Building Great People

Join us as Joe Shakeenab walks through the experiences and leaders who molded his character, mindset, and discipline. From Ranger School to Special Forces, Joe explains what true leadership looks like: presence, purpose, grit, and service.

If you're looking to become a stronger leader or inspire the people around you, this episode will challenge and encourage you.

🎙️ 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽, 𝘂𝗻𝗳𝗶𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀...

In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with The Press's Student Ambassadors — CiCi, Gage, and JT — who are also full time Austin Peay State University students, to talk about what it really means to grow as a leader. From managing a real investment portfolio to rediscovering purpose after setbacks, their stories reflect the power of faith, perseverance, and showing up every day with intention.

You’ll hear real advi...

In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with Reagan Prather, an experienced coach and adjunct faculty member at Austin Peay State University, who works with youth athletes and executive coaching students. She explains why sports are uniquely powerful for building character, how focusing on nurturing roots (skills, relationships, process) beats obsessing over wins, and how coaches and managers can help young people tra...

Dave Dessauer, Director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center (TSBDC) at Austin Peay, joins Building Great People to unpack what new owners really face: fear, grit, accountability—and why starting small is often the smartest move. He explains TSBDC’s no-cost 1:1 advising and training, who qualifies, and the realistic timeline most businesses need to find traction.

We also tackle analysis paralysis, realistic funding ...

Pamela Holz, Executive Director of the Association for Corporate Growth Tennessee, doesn’t just walk into a room — she lights it up. But behind her joyful presence is a deep leadership philosophy built on connection, empathy, and the belief that everyone matters.

In this heartfelt episode of Building Great People, Pamela reflects on her roots as a teacher, her love for people, and how she helps high-powered business leaders stay ...

In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with Mark Blaze—an accomplished Chief Revenue Officer known for driving sales, leading strategic initiatives, and building cultures that thrive. With decades of experience in market expansion, P&L management, and team leadership, Mark unpacks the personal side of executive leadership: staying calm in crisis, leading with empathy, and empowering others to grow. Whether you'r...

Episode 3 of Building Great People features Nick Lavery — active-duty Green Beret, keynote speaker, coach, and CEO. A best-selling author and member of The Press, Nick shares a powerful story of grit, leadership, and resilience.

With nearly 20 years in Special Forces, Nick offers deep insights on mission planning, problem-solving, and what it means to truly lead — at work and at home. He opens up about balancing military life with ...

What if your biggest fear wasn’t failure—but never taking the leap at all?

In this episode of Building Great People, we sit down with Emily, founder of Asulon Collective, Downtown Clarksville’s newest craft coffee shop. Emily’s journey is one of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to serving people—one cup at a time.

Growing up on a 125-acre hay farm in Florida, Emily learned the power of hospitality from her gran...