Catalysts for Change
Catalysts for Change is a podcast about leaders who drive meaningful impact by balancing strategy, purpose, and action. Hosted by Adam Lister, each episode dives into the pivotal moments, values, and lessons that shape how change really happens in business, government, education, and beyond.
Catalysts for Change
Leading Through Change: Ralph Schulz on Building a Better Nashville
Episode Summary
In this episode of Catalysts For Change, host Adam Lister sits down with longtime Nashville civic leader Ralph Schulz, former CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. With decades of experience navigating growth, crisis, and transformation, Ralph shares what it takes to guide a city through massive change—without losing its soul. From economic development to situational leadership, Ralph reflects on the Nashville of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, offering practical wisdom and personal stories from his own journey.
What You'll Learn in This Episode
- How Ralph Schulz helped lead Nashville through booms, floods, and pandemics
- What “situational leadership” looks like in practice—and why empathy matters
- Why films like 12 Angry Men and Twelve O’Clock High are in his leadership toolkit
- The vision behind Nashville’s long-term economic transformation
- Why investing in people—not credit—is the key to lasting impact