What happens when someone believes in you before you believe in yourself?

What started as a role helping students at Job Corps became a lifelong mission. Korey Adams reflects on his journey from Job Corps counselor to CEO of Distinction, LLC—and the purpose that guided him every step of the way.

But this conversation goes deeper than business.

It’s about risk. Resilience. Purpose. And the power of truly seeing people—not just for where they are, but for who they can become.

From life lessons at a gas station to leading a growing federal contracting company, Korey opens up about:

Why belief changes lives
The realities of leadership and entrepreneurship
What makes Job Corps transformational
Why students succeed when people genuinely care

One message stands out:
People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and hear why purpose-driven leadership still matters.

What if the life you want is waiting—just outside of what you’ve always known?

At the Talking Leaves Job Corps Center, located in the heart of the Cherokee Nation, that’s exactly what’s happening.

In this episode, Jill Zimmer shares how this unique center is helping young people—many from rural and tribal communities—step into new opportunities while staying connected to their culture, identity, and community.

From open spaces and hands-on training to cultural traditions like Cherokee stickball, Talking Leaves is more than a training center—it’s a place where students begin to see a bigger future for themselves.

Because for many, this is the first time they’ve stepped outside what they’ve always known.

And that’s where everything changes.

Take a chance. Give yourself a chance.

Listen now, subscribe, and discover how opportunity and culture come together to shape the next generation.

Sometimes, all it takes is one person to see something in you.

Lorraine Lane sits down with Rodney Butler, Executive Director at Adams and Associates, to talk about a 25-year journey shaped by leadership, growth, and opportunity through Job Corps.

Rodney didn’t start where you might expect—from bowling alleys to finance, and eventually into leadership—his path is proof that careers aren’t always linear… but they are full of possibility.

What makes this conversation powerful isn’t just his story—it’s what it represents.

You’ll hear insights on:
• How Job Corps helps young people discover their leadership potential
• Why being “seen” can change the trajectory of someone’s life
• The importance of culture, communication, and continuous improvement
• How leadership skills can transfer across any path
• Why “every student counts” isn’t just a phrase—it’s a mindset

One message stands out:
Opportunity is everywhere—you just need someone to help you see it.

If you’ve ever wondered how leadership is built, how lives are changed, or why this work matters—this episode delivers.

Listen now, subscribe, and be part of building the next generation of leaders.

Job Corps has always been about opportunity—and its future is full of even greater potential.

In this episode of the iBuild America podcast, Dr. Francis Cole is joined by Korey Adams (CEO, Distinction LLC), Ramon Serrato (CEO, Serrato Corporation), and Brian Fox (CEO, Education & Training Resources) for a powerful panel discussion on what’s next for one of the nation’s most impactful workforce development programs.

With decades of combined experience, this group reflects on the strength of Job Corps—and how it can continue to evolve to meet the needs of today’s workforce and tomorrow’s opportunities.

You’ll hear honest perspectives on:
• Why compliance alone is no longer enough
• How outdated policies are limiting innovation
• The urgent need for flexibility at the local level
• What AI literacy should actually look like for students
• Why investing in staff is just as critical as training students

This isn’t just about programs—it’s about preparing people for a future that’s already here.

Because when you step back, one thing becomes clear:
The foundation is strong—and the future is full of opportunity.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and be part of the next chapter of Job Corps.

What does it take to dedicate over 30 years to changing lives?

In this episode of the iBuild America podcast, Lorraine Lane sits down with Roxanne Chin, Vice President at Bizzell Corporation, a global organization committed to transformation and impact.

Roxanne’s journey started with a simple newspaper ad in 1992:

“An exciting job to change lives.”

She answered—and never looked back.

This conversation is about more than workforce development. It’s about purpose.

Roxanne shares what has kept her passionate for decades—and what it will take to inspire the next generation of leaders to step into this work.

You’ll hear powerful insights on:

• Why this work is about service, not just employment

• How to inspire and retain the next generation of leaders

• The importance of meeting students where they are—emotionally and professionally

• Why innovation, creativity, and fun are essential to success

• How Job Corps must evolve for a tech-driven, post-pandemic world

One message stands out:

“We’re not giving a handout—we’re giving a hand up.”

If you care about people, leadership, and real transformation—this episode will stay with you.

🎧 Listen now, subscribe, and join the mission to build a stronger workforce.