Testimonials

NEXUS has been an outstanding experience for me. It has allowed me to meet other ambitious, sophisticated, thriving young pros in the Memphis area. This opportunity with nexus has placed me in front of respected, firmly established, business men and women from various industries on a monthly basis. I've met CEO, VP's, and Senior Pastors, to name a few. I must say, had it not been for NEXUS it would have been really hard for me to get face-time with these people on a consistent basis.

Jacari Lewis, NEXUS Protege, Class of 2016Content -

NEXUS has facilitated and exemplified one of the best things about living in this city, which is the willingness of the community to help each other grow personally and professionally. It never ceases to amaze me how open and welcoming the leaders in the community are towards the emerging professionals. My time with all of you reinforced my devotion to this city and I will always be very grateful to the organization, the speakers, and of course my Mentor.

Pedro Velasquez-Rodriguez, NEXUS Protege, Class of 2016Content -

I really enjoyed the NEXUS expierence and hope to stay involved as an alum, as well as continue the relationship with my mentor. It’s exciting to see and hear so many of us that are passionate about making positive changes in our city and community. Richard Collins, Client Services Advisor, Metropolitan Bank & NEXUS Class of 2015

Richard Collins, NEXUS Class of 2015Content -

As a native Memphian, when I came back home from college, I was looking for a program that would help me plug back into Memphis. Over the last year, Nexus has given me that opportunity. NEXUS is a great program which allows young professionals, who are passionate about this city, to learn from current leaders the skills needed to guide Memphis to a bright and promising future. Jack Steffner, Associate, Newmark Grubb Memphis, NEXUS Protege, Class of 2015

Jack Steffner, NEXUS Class of 2015Content -

I heard someone say, “Inspiration without Instruction is Useless”. NEXUS has given me inspiration. INSPIRATION through the leaders that have come every month to share their wisdom. INSTRUCTION, by giving me the best mentor a person can have. Rodney A. Johnson, NEXUS Protege, Family Advocate Counselor, University of Tennessee AND Director of Love Builder/ Neighborhood Christian Center, Inc.

Rodney Johnson, NEXUS Class of 2014Content -

NEXUS is an amazing opportunity! It allows you to build a meaningful relationship with your protégé and help their continued growth, give back to the community, hear insightful speakers, and network with others in the area you may have never met. I went into this experience excited about being a mentor and playing a role in another’s development. However, NEXUS has also provided me the opportunity to learn and grow as a leader.

Dana Armstrong, NEXUS Class of 2014Content -

Video Testimonials

Sandy Willson

Bethany McRae, NEXUS protege talks about her experience.

Bethany McRae

NEXUS protege Amy Strickland talks about her experience in the class of 2019.

Amy Strickland

NEXUS Protege/Mentor-Jill & Hayley

Mentor-Jill & Hayley

Announcements

AutoZone’s Rebecca Givens Rice Shares on the Power of the Question

It was an honor to have AutoZone’s Rebecca Givens Rice as our speaker. Rebecca is the Vice President of Human Resources for AutoZone and shared on how to be an effective and compassionate leader by asking the right questions. She said, “The best leaders don’t have the best answers, they ask better questions.” And by doing this you show respect, build trust and loyalty and retain members of your team.... Read More
Sylvamo’s Page Boden Spoke at the February Session

“Don’t be fancy, be effective and concise.” – Page Boden It was a privilege to have Page Boden, Director of Communications for Sylvamo speak at the Class of 2026 February session. Page shared how to communicate as an effective leader and referenced the book Smart Brevity. A FEW POINTS Put Your Audience First Punch Through the Clutter Communicate Clearly + Concisely Make Every Word Count Say More with Less Read More
Actual Intelligence: Using AI to Lead with Clarity and Courage

NEXUS Alumni and Code Crew School’s ToNaya Gulley Pye recently led a NEXUS Workshop titled Actual Intelligence: Using AI to Lead with Clarity and Courage. The information she shared will help equip our leaders through AI. Alumni are invited to join us for monthly speaker sessions and special events. Make a reservation with NEXUS. #nexusleaders #leadershipdevelopment #mentoringmatters Read More
Leading in Our Community

Heather Hunt, NEXUS Executive Director recently represented NEXUS as a panelist at the NBMBAA meeting along with several NEXUS Alumni. The focus was “Leading in our Community”. Special thanks to NBMBAA for the invitation. #nexusleaders #leadershipdevelopment #mentoringmatters Read More
Rob Carter Returned to NEXUS to discuss “Leading with AI”

NEXUS started the new year at the January session with Rob Carter, recently retired CTO & CIO for FedEx Global. Rob and NEXUS Board member Sridhar Sunkara, founder of enaiblr had a conversation on the topic of “Leading With AI”. The conversation started with how technology has transformed. We were encouraged to embrace AI as leaders and use the tool as critical thinkers. Rob mentioned when thinking of AI, be... Read More
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from NEXUS

On behalf of the NEXUS Board of Directors, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the new year be filled with purpose, growth, and meaningful impact. Thank you for your ongoing support for NEXUS. Read More
NEXUS Alumni and Judge Valerie Smith Shared at NEXUS

At the December session, alumni and members of the Class of 2026 had the opportunity to hear Judge Valerie Smith speak. NEXUS Alumni Valerie Smith and Court of Appeals Judge for the Western Section spoke on the topic of “Ethical Leadership”. She shared her experiences and asked the class to ponder the question, “How do you want others to see you?”. Contact NEXUS to request the speaker’s audio. Read More
Lunch with Leaders

Members of the NEXUS Network had the opportunity to network and be inspired by NEXUS leaders. During Lunch with Leaders Chris Coleman, Caroline Kuebler, and Bathsheba Sams shared their personal leadership journeys and the insights they’ve gained through experience. Read More
NEXUS Alumni Returns as November Session Speaker

Alumni and members of the NEXUS Class of 2026 had the privilege to hear NEXUS Alumni Brooke Jones, Director for Strategy for Martin Brower return to NEXUS and speak at the November session. Brooke spoke on the topic of “Focusing as a Leader” and shared that it’s okay to give yourself permission and grace to be focused in the moment – that will set you up on the right path... Read More
Doug McGowan Shared with NEXUS Class of 2026

Doug McGowan, President and CEO for MLGW spoke to the NEXUS Class of 2026 at the October session. Doug is a dynamic leader that spoke on the topic of “Planning as a Leader”. Doug’s remarks and examples provided valuable take-aways applicable to everyone. He discussed four kinds of Work/Buckets -Day to Day Work -Process Improvement -Break Through Thinking -Critical/Crisis Action Planning Plan + Metrics / Activity + Outcome / Measure... Read More