Leading Locally: A Podcast by Leadership Lee County

In this episode of Leading Locally, Kristen sits down with Auburn City Council member, Beth Witten, to explore what it truly means to lead with integrity, emotional intelligence, and healthy boundaries—especially in the often demanding world of public service.Beth shares candid reflections from her leadership journey, including the importance of managing expectations, setting boundaries in a 24/7 culture, and learning when to pause instead of react. From navigating difficult conversations to embracing the power of saying “I don’t know”, this conversation is full of practical wisdom for leaders at every level.If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, conflict, or the pressure to always have the right answer, you'll appreciate this episode!Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here.

In this episode of Leading Locally, Kristen sits down with Mark Coxwell, founder of Butcher Paper BBQ, to unpack a leadership journey rooted in service, resilience, and community impact.From hosting backyard barbecue parties to building a food truck by hand, Mark shares how taking small steps (even before he had everything figured out) eventually led to something much bigger than a business. Mark’s vision goes beyond food. It’s about creating a space where everyone is welcome, where people from all walks of life can gather, and where leadership shows up through serving others well.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here.

As the year comes to a close, we’re taking time to reflect on what leadership really looks like in our community.In this special year-end wrap-up episode, we’re joined by Christina Kluttz, owner of MAK Media, for a behind-the-scenes conversation about the leaders we’ve heard from this year, and the lessons that stayed with us. From authentic leadership and stepping into discomfort, to the power of influence without authority, this episode highlights a simple but powerful message: leadership belongs to everyone.You’ll hear stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things, insights on discovering your personal leadership style, and encouragement to reflect on where you’ve grown—and where you want to grow next. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, a family, or simply yourself, this episode will leave you inspired to take intentional steps forward.As you head into a new year, we hope this conversation reminds you that small changes, rooted in purpose and authenticity, can make a big impact right where you are.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here.

In this inspiring episode of Leading Locally, we sit down with Rene Waldrop — Executive Director of Our House, former attorney, teacher, community advocate, and a leader fueled by purpose.Rene shares her journey from a 20-year law career to following a calling she could no longer ignore: serving children and families in Auburn’s public housing communities. What began as a small, heartfelt dream — buying a house next door to public housing and opening the door to neighbors — has grown into a thriving, relationship-centered ministry that now serves dozens of families and partners with countless volunteers.This episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about titles — it’s about influence, courage, and choosing love in every step.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here.

In this episode of Leading Locally, host Kristen sits down with Craig Hyatt, co-owner of Our Home Pharmacy, to talk about what it truly means to lead with integrity and heart. From his small-town upbringing on Chandler Mountain to serving in the Navy and launching a community-centered pharmacy, Craig’s story is one of faith, grit, and purpose.He shares how viewing people through the lens of value has shaped his leadership, why remembering a customer’s name matters, and the power of simply getting to a starting point when pursuing new ideas. Whether you’re leading a team, a business, or your family, Craig’s approach to “doing it with integrity and honesty” will inspire you to serve people better—right where you are.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more here.

Robb Taylor, head coach for Auburn’s wheelchair basketball team and Athletic Director of Auburn Adapted Athletics, joins us to share his philosophy of leading through building relationships and understanding. In this episode, Robb opens up about his leadership style—why he leads with love, how he balances accountability with care, and why he believes the true measure of a legacy isn’t wins and medals, but how people feel when they’re led by you. From hiring people who elevate the team to pulling from the “positivity bank,” Robb breaks down what it really takes to bring out the best in others.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠⁠Learn more here.

When life didn’t go according to her perfectly planned timeline, Kim Hudson discovered that margin is often where purpose can be found. After earning her law degree, Kim set aside her legal career when her husband, Tim, was drafted to play Major League Baseball. What looked like a detour became an open door leading her into nonprofit work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and ultimately to founding the Hudson Family Foundation.In this episode, Kim shares how she turned moments of uncertainty into opportunities for impact, why generosity should be a cornerstone of leadership, and how creating boundaries has allowed her to serve without burning out. Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t only about achievements or titles — it’s about using what you have to meet real needs and leave a legacy of care.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠⁠Learn more here.

What does it take to lead with integrity, unity, and purpose? Pastor Clifford Jones of Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church joins us for a powerful conversation about the importance of accountability, building trust, and reconciling people through leadership. From navigating conflict and encouraging healthy change to choosing your inner circle wisely, Pastor Jones shares how leaders can stay grounded, live truthfully, and lead by example. Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: ⁠@leadershipleecounty⁠Website: ⁠www.leadershipleecounty.org⁠Leadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. ⁠Learn more here.

Rusty Prewett knows what it means to pivot with purpose. After nearly 15 years in the insurance world, he recognized the industry was shifting and so was he. In this episode, Rusty shares how he transitioned from insurance to launching Prewett Pest Control, a business built on adaptability and people-first values. From building trust in a new industry to hiring the right team and developing leaders across locations, Rusty brings practical insights and honest reflections on what it takes to grow a business that’s both resilient and rooted in impact. Whether you’re leading a team or dreaming of your next big move, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger and lead better.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: @leadershipleecountyWebsite: www.leadershipleecounty.orgLeadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. Learn more here.

At 26 years old, Eloise Stewart walked away from teaching design courses at Auburn University and stepped into the unknown. With no guarantees, she started Eloise Design Co. — a business built on helping others discover who they are and communicate it clearly. Nine years later, she’s grown a thriving brand rooted in intentionality, purpose, and deep connection.In this episode, Eloise shares the pivotal moment that led to starting her business, how she leads with clarity and generosity of her time, and what she's learned about delegation, boundaries, and burnout. From rebranding Leadership Lee County to launching masterminds like Buildwell and co-founding Beingwell, Eloise gives us a transparent look into her growth as a leader and the power of tiny conversations that shape big impact.Whether you're a business owner, creative, or leader in your own lane — this one is for you.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: @leadershipleecountyWebsite: www.leadershipleecounty.orgLeadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. Learn more here.

In this episode, we sit down with Jeremy Gray, a former NC State football player turned entrepreneur, community leader, and Alabama State Representative for the 83rd District. From his early days in Opelika to playing sports and stepping into politics, Jeremy shares how leadership, influence, and personal branding have shaped his journey. He discusses the importance of influence over authority, leading with empathy, and the power of compromise in politics to drive real change.With an untraditional path into politics, Jeremy reflects on resilience, adapting to challenges, and staying focused on the bigger picture—even when progress feels slow. He emphasizes knowing who you are, how to navigate the system, and where to draw the line as a leader. His ultimate goal? Leaving his community better than he found it.Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: @leadershipleecountyWebsite: www.leadershipleecounty.orgLeadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. Learn more here.

Welcome to the first episode of Leading Locally! We're excited to feature leaders within our community and highlight the impact they're having in Lee County, Alabama. Our first guest is Todd Shackett, President of Southern Union State Community College, who shows us how leadership skills are transferrable as he takes us through his career starting in manufacturing to leading a strong team at Southern Union. From his years of experience in leadership, he shares advice on hiring the right people for the team, situational leadership and being comfortable with the uncomfortable. Connect with Leadership Lee CountyInstagram: @leadershipleecountyWebsite: www.leadershipleecounty.orgLeadership Experts: Are you an experienced and trained leadership expert? We are always taking applications for local leadership experts who specialize in one-on-one coaching and group training. We will then add you to our public database that is shared with community partners and marketed publicly. Learn more here.