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In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Sylvester Chisom — co-founder of the Show Me the World Project — to talk about how a mission-driven coffee company is sending St. Louis students on life-changing trips around the globe. What starts as a conversation about great coffee turns into a masterclass in social entrepreneurship — from a chance grocery store run on a Costa Rican coffee farm to a brand now sold at farmers markets, cafes, and even the airport across Saint Louis. Sylvester breaks down how he and co-founder Samantha built a business where every bag sold funds a student's first passport stamp. This episode covers experiential education, social enterprise, and the mindset shifts it takes to scale a mission-driven business — plus the entrepreneurial roots that shaped Sylvester long before Show Me the World existed. This episode's highlights include: • A mission-driven coffee company that's sent 150+ St. Louis students abroad — including 30 kids to Colombia this June. • The grocery store moment that turned coffee into an empowered fundraising tool instead of a handout. • His mentor's rule for growth: "You don't solve fewer problems — you exchange your problem set." Whether it's a bag of coffee, a school swap, or a mentor's hard truth about problem-solving, Sylvester's story is a masterclass in building a business that changes lives while it scales. Want to get involved? Grab a bag of Show Me the World coffee at the Tower Grove Farmers Market, Midtown Cafe, Great American Bagel, or Lambert International Airport — or set up a fundraiser for your own school, team, or organization through the Show Me the Cause platform. Connect with Sylvester Chisom  ▶ https://www.sylvesterchisom.com/ Show Me the World Project ▶ https://showmetheworldproject.org/ 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: I nstagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/  Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Jeshua Pearson — mental health advocate and communications team member at East Side Aligned — to talk about breaking the silence around mental health in the Black community. Jeshua opens up about a childhood marked by instability in East St. Louis, the years he spent being everyone else's "strong friend" while hiding his own pain, and the 2024 collapse that finally forced him to ask for help. It's a raw, honest conversation about what happens when the mask comes off — and what's possible on the other side. Jamal and Jeshua dig into the stigma around mental health in Black communities, what it actually takes to rebuild after loss, and how faith, therapy, and community carried Jeshua through his lowest year. Note: This episode includes candid discussion of mental illness, grief, and personal hardship. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a trusted support system or a mental health professional." This episode's highlights include:  - Growing up in East St. Louis — gunshots at night, an eviction, and bathing in a small tub with microwaved water.  - The "strong friend" trap: wearing a smile so nobody else has to carry your weight.  - Discovering his dad's bipolar disorder and schizophrenia at 13, the same year his grandparents passed and his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer.  - Hitting rock bottom in 2024 — eight deaths, a lost apartment, and a job he had to walk away from.  - His three-part lifeline: faith, therapy, and two friends who took him in when he had nowhere to go. Jeshua's story is proof that healing isn't linear — but faith, community, and the willingness to ask for help can turn your lowest moment into your life's mission. Want to support the work? East Side Aligned helps kids across Greater East St. Louis thrive — follow along and learn more through the link below. https://www.eastsidealigned.org/ Connect with Jeshua Pearson Instagram ▶ @jlp_98  East Side Aligned ▶ @eastsidealigned (https://www.instagram.com/eastsidealigned/) 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/  Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Keisha Mabry — educator, workforce development leader, and certified AI educator — to talk about building a portfolio career rooted in curiosity, obedience to vision, and a refusal to be boxed into one lane. From an 8th grade science classroom to leading tech workforce development in the AI era, Keisha's path is proof that a career doesn't have to be linear to be intentional. This conversation is packed with practical frameworks for anyone rethinking their next move, wrestling with whether to adopt AI, or trying to figure out how to tell their own "nonlinear" story with confidence. Among the biggest themes covered: how to build and narrate a portfolio career using tools like the "three-word bio," the Jobs to Be Done framework, and the Business Model Canvas; how to adopt AI without losing your own judgment, empathy, or critical thinking; and how reframing fear as curiosity can change the way women (and everyone else) approach risk in their careers. This episode's highlights include: • Keisha's "three-word bio" framework: educator, builder, connector. • Why she calls her nonlinear path a "portfolio career" — and why more people will follow it. • Using "Jobs to Be Done" and the Business Model Canvas to pitch your transferable skills. • A lesson from training 20,000 founders: build a "pain pill," not a "vitamin." • Her rule for adopting AI: start with your workflow, not the tools. • Why she closed her event space, Heydays, with no backup plan — and trusted obedience over fear. • Inside Per Scholas: no-cost, 15-week tech training that's placed hundreds in St. Louis. • A first look at her AI Summit at Cortex on October 17th. From the classroom to the boardroom to the tech bootcamp, Keisha's throughline is simple: stay curious, be obedient to the vision, and don't build alone. If you're curious about a career in tech, Per Scholas St. Louis offers no-cost, 15-week training with job placement support for anyone 18+ with a GED or equivalent — and Keisha's AI Summit at Cortex is coming up on October 17th, with more details to be announced soon. Connect with Keisha Mabry  Instagram ▶ @keishamabry  LinkedIn ▶ linkedin.com/in/keishamabry  Website ▶ https://keishamabry.com/  🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday  🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/  Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Coach Will Franklin — head football coach at University City High School and former NFL player — to talk about resilience, identity, and what it means to come home and give back to the city that raised him. Will's story is a masterclass in patience and reinvention: a kid from North St. Louis who dreamed of the NFL, sat out a full year of high school ball only to have Mizzou believe in him first, built a historic senior season across three sports, and then had to rebuild his entire sense of self after his NFL career ended. If you've ever wondered what really happens after the spotlight fades — or what it takes to lead young people through their own version of that journey — this conversation hits different. Throughout the episode, Jamal and Will dig into mentorship and identity beyond sports, the mental toughness required to do the work when no one's watching, and how investing in home — literally and figuratively — can transform a community. This episode's highlights include: • Growing up in inner-city St. Louis, discovering basketball and football in the neighborhood, and catching his first real recognition in eighth grade. • Transferring high schools, sitting out an entire season, and how Mizzou's junior-year scholarship offer became the turning point in his recruitment. • A historic senior year that took his football team to the semifinals, his basketball team to a 31-0 undefeated state title, and himself to a state track title. • The mental toughness lesson from track and field about doing the work quietly, with no immediate reward, because "the finish line seems far away." • Falling into depression after being released from his last NFL team, and the phone call from his friend Tony Ernst that pulled him into coaching. • Learning to coach the whole person — helping student-athletes figure out who they are outside of the sport before that identity crisis finds them later in life. • Coming home to St. Louis instead of staying in Phoenix, because giving back to the community that produced him mattered more than a quiet retirement. • Building the culture at University City High School from 32 players to 86, upgrading facilities, and creating a path for student-athletes to graduate with an associate's degree and walk into college debt-free. Will and Jamal close it out with real talk on patience — as a first-time head coach, as a parent, and as anyone trying to build something worth building — plus advice for the next generation of coaches on what the job actually demands. Want to see it in person? University City football's first home game is September 11th at 7:00 PM against Northwest, on a newly upgraded field. Come check out the program Coach Franklin is building. Connect with Coach Will Franklin LinkedIn ▶ William Franklin 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Robert L. Powell III — founder and CEO of the BGG Foundation and former PlayStation employee — to talk about how he's turning gaming from a "hobby" into a real career pathway for St. Louis youth. Whether you're a gamer, a parent, an educator, or just curious how esports scholarships actually work, this conversation breaks down an industry most people still don't fully understand. In this episode, Jamal and Robert dig into how gaming can be a vehicle for mentorship, workforce development, and violence prevention — and why Saint Louis has been slow to catch up. This episode's highlights include: • Robert's journey from Saint Louis Public Schools and SLU to working at Sony on the PlayStation line, and why he left to start his own foundation. • How the BGG Foundation runs gaming programs in schools and county libraries to help kids earn esports scholarships. • The difference between "passive" screen time (doom scrolling) and "active" screen time (competitive gaming) — and why it matters for kids' attention spans and critical thinking. • Why so few local kids end up on esports rosters at Saint Louis University, Maryville, Lindenwood, and other regional schools, despite those programs existing right in their backyard. • A preview of the Got Game Tournament on July 25th at the St. Louis County Library's Clark Family Branch, featuring Super Smash Bros, Brawlhalla, and 2XKO, with $500 cash prizes and scholarship opportunities on the line. • The launch of the Saint Louis Gaming League, a 21-and-up competitive league that faces off against Chicago and Detroit. • Robert's advice to young people trying to find their path: be bold, follow what you love, and actually tap into your community instead of just watching from the sidelines. From growing up gaming in his grandmother's basement to building scholarship pipelines for the next generation, this episode is a reminder that community — not competition — is what moves a city forward. Get involved: visit the BGG Foundation's website to donate, check the esports leaderboards, browse the esports directory, or come out to a tournament or library program. Connect with Robert L. Powell III  Instagram Personal ▶ @robbruhbruh  Instagram Company BGG Foundation ▶ @bggfndn Linkedin ▶ https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-l-powell-iii/?skipRedirect=true 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday  🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

What does it really take to walk away from the career you thought was your calling? How do you know when passion for your work has quietly turned into burnout? And what can losing 200 pounds and finishing a marathon teach us about what we're actually capable of? 🏃‍♂️💪🌱 In this episode of Gateway to Growth, our host Jim Cornelius sits down with Dr. Jonathan Solomon, Partnership Director at an ed-tech company, to explore what it takes to reinvent yourself — professionally, physically, and personally. Jonathan's own path winds from growing up between Cleveland, Minnesota, and Los Angeles while he and his sister were in foster care, to becoming a first-generation college student at Langston University, to eventually pivoting out of higher education and into ed-tech for the sake of his own health. He shares how his family's struggle with addiction shaped his early identity around school and learning, and how that same intensity later put him on a path toward burnout. Throughout the conversation, Jonathan breaks down the self-preservation instinct that pushed him to leave higher ed after nearly a decade, how his wife helped him recognize blind spots he couldn't see in himself, and how losing almost 200 pounds and completing the LA Marathon reshaped his understanding of his own capacity. He also offers candid advice for anyone standing at the edge of their own career pivot. This episode explores: Jonathan's personal story, from foster care in Cleveland to first-generation college student at an HBCU.Why he made the leap from higher education student affairs into ed-tech.The self-preservation instinct behind walking away from a “calling.”How his wife helped him recognize burnout blind spots he couldn't see himself.Losing nearly 200 pounds and completing the LA Marathon while cramping from mile 8.Building men's mental health community through Yoga With Your Bros and the Run Crew.Why he chose Saint Louis, and how he built (and was built into) community there.Practical advice for anyone considering a career pivot, and sitting with fear instead of waiting for it to pass. Whether you're navigating your own burnout, weighing a career pivot, or just need a reminder that you're capable of more than you think, this conversation is a powerful look at what it means to bet on yourself. Connect with Dr. Jonathan SolomonInstagram & TikTok ▶ @dr.jsolo 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

What does it really take to welcome someone into a brand new country? How does immigration shape the growth of a city like Saint Louis? And what can nonprofit work teach us about building a career rooted in purpose? 🌍🤝🏙️ In this episode of Gateway to Growth, our host sits down with Blake Hamilton, President and CEO of the International Institute of St. Louis, to explore the story of immigration in Saint Louis — past, present, and future. Blake's own path winds from a multicultural border town in South Texas, to living and working in China as an outsider learning to navigate a new culture, to leading one of the region's most impactful nonprofits. He shares his family's own immigration story — including his great-grandfather's journey fleeing conscription in Russia — and how that legacy shapes his approach to welcoming newcomers today. Throughout the conversation, Blake breaks down the 105+ year history of the International Institute, why immigration is essential to a growing, prosperous region, and how initiatives like Move to STL are working to attract new residents to the city. He also offers candid advice for anyone considering a career in the nonprofit sector. This episode explores:  • Blake's personal and family immigration story, from South Texas to China to Saint Louis.  • The 105+ year history and mission of the International Institute of St. Louis.  • Why immigration is critical to reversing population decline and driving regional growth.  • How Bosnian immigrants transformed the Bevo neighborhood into "Little Bosnia."  • Addressing the misconception that welcoming immigrants is a "zero-sum game."  • The Move to STL initiative and why Saint Louis is an underrated destination for newcomers.  • Career advice for anyone looking to break into nonprofit and service-oriented work.  • The power of board service, volunteering, and networking in the nonprofit space.  • Everything you need to know about the Festival of Nations. Whether you're passionate about community development, considering a career in the nonprofit sector, or just curious about the forces shaping Saint Louis' future, this conversation offers a powerful look at why welcoming newcomers is one of the smartest investments a region can make. Connect with the International Institute of St. Louis:  Website ▶ https://festofnations.com/ Festival of Nations ▶ August 29th & 30th, Tower Grove Park 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/  Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

What skills will matter most in an AI-driven economy? How can universities better prepare students for the future of work? And what role can community, leadership, and even relationships play in shaping the future of a city? 🤖🎓🌆 In this episode of Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with Jackson Nickerson, Dean of the Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business at Saint Louis University, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, leadership, higher education, and the future of St. Louis. Jackson's career journey spans engineering, academia, and executive leadership. He began as a control systems engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, helping manage communications for spacecraft exploring our solar system. He later spent more than 25 years as a professor and administrator at Washington University's Olin Business School before joining Saint Louis University, where he now leads one of the region's top business schools. A nationally recognized scholar in leadership, strategy, and innovation, Jackson has authored six books and more than 85 academic publications focused on organizational performance, innovation, and leadership. Under his leadership, the Chaifetz School is pursuing a vision where "Mission Meets the Market," preparing students to combine ethical leadership with practical business expertise in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the conversation, Jackson shares why human-centered leadership is becoming more valuable as AI advances, how SLU is reimagining business education, and why attracting and retaining young professionals may be one of the most important challenges facing St. Louis. This episode explores: • Jackson's journey from NASA engineer to business school dean. • Why AI is making human skills more valuable, not less. • The leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills employers are seeking today. • How SLU is redesigning business education to prepare students for an AI-enabled workforce. • The concept of dignity-based leadership and why it matters in today's workplace. • How cooperative education programs can help students graduate with real-world experience and less debt. • The growing challenge facing young professionals entering the workforce. • Why career development is becoming more important than simply finding a job. • Jackson's perspective on St. Louis' population challenges and retaining young talent. • Creative ideas for building stronger community connections and helping St. Louis grow. Whether you're a student, business leader, entrepreneur, or professional navigating rapid changes in the workplace, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of leadership, education, career growth, and the uniquely human skills that will matter most in an AI-driven world. Connect with Saint Louis University: Instagram: sluchaifetzbiz TikTok: sluchaifetzbiz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/sluchaifetzbiz 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/

What does it look like to build a successful career while also pursuing your passions and creating meaningful community? 🎧✨🏃🏾‍♀️ In this episode of Gateway to Growth, Jamal Cornelious sits down with St. Louis creative, community builder, and entrepreneur Anastasia Harris to explore how she balances a career in public health research while growing multiple passion-driven ventures. Anastasia wears many hats: clinical research associate, DJ, track coach, founder of Run It Back Track Club, mentor, and community advocate. Throughout the conversation, she shares how St. Louis became the perfect place to blend her professional ambitions with her creative pursuits and why community has been the foundation of her success. This episode explores: • How Anastasia built a career in maternal and child health research while pursuing creative passions outside of work. • The story behind Run It Back, St. Louis' adult track and field club creating space for former athletes and newcomers alike. • Why community support has been critical to turning ideas into reality. • The challenges of balancing a full-time career, entrepreneurship, creativity, and leadership. • Lessons on avoiding burnout through intentional rest, structure, and boundaries. • How she's growing her DJ career and helping others break into corporate event opportunities. • The importance of delegation, building teams, and learning to let go of control as organizations grow. • Advice for professionals looking to pursue creative passions alongside their corporate careers. • Why St. Louis continues to be a city where entrepreneurs, artists, and community builders can thrive. Key Takeaways 💡 • Start before you're ready—perfection isn't required to begin. • Creative pursuits require discipline, consistency, and sacrifice. • Community can accelerate growth in ways you can't accomplish alone. • Rest is just as important as productivity when pursuing multiple goals. • Building something meaningful means learning not to take every setback personally. Whether you're navigating a career transition, building a side project, pursuing creative work, or searching for ways to connect more deeply with your community, Anastasia's story offers practical insights and inspiration for creating a life that blends purpose, passion, and impact. Connect with Anastasia:   Run it Back Instagram ▶   https://www.instagram.com/runitbacktrackclub/?hl=en   Personal Instagram ▶   https://www.instagram.com/papistazi/?hl=en    LinkedIn ▶https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-harris-mph-ches-91315863/   Run it Back Website ▶ https://www.joinrunitback.com/?utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPOTM2NjE5NzQzMzkyNDU5AAGnM-IS5OCd40HohE0OXpEq0BLm86uo0wRyoUhw6OtifTfp6RQBYzxsY20-Dx8_aem_S8TxKEYSJTbAFsFwQoor9A  Connect with Gateway to Growth:  Instagram ▶   / gateway_to_growth   🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop bi-weekly on Monday 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶   / stlbucketlist    Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/ab...

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with entrepreneur, inventor, and Posie Pots founder Kay Wells for an inspiring conversation about career pivots, entrepreneurship, innovation, and finding purpose through creation. Kay shares her journey from working as a mechanical engineer for companies like Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Amazon to leaving the corporate world and launching Posie Pots — a patented self-watering planter designed to make plant care easier and more accessible. She reflects on her background in aerospace engineering, advanced manufacturing, and 3D printing, and how those experiences unexpectedly laid the foundation for entrepreneurship. The conversation explores startup growth, innovation, resilience, and the realities of building a business from the ground up. Kay opens up about turning an idea into a product, receiving early support through St. Louis’ startup ecosystem, landing opportunities with Walmart, Good Morning America, and Shark Tank, and navigating the emotional highs and lows that come with scaling a company. Kay also discusses mentorship, creating opportunities through STEM education and 3D printing programs, empowering future entrepreneurs, and why St. Louis continues to be an important place for innovation and community building. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, founders, engineers, creatives, and anyone considering a career pivot or pursuing an idea they feel called to build. Connect with Kay Wells & Posie Pots:   Company Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/PosiePot/   Personal Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/kaywells_posiepots/   LinkedIn ▶ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kionna-h-wells/   Website ▶ https://www.posiepot.com/ 🎙 New episodes of Gateway to Growth drop regularly. 🔔 Subscribe for future episodes exploring leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth. 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ https://stlbucketlist.com/ 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with for a thoughtful conversation about entrepreneurship, community building, and what it really means to create meaningful work and culture. Matt shares his journey from growing up in Iowa and studying engineering to finding purpose through nonprofit work, entrepreneurship, and community leadership in St. Louis. He reflects on how experiences with AmeriCorps and youth-focused nonprofit work shaped his perspective on service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others. The conversation explores topics like workplace culture, leadership, mentorship, entrepreneurship, and the evolving nature of careers in today’s world. Matt discusses the importance of finding purpose beyond a paycheck, building authentic relationships, creating environments where people can thrive, and why strong communities are essential for long-term growth and innovation. Matt also shares practical advice for young professionals looking to build their network, navigate career transitions, and get more involved in their local community through service, mentorship, and meaningful connection. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, young professionals, nonprofit leaders, and anyone looking to build a more intentional career and community. Connect with Matt Menietti:  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattmenietti/  TechArtista Website: https://www.techartista.org/ 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO  Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram  Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Vanessa Cooksey, President and CEO of the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, for a powerful conversation about leadership, purpose, and the role of arts in building stronger communities. Vanessa shares her dynamic and non-linear career journey—from working at Mary Kay and Cartoon Network to leadership roles across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors—ultimately leading one of the largest public funders of the arts in the region. She reflects on the challenges of navigating change, stepping into executive leadership, and the importance of relationships, integrity, and community in shaping both career and impact. The conversation dives deep into themes like inclusive leadership, organizational culture, career growth, and the power of the arts to create access, belonging, and opportunity. Vanessa also shares practical advice on succeeding in new roles, building meaningful connections, and staying grounded in your purpose. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, stepping into leadership, or looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. Connect with Vanessa Cooksey: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafc/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/regional-arts-commission-of-st-louis/ Company Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stlouisarts/ 🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday. 🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON:  Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ [email protected]  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

On this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Mikala McGhee Bass for a powerful conversation about growth, reinvention, and the winding path of a modern career. Mikala shares her journey from being a student-athlete to working service jobs after college, breaking into broadcasting, winning Miss Missouri USA, and ultimately building a career in corporate communications. Along the way, she opens up about the challenges of career pivots, the importance of resilience, and how every experience helped shape her professional identity. The conversation explores key themes like personal branding, storytelling, leadership, and the evolving role of communications in today’s world—including how professionals can leverage AI to stay ahead. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating change, building their career, or learning how to turn every experience into opportunity. Connect with Mikala Mcghee Bass: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikalamcghee/  Booking Inquiries: https://forms.gle/UNgnKbiT33awGELH6  Personal Instagram: @mikalamcghee  🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Dr. Darryl Diggs, Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility at the Special School District of St. Louis County, for a powerful conversation about leadership, education, and the impact of relationships. Originally from Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Diggs shares how his journey, from living overseas to growing up in St. Louis, shaped his perspective on people, community, and service. Through a wide range of experiences in education and beyond, he developed a leadership philosophy rooted in curiosity, authenticity, and helping others reach their full potential. Dr. Diggs breaks down what diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility really mean in practice and why the work is often misunderstood. At its core, he explains, it is about creating environments where people feel seen, heard, and empowered to contribute, whether in schools, workplaces, or communities. The conversation also explores the realities of navigating large organizations and building a career with purpose. From early jobs and unexpected mentors to leading through challenges like COVID and complex school systems, Dr. Diggs shares lessons on staying grounded in your values, asking better questions, and keeping your “fire” alive. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of relationships in St. Louis, why curiosity is a leadership superpower, and how leaning into hard conversations can create stronger, more meaningful connections. This episode is a reminder that growth is not linear, and that staying true to your purpose, building relationships, and continuing to learn can open doors you never expected. Connect with Dr. Darryl Diggs: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-darryl-s-diggs-jr-b780967/  🎙 New episodes drop bi-weekly on Monday.  🔔 SUBSCRIBE FOR NEW EPISODES EVERY WEEK 🔔 🎧 LISTEN ON: Apple Podcasts ▶ https://apple.co/36ycuuO Spotify ▶ https://spoti.fi/3svGoqS Note: Due to a technical issue, some visuals differ from our usual format. Appreciate you sticking with us!

In this episode of Gateway to Growth, host Jamal Cornelious sits down with Dr. Allie Foddrill, chiropractor and founder of The Well Yard in Maplewood, Missouri, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, community, and a new approach to patient-centered care. Originally from Michigan, Allie came to St. Louis to attend chiropractic school at Logan University—but what started as a temporary stop quickly became home. After falling in love with the city’s culture, running community, and support for small businesses, she made the leap to launch her own practice with a mission to do chiropractic care differently. Allie shares how her background as an athlete shaped her passion for working with the human body and how that experience influenced the philosophy behind The Well Yard. Rather than the typical quick in-and-out chiropractic model, her approach focuses on identifying root causes, combining rehabilitation with treatment, and helping patients build lasting strength so they don’t need to rely on constant care. The conversation also explores the realities of building a business—from sending cold messages and networking over coffee to learning how to delegate, build a team, and grow beyond what one person can accomplish alone. Allie reflects on the courage it takes to quit a stable job, start something from scratch, and trust that the community will support you. Along the way, she shares insights on why St. Louis is a hidden gem for entrepreneurs, how authenticity and hard work build trust with clients, and why both business owners and patients alike must be willing to do the work to create real change. This episode is a reminder that building a meaningful career often requires taking a leap, surrounding yourself with the right people, and committing to helping others live healthier, fuller lives. Connect with Dr. Allie Foddrill and The Well Yard: Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-foddrill-a00b963aa?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-well-yard/ Personal Instagram: @dr.alliefoddrill Company Instagram: @thewellyard 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ [email protected] Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us