Big Ideas Welcome Podcast

Eller Kelliher is the incoming Chief Investment Office of Launch Tennessee leading capital programs and investments in early-stage companies and venture funds. Eller is a native Tennessean and has been based in Nashville since 2015. Eller spent almost seven years with Nashville-based early-stage healthcare fund, Jumpstart Health Investors. She served as Managing Director of Jumpstart Foundry from 2018-2021 and in that capacity invested in over 120 pre-seed stage healthcare technology companies - advising founders in the areas of business operations, fundraising, go-to-market strategy, and team development. Prior to joining LaunchTN, she was a Partner with SeedtoB Capital, a Healthcare AI focused venture capital firm in Atlanta, GA. Learn more about the InvestTn Fund: WebsiteLearn more about the Launch Tennessee: WebsiteConnect with Eller Kelliher: LinkedInListen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms and at bigideaswelcome.com.This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC chief of strategy  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Big Ideas Welcome guest host Jalynn Baker returns to the mic with the first of our special #100Knoxville season two episodes! Every Thursday you’ll get an ALL NEW episode featuring members and mentors from Knoxville Entrepreneur Center’s 100Knoxville business accelerator. “It’s not a ‘you problem,’ it’s an ‘us problem’.” - Hannah HumphreyOn this week's episode, Jalynn is joined by founder of Net’s Nest Shelter, Hannah Humphrey. The mission of Net’s Nest Shelter is to be a voice for victims and survivors. We are striving to change the way society sees the culture of domestic violence, through advocacy, education and resources we are moving towards a zero tolerance standard for domestic violence.Learn more about Hannah and connect with Net’s Nest Shelter. Learn more about 100Knoxville. 100Knoxville is a business accelerator program from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center with a  goal of growing Black-owned businesses in Knoxville by $10,000,000 over 5 years through investment of time and talent, and access to social, political, and financial capital.Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms and at bigideaswelcome.com.This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC chief of strategy  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Big Ideas Welcome host Chris McAdoo is joined by our favorite guest host, Jalynn Baker, to talk about the power of creating space for all kinds of people, making work that matters, and of course, her powerful conversations with #100Knoxville entrepreneurs. Jalynn Baker is the Coordinator of Storytelling Initiatives for Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, the Inclusion & Community Outreach Coordinator for Dogwood Arts, and a founding member of Open Arts Knoxville. She is a photographer and active community member who uses art and storytelling as a tool for advocacy. Through a creative process that starts with listening first, Jalynn seeks to center the voices of the unheard and reveal the dignity within all communities. Her goal is to create work that releases appreciation for life and empathy for people into the world. Reach out to Jalynn at jalynn@knoxec.net. Learn more about Jalynn BakerLearn more about 100Knoxville100Knoxville is a business accelerator program from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center with a  goal of growing Black-owned businesses in Knoxville by $10,000,000 over 5 years through investment of time and talent, and access to social, political, and financial capital.- - - - -Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms and at bigideaswelcome.com.This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC chief of strategy  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.com

Serial entrepreneur Brian Elrod joins Big Ideas Welcome host Chris McAdoo on this episode of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast to talk about the “little things”. Brian is all about developing the small, everyday habits that lead to consistent success - for himself, his business, and his employees. A lifelong East Tennessean, Brian Elrod is co-founder and CEO at Text Request, a bootstrapped business texting solution based in Chattanooga, TN, that has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list for three straight years, Financial Times 500 lists multiple times, and is also routinely recognized as a best place to work in their home market of Chattanooga, TN. Prior to co-founding Text Request, Brian and his wife, Jamey, created Educational Outfitters, a pioneer in the school uniform industry, in 1999. Learn more about Brian and Text Request- - - - - Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms and at bigideaswelcome.com.This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC chief of strategy  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.com

Patrick Hunt has a big idea: SHOW UP! Patrick Hunt joins Big Ideas Welcome host Chris McAdoo to dig into what it means for technology-focused founders to “show up” in their entrepreneurial ecosystem, and the incredible impact they can have on their companies, their people, and their communities. Patrick Hunt just can’t help but show up. A successful entrepreneur with over 30 years’ experience as a founder, mentor, and now serving as Chief Strategy Officer at Lirio, Patrick serves as a vision-caster and big idea generator in the ever competitive world of intelligence and digital health transformation. Patrick has over 30 years’ experience in consulting for Fortune 1000 companies, early stage and emerging start-ups, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. Along with his background in digital product development and behavioral economics, Patrick is also a leader in marketing automation, user research, information architecture, interactive design, and more. Through Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, he also serves as a frequent executive-level mentor to founders with companies large, small and everywhere in-between. Learn more: Lirio Website OnGoing Venture WebsiteThis Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by Chris McAdoo.- - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Tanika joins Big Ideas Welcome host Chris McAdoo to talk about what matters most to her as an entrepreneur and community leader. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Tanika Harper has always been driven by a spirit of innovation and a desire to make a positive impact. As a serial entrepreneur, she has successfully launched and managed four small businesses, each one a testament to her unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial prowess. One of Tanika's primary passions lies in championing the development of Black-owned startups. Tanika is a vocal advocate for equity and representation in the business world, and she actively seeks to create opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. With her relentless drive, entrepreneurial expertise, and genuine desire to uplift others, Tanika Harper continues to make a lasting impact in the world of entrepreneurship. Learn more: Harper's Naturals Website | InstagramShora Foundation WebsiteThe Women Website | Instagram- - - - - - - - - KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Ed Rottmann has a big idea: Entrepreneurs should be empowering their teams to accomplish their work without them. "Your job is to empower your team to be the best it can be."...Ed RottmannRottmann is the founder and CEO of Chroma Energy Group. Prior to forming Chroma, Ed served as the COO for Stowers Machinery Corporation, East Tennessee’s only Caterpillar Distributor. He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Vanderbilt University. He also serves as president of the board for The Tennessee Theatre and as a board member for the Tennessee Road Builders Association. Rottmann digs deep into his three core leadership philosophies as a team leader, and a founder of a rapidly growing energy technology company: Step one: Focus on retention, then recruitment.Step two: Get to know your people. Step three: Build structure and empower your teams and team leaders. Learn more about Ed and Chroma at chromaenergygroup.com and connect on LinkedIn HERE! Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms and at bigideaswelcome.com.This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.#BigIdeasWelcome #MadeForKnoxville #TheMakerCity #innov865 Youtube link to interview (also available at bigideaswelcome.com):- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Paris Woodhull shares her incredible journey in her #madeforknoxville talk, entitled "No Turning Back", where she literally takes the keys to her future in her hands. Odds are you’ll recognize Paris Woodhull’s artwork – it’s featured all over Knoxville! Paris was born to create, and to share that creativity with others, backed by a fierce determination to reject the “starving artist” model for a life that is fed by artful curiosity, business savvy, and what has now become one of the strongest brands in the region’s art scene. Paris brings a youthful, spontaneous energy to whatever she does, and you can’t help but smile when you drive by large pieces, like the 80ft #wallsforwomen mural, titled “Victoria” at Print Shop Beer in South Knoxville, or while searching the shelves at RALA for original prints, t-shirts, and her famous tea towels.AND host Chris McAdoo caught up with Paris to see what's up now...and what's up next!It's been one year since artist Paris Woodhull opened up for her storefront in downtown Knoxville, TN - and it's been one year since she gave her talk, "No Turning Back" to a packed house as part of Knoxville Entrepreneur Center's #MadeforKnoxville LIVE series. What has she learned - and what's happening next? Find out in this exclusive bonus interview with KEC's own Chris McAdoo, and listen to her talk on the Big Ideas Welcome podcast at bigideaswelcome.comParis Woodhull Website | Instagram | Facebook - - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

“There’s so much we could design if we honestly just asked each other what we wanted.” - Jaleria RiveraJaleria founded the soon-to-be artists studio co-op, SpaceCraft, because like herself, artists need space to practice, play, and connect without the worries of perfection or production. Above all, Jaleria has an infectious energy, and a desire to bring people together to accomplish…big ideas. She believes that by coming together, sharing our unique perspectives without judgment, and collectively envisioning the type of future we want to see, we have the power to reshape our communities and allocate resources to bring our visions to life. Jaleria Rivera on LinkedIn- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Hannah Lee has a BIG IDEA: “The four-day workweek will change the way we work.” Hannah is the CEO and Co-founder of Second Mile, an award-winning revenue operations agency focused on helping its clients scale smarter and improve the workweek.She believes very strongly in the power of time, and making the most of it, - so it was important to her and her Second Mile team to tackle the possibilities, benefits and challenges of the four-day workweek. They’ve seen increased productivity, consistent revenue growth, and improved employee work-life balance. They’ve also been keen to focus on building a positive, collaborative culture where employees can communicate freely, and quickly - to accomplish big things in a limited timeframe. As Hannah succinctly puts it, “If you have two weeks to pack, or two hours, you will fill the suitcase”. Now, she is sharing her passion for the four day work week with the world, including speaking at one of the biggest marketing conferences in the world, INBOUND 2023! To learn more about Hannah, connect with her on LinkedIn or check out Second Mile. - - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Jonathan “Courageous” Clark is this week’s Big Ideas Welcome podcast guest. Jonathan’s Big Idea: Art and Science can answer the world's toughest questions. Multidisciplinary Artist, Activist and CEO/Founder of ART.Official Intelligence, Jonathan Clark, also known as “Courageous,” currently serves as a member of the Knoxville Mayor’s Maker City Council, a board member of the Network of Ensemble Theaters and The Waymakers Collective, and formerly as Co-Chair of the Board of Directors of Alternate ROOTS.Jonathan shares a poem about The Maker City, and the artistic process of making "something out of nothing". He then talks about his journey into artistic entrepreneurship through programs like Co.Starters and 100 Knoxville. These programs, and the people he met along the way, helped him realize his desire to build his own company, Art.Official Intelligence, and he has a big mission: to foster empathy and overcome bias by blending creative art and psychological science. Now working with organizations like The University of Tennessee College of Nursing, Jonathan continues to change mindsets (including his own), begin new conversations, and open up new environments. Jonathan is a native son of Knoxville, TN and Alumnus of the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, whose professional performance career began at the age of thirteen with The Carpetbag Theatre’s T.R.Y. Youth Theatre Ensemble and he’s remained a working performance artist ever since; traveling the country performing original poetry, acting, facilitating DEI workshops and immersing himself in as much culture as the United States has to offer. Courageous is a Spoken Word Poet, Writer, Playwright, Director, Event Host, Actor, Digital Storyteller/Listener, Teaching Artist, Baker and Dad Joke Connoisseur.Find out more about Jonathan: Instagram | LinkedIn | #madeforknoxville - - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Can good design set the stage for human interaction and community? That's Josh and Jessica Wright's big idea. The visionary pair behind Machinations joined host Chris McAdoo to discuss their vision for creating vertical neighborhoods through architecture that fosters community and social interaction.Discover how their vision extends beyond the interior structure, as they explore incorporating shared social spaces and interconnected balconies that bring the essence of traditional neighborhoods to life within a building. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on the power of good design in shaping human connections and communities.Machinations Instagram | Website- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Brian Gabriel Canever is a storyteller, author, and journalist who believes in the power of committing to your passions. His big idea is to "show your work." An Argentine-New Jerseyan, Brian now lives and works in Knoxville, Tennessee. In this episode, he inspires folks to rediscover their creative passions and hobbies, irrespective of their day jobs. Brian unveils the importance of embracing the creative process rather than fixating on commercial success. And the first step? Sharing your work with the world. Tune in to gain insights and motivation on unleashing your creative potential.Meet Brian: Website  | Instagram | Linkedin- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

This episode features Erika Biddix, the founder of Aught, a coworking space and community for female entrepreneurs. Erika shares how she started Aught after hearing a keynote speech that inspired her to open a coworking space for women. She discusses how Aught has grown beyond just a physical space into a larger community that provides support, coaching, and connections to help women entrepreneurs succeed.Erika's Big Idea,  "It's never too late to discover your purpose, that women can do anything at all, and that the power of community can create magic." Aught Instagram | Website- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

Charlotte Tolley's Big Idea is someone has to say "yes" and do the work to make a difference. She talks about how she helped start the Market Square Farmers Market in Knoxville 20 years ago and now runs Nourish Knoxville, a nonprofit that supports local farmers and connects them with the community. She discusses the challenges of running a nonprofit but emphasizes the importance of paying staff properly and empowering people to make their own food choices. Charlotte reflects on how the farmers market and Knoxville have grown over the past 20 years and how her focus now is on ensuring Nourish Knoxville can continue its work for many years.Nourish Knoxville Website | Instagram | Facebook- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

This week's episode of The Big Ideas Welcome podcast features Kenneth Herring, the Managing Director at River and Rail Theatre and Old City Performing Arts Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. Kenneth discusses his big idea that all artists should get paid their value and worth for their work. He also shares why he encourages artists to ask uncomfortable questions about finances to get the information they need, and has some suggestions on things to consider for those who hire artists. River and Rail Theatre Website Old City Performing Arts Center Website Kenneth Herring Instagram | LinkedIn |  Facebook- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

What happens when entrepreneurs view self-care and wellness as essential elements of success in business? In this episode Booth Andrews shares why this is such a crucial idea.  As a speaker, coach, lawyer, mom and weight lifting enthusiast Booth works at the intersection of business and well-being and helps those around her to understand the power of self care. Join our host Chris McAdoo and Booth Andrews to hear her big idea of why a dysregulated nervous system is bad for business and what you can do about it. Booth Andrews on Instagram  | LinkedIn

As entrepreneurs, we are always searching for ways to take our big ideas to the next level. We explore markets, create innovative products, and build businesses that have impacts on your community. As important as all of this is, we often forget about the value of stepping away from our desks and out into the great outdoors. Whether it be for a hike through the woods, a meeting on a screen porch, or walking around the block, being outside can have a profound impact on our productivity and creativity. In this episode, our host Chris McAdoo is joined by Brandon Bruce to hear his idea of why getting outside can help you to put your big ideas into action! Brandon Bruce Instagram | LinkedIn | Website- - - - - - - - - -KEC: Instagram | Facebook | Website I Twitter | Linkedin#MadeforKnoxville WebsiteChris McAdoo: Instagram | LinkedIn | WebsiteSubscribe: Apple Podcast | SpotifyCheck Us Out: WebsiteIf you have any questions, comments, or big ideas of your own, email us at hello@bigideaswelcome.comThe show is Produced and Edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

“I think the real “American Dream” is being a small business owner and being able to tap into your full potential.” - Oslo ColeOn this week's episode, guest host Jalynn Baker is joined by entrepreneur, management expert, 100Knoxville mentor, and now member of the Sixthman team, Oslo Cole. You’ll learn about Oslo’s love for music and community work, his favorite live music memories, mentoring through the 100Knoxville business accelerator, and how he adapts his skill sets to different industries. Learn more about Oslo: Website | LinkedIn100Knoxville is a business accelerator program from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center with a  goal of growing Black-owned businesses in Knoxville by $10,000,000 over 5 years through investment of time and talent, and access to social, political, and financial capital.Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms and at bigideaswelcome.com.This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC chief of strategy  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.

“I just want to be an example of being tied to community and really valuing people.” - Deidra HarperOn this week's episode, guest host Jalynn Baker is joined by Deidra Harper of Elite Facility Maintenance and The Women LLC. You’ll hear from Diedre about growing up in an entrepreneurial family and discovering her place in the family legacy. We also dig into what she has learned about learning to ask for help and how to implement good advice, along with her passion for community engagement.Learn more about Deidra Learn more about 100Knoxville 100Knoxville is a business accelerator program from the Knoxville Entrepreneur Center with a  goal of growing Black-owned businesses in Knoxville by $10,000,000 over 5 years through investment of time and talent, and access to social, political, and financial capital.Listen to all episodes of the Big Ideas Welcome podcast, available now on your favorite streaming platforms and at bigideaswelcome.com.This Big Ideas Welcome podcast is brought to you by Knoxville Entrepreneur Center, hosted and curated by KEC chief of strategy  Chris McAdoo, and produced and edited by Palm Tree Pod Co.