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Where Are They Now: J. Richard Byrd, Ignite Charlotte 4

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J. Richard Byrd
Photo Credit: Josh Putnam, Silent Images

Richard touched our hearts with his talk “Lessons from my Grandfather” during Ignite Charlotte 4. He shared the stories he had growing up with his grandfather and reflected on the life lessons they had taught him:

  • Work hard
  • Look around
  • Keep singing
  • ‘Watermelon, Watermelon’ (even if you don’t know something, jump in!)
  • Always smile

His talk never ceases to put smiles on our faces every time we watch it!

What’s Richard up to now? “I am creating several new endeavors in the Charlotte region,” he said. He has had a lot of successful meetings with those he met through Ignite Charlotte. “The confidence I learned by speaking at Ignite Charlotte has helped [me to] stop sitting on the sidelines and ‘get into the game’.”

He hopes to see a few of these initiatives ready to go by the next Ignite Charlotte – which, if you don’t know already, is just around the corner! September 25th to be exact.

Follow Richard on Twitter @realsource or check out his webpage at http://jrichardbyrd.com

Written by: Biray (@befitt), Ignite Charlotte 5 Volunteer

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Where Are They Now: Mallory Hole, Ignite Charlotte 2

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Mallory Hole
Photo Credit: Robert Christopher

Speakers are motivated to present at Ignite Charlotte for many different reasons. Former Igniter Mallory Hole simply wanted the challenge. “I was also sick of hearing about how lazy and entitled young people were in the work place. I wanted to represent my peers!” she said.

Her talk “Gen Y Doesn’t Suck” sucked us in with her first words “I don’t suck!” She broke down the stereotype of millennials in the workplace and provided tips on bringing out the best in your Gen Y employees.

She was only a few months out of college and was working at a staffing firm when she initially presented at Ignite Charlotte. “I met so many people [at Ignite Charlotte] – from computer nerds to people in government to local hippies. Some of these contacts were my biggest champions when I was looking for a job months later.”

Mallory now works as a Project Manager at Elevation Church. Like a true millennial multi-tasker (yes, we did learn something from your talk) she does a ton of different things at her job, from social media to working with their record label to writing talking points and managing creative live elements. “I’m one of those lucky people who gets to do what they love. Plus, I have the privilege to work with the most talented, creative people I know.”

Kudos to you, Mallory! You’re right – you most definitely do not suck!

Follow Mallory on Twitter @malloryhole

Written by: Biray (@befitt), Ignite Charlotte 5 Volunteer

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