No one thinks their marriage will end in divorce, and certainly no one thinks they will turn it into a career - but Brenda Bridges is a successful divorce coach, mediator, and financial advisor.   In this episode, Brenda shares how sometimes you just need to get your foot in the door in order to prove yourself, how her definition of success has changed throughout her career, and how she’s turned a terrible event into a way to help other people.   Brenda Bridges is the Founder and Owner of Bridging Wealth Solutions, where she helps couples through the emotional and financial aspects of divorce. You can connect with her on LinkedIn here, and you can find her book “Oh $h*t! I’m Getting Divorced” on Amazon 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: Gideon Thomas’s Morning Cup (E07) Stephanie Stuckey’s Morning Cup (E33) Felicia Jackson’s Morning Cup (E45)

Long-time Chattanoogans will know Jed Mescon from his 28 years anchoring the morning news on WRCB-TV. After a brief 7-year break from media, Jed is back on-air… but this time, on the radio (Talk 102.3).   In this episode, Jed shares how he became “King of the Passover Candy Sale” while in school, how he started his broadcasting career at the age of 16 by hosting a children’s game show, and fun anecdotes about his time at WRCB - like the time he had to visit a nudist colony, and how he proposed to his wife on live TV.   Jed Mescon is Program Director and On-Air Talent at Cumulus Media. You can listen to him Monday-Friday from 6AM-10AM on WGOW Talk Radio 102.3. You can also connect with him 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: Callie Starnes’s Morning Cup (E18) Chris Lytle’s Morning Cup (E28) Jared Stehney’s Morning Cup (E30)

Bo Drake is drawn to creating opportunities for others, which is what led him to pursue a career in higher education.   In this episode, Bo shares how his first career in insurance started by working in the family business (with a warning), how he used LinkedIn to get a foot in the door for higher education, and why it’s important to align your paycheck with your passion.   Bo Drake is the Vice President of Economic & Workforce Development and the Tennessee College of Applied Technologies at Chattanooga State. You can connect with him 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: Dr. Rebecca Ashford’s Morning Cup (E16) Craig Fuller’s Morning Cup (E58) Dr. Elaine Swafford’s Morning Cup (E64)

Dr. Elaine Swafford, CEO of Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy and former teacher, shares her journey from a high school classroom to executive leadership. She recounts her transformative experiences overcoming shyness through 4-H speeches. Elaine discusses her pivotal 'Michael Jordan' moment and how she revived CGLA in just nine months. The conversation highlights the significance of empowering girls through education, the challenges of leading during COVID-19, and the necessity of resilience in personal and professional growth.

Cam Doody, co-founder and general partner at Brickyard and the moving company Bellhop, shares his journey from corporate constraints to entrepreneurial freedom. He discusses starting Bellhop during the financial crisis and the vital lessons learned through adversity. Cam emphasizes the importance of community support for founders and the unique entrepreneurial culture in Chattanooga. He also dives into the nuances of venture capital, urging genuine connections over hype, and highlights the value of taking risks in your twenties for long-term success.

Marj Flemming, CEO of LaunchPoint Leadership, shares her inspiring journey from a small-town Iowa upbringing to leading a successful leadership training business. She recounts her unique experiences, like 'dressing' chickens, and how motherhood propelled her career shift. Marj discusses the power of community involvement, the challenges she faced transitioning to entrepreneurship, and the importance of servant leadership. Listeners will love her insights on overcoming self-doubt, the value of networking, and empowering future generations.

Patrick Wells got an early taste of the startup world when he won a business plan competition in college. From there, he’s grown businesses in the legal, auto salvage, and stone industries.   In this episode, Patrick shares how one good idea changed his life’s path, what he learned from pole vaulting (and the adjustments former athletes must make to be successful in business), and how he’s acquired and grown several businesses.   Patrick Wells is the CEO of Majestic Stone and StoneLoads. You can connect with him 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: Brent Burks’s Morning Cup (E10) Shawn Whitfield’s Morning Cup (E20) Josh Manning’s Morning Cup (E27)

Growing up, Valoria Armstrong wanted to be an attorney. She never imagined that she would have a career in HR or Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.   In this episode, Valoria shares how she was elected President of the NAACP board at the age of 26, how she evaluates opportunities before committing to them, and why inclusion comes before diversity at Unum.   Valoria Armstrong is the Chief Global Inclusion & Diversity Officer at Unum. 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: Wade Hinton’s Morning Cup (E09) Tom Cupo’s Morning Cup (E32) Candy Johnson’s Morning Cup (E48)

Virginia Anne’s career did not start in the art world, despite a passion for the performing arts. She originally followed in her father’s footsteps as a lawyer, but her involvement in the community grew, leading her to the Hunter Museum nine years ago.   In this episode, we discuss what it was like to be the second woman ever hired at Miller & Martin, switching her focus from litigation to commercial real estate, and why art is so important.    Stick around until the end to hear a special announcement about an upcoming exhibit at the Hunter Museum!   Virginia Anne Sharber is the Executive Director of the Hunter Museum of American Art. 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: Todd Womack’s Morning Cup (E21) Vance Travis’s Morning Cup (E40) Bob Corker’s Morning Cup (E52)

Entrepreneurship has always been in Craig Fuller’s blood. From a young age, he’s been starting and growing businesses.   In this episode, Craig shares the ups and downs of his career, starting with growing Xpress Direct to $140 million in revenue within two years, then getting fired from the family businesses (twice), and now leading FreightWaves and acquiring legacy media brands.   Craig Fuller is the Founder and CEO of FreightWaves, the leading provider of global supply chain market intelligence and news. You can connect with him 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: Brian Elrod’s Morning Cup (E29) Stephanie Stuckey’s Morning Cup (E33) Tiffanie Robinson’s Morning Cup (E39)