ChangeMakers

By: cityCURRENT Jeremy C. Park Andrew Bartolotta
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  • Summary

  • The ChangeMakers Podcast presented by cityCURRENT shares personal stories and insights from those who are giving back and making a difference so we can learn and do the same. We cover life lessons, business advice, passion, and purpose. Share the ways you're making a difference using #changemakers.
    e.g. Copyright 2018-2024: cityCURRENT
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Career Success Economics Marketing Marketing & Sales Political Science Politics & Government
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Episodes
  • Shelby Mounts on Building a Career After the Military—and Helping Others Do the Same with NextOp Veterans

    Shelby Mounts on Building a Career After the Military—and Helping Others Do the Same with NextOp Veterans
    May 9 2025
    Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Shelby Mounts, who reflects on his 25 years of service with the US Navy and highlights the leadership lessons learned and his journey to becoming Executive Director of NextOp Veterans, a nonprofit organization focused on connecting veterans and military members to career opportunities. NextOp recruits, develops, and places military members and veterans into industry careers. The organization works one-on-one with enlisted service members and veterans to help translate military training and experiences into valued qualifications in the business community, and the organization works with and supports companies to develop and execute their veteran hiring and retention strategies.During the interview, Shelby talks about growing up in a US Navy household and how stories of service inspired him in childhood. He shares how his family’s move from Texas to California and then changing schools in San Diego were challenging at the time, but shaped his future and his ability to adapt, learn and grow, and make friends quickly. Shelby talks about some of the childhood lessons he carries with him today, and then discusses his transition into the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. He shares how he was encouraged and selected to attend US Navy Flight School, something he had always dreamed of, and how he progressed as a pilot and officer to lead a helicopter squadron. He talks about some of training and missions, and lessons learned while deployed, and how those experiences have shaped his ability to support and empower his team.Shelby then talks about his process of transitioning out of the military, which started when he was on a special assignment as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Shell Oil in New Orleans, LA, and then on tours at the Pentagon, which allowed him to build and leverage his network of personal relationships that opened a door for a new corporate opportunity. He then talks about the important work that NextOp Veterans is doing to help military members and veterans, like himself, with that same transition into industry careers and opportunities. He shares some of this history and growth for the nonprofit organization, talks about some of their key strategies and recent successes, and how they are partnering with other organizations to create a system that benefits the veterans and military members, education institutions and training programs, companies, and our communities. He wraps up with how the community can help support their efforts, the power of hiring veterans and words of encouragement for companies looking to gain a competitive advantage with veterans on their team.Visit https://nextopvets.org to learn more about NextOp Veterans.About Shelby Mounts:Shelby Mounts brings more than 30 years of experience in Defense and Industry leadership roles to NextOp Veterans.His private industry roles include CEO of Riverside Consulting Services, LLC, a small, independent Government Consulting services company, Chief Commercial Officer and EVP of Sales for Vita Inclinata Technologies, and Director of Defense Aerospace and Maritime Business Development at Allegheny Technologies Inc (ATI). In each case, the focus was development of relationships, positive outcomes and growth.Shelby’s Government experience included service in the US Navy for 25 years, where he retired as a Captain. After graduating from Annapolis with a Bachelor of Science degree, Shelby served four years as a Surface Warfare Officer, including deployed time in South America, the Caribbean, Europe and the Middle East, then was selected to attend US Navy Flight School.After earning his wings as a helicopter pilot, Shelby progressed as a pilot and officer, accumulating 2500 flight hours as an operator and two time instructor. This period included numerous deployments to the Middle East and Western Pacific Ocean supporting Navy and Marine Corps operations from San Diego,CA, Guam, and Japan, and a tour leading a helicopter squadron with 500 people and 19 helicopters in Norfolk, VA.His staff assignments included a joint assignment at US Special Operations Command in Tampa, FL, two tours at the Pentagon in a variety of Navy Staff resourcing and operations positions, and a special assignment as a Secretary of Defense Corporate Fellow at Shell Oil in New Orleans, LA. Shelby also completed a Master of Science through the University of San Diego Business School. The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services. Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    57 mins
  • Mike Pohlman of Pickering Firm, Inc. reflects on 45+ years of leadership and service in the community

    Mike Pohlman of Pickering Firm, Inc. reflects on 45+ years of leadership and service in the community
    Mar 28 2025

    Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Mike Pohlman, who has been a driving force at Pickering Firm, Inc. for more than 45 years, shaping the company's growth, culture and leadership. After graduating from Christian Brothers College (now Christian Brothers University) in 1979 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he joined Pickering and quickly established himself as a leader. From his early days as an energy engineer to his transition into project management, Mike developed a deep understanding of the industry and a leadership style rooted in collaboration, humility, and purpose. His influence helped guide Pickering through transformative milestones, including its transition to an employee-owned firm and a renewed commitment to the company’s core values of Service and Good Work.

    As CEO since 2002, Mike has led the firm through significant expansion and record-breaking growth while fostering an environment where employees and clients thrive. Known for his dedication to both the business and the people who make it possible, he has always viewed Pickering as more than just a company—it’s a second home. Outside the office, Mike enjoys golf, Memphis basketball, and spending time with his wife, Catherine, their four children, and six grandchildren. As he prepares for his retirement in June 2025, his legacy of leadership, integrity, and vision will continue to shape Pickering for years to come.

    During the interview, Mike talks about his family's move from Cincinnati, Ohio to Memphis, Tennessee in 1962 and how they've been deeply rooted in the Mid-South ever since. He shares some of the traditions and lessons learned growing up as one of seven boys, and talks about how those experiences have shaped and continue to shape him personally and professionally. Mike discusses how he got into engineering and why he chose to start his career with Pickering Firm right out of college. He talks about his early years at Pickering Firm and how the company has grown over the years, how his career evolved through different leadership roles and positions to eventually become President and CEO, and where the company now stands as he gets ready to transition into retirement. Mike shares a number of leadership lessons and talks about the importance of community engagement and giving back, and how that focus on making a difference will continue, as he continues to serve on a number of boards. It's an interview that touches on the importance of family, faith, community service and the rare experiences of building a 45+ year legacy of leadership at one company with a heart for coaching and serving people.

    To learn more about Pickering Firm, Inc. visit https://www.pickeringfirm.com.

    The ChangeMakers Podcast is produced by cityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services.

    Be inspired by more positive media by following cityCURRENT here: www.cityCURRENT.com
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    51 mins
  • Why Community Support is Essential for Survivor Recovery with Kathy Mull - Executive Director of The Cocoon

    Why Community Support is Essential for Survivor Recovery with Kathy Mull - Executive Director of The Cocoon
    Mar 7 2025
    This episode of the ChangeMakers podcast, produced by CityCURRENT and powered by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, features an insightful conversation with Kathy Mull, the Executive Director of The Cocoon, a comprehensive domestic and sexual violence agency located in Wood County, Ohio. Hosted by Jeremy C. Park, the episode delves into the critical issues of domestic and intimate partner relationship violence, highlighting the work of The Cocoon and its innovative programs like Champions of Change.Kathy Mull's Journey and Inspiration:Kathy Mull shares her background growing up in a small town in Ohio, which instilled in her the importance of community care but also exposed her to hidden struggles within families.Despite initial reservations about social work, influenced by her mother's psychology background and her own observations of unhealthy relationships among her peers in high school, Kathy was drawn to the profession as a way to support survivors of violence.She emphasizes that her understanding of social work evolved beyond child protective services to encompass a broad spectrum of support for individuals in need.Kathy defines a social worker as someone who walks alongside individuals during difficult times, opens doors, provides support in a safe space, and fosters community.She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Toledo and a Master of Social Work from Eastern Michigan and has over 22 years of experience serving survivors.Kathy is one of a small number of individuals who completed the Advocacy Learning Center course through Praxis International, underscoring her specialized training and expertise in supporting survivors.The Cocoon: Providing Safety, Healing, and Justice:Established in 2005, The Cocoon provides shelter and advocacy services to survivors of various forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sex trafficking, stalking, and adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse.Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, The Cocoon serves Wood County, a largely rural area where resources for survivors were limited before its establishment.The impetus for The Cocoon's creation was heightened by four domestic violence homicides in the community, which underscored the need for local support.The Cocoon offers 24/7 support, 365 days a year, always at no cost to the survivor.The organization's mission is to provide safety, healing, and justice for survivors and all those affected by abuse, while also engaging in educational outreach.Kathy notes the significant increase in demand for services during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increased isolation and other factors, and highlights that the healing process for survivors is now often longer and more intensive.The Cocoon serves an average of 850 to 900 survivors a year locally.Champions of Change: Engaging the Workplace:Champions of Change is an innovative program developed by The Cocoon to partner with local businesses and organizations to support employees experiencing or at risk of domestic and sexual violence.The program aims to expand the safety net for survivors and prevent violence by creating safe workplaces and providing resources and education to employees.Recognizing that employees often confide in coworkers or supervisors before seeking formal help, the program equips workplaces to offer initial support and connect individuals with resources.The program also addresses the issue of survivors losing their jobs due to the impact of abuse on their work performance or abusers interfering at the workplace.Champions of Change provides businesses with workshops and resources to educate stakeholders and employees, fostering a corporate culture that does not tolerate violence.Kathy highlights the importance of a partnership approach, tailoring the program to the specific needs and culture of each organization.The program emphasizes proactive engagement rather than solely reacting to identified problems, sending a message that the company cares about its employees' well-being.A key aspect of the program involves training leadership and HR personnel first to equip them with the tools and language to support employees who disclose abuse.Kathy shares red flags that employers can be aware of, such as changes in work performance, increased absenteeism, implausible excuses, lateness, eagerness to leave work, changes in demeanor, and visible signs of physical abuse.The program provides employers with strategies for intervention and problem-solving to support affected employees while maintaining business productivity.Lessons Learned and the Impact of the Work:Kathy emphasizes that every organization is different, necessitating a tailored approach to partnership.Overcoming employer reluctance by framing the program as proactive support rather than an admission of problems is crucial.The transformative impact of the program on workplace culture and the lives of survivors has been significant, exemplified...
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    52 mins
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