at 5:30pm

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April 13, 2023 - April 13, 2023
NEXUS IN MOTION on April 13

NEXUS Alumni and current participants are invited to be a part of NEXUS IN MOTION on Thursday, April 13; 5:30pm at Second

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Partners

Testimonials

  • Amy Beth Dudley, Dir. of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Board member

    “Mentoring relationships are crucial for both personal and professional growth. Through NEXUS, I have had the honor of both having a mentor and serving as one. A mentor walking alongside you to rejoice in successes and coach you through difficult situations makes all the difference. Serving on the board of NEXUS allows me to provide that connection and opportunity for others in our community.” Amy Beth Dudley, Dir. of Donor Services, Community Foundation of Greater Memphis & NEXUS Board member

  • Mason Massey, Assistant Marketing Manager, AutoZone, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

    “This is a unique opportunity to engage with both, peers and mentors, on current issues facing Memphis and beyond that is difficult to replicate. The relationship with my Mentor is something that I value greatly and will extend beyond the dates of the NEXUS program. It is difficult to put the relationship into words, as it is more of a friendship with someone who has much more life experience and accolades, but it has grown organically without feeling forced and I am very grateful for that.”

  • Jeanette O’Bryant, Development Director, Collage Dance Collective, NEXUS Class of 2022 Mentor

    “This is one of the many great and satisfying programs that Memphis has to further develop and strengthen relationships and support in our community and our careers. I appreciate NEXUS so much for the opportunity and the wonderfully crafted sessions and speakers who graced us often with invaluable knowledge, testimonials and stories that seemed to fit me each month of my personal journey. Jeanette O’Bryant, Development Director, Collage Dance Collective, NEXUS Class of 2022 Mentor

  • Christina Nagy, Human Resources Manager, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

    “When I started NEXUS, I really didn't know what to expect. However, I am so glad that I jumped right into this opportunity. The mentor/protege relationship was a highlight for me. NEXUS gave me the space and perspective I needed to ensure my decisions align with my values. NEXUS has also allowed me to grow my personal network and hear from leaders in a variety of industries. Christina Nagy, Human Resources Manager, Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation, NEXUS Class of 2022 Protégé

  • Kem Wilson, Jr. Principal, Kemmons Wilson Companies, NEXUS Mentor & NEXUS Board Member

    “My favorite question to ask someone is, “What are you doing TODAY, not what you did yesterday or what you plan to do in the future, but what are you doing TODAY, that will have an influence & impact on the next generation?   That is what we are trying accomplish through NEXUS.”    -Kem Wilson, Jr.  Principal, Kemmons Wilson Companies, NEXUS Mentor & NEXUS Board Member

  • ALANA HU PERKOVIĆ, Regional PR Business Partner, First Horizon Bank, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Board Member

    “After participating in NEXUS myself and having a great experience, I wanted to do my part in helping to ensure others have access and the opportunity to be a part of the NEXUS experience as well.”  ALANA HU PERKOVIĆ, Regional PR Business Partner, First Horizon Bank, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Board Member

  • Levernese Mell, Supply Chain Manager, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni & NEXUS Program Committee Volunteer

    “Over a decade ago when I was a Protégé, NEXUS helped me craft my vision for the leader I wanted to be.  As a Mentor, it helped me to grow as a leader especially as it involves assisting others in creating a plan to help them achieve their goals.  As a part of the Program Committee, it has given me an opportunity to provide content for our leaders that will broaden/deepen their leadership perspective.”  Levernese Mell, Supply Chain Manager, International Paper, NEXUS Alumni &

  • Lauren Brown, Sr. Liaison, Direct Marketing-Mass Marketing, ALSAC, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

    “NEXUS has been such a wonderful and memorable experience. The networking, paring of the mentors/protégés, volunteer opportunities, and interactive sessions truly exceeded expectations. I feel confident I have grown from this unique experience and the knowledge I have gained from my phenomenal mentor and inspiring presenters is invaluable.” Lauren Brown, Sr. Liaison, Direct Marketing-Mass Marketing, ALSAC, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

  • Steve French, Retired, NEXUS Mentor, Class of 2021

    “NEXUS was an incredible experience. Beyond the opportunity to mentor a very dynamic and up-and-coming individual, I met a diverse group of seasoned and young professionals from a variety of industries which led to several interesting and thought-provoking discussions. The speakers who spoke with us throughout the year were also very enlightening and offered open and honest dialogue about relevant topics ranging from ethics, planning, crisis management, communication, and several other subjects

  • Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021

     “I am so thankful to be doing NEXUS this year. Yes, adapted and different, but hugely valuable. My mentor has been simply a Godsend in a season where a lot was poised to change even before a global pandemic. NEXUS and that relationship is already such an asset; I'm sure it will only grow. Many thanks for working to allow me this opportunity in such a wild context.”  -Ally Velderman, Director of Camps and Programs, Service Over Self, NEXUS Protégé, Class of 2021