In episode 5's Living Leadership segment, I was joined by my teaching partner and outstanding Trinity University alumna '88, Allison Hawk. Allison is the founder of AHC Consulting LLC and was previously the Director of Corporate Communications and Community Outreach at the National Football League's St. Louis Rams.

Allison highlights how her in and out of class experiences at Trinity shaped her leadership philosophy and that studying abroad is the single most important thing any student can do. She says that great leaders have the ability to learn, the ability to write, intercultural awareness, and adaptability. Her approach is to model the way, have an open door, to inspire with a detailed vision, and make sure that her team has the tools they need to be successful.

Allison highlights her own journey through the leadership labyrinth and tells stories about important mentors who made sure she was invited into the room AND had a place at the table. She also eloquently pushes against traditional notions of success by debunking the myth of the success narrative. Most importantly, Allison emphasizes the need to be kind - to others AND to yourself.

To conclude the episode, I lectured on chapter 14 of the 9th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I discuss the Glass Ceiling and Leadership Labyrinth metaphors which are used to describe the intersection of gender and leadership in the sports world. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to read these two research articles:

1) Gendered Leadership Networks in the NCAA: Analyzing Affiliation Networks of Senior Woman Administrators and Athletic Directors (request full text here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323505935_Gendered_Leadership_Networks_in_the_NCAA_Analyzing_Affiliation_Networks_of_Senior_Woman_Administrators_and_Athletic_Directors)

2) Passage Through the Leadership Labyrinth: Women's Journey in the Collegiate Recreation Profession (request full text here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352483507_Passage_Through_the_Leadership_Labyrinth_Women's_Journey_in_the_Collegiate_Recreation_Profession)

I hope you enjoy the episode. Drop me a note; I'd love to hear your thoughts so I can bring them into our class.