CHAMPS

(CHAMPION HUMANS AND MENTORING PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUCCESS)

About CHAMPS…

CHAMPS is a mentoring program for college bound seniors. Mentees are paired up with a successful member of our community as a mentor to help guide them through their senior year and some of the decisions they may make.

Mission

To empower humans of all ages through inspirational mentorship and networking.

Goals

• To introduce generational members of men and women

• To inspire younger, and older, generations through a mentor/mentee relationship

• To recognize empowerment as a source of strength and resilience in all aspects of our lives

• To promote works of strength, faith, and hope

• To embrace the power of humans and how they relate

  We meet once a month as a group and have guest speakers on leadership and keys to success and then mentors and mentees communicate at least once a month on their own.

What do mentors and mentees say about CHAMPS?

“CHAMPS blessed me with new experiences and the opportunity to meet incredible people and leaders in my community!” — Isabella Garcia, 2024 Mentee

“CHAMPS gives students not only wisdom, but relationships that will forever benefit the students.” — Stewart McDonald, 2024 Mentee

“This program is changing the lives of the mentees and mentors.” — Coach Jon Leamy, CHAMPS Mentor

“CHAMPS educates on life itself!” — Diane Leamy, CHAMPS Mentor

“CHAMPS is a great opportunity as a mentor to invest in the next generation of leaders in a fun environment!” — Caira Dortch, CHAMPS Mentor

“CHAMPS is a great way for young people to get connected with inspirational leaders who can walk beside them and offer advice, a listening ear, and friendship for years to come!” — Lisa Mueller, CHAMPS Mentor

“This program is such a friendly environment that allows you to learn so much wisdom from leaders in Springfield.” — Savannah Thessing, 2024 Mentee

“Great program where we connect with our future leaders and are reminded of how to be a CHAMP for life!” —Kathleen Hains, CHAMPS Mentor

“This program is important to any leader who is looking to improve in all aspects of their life!” — Aisley James, 2024 Mentee

“I found CHAMPS to be an incredibly fruitful experience full of compassion, wisdom, and connections!” — Aubrey Taylor, 2024 Mentee

“I have received a lot of wisdom from all the mentors that I will remember forever.” — Santino Stiglianese, 2024 Mentee

“CHAMPS is a program full of loving people that you can easily gain wisdom from!” — James Rexroat, 2024 Mentee

“This program is a great way to learn from successful people and apply their principles to your own life.” — Jaren Smith, 2024 Mentee

“This is a rewarding experience. I loved hearing from the mentors, mentees, and speakers!” — Casey Garrison, CHAMPS Mentor

“CHAMPS was an opportunity for me to learn and grow through the experiences of others.” — Zoe Allie 2024 Mentee

“CHAMPS is a great learning experience for both mentees and mentors! Fabulous program! — Diane Leamy, Mentor

“I came out with life-long connections with people that are the best of the best and learned more than I ever thought imaginable!” — Reagan Winegar, 2023

“Best ‘in class’!” —Mike Woody, Mentor

“I liked having a mentor who has been through a lot of the same things I have and getting to learn more about the traits of a champion!” — Mackenzie Smith, 2023

“As a mentor, I am quite certain I enjoyed and learned as much as my mentee in this program!” —Dr. Rick Seagrave, Mentor

SEASON VII ROSTER (2024-2025)

Season VII Mentors include

Dr. Lynne Miller – College Athlete, Coach, Educator-Principal, Broadcaster

Jo Belle Hopper– Former educator/business owner; Director Achievement Center-MSU Athletes

Kelly Richardson – Former college athlete: Evangel Program Coordinator (PE/Sports Management)

Dr. Natalie Cauldwell – Educator-Principal

Diane Leamy – Former Educator, Missouri State University

Caira Dortch – College athlete (AR), Collegiate Volleyball Coach, Art of Coaching Consultant

Callie Carroll-Swafford – Business Development & Shareholder Relations Officer-OMB Bank; Springfield City Council

Kris Abdalla – Former Educator, Decorated marathon runner

Dennis Heim – Financial Advisor; former broadcaster for Bears football; HOF athlete from Missouri State University

Keith Guttin – HOF Baseball coach from Missouri State University

Greg Stephenson – Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator, Hiland Dairy; Sports official

Corey Riggs – Senior Executive Director, Mediacom; Sports Broadcaster; Host: From the Studio

Mike Woody – Former Marketing Director, Silver Dollar City

Ned Reynolds – Not sure who this guy is….

Mark Fisher – Coach, Former Athletic Director at SPS and Drury University

Jeff Burnett – Sergeant with Springfield Police Department; FBI Task Force in Cybercrimes

Bill Hopper – Former business owner, sales executive, Roark Printing

Jon Leamy – Highly decorated Men’s Soccer Coach at Missouri State University

Dr. Frank Einhellig – Former Provost and Educator, Missouri State University

Dr. Richard Seagrave – Orthopedic Surgeon

SEASON VI ROSTER (2023-2024)

Season VI Mentors include:

Dr. Lynne Miller – College Athlete, Coach, Educator-Principal, Broadcaster

Jo Belle Hopper– Former educator/business owner; Director Achievement Center-MSU Athletes

Kelly Richardson – Former college athlete: Evangel Program Coordinator (PE/Sports Management)

Dr. Natalie Cauldwell – Educator-Principal

Diane Leamy – Former Educator, Missouri State University

Caira Dortch – College athlete (AR), Collegiate Volleyball Coach, Art of Coaching Consultant

Lisa Mueller - Former college athlete; educator, business owner

Kris Abdalla – Former Educator, Decorated marathon runner

Kathleen Hains - Production Manager, Missouri State University

Casey Powell - Former college athlete; Supervisor at Jack Henry

Greg Stephenson – Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator, Hiland Dairy; Sports official

Corey Riggs – Senior Executive Director, Mediacom; Sports Broadcaster; Host: From the Studio

Mike Woody – Former Marketing Director, Silver Dollar City

Ned Reynolds – Not sure who this guy is….

Mark Fisher – Coach, Former Athletic Director at SPS and Drury University

Jeff Burnett – Sergeant with Springfield Police Department; FBI Task Force in Cybercrimes

Bill Hopper – Former business owner, sales executive, Roark Printing

Jon Leamy – Highly decorated Men’s Soccer Coach at Missouri State University

Dr. Frank Einhellig – Former Provost and Educator, Missouri State University

Dr. Richard Seagrave – Orthopedic Surgeon

SEASON V ROSTER (2022-2023)

Season V Mentors include:

Becky Oakes – College Athlete, Coach, MSHSAA/National Federation

Dr. Lynne Miller – College Athlete, Coach, Educator-Principal, Broadcaster

Jo Belle Hopper– Former educator/business owner; Director Achievement Center-MSU Athletes

Kelly Richardson – Former college athlete: Evangel Program Coordinator (PE/Sports Management)

Dr. Natalie Cauldwell – Educator-Principal

Diane Leamy – Former Educator, Missouri State University

Caira Dortch – College athlete (AR), Collegiate Volleyball Coach, Art of Coaching Consultant

Sandy Kruger – Former Educational Administrator

Kris Abdalla – Former Educator, Decorated marathon runner

Greg Stephenson – Public Affairs and Communications Coordinator, Hiland Dairy; Sports official

Corey Riggs – Senior Executive Director, Mediacom; Sports Broadcaster; Host: From the Studio

Mike Woody – Former Marketing Director, Silver Dollar City, E.D. at Lost and Found

Ned Reynolds – Not sure who this guy is….

Mark Fisher – Coach, Former Athletic Director at SPS and Drury University, Golf Pro (he thinks)

John Hartley - Coach, Owner of 417 Jr. VB, Heart of America Tournaments/Founders Club Midwest BB

Jeff Burnett – Sergeant with Springfield Police Department; FBI Task Force in Cybercrimes

Bill Hopper – Former business owner, sales executive, Roark Printing

Jon Leamy – Highly decorated Men’s Soccer Coach at Missouri State University

Dr. Frank Einhellig – Former Provost and Educator, Missouri State University

Dr. Richard Seagrave – Orthopedic Surgeon

Season V, Session 6 - Wrap Up

Season V, Session 1

Introduction/Orientation

Mentors meet their Mentees!

We continued to explore the Human Champion model with one of our most vital championship words: COURAGE. Our mentees and mentors did an activity on action courage. Categories discussed were trying (getting out of your comfort zone), trusting (releasing control, I know…hard!), and telling (finding an assertive voice and leading with honesty).

Our guest speaker was one of the most inspiring hero’s in our community, Jack Hamlin. This World War II Veteran that served the United States Coast Guard (Normandy, Leopold…), professional baseball player, state representative, director of the Department of Revenue, and business owner shared about his times of COURAGE throughout his life. Whether it was through his service, business life, or through the beautiful relationship he had with his wife of 60 years, Jack Hamlin has channeled courage in a direction of perseverance and dedication to living a good life. Recently turning 101 years old, Jack Hamlin, gave our mentors and mentees a thought provoking, genuine, and positive seed planting speech. His experience and wisdom was embraced.

ADVENTURE is getting out of your comfort zone and taking risks to advance in your path in a successful direction.

Boys and Girls Club of Springfield, Missouri CEO Brandy Harris joins us to talk about the ADVENTURES in her life that have helped her on her way. Sometimes ADVENTURES are fun and enjoyable, sometimes they are lessons in failing forward. All of our experiences that shape us are some form of ADVENTURE. Brandy gave a message of resilience, determination, and fortitude to stay focused on our goals and to take adversity and turn it into opportunity. Her motivating words, sprinkled with humor, have left a thought-provoking impact.

SEASON IV ROSTER (2021-2022)

Season IV Mentors include:

Ned Reynolds - Hall of Fame Sports Broadcaster

Lynne Miller - Retired educator, sports broadcaster

Corey Riggs - Senior Executive Producer, Mediacom

Greg Stephenson - Director of Advertising, Hiland Dairy

Becky Oakes - Retired National Federation of High School Sports, Administrator; MSHSAA Executive Director

Jo Belle Hopper - Former educator/business owner; Director Achievement Center-MSU Athletes

Pam Hedgpeth - Retired educator and consultant

Natalie Cauldwell - Retired educator; Regional Sales Manager, Penmac Education Staffing

Kelly Richardson – Former college athlete: Evangel Program Coordinator (PE/Sports Management)

Mark Fisher - Retired educator, coach, athletic director

John Hartley - Retired baseball coach, educator; owner-417 volleyball, Heart of America tournaments, and Founders MW Baseball

Jeff Burnett - Detective, Springfield Police Department/Federal Bureau of Investigations

Melissa Hartley – Co-Owner of Dick’s 5 and 10, Doctorate in Education

Mike Woody – Former Marketing Director, Silver Dollar City, E.D. at Lost and Found

Bill Hopper – Former business owner, sales executive, Roark Printing

We open up our Human Champion model with one of our most vital championship words: COURAGE. Our mentees and mentors did an activity on action courage. Categories discussed were trying (getting out of your comfort zone), trusting (releasing control, I know…hard!), and telling (finding an assertive voice and leading with honesty).

Our guest speaker was one of the most inspiring hero’s in our community, Jack Hamlin. This World War II Veteran that served the United States Coast Guard (Normandy, Leopold…), professional baseball player, state representative, director of the Department of Revenue, and business owner shared about his times of courage throughout his life. Whether it was through his service, business life, or through the beautiful relationship he had with his wife of 60 years, Jack Hamlin has channeled courage in a direction of perseverance and dedication to living a good life. Recently turning 100 years old, Jack Hamlin, gave our mentors and mentees a thought provoking, genuine, and positive seed planting speech. His experience and wisdom was embraced with a standing ovation (first ever in CHAMPS!).

Pictures:

Mentors:

Jack Hamlin

First row: Greg Stephenson, Mark Fisher, Becky Oakes, Natalie Cauldwell, Jo Belle Hopper, Melissa Hartley

Back row: Kelly Richardson, Lynne Miller, Jeff Burnett, Corey Riggs, Bill Hopper, Ned Reynolds, John Hartley

Missing: Pam Hedgpeth, Mike Woody

Mentees:

Jack Hamlin

First row: Emmy Dressler, Owen McCall, Noah Wilkenson, Madison Mitchell, Rachael Pinegar, Katherine Arquitt

Back row: Chloe Sutherland, Makayla DeLoach, Isaac Gyles, Justin Bryant, Cross Kubick, Zach Bailey, Zach Wehrenberg

Missing: Bella Williams, Alex Widman

Hall of Fame Coach Jon Leamy joined us during this time as we dove into how important it is to find and take ADVENTURES. Whether it is a trip, an activity, a goal, a risk, something not comfortable, getting over a failure, or celebrating a success. Champions understand that life is an adventure and champions love the ride! Our mentees and mentors took a risk inventory to see if there were any areas they need to work on being more open to.

Coach Leamy used the story of explorer Daniel Boone to illustrate that champions can never give up, no matter what they face. Interestingly enough, two of our mentors are direct descendants of Daniel Boone, John Hartley and his daughter, Kelly Richardson! What are the odds? It was a tremendous message and we are grateful we for Coach Leamy and his thoughts on adventure. Coach Leamy advised, “If you use the word adversity in a sentence, change it to opportunity and see what it does to your mindset.” Now that is some championship advise!

We welcomed three talented and knowledgable guests on our panel to discuss STRENGTH and how, as leaders, they use STRENGTH in the daily life. Thank you to law enforcement representative Captain Mark Deeds, Firefighter Mike Cook, and nurse practitioner and former EMS flight nurse, Dr. Heather Dearing for sharing how you all build and use STRENGTH in your daily life. Captain Deeds and Firefighter Cook demonstrated the physical strength needed to perform their jobs by letting the mentees try on some of their equipment including a firefighter outfit, bullet proof vest, ballistic helmet and shield. Dr. Dearing also gave a clear description of using physical strength of getting patients in and out of helicopters. A special shoutout to mentor Jeff Burnett for his perspective as a law enforcement officer and the impact it has made in his life as he shared how he uses STRENGTH as a leader. Physical STRENGTH is an important aspect of leaders and champions.

Also, extremely important is taking care of our mentality and having a strong mental health plan when dealing with extreme stress. All three professionals discussed the difficulties of their positions and how they must compartmentalize, lean on common professionals, ask for help when needed, and depend on friends and family for support. These heros see, and do, unimaginable tasks and they all have a common reward for wanting to be in difficult situations: to help people. Giving help=getting happiness and satisfaction. The reward of helping others (with a need for adrenaline) and using their skills to assist others is a big reason why they are our example of STRENGTH in CHAMPS! We salute you all and thank you for what you do each and every day!

SERENITY is a state of balance and peace. Champions have to perform and produce at high levels and, in order to do that, they have to take care of themselves. Our speaker, Matt E. Miller did a tremendous job expressing the importance of finding time to focus on what you want to achieve and how you want to accomplish it. “There is no substitute for work, one has to work hard to achieve their goals. In order to be at your best, one also has to have times of balance and the discipline to take care of yourself.” Matt Miller bought his first piece of property when he was nineteen years old and has since evolved his company, Miller Commerce, into one of the largest and most successful commercial real estate developments in the region. His work speaks for itself, but his true gift is how he gives back to others and the community. Being involved and making an impact is one of his many core values he strives to embrace. He spends two hours every morning focusing on balance and serenity in order to be ready for the day. He also mountain bikes and travels to relieve stress. His goals are personal missions that he is determined to accomplish.

We all have our personalized ways to achieve serenity and balance. Find yours. Search for what gives you an inner calm and peace, what gravitates to your mind and body that gives you a recharge and energizes you to tackle your next task. That is how champions do it.

WISDOM is a valuable asset for leaders. Knowledge, information, and being educated, are all important, however, being respected and connected enough to share that knowledge is a key to WISDOM. Connecting with others, being active listeners, learning from experiences, and failing forward are keys to having and using WISDOM.

Our mentors are full of WISDOM! I thank them for their dedication this season and for their efforts with our mentees.

Thank you to our mentees for their commitment and for their responsiveness to our mentors.

Our guest speakers were stellar this season, thank you to them! Also, thank you to Coyote’s Adobe Cafe for hosting us.

CHAMPS is a team effort and I appreciated you ALL! Great season!

See you next fall for Season V, looking forward to it!

SEASON III ROSTER (2020-2021)

Season III Mentors include:

Ned Reynolds - Hall of Fame Sports Broadcaster

Lynne Miller - Retired educator, sports broadcaster

Corey Riggs - Senior Executive Producer, Mediacom

Greg Stephenson - Director of Advertising, Hiland Dairy

Becky Oakes - Retired National Federation of High School Sports, Administrator; MSHSAA Executive Director

Emily Givens - Executive Director, Lost and Found

Pam Hedgpeth - Retired educator and consultant

Natalie Cauldwell - Retired educator; Regional Sales Manager, Penmac Education Staffing

Mark Fisher - Retired educator, coach, athletic director

Justin Gabossi - Business proprietor and professional musician

John Hartley - Retired baseball coach, educator; owner-417 volleyball, Heart of America tournaments, and Founders MW Baseball

Jeff Burnett - Detective, Springfield Police Department/Federal Bureau of Investigations

Ally McCall - ACSM Exercise Physiologist

Dr. Chris Craig was our speaker on COURAGE. Dr. Craig, Deputy Provost at Missouri State University, delivered an impactful message to our team. He emphasized several quality points:

• “Don’t solve everything at once, focus on finding the next right thing.”

• “How? Have simple kindness and be honest. It takes courage to consistently be kind, positive and honest.”

• “Take your courage and put it into action.” We appreciated the examples he used in his life how he has been courageous in times of need.

• “Validate others, you may not get the reaction you would like, but validate their feelings and notice them.”

• “Use your support systems to motivate you when challenging times occur.”

Our guest speaker, William McNeely, talked about taking care of the entire individual in order to perform at your highest potential.  “Health is determined as the strength to be human.” Is a quote he shared by Jurgen Moltmann. 

William added, “Becoming strong in your balance and understanding who you were created to be is the foundation to ultimately finding serenity.  Find the balance in your life that align with your priorities.”

Our gratitude for William and his encouraging and motivating words!

During this session, our tremendous guest speaker, Mike Woody shared the valuable concept of knowledge vs WISDOM.

“Anyone can be knowledgable about facts, wisdom is knowing when to say it.” and “You are never too old to learn.”

He also illustrated a few examples of learning the difference and how wisdom can develop. Reading a poem he quoted, “Wisdom is gentle, not abrupt, but gentle.”

His story about Jack Herschend (Owner, Silver Dollar City) illustrating WISDOM through stating, “Do the right thing.” was a powerful example of how we can continue to learn and grow through our experiences.

Our speaker also advised that making mistakes is part of growing WISDOM, and when you fail, make sure you fail forward.

Thank you to Mike Woody, he once again, delivered a motivating message!

We found value in our guest speakers knowledge today. We hosted Springfield Police Department Chief Paul Williams. He emphasized the following points:

“You have physical, mental and emotional strength and when one of those is lacking the other one must increase. All of these are important, but matter little when compared to STRENGTH of character.”

“Your resume only carries you so far. Everyone is a leader and with strong character, and a positive moral compass, you can lead more effectively. Ethics are so important and so is being around people that are like minded, but ALSO people that are not like minded so you are exposed to several viewpoints.”

“I handle adversity through three avenues: faith, family and friends. Faith is my foundation. I surround myself with Family and I expand myself with Friends.”

Referring to General Schwarzkopf’s famous speech, we all need to approach leadership with competence and character. We need the knowledge of our tasks and we need the character to lead and effectively produce. Chief Williams also recommended the book Lead with a Limp by Dan Allender.

We also discussed some excellent quotes to remind ourselves of how we need to filter through our stressors to decide which ones deserve our attention and which ones don’t.

From Mark Fisher (through Coach Larry Atwood): Worry is interest paid on trouble before it comes due! — William Ralph Inge

From John Hartley - Grief must be embraced for growth to occur. —-Hosea Bilyeu

We hosted a very energetic and motivating speaker this session. The CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, Brandy Harris, joined us and shared her poignant story and her adventure of becoming an executive in one of the most respected organizations in the country.

“The danger of adventure is worth a thousand days of ease and comfort.” ― Paulo Coelho

“Not only should we fight self-doubt, but the doubt that others may have about us.”

“Brandy shared her adventure of becoming CEO of the Boys and Girls Club and how it was not always an easy road. “An undertaking usually involving danger and unknown risks.” She talked about how often we need to listen to the positive more than the negative.

Resilience was a key focus when things were difficult. “To venture upon.”

“When darkness becomes light, our experiences become exciting and remarkable.”

“Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” ― Helen Keller

We were very grateful that Brandy Harris opened up her heart and shared her courageous story. Her strength has made us wiser. We appreciated her moving story and her positive delivery.

Stay tuned….next meeting is our graduation! May 16, 2021

SEASON II (2019-2020)

Season II Mentors include:

Ned Reynolds - Hall of Fame Sports Broadcaster

Jodie Adams - Retired Director of Springfield-Greene County Parks and Recreation; Professor, Missouri State University

Corey Riggs - Senior Executive Producer, Mediacom

Greg Stephenson - Director of Advertising, Hiland Dairy

Becky Oakes - Retired National Federation of High School Sports, Administrator; MSHSAA Executive Director

Kelly Polonus - Great Southern Bank, Communications and Marketing Director

Teri Cantwell - Olympic Track and Field athlete; Vice President of Human Resources, Central Bank of the Ozarks

Natalie Cauldwell - Retired educator; Regional Sales Manager, Penmac Education Staffing

Mark Fisher - Retired educator, coach, athletic director

Justin Gabossi - Business proprietor and professional musician

Meetings:

December 3, 2019 - Introduction, Mission and Vision, and getting to know you activities.

January 30, 2020 - Welcome, Mentor and Mentee Avenue Game, and Guest Speaker Missouri State University Associate Head Track and Field Coach and former Olympic Champion Carmelita Jeter

The “Fastest Woman Alive” gave an inspiring speech sharing her story and giving wisdom for using one’s experiences to make the most of your journey and to set goals to achieve your own specific “Olympic” dreams. Some of her quotes:

“Choose your path that best fits you.”

“Don’t just bet on others, bet on yourself.”

Don’t be satisfied, take your goals step by step. Say to yourself, ‘I worked for this, I earned this.’ Be structured, structure makes everything happen.”

“Set goals for ‘your Olympics’, even use every four years to set your goals. Stay in your lane. Do not compare yourself to someone in the lane to the right or left. Stay in your lane and be the best YOU can be.”

Wise words from Coach Jet, our thanks for her time and efforts and sharing her wisdom.

February 27, 2020 - Welcome, Leadership Poems, and Guest Speaker, Boys and Girls Club CEO, Brandy Harris

On her second round of speaking with our CHAMPS group, Brandy Harris tells us about her path to be coming a CEO.

She first talks about how important it is to thank your mentors and to be grateful for their support. Along her path she has learned many things. She has held many positions and no matter what the level of job she possessed; she spoke about how important it is to always perform at your best at that position. She encouraged the mentees to sell themselves in interviews and be confident.

She also was brave enough to share with us that you will have times of self-doubt, negative thoughts, and challenges. People will not always treat you well and you have to be able to handle that. To combat those times, she suggested that you have a tribe of trusted supporters at your side to help uplift you during challenging times. As a leader you have to remember the “why” of what you are doing and how important that is. “If you fail, make sure you ‘fail forward’”. “Never forget that leaders need to listen to all stakeholders, support your staff, and make everyone feel valued!”

It is so impressive how much Brandy Harris cares about Springfield and kids, she is remarkable and we thank her for her time!

SEASON I (2018-2019):

Season I Mentors include:

John Pinney - Retired Hall of Fame Boxer and Stand-up Comedian

Ned Reynolds - Hall of Fame Sports Broadcaster

Jodie Adams - Retired Director of Springfield-Greene County Parks and Recreation; Professor, Missouri State University

Dr. Julie Leeth - Retired Director, Community Foundation of the Ozarks; and Administration Educator

Corey Riggs - Senior Executive Producer, Mediacom

Greg Stephenson - Director of Advertising, Hiland Dairy

Carmelita Jeter - Olympic Champion; Assistant Track and Field Coach, Missouri State University

Becky Oakes - Retired National Federation of High School Sports, Administrator; MSHSAA Executive Director

Meetings:

October 25, 2018 - Introduction, Mission and Vision, and getting to know you activities.

November 29, 2018 - Guest Speaker Coach Keith Guttin, Missouri State University Baseball Head Coach

Coach Guttin gave a wonderful speech about keys to success. He focused on three main characteristics every successful person possess:

#1 - People - having solid communication skills

#2 - Work ethic - being able to do what you need to do to get the job done and done well.

#3 - Knowledge - Learn as much as you can and accumulate information.

No meetings in December - contact your mentee/mentor, Happy Holidays!

January 31, 2019 - Guest Speaker Mike Woody, Director of Strategic Marketing Alliances at Silver Dollar City

Mr. Woody shared some wonderful guidelines to building your brand and following your path. Some of his quotes from his presentation:

• “Have a “brand” and know that you are already building it.”

• “Pathways are rarely linear, have the guts to take some twists and turns. Recognize when you need to make a turn and alter your path.”

• “It takes practice to know when to keep going or know when to take a turn.”

• “Find a job/path that is right for you. If you love going to work, you have chose the correct path.”

• “It is okay to fail. Just make sure to ‘Fail Forward’ and learn and move on from your failures.”

February 28, 2019 - Guest Speaker President Clif Smart, Missouri State University

President Smart delivered an excellent message to our CHAMPS group on his path to the Presidency, embracing your path, and to take risks along the way. Some of his points:

• Your first job will most likely not be your last so do the job well and it will lead to bigger and better jobs. Continue to move forward until you reach your “destination” job.

• Pick a college that makes sense to you, it has to be a good fit for your needs. It needs to have a sense of community that you feel comfortable being a part of and feel you can succeed in.

• Be prepared to take some risks.

• Work to motivate others around you. Ignore the noise, there will always be criticism, filter the noise and focus on the positive and what matters. Surround yourself with positive people with common visions.

March 28, 2019 - Guest Speaker, Brandy Harris

Brandy Harris, CEO of the Boys and Girls Club, gave a wonderful presentation on her path to her position and inspired us on finding your own path and not letting others get in your way. Some of her advice:

• One of our mentors, Dr. Julie Leeth, made a life altering decision that inspired Mrs Harris and challenged others to do the same, make a difference in others lives.

• People will underestimate you in your lives, ‘flip the script’ on them and show them what you are made of and can do.

• Get our of your comfort zone. Start somewhere, work your butt off, get promoted, work your butt off, and continue to work your way to where you want to be.

• How you respond to others is a judgment to your character.

• Let naysayers motivate you, don’t let them take any energy from you.

• Change is okay, embrace it and use it to grow.

April 25, 2019 - Mentors are given a topic to present to mentees. Topics include relationship building, networking, goal setting, competing, professional etiquette, and several more.

May 16, 2019 at 6:30 pm - Graduation Celebration!

Stay tuned for next season as we continue this program in the Fall of 2019!

If you are interested in more information, please contact us at acoachsperspective@gmail.com.