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

  • The NEXUS Intersection Podcast – Episode Four Released

    Ignacio Vincentelli is the guest on the newly released NEXUS Podcast and talks about “Building Your Personal Team”. He shares the decisions he has made and how he has utilized “his team” along the way and why it’s so important to live in the present. Ignacio is Senior Counsel for International Paper and a NEXUS Alumni and Board member. LISTEN HERE. Read More
  • Sylvia Martinex Kicked Off Sessions for Class of 2024

    The first speaker session for the NEXUS Class of 2024 took place on September 7 with Sylvia Martinez. Sylvia is the newly announced CEO for Girls, Inc. Sylvia shared about her journey as a leader and the things she has learned along the way focused on the leadership topic of “Planning”. Read More
  • NEXUS Podcast – Episode Three Released

    A NEXUS Podcast – THE NEXUS INTERSECTION The third episode of the NEXUS Podcast with co-hosts Ephie Ballard Johnson and Heather Hunt. A conversation with NEXUS Alumni and Program Committee volunteer William Franklin. William shares the tough conversations he had with himself and mentors as he “Transition Careers” from a safe, corporate position to being employee number four with a startup company. William is currently the Vice President for Path... Read More
  • NEW Podcast Release

    “The NEXUS Intersection” – A NEXUS Podcast The NEXUS podcast provides a diverse approach to leadership with interviews from NEXUS Alumni and key leaders in our city about timely topics, leadership journeys, and the backbone of any good leader – their mentors. Check out the second episode with co-hosts Ephie Ballard Johnson and Heather Hunt and the meaningful conversation with NEXUS Alumni Cami Fields. Cami is Manager of Strategic Marketing... Read More
  • NEXUS Launches Podcast “The NEXUS Intersection”

    This podcast will provide a diverse approach to leadership with interviews from NEXUS Alumni and key leaders in our city about timely topics, leadership journeys, and the backbone of any good leader – their mentors. We created this podcast titled “The NEXUS Intersection”, to provide our listeners with a diverse approach to leadership by interviewing NEXUS alumni and other key leaders in our community. In each episode, our co-hosts Ephie... Read More
  • Congratulations to the NEXUS Class of 2023!

    Congratulations to the NEXUS Class of 2023!! NEXUS successfully provided an engaging and meaningful NEXUS experience this year. NEXUS recently celebrated the Class of 2023 with NEXUS Graduation. This special event was hosted at the office of Kemmons Wilson Companies with Kayla Rodriguez Graff as the keynote speaker. On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, it was a privilege to honor Kem Wilson, jr. and announce the Kem Wilson... Read More
  • NEXUS Night Out was a Success

    The annual NEXUS Night Out was a success bringing the current class participants and NEXUS Alumni together to connect. Special thanks to NEXUS ALumni Norma and Kem Wilson for hosting this event. To learn more about how to re-engage as a NEXUS Alum contact heather@nexusleaders.org. Read More
  • NEXUS IN MOTION

    NEXUS IN MOTION took place on Thursday, April 13 with Alumni returning and serving as a table leaders along with a keynote message. The event provide valuable face time and personal interaction among members of the NEXUS Network. Dr. Russ Wigginton, President of the National Civil Rights Museum was the keynote speaker on the topic of “Dreaming as a Leader.” Special Thanks to the TABLE LEADERS Including Their TOPICS LYNN... Read More
  • NEXUS + Streets Ministries

    Members of the NEXUS Class of 2023 recently volunteered at the Graham location of Streets Ministries. Each year, NEXUS selects non-profits to learn more about and volunteer with. Streets Ministries is impacting the youth in our city daily. Read More
  • NEXUS Welcomes the Class of 2024

    The Class of 2024 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. 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 for a successful year... Read More

Upcoming Events

December 7, 2023 - December 7, 2023
NEXUS December Speaker Will Be Ericka DeBruce

Ericka DeBruce, Chief Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Officer for ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

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November 2, 2023 - November 2, 2023
Jason Wexler Will Speak on Nov. 2

The NEXUS Class of 2024 2ill host Jason Wexler, President for the Memphis Grizzlies to speak on the leadership topic

Read More
October 5, 2023 - October 5, 2023
Tom Cleves Returns to NEXUS on 10.5.23

Tom Cleves, SVP – Corporate Affairs for Slyvamo will return to NEXUS and speak to the Class of 2024 on the topic of

Read More

Partners

Testimonials

  • Daniel Pouget, VP – Commercial Banker, Simmons Bank & NEXUS Class of 2023 Protégé

  • Cameron Mann, Director of Corporate Partnerships, Methodist Le Bonheur & NEXUS Class of 2023 Mentor

  • YJ Lee, Marketing Advisor, Connect Healthcare & NEXUS Class of 2023 Protégé

  • Faedra Carter, Manufacturing Excellence Consultant, International Paper & NEXUS Class of 2023 Mentor

  • Travis Moody, CEO, Forward Memphis & NEXUS Class of 2023 Mentor

  • Will Adair, Construction Project Manager, CrestCore & NEXUS Class of 2023 Protégé

  • Andrew Mok, Category Manager, AutoZone & NEXUS Class of 2023 Protégé

  • 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