My Morning Cup

Jeff Lyash, the President and CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, shares his remarkable journey from a small coal mining town to corporate leadership. He emphasizes three key qualities for success and encourages embracing change fearlessly. Jeff discusses the transition from coal to renewable energy sources, highlighting the importance of a diverse energy mix. He also reflects on the impact of informal mentorship and the TVA's unique mission in the energy sector, advocating for community engagement and collaboration in shaping the future of energy.

Jay Shaffer, an angel investor and former oil rig worker, shares insights from his versatile career, highlighting how a 4am realization propelled him towards success. He emphasizes the crucial role of networking and a bit of luck in seizing opportunities. Jay provides valuable tips for startup founders seeking investors and discusses navigating the challenges in the startup ecosystem, especially during the pandemic. He advocates for work-life balance and mental health to prevent burnout among entrepreneurs, encouraging proactive risk-taking and learning from experiences.

Calvin Sneed, a trailblazing former main anchor at Channel 9 and the only African American male in East Tennessee to hold such a position, recounts his inspiring journey from photographer to anchor. He discusses the importance of representation in media and shares his deep-rooted passion for bridge hunting. Calvin reflects on how bridges symbolize connections in life and community, while also critiquing the evolving landscape of broadcasting. His nostalgic anecdotes bring a personal touch, celebrating both his past and his ongoing love for photography.

Christian Höferle is a native of Germany who made his way to the States through a student exchange program. After returning to Germany and growing a career as a journalist, Christian and his wife made a huge decision to move to Cleveland, Tennessee.    In this episode, Christian shares how he dealt with his family’s disappointment when he didn’t take over the family butcher business, what it was like meeting celebrities like Peter Gabriel and Jay-Z, and why his business focuses on building cultural bridges (not walls).   Christian Höferle is the Founder and Owner of The Culture Mastery, which provides cultural training and support for global companies. You can learn more about The Culture Mastery on the website (theculturemastery.com) and you can connect with Christian on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/interculturaltrainerconsultant).   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Tom Griscom’s Morning Cup (E23) Becky Blaesing’s Morning Cup (E26) Valoria Armstrong’s Morning Cup (E60)

Hal Bowling, the Founder and Co-CEO of LAUNCH Chattanooga, is championing the local entrepreneur scene to foster intergenerational wealth. He shares his adventurous journey from college days to Australia, and his transition from non-profits to advertising. Hal discusses the importance of community in nurturing new business ventures, his experiences launching a kitchen incubator for food entrepreneurs, and insights into balancing personal ambitions with family and faith. His passion shines through as he empowers others to turn their business dreams into reality.

Bill Priestley is a 27-year sports broadcast veteran. His journey started when he was forced to go (at least) five hours away for college and opened the “wrong door.”   In this episode, we talk about taking major gambles with career moves, putting dreams on pause, and the magic formula for finding a job that aligns with your interests and abilities.   Bill Priestley is the owner of The Dream Job Factory, a program where he speaks to high schools and colleges about how students can identify their dream careers. You can connect with Bill on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/billpriestley/) and you can learn more about The Dream Job Factory on the website (dreamjobfactory.com).   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Dalya Qualls White’s Morning Cup (E14) Tim Morgan’s Morning Cup (E26) Jared Stehney’s Morning Cup (E30)

In this vibrant discussion, Chattanooga entrepreneur Barry Large shares his journey from a childhood immersed in his parents' brick business to co-founding Access America with friends Ted Alling and Allan Davis. They recount how their startup soared to $500 million in ten years despite numerous hurdles. The trio emphasizes the power of complementary skills, the challenges of rapid growth, and investing in local ventures, highlighting the importance of community and resilience in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Susan Vandergriff can give us an inside look into what it’s like to work in each of the corporate, non-profit, and small business worlds thanks to her unique blend of career experiences. But that’s not the only thing with a unique blend…    Her business, The Happy Birdwatcher Co., is the only company in the country that uses data to create a unique blend of seeds to attract birds to your backyard.   In this episode, we talk about how her business came to be, the harsh realities of being a business owner (especially as a woman), and what it was like to grow up in an idyllic small town, seeing her family involved in the community and politics.   Susan Vandergriff is the Founder and Owner of The Happy Birdwatcher Co., which delivers thoughtfully blended birdseed, tailored to your backyard. You can connect with Susan on Instagram (@happybirdwatcherco) and learn more about her company on the website (happybirdwatcher.com).   If you’re interested in the Merlin birding app, you can learn more and download it here: merlin.allaboutbirds.org   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Gideon Thomas’s Morning Cup (E07) Gail Loveland Barille’s Morning Cup (E22) Felicia Jackson’s Morning Cup (E45)

Sheriff Austin Garrett has had a long career in law enforcement, following (somewhat) in the footsteps of his father, Austin “Cowboy” Garrett.   In this episode, Sheriff Garrett shares his three reasons for doing the job, why the HCSO uses social media to share the good and the bad, and how he maintains a work/life balance despite having to always be “on.”    Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes information on how the City and County work together, and why he’s been “working short” without a Chief Deputy for almost 2 years.   Sheriff Austin Garrett was sworn in as the 60th Sheriff of Hamilton County in 2022. You can learn more about him on the HCSO website here: hcsheriff.gov/gen_info/about_sheriff.php You can also learn more about the Forgotten Child Fund at forgottenchildfund.org   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Chip Baker’s Morning Cup (E03) Mayor Weston Wamp’s Morning Cup (E36) Karen Shostak’s Morning Cup (E44)

Unlike many of My Morning Cup’s guests, Jacinda Woodward has worked at the same organization for her 39-and-a-half-year career. However, like many guests, she’s held several different and diverse roles at TVA.   In this episode, we talk about how a co-op opportunity opened the door for her at TVA while she was in college, how she didn’t skip steps as she progressed through the company, and why she feels “galvanized” after three traumatic events.   Jacinda Woodward is the Senior Vice President of Power Operations at TVA. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here.   My Morning Cup is hosted by Mike Costa of Costa Media Advisors and produced by SpeakEasy Productions. Subscribe to our new weekly newsletter here.   If you liked this episode, we think you’ll also like: Vance Travis’s Morning Cup (E40) Matt Rasmussen’s Morning Cup (E57) Marj Flemming’s Morning Cup (E62)