Carolyn Hayden-Garner - Legacy Starts Here | Decide To Try Podcast with Rickie G. Rush - Video

In this electrifying episode of Decide to Try, Pastor Rickie G. Rush sits down with powerhouse executive and nonprofit founder Carolyn Hayden-Garner, who shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings to becoming Tesla's highest-ranking African-American executive. Garner opens up about the miraculous survival of her daughter, the faith that anchors her, and her mission to empower mothers and change generational legacies through education. With raw honesty and divine insight, this conversation is a call to purpose, resilience, and excellence.

✨ Whether you're a parent, leader, or someone who's been tempted to quit—this episode will reignite your passion to press forward, decide to try, and leave a lasting legacy.

Rickie G. Rush is the Senior Pastor of the Inspiring Body of Christ Church. An internationally acclaimed speaker, teacher, and master illustrator, he is known for the engaging and humorous ways in which he simplifies the Word of God.

Chapters:
00:00:00 – Introduction: Walk on Water
Pastor Rush opens with a message about Peter, courage, and why trying is the first step toward miracles.

00:01:09 – Meet Carolyn Hayden-Garner
An introduction to Tesla executive, mother, grandmother, and nonprofit founder—“a gift to our community.”

00:03:39 – Her Journey: From the Bottom to the Boardroom
Carolyn shares her testimony—from a 14 on the ACT to magna cum laude at Grambling and leading at Tesla.

00:04:46 – Seeds of Hope: A Ministry for Mothers
How her nonprofit is educating and empowering mothers, and why private, faith-based education matters.

00:07:13 – Blessing Your Own Legacy
Why helping others isn’t enough—you must also bless those who carry your DNA and build family legacy.

00:08:04 – Generational Wealth & Educational Investment
Shifting from flashy spending to future planning—training families to invest in education from birth.

00:10:39 – What Gives You the Right to Say ‘Don’t Quit’?
Carolyn responds to parents who are tempted to give up—by sharing how her daughter survived a shooting.

00:13:57 – Why Giving Up Is Not an Option
Her response to adversity: keep moving, trust God, and let your “latter days be your greater days.”

00:15:23 – The Ladder Analogy
A powerful visual—top, middle, and bottom of the ladder—and the unsung heroes who hold it steady.

00:19:02 – Recognizing Hidden Strength
You may not be seen, but you’re essential. The value of those who hold others up in silence.

00:22:09 – From School Terms to Life Sentences
The deeper mission: using education to redirect destinies and prevent generational cycles of struggle.

00:23:13 – Black Excellence Hidden in Plain Sight
Carolyn praises the excellence, humility, and transformation she’s witnessed at IBOC.

00:27:33 – What’s Next for Carolyn Hayden-Garner?
From global giving to personal legacy—her heart’s desire is that her grandchildren know the Lord.

00:31:35 – Real Legacy Starts at Home
A bold truth: if your family doesn’t know Jesus through you, then your public legacy is incomplete.

00:32:45 – You Decide: The Lightning Round Game
Fun, fast questions—mustard or mayo, heels or sneakers, grandma or mom—Carolyn gives her picks!

00:35:10 – Last Word: What Happens When You Try
The final reflection: whether you’re climbing the ladder or holding it for someone else—your choice to try matters.


Connect with Pastor Rush:
Pastor Rickie G. Rush Website: http://www.rickierush.com/
Pastor Rickie G. Rush Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickiegrush/
Pastor Rickie G. Rush Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickiegrush/
Pastor Rickie G. Rush Twitter: https://twitter.com/rickiegrush