Learn. Connect. Grow.

A new way for business professionals across the Mid-South to learn practical strategies, connect with local leaders, and grow their businesses.

Southaven Business Beat On YouTube

YouTube Video UExVc2lYU0loa1d0cUM5bWM5M3E0dk9oVWd0aGJROGtDNS41RjU0OTVCQThDNUUwQzBD

What does it actually take to become a leader before you have the title, the age, or the experience? In this episode of Southaven Business Beat, presented in partnership with the Southaven Chamber of Commerce, we sit down with two people at opposite ends of the same program: a Chamber professional serving as a mentor, and an upcoming senior at DeSoto Central High School serving as her mentee. Both are part of the Bridge Academy, the leadership program under the Southaven Chamber Foundation.

They talk about a lesson that reshaped how they see themselves: leadership is not attached to a rank, an age, or the loudest voice in the room. You hear how a high schooler new to Southaven for less than six months started finding direction by sitting in on careers she never planned to pursue, from healthcare to welding to mortuary science. You hear a self-described quiet, reserved professional explain why staying quiet turned out to be a strength, not a liability. And you get a look inside the real Bridge Academy experience, including site visits across DeSoto County and the greater Memphis and Mid-South area.

If you lead a business, mentor young people, or are weighing whether to join the Bridge Academy or sponsor an employee's spot, this conversation is a straight look at what the program gives and what it asks.

Chapters

0:00 Coming Up
0:08 Welcome to Southaven Business Beat
0:29 Meet the Guests and the Bridge Academy
1:18 What They Hoped to Gain
3:37 Why Leadership Isn't a Title
5:10 Sponsor: Pure Focus Media
6:01 What Challenged How They See Themselves
6:37 Inside the Landers Center Visit
8:45 Watching a Mentee Grow
10:58 A Love of Learning That Sticks
13:00 What They Want to Be Known For
15:32 Sponsor: Wisdom Integrators
16:26 The Advice: Just Do It
18:28 Quiet Strength Is Still Leadership
19:44 What Surprised Them Most
21:16 How to Join and Subscribe

Southaven Business Beat is produced by Pure Focus Media, the creative team helping Mid-South businesses look and sound their best through video and content. Learn more at purefocus.media.

This show is made possible by our sponsor, Wisdom Integrators, the strategic tech partner helping businesses work smarter through workflow automation, process improvement, and digital transformation. Learn more at wisdomintegrators.com.

Interested in sponsoring Southaven Business Beat? Email info@southavenchamber.com.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode of the businesses and people building the DeSoto County and Mid-South community.

You Don't Need A Title To Lead

August 10, 2026 9:00 am

Show More Videos... Subscribe

Browse by Categories

Denise Silas- Mary Kay

Utilizing the Chamber of Commerce is a great way for businesses to gain customers and build relationships. Debbie, from the Chamber of Commerce, provides valuable...

VIEW CATEGORY

History of Southaven (Part 3) – Barry and Peck

Host: Aaron Cozort Guests: Barry Bouchillon and Peck Bouchillon VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: TJ’s Animation Workshop (https://tjsanimationworkshop.com) EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome to...

History of Southaven (Part 2) – Barry and Peck Bouchillon

Host: Aaron Cozort Guests: Barry Bouchillon and Peck Bouchillon VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: TJ’s Animation Workshop (https://tjsanimationworkshop.com) EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome to...

History of Southaven (Part 1) – Barry and Peck Bouchillon

– Hosted by Aaron Cozort with guest Barry Bouchillon and Peck Bouchillon – Barry Bouchillon and Peck discuss Southaven history – Rotary Club focuses on...

VIEW CATEGORY

Visual Storytelling for Small Businesses: Pure Focus Media in Action

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: Chad Engelke VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Unstoppable Media – www.unstoppablegmr.com EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome to Southaven Business Beat!...

Looking Ahead: How Southaven Business Beat is Helping Local Businesses Tell Their Story

Host: Aaron Cozort Guests: Co-host Robbie Yates, new Co-host Cristan Engelke, and Media Lounge host Loretta McNary VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Jeff McManus Group (https://www.jeffmcmanus.com) EPISODE...

Jason Walton – Southaven Chamber Board President

– The Southaven Chamber of Commerce is the largest chamber in DeSoto County and attracts businesses due to economic vibrance and growth. – The Chamber...

Shawntel Hibbler – Southaven Chamber

Take advantage of search engine optimization to maximize visibility. Use member introductions from the chamber to bypass gatekeepers. Follow up on introductions to sell services...

Debbie King – Southaven Chamber of Commerce

The Chamber of Commerce provides key resources for members to promote their business. The Chamber meets businesses where they are and provides what they need...

Episode 6 – Maximizing ROI Through Digital Marketing using Animation (TJ Green – TJ’s Animation Workshop)

KEY TAKEAWAYS Having a goal is essential to achieving success in digital marketing. Plan ahead, be patient, and review your decisions and results. Develop a...

VIEW CATEGORY

Inside Bott Radio Network: Faith, Broadcasting, and Community Impact

Host: Aaron Cozort Guests: Renee Hall and Becky Gallagher VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Unstoppable Media – www.unstoppablegmr.com EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION In this...

Building Community and Faith with Unstoppable Media and Zach Davis

Host: Aaron Cozort Guests: Zach Davis VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Unstoppable Media – www.unstoppablegmr.com EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION In this heartfelt episode of...

Dream Center Supporting Our Community: Terri Shares Their Programs for Education, Health, and Hope

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Terri Sparkman VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: The Hope Center – https://www.hopecenter1usa.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION In this episode of...

Rebecca Treadway – The Arc of Northwest Mississippi

-The ARC of Northwest Mississippi is an advocacy organization for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. – The ARC helps special needs individuals live their...

Stacye Trout – Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi

The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi contributes to youth health and education. Over $40 million has been given out to local nonprofits, and the Foundation...

VIEW CATEGORY

Preparing Students for Future Careers: Beth Turner on Career & Technical Education in DeSoto County

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Beth Turner VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Jeff McManus Group (https://www.jeffmcmanus.com) EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION In this episode, Beth Turner,...

Jeff Jones – Refining Leaders

Cashflow is vital for success in business. Effective communication can prevent cash flow problems. Start the day with mindfulness and self care....

Southaven Business Beat – Ep 5 – Andrew Bartolotta – SYP Southaven Young Professionals

Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we will be interviewing Andrew Bartolotta, the Director of Digital Media for CityCURRENT, an organization that connects...

VIEW CATEGORY

The Power of Relationships in Healthcare Planning

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: Shawn Distefano VIDEO PODCAST EPISODE: Southaven Chamber of Commerce – www.southavenchamber.com EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome to another...

Empowering You to Save Lives: Wardell Seals of Heartbeat CPR on Simplifying Emergency Response

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Wardell Seals Jr VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Jeff McManus Group (https://www.jeffmcmanus.com) EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION n this episode of...

Shaun Pillai – Vivid Insurance

– Focus on providing life and health insurance for business owners and employees – Champion Health plan offers benefits like telehealth for mental health and...

Bryce Dickerson – OB1 Insurance

– Bryce Dickerson discusses Medicare and insurance on the show. – Medicare is a federal health insurance program with different parts and options. – OB1...

VIEW CATEGORY

Ole Miss Education in Southaven: Graduate and Undergraduate Programs Explained

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: Daniel Christian VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Unstoppable Media – www.unstoppablegmr.com EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome to Southaven Business Beat!...

Mastering the Elevator Pitch: Jeff Jones of Refining Leaders Shares Leadership & Networking Tips

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Jeff Jones VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Jeff McManus Group (https://www.jeffmcmanus.com) EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION In this episode of Southaven...

Bridge Academy – Special Episode

The Southaven Chamber Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting education in Southaven, Mississippi. They offer scholarships, small business grants, and educational programs for...

Episode 7 – Learn How to Become a Filmmaker – Desoto Film Festival & DAI (Robb Smith & Jesaiah Burnett)

KEY TAKEAWAYS The DeSoto Film Festival is 3rd annual event that provides an entertaining viewing experience. The DeSoto Arts Institute offers quality courses and workshops...

VIEW CATEGORY

How Local Businesses Are Shaping Policy in DeSoto County

Host: Debbie King VIDEO DESCRIPTION Southaven Chamber of Commerce President Debbie King shared a legislative update following the Chamber’s first Community and Government Relations Legislative...

Alderman at Large: George Payne speaks about Crime, Business & Future Plans

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: George Payne VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Wisdom Integrators – wisdomintegrators.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome to a special edition...

Ward 5 Candidate John David Wheeler talk with us about Leadership, Growth, and Progress

Host: Aaron Cozort Guest: John David Wheeler VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Wisdom Integrators – wisdomintegrators.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome back to Southaven...

Ward 6 Candidate Raymond Flores Talks Infrastructure, Growth & Voting

Host: Aaron Cozort Guest: Raymond Flores VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Wisdom Integrators – wisdomintegrators.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome back to Southaven Business...

Ward 1 Candidate Tim Putt on Community Growth & Leadership

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: Tim Putt VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Wisdom Integrators – wisdomintegrators.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome back to Southaven Business...

Ward 1 Candidate Judy Jenkins-Lewis Talks about the West End

Host: Cristan Engelke Guest: Judy Jenkins-Lewis VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Wisdom Integrators – wisdomintegrators.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome back to Southaven Business...

Mayor Darren Musselwhite

Mayor Musselwhite discusses his background and accomplishments during his tenure as the mayor of Southaven. Highlights of his time in office include economic development, industrial...

Rodney Hall, Mississippi House Dist. 20

State Representative Rodney Hall discusses plans and goals for the district Emphasizes importance of maintaining safety and supporting law enforcement Focused on redeveloping West End...

2023 Election – Pam McKelvy Hamner – State Senate District 2

KEY TAKEAWAYS Redistricting is an important issue in Mississippi and needs to be addressed to ensure everyone’s vote counts. Expanding Medicaid, dropping the grocery tax,...

2023 Election – Michael McLendon – Candidate for State Senate District 1

Michael McLendon is the current Senator for District One in Mississippi and is determined to find ways to make it easier for businesses to thrive....

VIEW CATEGORY

Kneading Knots of Relaxation Massage Spa: A Story of Faith, Family, and Holistic Wellness

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Kasheena McDonald VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: Unstoppable Media – www.unstoppablegmr.com EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION In this heartfelt episode of...

Reformers, Core Workouts & Happy Endorphins: Kayla & Heather Explain Why Club Pilates Stands Out

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Kayla Wrenzinski and Heather Holloway VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: The Hope Center – https://www.hopecenter1usa.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome...

Life Coaching with Purpose: Tomeka Allen’s Journey to Help Others Heal and Grow with All’En Coaching

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Tomeka Allen VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: The Hope Center – https://www.hopecenter1usa.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION In this episode of...

From Veteran Services to Daily Support: Mary Hunter Explains How Home Instead Empowers Families

Host: Cristan Engelke Guests: Mary Hunter VIDEO PRESENTING SPONSORS: The Hope Center – https://www.hopecenter1usa.com/ EPISODE SPONSOR:Pure Focus Media – https://www.purefocus.media/ DESCRIPTION Welcome to another episode...

Robyn Noble Powell – Just Bee Helpin’ – A Convenient and Innovative Service

Host: Robby YatesGuest: Robyn Powell https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klUvyZqWlb4 Description: Robin is the founder of Just Bee Helpin’, which is a unique errand and day of assistance service...

Southaven Business Beat – Ep 4 – Beth Snow with Back Office Guru

Guest: Beth SnowHost: Robby Yates with The Follow App In an insightful interview with Beth Snow, a versatile professional based in Southaven, Mississippi, we explore...

Ep 3 – Vincent Demps with Masterchek, Inc

Guest: Vincent Demps Host: Aaron Cozort Welcome to the latest episode of our podcast, where we bring you an exclusive interview with Vincent Demps, the...

Ep 2 – Robby Yates with The Follow App

Guest: Robby YatesHost: Aaron Cozort Welcome to this episode of our podcast, where we’ll be interviewing Robby Yates, the founder of The Follow App, a...

Ep 1 – Aaron Cozort with Wisdom Integrators

Guest: Aaron Cozort Host: Robby Yates Aaron Cozort is the founder and owner of Wisdom Integrators, a Southaven-based company that specializes in Information Technology and...