Talent Pipeline Georgia

Welcome to a historic milestone for Talent Pipeline Georgia! To kick things off, host Cory Thompson sits down with May Saysombath, a Dental Hygiene student from Columbus Technical College and the newly crowned 2026 Georgia Occupational Award of Leadership (GOAL) winner!May’s journey to winning a brand-new Kia Sportage is a masterclass in resilience and adaptability. After pivoting from her initial plans in Alabama to avoid career-limiting geographic restrictions, she found her true calling—and an lifelong support system—at Columbus Tech.In this conversation, May opens up about the intense reality of the state competition, including the high-stakes pressure of drawing the number-one interview slot. But far beyond the trophy and the new car keys, May shares the deeply moving story of balancing grueling clinical competencies and case studies while navigating the loss of her father and rushing to the hospital to care for her ill mother. Tune in to hear how an unexpected "Plan B" transformed into a statewide victory, why graduating debt-free is a total game-changer, and how a community of dedicated instructors can carry a student through life's hardest moments.In this episode, we discuss:The tactical decision to choose Columbus Tech over state-restricted university programs.Navigating the pressure cooker of going first in the state finals.“Everyone is going through something”: Balancing critical family emergencies with rigorous clinical training.The logistics of driving a prize car home across state lines when you didn't plan on winning.May’s next chapter as the official 2026 workforce ambassador for the Technical College System of Georgia.Connect with Us:Subscribe to Talent Pipeline Georgia on your favorite podcast platform.Watch the full video version of Episode 8 on our official channel!

What happens when a reluctant nominee becomes the state’s biggest advocate for technical education? In this episode of Talent Pipeline Georgia, we sit down with Christopher Davis, the 2026 Rick Perkins Award winner and the Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Instructor of the Year.An automotive technology instructor at Augusta Technical College, Chris shares his journey from a hands-on student inspired by his own mentor to becoming a life coach for a diverse classroom of students ranging from ages 16 to 65.In this episode, we discuss:The Debt-Free Path to Six Figures: How students are entering high-demand industries like automotive technology with zero student debt and earning $150,000+ a year.Life Coaching in the Lab: Why Chris believes teaching technical skills is only half the job, and why he spends just as much time discussing finances, insurance, and personal growth with his students.Bridging the Workforce Gap: A look at the staggering need for over 471,000 new technicians by 2034 and how Georgia’s technical colleges are meeting that challenge.The Power of Mentorship: The story of how a former Marine student pushed a "reluctant" Chris to embrace his gift for teaching and represent Georgia on the state stage.Whether you're a military veteran looking for a second career, a high schooler weighing your options, or a business leader invested in Georgia's growth, Chris’s passion for "the family" of technical education is a must-listen.