NEXUS Resource List

NEXUS continues to provide a proven curriculum paired with leadership topics each year.  The resources below have been used in the past or are recommendations from NEXUS leaders.

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BOOKS                                            

Title:                                                                                       Author(s):

How Great Leaders Get Great Results                            Baldoni, John

Asking to Win Booklet                                                         Biehl, Bobb

The Effective Board Member                                             Biehl, Bobb

Dream Energy                                                                      Biehl, Bobb

Masterplanning                                                                    Biehl, Bobb

Mentoring                                                                              Biehl, Bobb

30 Days to Confident Leadership                                     Biehl, Bobb

Team Profile Workbook                                                      Biehl, Bobb

The On My Own Handbook                                               Biehl, Bobb

Why You Do What You Do                                                 Biehl, Bobb

Balanced Life and Leadership                                           Birla, Madan

The One Minute Entrepreneur                                          Blanchard, Ken & Hutson, Don

Now, Discover Your Strengths                                          Buckingham, Marcus & Clifton, Donald

Go Put Your Strengths to Work                                         Buckingham, Marcus & Clifton, Donald

The 1 Hour Plan for Growth                                               Calhoun, Joe

Good to Great                                                                       Collins, Jim

Good to Great in the Social Sectors                                 Collins, Jim

Great By Choice                                                                  Collins, Jim & Hansen, Morton

Listen Up Leader!                                                                 Cottrell, David

Everyday Greatness                                                            Covey, Stephen & Reader’s Digest

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People                          Covey, Stephen

The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness           Covey, Stephen

Principle-Centered Leadership                                         Covey, S.R

The Mentor Leader                                                              Dungy, Tony

ShortTrack CEO                                                                   Edmundson, Ken & Sagar, Jim & Setchell, Nick

The Top Ten Mistakes Leaders Make                              Finzel, Kans

True North                                                                             George, Bill

Outliers                                                                                  Gladwell, Malcolm

Tipping Point                                                                        Gladwell, Malcolm

Same Kind of Different As Me                                           Hall, Ron & Moore, Denver

Expect to Win                                                                       Harris, Carla

Winning Teams, Winning Cultures                                   Hart, Sean

Leadership without Easy Answers                                    Heifetz, Ronald A.

As Iron Sharpens Iron                                                         Hendricks, Howard & Hendricks, Williams

The Servant                                                                          Hunter, James

Selling Value                                                                         Hutson, Don

The One Minute Mentor                                                      Hutson, Don
Living Forward                                                                      Hyatt, Michael

The Elements of Mentoring                                                Johnson, Brad W. & Ridley, Charles, R.

How Good People Make Tough Choices                        Kidder, Rushworth

Rich Dad, Poor Dad                                                            Kiyosaki, Robert T. with Lechter, Sharon L.

The ONE Thing                                                                    Keller, Gary & Papasan, Jay

The Leadership Factor                                                        Kotter, J.P.

Leading Change                                                                  Kotter, John P.

Imagine-How Creativity Works                                          Lehrer, John

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team                                      Lencioni, Patrick

The Power of Full Engagement                                        Loehr, Jim & Schwartz, Tony

A Resilient Life                                                                     MacDonald, Gordon

QBQ! The Question Behind the Question:  Practicing Personal Accountability in Work and in Life                                                                                                            Miller, John

Leadership Secrets of the Rogue Warrior                       Marcinko. R

The Rogue Warrior’s Strategy for Success                     Marcinko. R

Shackleton’s Way:  Leadership Lessons from the Great Antarctic Explorer

Morrell, Margot, Capparell, Stephanie & Shackleton, Alexandra

Mentoring 101                                                                      Maxwell, John

Deep Work                                                                            Newport, Cal

Taking People With You                                                     Novak, David

The Pursuit of WOW!,                                                          Peters, T.

Lincoln or Leadership                                                         Phillips, D. T.

Strengths Based Leadership                                             Rath, Tom & Barry Conchie

StrengthsFinders 2.0                                                           Rath, Tom

Positioning:  The Battle for Your Mind                             Ries, Al

Horse Sense: How to Pull Ahead on the Business Track         Ries, Al & Trout, J.

Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun                               Roberts, W.

The Good Mentor                                                                 Rowley, James B.

Driven to Deliver-Nine Life Principles                              Smith, Harry

Leadership above the Line                                                 Sumner, Sharon

Never Order BBQ in Maine                                                 Tanner, Ken

This I Believe                                                                        Terkel, Studs, Allison, Jay & Gediman, Dan

 

ARTICLES & MAGAZINES

13 Behaviors of a High Trust Leader Summary, Covey

The Cutts Group:  Lead From the Front, Leading Through Change

Change Capable Leadership by Bendixen, Campbell, Criswell, & Smith, Center for Creative Leadership

How to Develop your Emotional Intelligence for Better Communication by Eddie Baller, Early to Rise
Fast Company
Magazine, March 2006 10th Anniversary Issue

Security: Power to the People

Forbes: Developing Leadership Influence in Your Industry and With Your Team by Jenn Lofgren

Forbes:  How to Prevent Poor Ethical Decision Making

Forbes:  Expand Your Influence with 10 Timeless Leadership Lessons

Forbes:  Leading Change Management in the Modern Workplace by H.V. MacArthur

Harlem, poem by Langston Hughes

Harvard Business Review:  A Leader’s Framework for Decision Making

Harvard Business Review:  A New Approach to Funding Social Enterprises

Harvard Business Review:  A Story About Motivation” by Peter Bregman

Harvard Business Review: “A Way to Plan If You’re Bad at Planning” by Elizabeth Grace Saunders

Harvard Business Review:  Be a Better Leader, Have a Richer Life

Harvard Business Review:  Becoming the Boss

Harvard Business Review:  Building Your Company’s Vision

Harvard Business Review:  A Culture of Candor

Harvard Business Review:  How to Be an Inspiring Leader” by Eric Garton

Harvard Business Review:  How Will You Measure Your Life?

Harvard Business Review:  Instead of Making Resolutions, Dream

Harvard Business Review:  Leading Change, Why Transformation Efforts Fail

Harvard Business Review:  Managers and Leaders, Are They Different?

Harvard Business Review:  Radical Change, The Quite Way” by Debra Meyerson

Harvard Business Review:  Regret and Disappointment-Their Ethical Role

Harvard Business Review:  Seven Transformations of Leadership

Harvard Business ReviewSuccess that Lasts

Harvard Business ReviewThe Focused Leader

Harvard Business Review Blog Network:  The Magic of Doing One Thing at a Time

Harvard Business Review Blog Network:  Train Your Brian To Focus

Harvard Business Review:  Where Will We Find Tomorrow’s Leaders

Harvard Business Review:  Why Good Managers Make Bad Ethical Choices

Harvard Business Review: Why Leaders Lose Their Way

Harvard Business Review:  Why Transformation Efforts Fail

Harvard Business Review:  Why Mentoring Matters in a Hypercompetitive World?

Harvard Business School:  HBS Faculty on 2010’s Biggest Business Developments

Leadership Skill #2: Finding and Sharing Your Dream by Steve Tappin

Memphis Magazine, April 2008

            “Martin Luther King:  The Man, The Mountaintop”

Psychology Today:  Wired for Success-How to fulfill your Potential

Eye to Eye-How to Manage Generational Difference in the Workplace

U.S. World & New Report:  The Matter with Mainstream

“Think Big, Dream Bigger:  6 Lessons from Elon Musk to Change the World”

 

 

MEDIA

“10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation” by Celeste Headlee

“Develop a Plan, Make the Impossible Possible” by Amara Leggett, TEDx

“The Most Inspiring Speech:  The Wisdom of a Third Grade Dropout Will Change Your Life” by Rick Rigsby, Goalcast

“The Surprising Trust About What Motivates Us” by Daniel Pink, YouTube

“How I Built This with Guy Raz, Southwest Airlines:  Herb Kelleher” Podcast

“How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Discussing Race” by Jay Smooth,TedX

“How Legendary Leaders Speak” by Robin Sharma

“How to Find and Do Work You Love” by Scott Dinsmore, TED Talk

“How to Live Before You Die”, by Steve Jobs, TED Talk

“How to Speak so That People Will Want Listen”, by Julian Treasure, TED Talk

“How Great Leaders Inspire Action”, by Stewart Sinek

“Our Buggy Moral Code” by Dan Ariely, TED Talk

“The Dilemma of Discovery” Crosstown, TED Talk

“The Spring – The Charity Water Story” by Scott Harrison, YouTube

“What it takes to be a Great Leader” by Roselinde TorresTED Talk

“Why You Shouldn’t Be Afraid to Dream” by Bob Goff PODCAST- Building a StoryBrand with Donald Miller

Announcements

  • 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
  • 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

    NEXUS Class of 2023 Mentors and Proteges had the opportunity to meet fellow class members and NEXUS Board of Directors prior to the class orientation. Special thanks to Perkins-Everitt Lighting & Controls for hosting. Read More
  • NEXUS NIGHT OUT

    Members of the NEXUS Network attended the annual NEXUS NIGHT OUT event this spring at the home of NEXUS Alumni Norma and Kem Wilson. The event offered the opportunity to connect and re-connect with fellow members of the NEXUS Network. Special thanks to the Wilsons for hosting the event. Read More
  • 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

    It was an honor to have Barry Knight, Senior Vice President of Indigo Ag speak to the NEXUS Class of 2022 at the March session. Barry spoke on the topic of “Focusing as a Leader” and shared what his mentors have taught him through the years. Read More
  • NEXUS Volunteers at the MidSouth Food Bank

    In October, members of the NEXUS Class of 2023 volunteered at the Mid-South Food Bank and had an opportunity to see first-hand the impact the Mid-South Food Bank is having on those in need in our community. Read More
  • Bill Seely Inspired at NEXUS

    Bill Seely, President and CEO of Varsity Spirit spoke to the NEXUS Class of 2022 at the November session on the topic of “Leading Through Change”. Bill shared his journey and the things he has learned along the way. He was intentional, humble, and honest with his message. Read More

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