Cheryl Mayes, School Board Member, Metro Nashville Public Schools

“Keep Your Promises”

I’m excited to share the first episode of Season 2 of Community Catalysts! Hearing from so many of you about how these conversations inspire and offer practical guidance has been deeply gratifying. Your feedback reaffirms the value of sharing stories that strengthen the heart of community leadership.

To launch the new season, I’m honored to feature an interview with Cheryl Mayes, a two-term school board member for Metro Nashville Public Schools. At the heart of Cheryl’s philosophy is this powerful advice: "Keep your promises and never compromise your integrity." Her story reveals what it means to serve with empathy, authenticity, and purpose.

Here at the start of a new year, I encourage you to reflect on her insights about the responsibility of representation. Cheryl’s unwavering commitment to ensuring every child and family in her diverse district feels seen and heard is a powerful example of inclusive service. Her emphasis on “showing up”—whether at community events or in one-on-one conversations—highlights how trust and connection are built through consistent engagement.

Cheryl’s thoughtful and practical approach offers lessons that can resonate with anyone committed to making a difference.

Through this episode—and all the Community Catalysts interviews, both past and future—I hope you’ll find inspiration to enrich your own leadership journey.

Would YOU be interested in sharing a story from your own journey to leadership? I’m always looking for instructive and inspiring voices to feature on the show!  Let me know: www.CatalystGuest.us. 

Listen on Apple, Spotify, and all podcast platforms.

To share a story from your own leadership journey, APPLY HERE to become a guest.