Sara Ann Brown

• Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi

• Support Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi and its work serving youth in local communities. https://www.bgcnms.org/
• Get involved with Boys & Girls Clubs of North Mississippi by volunteering your time and talents to support local youth. https://www.bgcnms.org/
• Practice connection in your own leadership by intentionally showing up, listening, and meeting people where they are. https://www.maxwellleadership.com/

00:00:00] Taylor Tutor: Spark action. Brought to you by the Community Development Foundation, your Chamber of Commerce and economic development engine for Tupelo and Lee County. Thank you to our presenting sponsor, iHeartMedia, for powering this season of IgniteCast. I'm Taylor. [00:00:35] Judd Wilson: I'm Judd. [00:00:36] Taylor Tutor: And welcome to IgniteCast. [00:00:40] Judd Wilson: Taylor, it's that time again. [00:00:42] Taylor Tutor: Here we are, episode 51. [00:00:45] Judd Wilson: 51. Unbelievable. We've done 51 of these? [00:00:48] Taylor Tutor: 51. Are you tired of me yet? [00:00:49] Judd Wilson: No. I can't get tired of you, Taylor. I know. I just love IgniteCast. You know why? Why? 'Cause this season is really kinda almost leading us up to- [00:00:58] Taylor Tutor: Yeah ... [00:00:59] Judd Wilson: the Ignite [00:01:00] Leadership Conference- The Ignite Leadership ... coming up in January. [00:01:02] Taylor Tutor: January 21st at The Orchard here in Tupelo. Where [00:01:05] Judd Wilson: do I get my tickets? [00:01:06] Taylor Tutor: Igniteleadership.com and there's only just a few days left until the early bird pricing is over on October the 9th. [00:01:13] Judd Wilson: Right around the corner. [00:01:14] Taylor Tutor: Right around the corner. [00:01:15] Judd Wilson: Get those early birds. [00:01:16] Taylor Tutor: Yep. [00:01:17] Judd Wilson: I love it. I love it. You know what else I love about the IgniteCast podcast? [00:01:20] Taylor Tutor: Mm, is it our guest today? [00:01:22] Judd Wilson: Our guest, Sara Ann Brown. Yes. Yay. Sara Ann is president of the Boys & Girls Club, and Sara Ann, I actually knew you before you had that role. Um, kinda tell us a little bit about you, a little bit about your background, and then coming on board with the Boys & Girls Club. [00:01:37] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah. No, appreciate that, and- [00:01:39] Judd Wilson: Did you appreciate the applause? [00:01:40] Sara Ann Brown: I did. [00:01:41] Judd Wilson: Wasn't that awesome? [00:01:41] Sara Ann Brown: It's great to be on this side of it. I've listened to your podcast for a long time, so great to hear it in person. Uh, for me, you know, I moved to Tupelo a little over a year ago, and yeah, one of my first stops, uh, was CDF, and that's where I met you and Amy and then Taylor and this great community through the events that you guys host. [00:01:59] Sara Ann Brown: Um, my [00:02:00] background is in the military. My husband was also in the military, and so what brought us to, uh, Tupelo is his family. Um, they're in Booneville, and we wanted to be closer to his family. My background is in healthcare, uh, and I then s- from stepping out of that position, um, it was a government position, I started my own business, and through that journey, I got connected with some people, and they then kind of brought me to the Boys & Girls Club, and here I am. [00:02:25] Sara Ann Brown: It's been about two months now, and it's, it's been very great. [00:02:28] Judd Wilson: That is awesome. And, and kinda your business, too, before that leadership develop- you were kinda really involved in leadership. Is that correct? [00:02:35] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah. Uh, so the business is Leadership Investments, and really focusing on, you know, developing and investing in people, which is, like, an organization's greatest asset, as you guys know. [00:02:44] Sara Ann Brown: Um, and, uh, mainly partnering with healthcare organizations in the community, uh, to really develop their leaders, but it was applicable to all organizations. [00:02:51] Judd Wilson: And your background really kinda helped with that, 'cause you saw that firsthand, I'm sure. [00:02:55] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah, uh, with the military. Um, so, uh, really, the military is what [00:03:00] ignited and really, um, [00:03:03] Judd Wilson: developed- Thank you for saying ignited- Yes [00:03:04] Judd Wilson: by the way. That was- [00:03:05] Taylor Tutor: Great job ... [00:03:05] Judd Wilson: great. [00:03:07] Sara Ann Brown: Um, really developed, uh, me as a leader, and so I'm grateful for that experience. [00:03:10] Judd Wilson: And now you're pa- you kind of pass that along. Yeah. [00:03:13] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah. [00:03:13] Judd Wilson: Yeah. That is awesome. [00:03:14] Taylor Tutor: That is awesome. I, I didn't know, um, healthcare background about you. I knew the military, so that was neat to hear. [00:03:20] Taylor Tutor: But we start every episode off with this question, so I wanna ask you, what's the best leadership tip you've ever been given? [00:03:26] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah, and this one is a bit of an explanation. Okay. So originally It wasn't the best, but I, I was told, "Meet people where they are." And that drove me insane because I thought meeting them where they are was lowering my standards, and in the workplace I have very high standards. [00:03:43] Sara Ann Brown: And so with time and experience, I realized that, um, you don't lower your standards, you adjust your approach to help them reach your standards. And so it's meet people where they are, but don't leave them there. [00:03:56] Judd Wilson: I like that. Oh, I like it. I like that. Yeah, 'cause I mean, you don't wanna [00:04:00] feel like you're getting down on their level, but you need to be on their level to help bring them up. [00:04:03] Sara Ann Brown: Yes. And each person requires a different approach, too, so it's complicated. Yeah. [00:04:08] Taylor Tutor: Speaking of that and how you approach them, um, one of John Maxwell's laws of leadership is the law of connection, and so that goes a little bit along with what you just said, connecting with people before you, you, um, influence them. [00:04:23] Taylor Tutor: So I'm sure with your experience prior to the Boys & Girls Club, you've had to meet people where they are, connect with them, and then influence them. But tell us a little bit about connecting with children or teenagers and before you can influence them. [00:04:39] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah, it's a great question, and kind of like you alluded to, especially when it comes to that younger, you know, population, trust is critical. [00:04:46] Sara Ann Brown: Mm-hmm. And when a person, or especially a youth, feels understood and seen, I think that's most important. When they're seen, that's when you- Mm-hmm ... start to foster that connection, that trust- Mm ... and build that relationship. And knowing that that [00:05:00] doesn't happen overnight either. It's not that first meeting. [00:05:02] Sara Ann Brown: It's not that first, you know, let's play kickball together kind of thing. It's showing up, being there when maybe it's, things are getting a little bit old, but they need to see the same face and, um, receive that same message and, and just being there, resonating with them. And I think showing up when it comes to youth is really important. [00:05:19] Taylor Tutor: Mm-hmm. It- I'd say it's even important to adults. [00:05:21] Judd Wilson: Yeah, it's being seen. I, I mean, I don't do a lot of social media, um, but one of my favorite things when you see, when you're scrolling, I don't scroll a lot, but, and I was going up with it, so, and then how you scroll- As long as [00:05:33] Taylor Tutor: you use your thumb, yes. Okay. [00:05:34] Judd Wilson: Um, th- they have different videos of like kids, whether they're at a school program or whatever, and you just see them there and they don't look like they're happy, but then they get, they might see their grandparent or their aunt or uncle or, or parents in the crowd and, and they just light up and it's so amazing 'cause the cap- the caption is N- being seen as so valued. [00:05:55] Judd Wilson: Mm-hmm. And then, you know, you kinda see that expression, so it's, I mean, it's kinda what you're talking about there. [00:05:59] Sara Ann Brown: [00:06:00] Yeah, and that reminds me of speaking with one of our unit directors lately and, or recently, and they said that they go to all of the football games to support the youth at their club. And just like you said, s- l- reaching out, seeing out in the, um, audience, the stands, and seeing someone that you're connected with makes a big difference. [00:06:18] Judd Wilson: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah, we were talking to a guest who actually coaches, um, at the high school, and it was neat, I didn't realize this, but she said her girls' soccer team goes to all the other girls' sports to support them. I love that. I'm like, okay, that is, that's the connection, that's bringing people together and- [00:06:35] Sara Ann Brown: Yes [00:06:36] Judd Wilson: and, and so the other students can see they're seen and supported, so it kinda just builds the camaraderie. [00:06:41] Taylor Tutor: I love that. [00:06:42] Judd Wilson: Yeah. Mm-hmm. Yeah. [00:06:43] Taylor Tutor: Well, let's, um, dive in a little bit more about that, but let's hear what John Maxwell has to say about the Law of Connection. [00:06:49] John Maxwell: The Law of Connection. Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. [00:06:54] John Maxwell: In other words, leaders relationally connect with their followers. They're not gonna ask great [00:07:00] commitment out of their people until they have first connected emotionally, relationally with them. You identify a leader by the fact that people are around that person. So if you're at the top all alone, I have a suggestion for you. [00:07:12] John Maxwell: Get off the top. Go down, find the people, and then bring them to the top with you. It's when you bring people to the top with you that you understand and are now practicing the Law of Connection. [00:07:24] Judd Wilson: Taylor? [00:07:25] Taylor Tutor: What? [00:07:25] Judd Wilson: I think, I think John Maxwell stole her quote. That's what she said to begin with. [00:07:31] Taylor Tutor: Yes. I think, um, he's quoting her, actually. [00:07:35] Judd Wilson: Yes, it's amazing. That's what you said. [00:07:38] Taylor Tutor: Yes, that means you're wise in your leadership. Um, it's like you had a leadership background or something. But I do wanna talk a little bit about that. With you being, you know, new president and, and, um, you know, getting people to maybe buy into you and your vision, how are you doing that? [00:07:54] Taylor Tutor: What are you doing intentionally to help people buy into you? [00:07:57] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah, and intentionality is [00:08:00] critical there. Mm-hmm. Uh, I think for me in the beginning, it's being able to understand someone. Mm-hmm. To know not only what their current environment is like, what it's been like, uh, where they see themselves going. [00:08:09] Sara Ann Brown: Mm-hmm. And so really being able to understand where someone is will allow you to guide them on where you want them to go. Um, and so I think taking a lot of time to observe, to understand, to listen, to ask a lot of questions- Mm-hmm ... which I'm sure can get annoying at times. But, you know, curiosity is what really builds connection. [00:08:26] Sara Ann Brown: I agree. [00:08:27] Judd Wilson: And, and I guess, too, I mean, c- you would see this from your background, uh, previous background and, and where you are now, d- do you feel those connections- In turn, kind of build the foundation of trust [00:08:40] Sara Ann Brown: Without a doubt. And it's generally a deepening relationship, too. So just like we had said earlier, it doesn't happen overnight. [00:08:46] Sara Ann Brown: Those moments, it's those small moments where you're showing up, you're just having a casual conversation or, you know, supporting someone that's going through something that allows that to build. Um, so I would say absolutely. [00:08:57] Judd Wilson: Yeah. And, and with that, too, you know, [00:09:00] not every conversation's gonna be a great conversation. [00:09:02] Judd Wilson: Sometimes that trust probably helps you when you have to have a difficult conversation, correct? [00:09:08] Sara Ann Brown: Absolutely. And so connection is not being liked. You know, connection is being able to have those difficult conversations, to have accountability, and to withstand that. Um, to be able to disagree respectfully and, and truly, and to value that disagreement. [00:09:24] Sara Ann Brown: Because a lot of times people will come to the table and then you think that you just have to have consensus, and that's not what it's about. It's about really listening and hearing both perspectives and coming up ideally with the best perspective that is kind of a, a marriage of both of those. [00:09:37] Judd Wilson: I like that. [00:09:38] Judd Wilson: Mm-hmm. I like that. [00:09:40] Taylor Tutor: So tell us a little bit about maybe something that you would want when someone comes to the Boys & Girls Club, and when they leave, what do you hope that they take with them or remember? [00:09:51] Sara Ann Brown: Hmm. F- employee-wise or youth-wise? [00:09:53] Taylor Tutor: Youth-wise, I'm sorry. [00:09:54] Sara Ann Brown: Well, safety is critical for us, and s- you know, b- having a safe place for, you know, kids to [00:10:00] go. [00:10:00] Sara Ann Brown: Um, I grew up not necessarily having a safe place, and so knowing, uh, that, um, y- you know, you'd seek things out outside of your home. Mm-hmm. And so to be a part of that. You know, a lot of kids play sports and do all of those things, and, um, we wanna be an extension of a safe place for them. Mm-hmm. And so really providing not only that space, but helping them develop, to grow, to see a version of themselves they never thought possible, um, to hear words of encouragement m- that maybe they're not experiencing where they are. [00:10:29] Sara Ann Brown: Uh, and if they are, that's great, so we're just building upon that as well. [00:10:32] Taylor Tutor: Mm-hmm. What about for the employees? What would, what do you want them to take with them? [00:10:37] Sara Ann Brown: I would say that, um Who they are and who they were is not who they will be. Really being able to grow together to become our best selves, to not only connect with our mission- Mm-hmm [00:10:50] Sara Ann Brown: but to serve our purpose. Mm-hmm. And so knowing that each day is a new day, and just because we maybe didn't hit that mark, um, yesterday, it's fresh. And so [00:11:00] let's hit the ground running and, and be our best versions of ourselves every day. [00:11:03] Judd Wilson: I love that. Mm-hmm. So let me ask you this, 'cause I know, you know, when you went through the process to become, uh, the head of the Boys & Girls Club, the national level has a vision. [00:11:13] Judd Wilson: You know, the Northeast Mississippi chapter that you're running now, you know, had a vision, has a vision. What was your, what was your perspective on, like, "Hey, this is where I wanna see things going"? Not that it's different from what national is or whatever, and, and how did you cast that vision to, to those folks? [00:11:32] Sara Ann Brown: Yeah. I think... And it's, it's, it's interesting. On the o- on the outside you wouldn't necessarily know it. So yeah, there's BGCA, and, um, then we have an alliance here. And so I'll have to correct you, 'cause, um, Tony Oliver will be mad at me if I don't. There's- [00:11:47] Judd Wilson: Tony can correct me anytime. I know Tony well. [00:11:49] Sara Ann Brown: There's Northeast Mississippi, which is a separate o- uh, organization, and then we're North Mississippi. [00:11:55] Judd Wilson: Gotcha. Yeah. [00:11:56] Sara Ann Brown: Uh, so- [00:11:57] Judd Wilson: Who, who are the weighted [00:12:00] [00:12:00] Sara Ann Brown: guys? Shout out to Dee. Love you. Um, but no, I think it's... So understanding, you know, what, um... You know, 'cause we're a brand. Mm. And being able to deliver on that brand is very important. [00:12:10] Sara Ann Brown: And so getting that guidance from above, understanding what that looks like for our organization, 'cause it's very different. And not only our organization, but we have five different communities that... Well, five different clubs, kind of four different communities that we serve. And so- Being able, and again, still in the process 'cause I'm two months in here, but, um, translate that in a way that makes sense to them, that really can connect them with that mission. [00:12:38] Sara Ann Brown: And so for me, you know, coming into the clubs and seeing kind of the current state of things and knowing that our employees deserve better, our youth deserve better, and working with the communities to be able to deliver on that. Mm-hmm. So not only having a space with like a building for them to be in, but to truly thrive in is what I'm aiming for. [00:12:59] Taylor Tutor: Mm-hmm. [00:12:59] Judd Wilson: That's great. [00:13:00] That's great. [00:13:00] Taylor Tutor: What about connecting with some of your employees that m- maybe thought, "Oh, she's not been around here very long. She's new to Tupelo." How do you maybe deal with that and overcome that stigma? [00:13:12] Sara Ann Brown: Show up. Yeah. You know, um, I've made it kind of a mission of mine to get into the clubs as much as possible. [00:13:19] Sara Ann Brown: There's a lot going on at a higher level right now, so that's kinda kept me from that lately, but I've been in all the clubs. Um, I've mopped floors in some of the clubs. You know, I've, um, stood in... I don't know if you guys were part of the or heard about the IMAC thing that Haven Acres had, but just being there, you know, for the water slide and being kind of a safety volunteer for that event. [00:13:39] Sara Ann Brown: Mm-hmm. And so being there, um, seeing the challenges that they face- Mm-hmm ... uh, listening to them, and, um, showing up is, I think what's critical. [00:13:48] Taylor Tutor: To me, what it sounds like is you're living out your, um, advice and your y- that your best piece of advice was meet people where they are, and that's exactly what you're doing. [00:13:59] Judd Wilson: And it, and it's [00:14:00] neat too, Sara Ann, because you think about when you first moved here, I mean, that's the first thing you did was get involved. Mm-hmm. A lot of people don't do that. They're like, "Ah, I don't wanna... You know, I'm new here. I don't wanna really rock the boat," or, "I can't ever meet anybody." You didn't have any trouble doing that. [00:14:16] Judd Wilson: But what I tell people all the time, it, you gotta take the part in doing that. Mm-hmm. And you did. [00:14:22] Sara Ann Brown: Which is shocking 'cause I'm an introvert. You know, I would- [00:14:25] Judd Wilson: I would've never known that ... I, I live- I never would've known that ... [00:14:28] Sara Ann Brown: I live a quiet home by myself. Uh, love my husband, though. [00:14:31] Judd Wilson: I don't live a quiet home. [00:14:34] Sara Ann Brown: With all your cats? [00:14:35] Judd Wilson: Yeah. Sara Ann knows me. She knows [00:14:38] Sara Ann Brown: me. Um, but no, I think being plugged in, and when I came to Tupelo, it was really nice because, uh, with my prior military and then my husband's prior military, you move around a lot. Mm-hmm. And, um, it's very, um, you're just always in a state of transition, and we made a choice to come to Mississippi. [00:14:57] Sara Ann Brown: And it was the first time really where we could kind of [00:15:00] plant roots and really, you know, grow here, and that's exactly what I wanted to do, and, um, yeah, so CDF was my first stop. [00:15:07] Judd Wilson: That's awesome. [00:15:08] Taylor Tutor: That's awesome. Yes, we're glad you did that, and sounds like you have found your Tupelo. [00:15:12] Sara Ann Brown: Yes. [00:15:13] Taylor Tutor: Heck [00:15:13] Sara Ann Brown: yeah. [00:15:15] Taylor Tutor: Well, Sara Ann, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your wisdom with us. [00:15:19] Judd Wilson: It's been great. [00:15:20] Sara Ann Brown: Thank you. Appreciate you all. [00:15:22] Judd Wilson: Thank you, Sara Ann. [00:15:33] Taylor Tutor: You're tuning in to another episode of IgniteCast presented by iHeartMedia. For more leadership insights and engaging conversations, be sure to hit subscribe. And if you enjoy today's episode, we'd love for you to leave a review. And remember, go forth and do good [00:16:00] things.