PODCAST

Innovation Unplugged

The official podcast of the Alabama Community College System"s Innovation Center

government

All Episodes

00:48:45

Aligned to Win: How Strategic Workforce Partnerships...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2026/03/16

When workforce strategy aligns with real employer demand, everyone benefits. In this episode, Barry May shares how ACCS partners with industries across manufacturing, healthcare, construction, logistics, and beyond to deliver training that strengthens bothcompanies and communities. Houston and Matt explore how funding, alignment, and collaboration translate into employee advancement, business expansion, and long-term economic stability. It’s a look at how disciplined strategy creates human

00:39:52

Right Formation, Right Play Part 2

Innovation Unplugged ·

2026/03/09

High-performing teams don’t fail because of effort—they fail because of misalignment.In this episode of Innovation Unplugged, Houston Blackwood sits down with WesChenault of Durbin Leadership to explore how great leaders diagnose invisible barriers,build relational equity, and align their teams for decisive execution.This Two-Part episode delivers a practical blueprint for leaders who want to movebeyond reaction and into intentional command—developing people, resolving conflict atits root, and

00:30:26

Right Formation, Right Play Part 1

Innovation Unplugged ·

2026/03/02

High-performing teams don’t fail because of effort—they fail because of misalignment. In this episode of Innovation Unplugged, Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton sit downwith Wes Chenault of Durbin Leadership to explore how great leaders diagnose invisible barriers, build relational equity, and align their teams for decisive execution.This Two-Part episode delivers a practical blueprint for leaders who want to move beyond reaction and into intentional command—developing people, resolving conflict

00:50:21

Crystal Clear Command: How Clarity Meets Expectations

Innovation Unplugged ·

2026/02/26

What separates leaders who create momentum from those who create bottlenecks? In this episode of Innovation Unplugged, Houston Blackwood sits down with Dan Durbin ofDurbin Leadership to unpack the real work of leadership—building capacity, developing people, and creating systems that outlast any one individual.

00:42:05

Why Human Skills Matter: The Perfect Pairing of...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2026/02/16

Episode 88 of Innovation Unplugged explores how Flawless Delivery strengthens frontline workforce training by centering empathy, communication, and engagement—skills that elevate performance across the hospitality industry. Guests Dr. Ryan-Cate Gibson and Thea Harvey-Barrett discuss how this human-skills training pairs seamlessly with Skills for Success hospitality courses in food and beverage, hotel operations, and barista service, creating a well-rounded professional development pathway. Together,

00:29:31

Training with Purpose: City of Foley’s Investment in...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2026/02/09

This episode of Innovation Unplugged highlights how the City of Foley invested in its people through CDL training delivered in partnership with Bishop State CommunityCollege and Skills for Success. City employees share what it meant to commit to training during time off, the discipline required to succeed, and how earning a CDL strengthens both their careers and public service. It’s a powerful look at how workforce investment, culture, and leadership come together to deliver real community

00:37:38

From Headlines to Hallways: How Storytelling Shapes...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2026/02/02

In this episode of Innovation Unplugged, Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with Ebony Horton Bradley about why leadership is less about position and more about thestories we tell. Drawing on her background in journalism and higher education, Ebony unpacks how presence, humility, and narrative shape culture, motivate teams, and bringmission statements to life. This conversation challenges leaders to think beyond metrics and focus on the impact their words and actions leave behind.

00:55:55

Creating Opportunity: Workforce Training That Matters

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/12/29

In Episode 85, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton sit down with Joseph Metz, Skills for Success Coordinator at Coastal Alabama Community College, to explore how workforce training is opening doors for students, job seekers, and individuals in recovery or correctional settings. Joseph shares his journey from recruiting to workforce development and the passion that drives his work. He discusses how Skills for Success courses at Coastal are helping students gain confidence, earn credentials, and

00:40:45

New Ground: Rebuilding Through Hard Work and Training

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/12/15

In Episode 84, host Houston Blackwood meets with Doug Layton, who shares his extraordinary journey from serving a 20-year prison sentence to rebuilding his life through hard work, humility, and second chances.Doug opens up about his struggles, the events that led to a life sentence, and the moment everything changed. After walking out of prison, he faced the challenges of reentry head-on like securing his first job, taking on side work, and eventually earning his CDL.His story is a powerful reminder

00:42:02

Better Care: Preparing the Mental Health Workforce

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/12/08

In Episode 83, hosts Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with Perry Goins, Staff Development Manager with the Alabama Department of Mental Health, about how Alabama is strengthening and preparing its mental health workforce through modern training and statewide partnerships. Perry highlights how the department is using the Skills for Success Mental Health Worker course offered through Shelton State Community College, a hybrid training model that blends online modules with real-world scenarios

00:36:26

Beyond Classrooms: Expanding Opportunities for Students

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/12/01

In Episode 82, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton share how the ACCS Innovation Center’s Career Readiness division is transforming career education across Alabama.What began as a small pilot has grown to reach 124 of Alabama’s 143 school systems, where students can now use Skills for Success courses for career exploration and as a way to earn their Career Readiness Indicators (CRIs).This episode highlights how the Innovation Center’s Career Readiness division continues to expand opportunities

00:37:16

Next Chapter: How Training Built a New Career

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/11/17

In Episode 81, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton sit down with Ryan Ales to share his inspiring story of career transformation through taking the Skills for Success Fiber Optics Technician and Installer course with Coastal Alabama Community College.After years in the restaurant industry with long hours and little stability, Ryan decided it was time for change. After completing the course, he gained the skills and confidence to transition into the IT field and landed a job with Uniti Fiber.Ryan

00:57:44

Entrepreneur Mindset: Turning Ideas into Opportunity

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/11/10

In Episode 80, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with John Joseph, Executive Director of the E Center in Decatur, Alabama, about how entrepreneurship and workforce development work together to create opportunity.John shares how the E Center helps business owners turn ideas into reality through coaching, networking, and access to investors. He also highlights the importance of humility, perseverance, and learning from failure as key traits of successful entrepreneurs.The conversation offers

00:47:52

Community Impact: Investing in People and Purpose

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/11/03

In Episode 79, host Houston Blackwood and Matt Heaton talk with Senior Pastor Brad Sheets of Life Church in Hartselle, Alabama, about the power of faith, mentorship, and community.Brad shares how Life Church began and how the new Life Center is providing practical support like GED classes, financial education, and parenting resources to help families grow stronger.At its core, this episode is about more than programs or ministries—it’s about making a difference and reminding us that when people are

00:35:35

Driving Change: The CDL Journey at Bishop State

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/10/27

In Episode 88, host Houston Blackwood takes listeners inside Bishop State Community College’s CDL training program to hear the stories of the instructors, students, and leaders driving its success.Hear from instructors and graduates who share how hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world experience are shaping the next generation of professional drivers.From overcoming challenges to growing through new equipment training and online learning, this episode shows how dedication, innovation, and

00:48:32

Making a Difference: Education and Training That...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/10/20

In Episode 77, host Houston Blackwood welcomes Jason Blackwell, a seasoned educator and trades expert whose journey began when he became a locksmith at just 12 years old. From welding and carpentry to launching his own initiative, Activate CTE, Jason has dedicated his career to helping students connect their passions to meaningful career pathways.Jason shares how project-based, hands-on learning builds both technical and soft skills while giving students the confidence to succeed. He also highlights

00:53:11

Road Safety: Building Better Drivers and Safer Highways

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/10/13

In Episode 76, host Houston Blackwood is joined by Alex Blevins, owner of One Stop CDL Training, and Lieutenant Jason Harris of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit to dive into the future of driver training and highway safety in Alabama.Together, they explore how CDL training has expanded from 13 to 23 colleges, cutting course time in half while keeping pass rates high. They also discuss the role of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit in ensuring

00:34:56

Road Ready: Training the Next Generation of Drivers

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/10/06

In Episode 75, host Houston Blackwood talks with Alex Blevins about his 20-year journey in the transportation industry, from serving in the military to launching his own CDL training company, One Stop CDL Training. Alex shares how his background shaped his passion for navigation, communication, and professionalism in trucking. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of students whose lives were changed by CDL training.This episode also highlights the critical role of safety, mentorship, and hands-on

00:35:50

Stronger Together: Education, Employers, and...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/09/29

In Episode 74, host Houston Blackwood talks with Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeships, about the impact of apprenticeship programs across the state.Meredith shares her journey from the classroom to workforce leadership and highlights the growth of groundbreaking apprenticeship programs. With a 90% retention rate, these programs show how employer investment and mentorship create lasting success.With partnerships among colleges, universities, and employers building career

00:31:37

Career Shift: Turning a “Last Choice” into a New...

Innovation Unplugged ·

2025/09/22

In Episode 73, hosts Houston Blackwood and Kailah Dozier sit down with Rashaun Walker, who turned a chance opportunity into a new career path.Rashaun shares how taking a Skills for Success Electrical Helper course at Wallace Community College—something he originally thought would be his last choice—led to a job fair and a new role in carpentry. He reflects on honoring his father’s legacy, the importance of saying “yes” to opportunities, and the joy of finding work that not only builds skills but

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