Bonafide Leaders

In this episode of Bonafide Leaders, Tim welcomes Dan Rembold, Vice President at Texas Instruments, accomplished cyclist, devoted family man, and leukemia survivor. Dan shares his remarkable journey—from his early days as a multi-sport athlete and his passion for technology, to the unexpected life-altering cancer diagnosis that changed everything.

Dan then shares that while he living his dream life with an incredible career at Texas Instruments, raising a family of five children, and building his dream home, his world was changed forever with a leukemia diagnosis. He talks about how his competitive spirit and resilience that was honed through years of athletic and professional challenges, became vital tools in his fight for survival. Dan opens up about navigating a devastating diagnosis, the support systems that carried him through, and how he used goal-setting and a coaching mindset to persevere in the face of seemingly impossible odds. From taking on a 100-mile bike race to conquering Race Across America as the first bone marrow transplant leukemia survivor, Dan’s story is a testament to the power of grit, mindset, and faith.

Books Mentioned In this Episode:

Living Medicine: Don Thomas, Marrow Transplantation, and the Cell Therapy Revolution by Frederick Appelbaum

Grit by Angela Duckworth

7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Covey

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Early memories and the role of sports (soccer, swimming, cross country) in his upbringing
• How the competitive spirit shaped Dan’s approach to work and leadership
• The sudden leukemia diagnosis and the emotional/mental impact
• Navigating treatment, including chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and recovery
• The importance of mindset, resilience, and coaching oneself through adversity
• Returning to work and the workplace community’s support
• Setting and achieving new goals after recovery—specifically, the Race Across America
• How lessons from sports apply to business, team leadership, and family life
• Advice for those facing serious illness and for their caretakers/loved ones

In this episode, Tim sits down with Kevin Chadwick again, but this time, he also welcomes his son, Kevin Junior (KJ), to explore the intersection of leadership, parenting, and a child's pursuit of their own greatness. Kevin discusses his journey of coaching his son from a young age in Texas to now playing Division 1 college football, highlighting the challenges and joys of balancing career and fatherhood. He shares insights on the importance of being present in his children's lives and how sports have served as a valuable platform for instilling leadership qualities.

KJ provides his perspective as a student-athlete, detailing the rigors of balancing a mechanical engineering major with football commitments. He expresses gratitude for the guidance and lessons learned from both his father and coaches. He also discusses how he can't settle for where he's at and must be focused on continual improvement, how he had to overcome difficult times during the pandemic to fulfill his dream, and how he focuses on building relationships with his teammates.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Balancing career and family presence in children's sports
• Father-son dynamics in coaching and mentorship
• The path from youth sports to Division 1 football
• The impact of COVID on college recruitment
• Work-life balance and prioritization for athletes
• Leadership lessons from sports and how they are applicable in business
• The significance of relationships in teamwork
• Constructive feedback and continuous improvement
• Learning to meet people where they are
• Sports performance may be objective, but data and video don't lie

In this episode, Tim welcomes Dale Petroskey, President and CEO of the Dallas Chamber. Dale shares his journey from a sports-loving childhood in Michigan to impactful leadership roles, including Executive Vice President of Marketing for the Texas Rangers, President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, Senior Vice President at National Geographic, and a former political appointee in the administration of United States President Ronald Reagan.

They discuss his incredible career and the profound impact of sports on leadership and personal growth. They also talk about why timing can be equally as important as the right role when someone finds that fit and why following your intuition can make or break your success. Dale shares lessons from his sports experiences, the importance of nurturing relationships, and the unexpected outcomes of pursuing one's passion. Whether you're a sports enthusiast or seeking to enhance your leadership skills, you'll want to listen to Dale's journey.

To find out more and connect with Tim, visit www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Importance of relationships and helping others
• Dale's early experiences in sports and how they influenced his leadership style
• Transition from high school sports to his time in college
• Career journey from being in Washington to working at National Geographic
• The role of passion in career choices and opportunities
• The importance of understanding the right time and the proper role as a perfect fit
• The importance of maintaining relationships and not burning bridges

Welcome to Season 3 of the Bonafide Leaders podcast, with this season's theme focusing on the intersection of sports, business, and leadership. Tim kicks off this season with his personal stories about how his upbringing and early experiences in sports shaped his understanding of leadership. He also discusses the concept that leadership has the power to transform entire organizations, with motivation being a key component. By working with leaders to identify their strengths and gaps, Tim aims to help them create more effective teams.

Even though the season's theme is sports-centered, Tim assures listeners that the lessons shared will be relevant to everyone, regardless of their interest or involvement in sports. By drawing parallels between the attributes developed through sports and their application in business leadership, the season promises to offer insights relevant to leaders across various fields.

You can connect with Tim at: https://www.bonafideleaders.com/

Key Topics Discussed:

• Importance of motivation in business success
• Tim's personal journey and influences
• The role of leadership in transforming organizations
• Tim's background and experiences in sports
• Season's theme: Intersection of sports, business, and leadership
• Continuing growth and learning leadership roles

In this episode, Tim welcomes Kevin Chadwick, Chief Campus Officer at Northwest Mutual in Northern Virginia, for a fascinating conversation. Kevin shares a vivid journey of his professional and personal evolution, detailing his aspiration to coach the San Francisco 49ers for a week, reflecting his love for football and the value of teamwork. They discuss how his early career experiences, familial influences, and essential leadership lessons shaped his path, emphasizing the significance of personal and professional growth, mainly through challenging life events.

Kevin also shares stories of navigating his career from an intern to a leadership role, constantly driven by a mission to make an impact rather than merely an impression. He reflects on the guidance from his late father and brother, discussing the importance of core values, adaptability, and a supportive team.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Kevin Chadwick’s desire to coach the San Francisco 49ers for a week
• His football background and admiration for Jerry Rice.
• Kevin's career journey from an intern at Northwestern Mutual to chief campus officer
• Influences from his family, particularly his father, Adolphus, and his brother
• Leadership philosophy: "Make an impact, not an impression"
• Experiences and challenges in moving for career opportunities
• Importance of leadership in financial planning and community involvement.
• Personal anecdotes about Tim's and Kevin’s role as a mentor
• Ensuring growth as a leader and the impact of continuous learning

In this episode, Tim welcomes Dennis Cail, CEO and founder of Zirtue, a fintech company based in Dallas. Dennis discusses his entrepreneurial journey, from his decision to start the business in 2018 to its official launch in 2019. Highlighting the substantial lending and borrowing market among friends and family, Dennis explains how Zirtue formalizes these transactions with a platform that ensures funds are used as intended, emphasizing the importance of trust and compliance in fintech.

Dennis also shares his background, including military service and his transition to working at industry giants like IBM and PwC. He discusses the challenges of navigating regulatory landscapes, the significance of hiring experienced personnel, and the need for strong support systems. Alongside these professional insights, Dennis candidly discusses the balance between personal happiness and fulfilling financial responsibilities, managing stress, and the value of staying true to one's passions.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• The decision to start the business in 2018
• The $200 billion lending market among friends and family
• Formalizing informal loans through a fintech platform
• Start-up challenges and regulatory landscape
• Importance of user acquisition and compliance
• Evolving fintech regulations
• Role of advisors and support systems
• Learning from mistakes
• Stress management and current stress level
• Importance of personal passion versus secure job
• Balancing day-to-day responsibilities with personal ambitions
• Hiring experienced personnel
• Role of family and community support in Dennis’s upbringing
• Career path from Navy to IBM and entrepreneurial ventures
• Addressing predatory lending practices
• Values and servant mindset influencing career decisions

In this episode, Tim welcomes Byron Sanders, CEO of Arete Health and former president of Big Thought. Byron shares his visionary approach to transforming the healthcare system through innovative insurance strategies to expand access to preventative care and cutting-edge biotech.

During their conversation, Byron explores the challenges and opportunities in reforming a system often driven by profit rather than health. He discusses his personal mission statement, emphasizing the importance of envisioning a fulfilling future that extends beyond material success. Byron’s diverse career trajectory—from pharmaceuticals to private banking, education, and nonprofit leadership—highlights his relentless pursuit of systemic change and equity.

Byron also opens up about his family's role in grounding him and shaping his mission. He shares personal anecdotes, such as his school years, his marriage to his long-time friend Celeste, and raising their two children. Together, Tim and Byron talk about the importance of developing a personal mission statement, fostering creativity in youth, and the responsibilities of leadership transitions.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Healthcare innovation through insurance strategies
• Expanding access to preventative care and biotech
• Shifting from "sick care" to true healthcare
• Challenges posed by insurance policies and FDA approval timelines
• Leveraging cost savings to improve employee health benefits
• Byron's journey from nonprofit leadership to healthcare
• Importance of personal mission statements
• Byron’s personal experiences and their impact on his leadership style
• The role of Big Thought in fostering youth creativity and skills
• Effective succession planning in leadership transitions

In this episode, Tim welcomes Justin Henry to talk about his journey from electrical engineering to law, education, and public service. They discuss the influential figures in Justin's life, including sports legend Jackie Robinson and his grandmother, who instilled resilience and determination in him. Justin shares the challenges he faced during his education and career, including disparities in educational opportunities and the decision to transition from a promising engineering career to joining Teach For America. This decision marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to educational equity and community service.

Justin recounts his extensive career as a teacher and a corporate attorney, as well as his advisory roles at various organizations. He reflects on the personal costs and sacrifices inherent in leadership roles, the importance of mental health, and maintaining a balance between career and personal life.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Influential figures in Justin's life, including Jackie Robinson and his grandmother
• Educational disparities and challenges Justin faced at the University of Texas at Austin
• Career transition from electrical engineering to joining Teach For America
• Experiences and lessons learned as a middle school math teacher in Los Angeles
• Importance of educational equity and community service
• Leadership insights and personal costs of leadership roles
• Mental health and work-life balance strategies
• Impact of the Jackie Robinson Foundation on Justin's education and development
• Networking, building trust, and the significance of relationships in career success
• Justin's decision to run for the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees
• Reflections on authenticity and staying true to one's purpose

Tim talks to Ellen Barker, a seasoned professional and retired senior VP and CIO of Texas Instruments in this episode of Bonafide Leaders. Ellen shares her journey, highlighting her experiences with coaching, mentoring, and major career decisions post-retirement. She discusses the value of both internal and external mentors, focusing on how each provides unique insights crucial to professional growth. Ellen also reflects on her post-retirement transition, weighing personal commitments like family roles before deciding to join a publicly listed company board, driven by her desire for intellectual stimulation and impact.

Ellen and Tim also talk about pioneering her efforts in advocating for flexible work arrangements, particularly during a time when such practices were uncommon. She successfully negotiated a business plan for telecommuting to balance her professional and personal life, breaking conventional corporate norms. The episode also touches on Ellen's involvement in STEM initiatives, her unique career path, and her approach to managing stress and work-life integration.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Ellen Barker's experience with coaching
• Importance of internal and external mentors
• Career decisions post-retirement and joining a board
• Promoting flexible work arrangements
• Ellen's impact as Tim’s only female boss
• STEM initiatives and gender biases
• Career awareness and education for girls in STEM
• Ellen's approach to managing stress and work-life balance
• Overcoming career challenges and unexpected opportunities
• Relocation challenges and professional growth

In this episode, Tim welcomes Art L. George Jr., a celebrated leader with an illustrious career at Texas Instruments (TI). Art shares his unique journey from an early engineering role in Sherman, Texas, to becoming a pivotal figure in TI's analog and high-performance linear businesses. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a divorce and experiences with racial prejudice, Art's story is one of resilience and determination.

They discuss his strategic career moves, from managing smaller teams to overseeing central business units and eventually joining corporate boards. Art emphasizes the importance of asking for what you want, mentoring others, and the critical role of strong professional relationships. He also discusses scaling management techniques, maintaining work-life balance, and the influence of mentors in shaping his leadership path. He also gives powerful insights on navigating career challenges, fostering authentic leadership, and the power of mentorship.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Managing Precision Analog and Amplifiers and Interface (PAI) and its evolution
• The significance of taking lateral or backward steps for long-term career growth
• Personal challenges including navigating a divorce and the professional implications
• Strategies for handling personal crises in leadership roles
• Transition to a post-TI career with aspirations in public for-profit board service
• Why it is important to ask for what you want in life and get mentorship
• Managing complexity and scaling teams from smaller to larger business units
• The role of mentorship in Art’s Career
• Personal anecdotes about overcoming racial challenges in his career