What if leading through change didn’t have to feel like chaos, but could be an opportunity for personal and organizational growth? In this episode of Seek Go Create, Tim Winders sits down with Brad Englert—former Chief Information Officer at the University of Texas at Austin and author of Spheres of Influence—to discuss the secrets behind authentic business relationships, navigating generational differences in the workplace, and how faith and humility shape powerful leaders. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply searching for ways to make a bigger impact in your organization, Brad’s hard-earned wisdom and real-world stories will inspire and challenge you. Listen in as they explore how investing in relationships can transform the way you lead and thrive in complex environments.

"'You don’t build a house without a blueprint. You don’t write a program without a design. Invest in planning and relationships the same way." - Brad Englert

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

Brad Englert is an accomplished author, advisor, and former Chief Information Officer at the University of Texas at Austin. With over 40 years of leadership experience spanning Accenture and higher education, Brad specializes in guiding large-scale organizational transformation, strategic planning, and mission alignment. He is known for his expertise in building authentic business relationships and mentoring the next generation of leaders. Brad’s insights have been shaped by decades of hands-on experience leading high-impact teams and driving innovation in complex environments.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Insider Lessons on Leading Change: Hear former University of Texas CIO Brad Englert’s first-hand stories about managing large-scale transformation and building authentic relationships in organizations as big as UT—offering strategies you won’t find in a textbook.
2. Real-World Advice for Building Influential Relationships: Discover why “networking” isn’t enough, and get actionable tips on creating and nurturing meaningful, mutually beneficial business connections that can drive your career forward.
3. Unfiltered Perspective on Leadership Across Generations: Gain rare insight into navigating generational differences, communicating through challenges, and how humility and faith quietly anchor Brad’s decades of leadership—from mid-level management all the way to the C-suite.

Episode Resources & Action Steps:

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. Spheres of Influence: How to Create and Nurture Authentic Business Relationships: Brad Englert’s book, featured prominently in the discussion, serves as a practical guide for leadership and relationship-building in complex environments. Available on Amazon and via Brad Englert’s website.
2. Brad Englert’s Website - For a free sample of the book, more information, and to connect with Brad directly, visit: www.bradenglert.com/seekgocreate (customized link for Seek Go Create listeners).
3. Workshops by Brad Englert - Brad offers workshops on leadership, influence, and relationship-building, which he mentions as an extension of his book and mentorship.

Action Steps for Listeners:

1. Invest in Authentic Relationships, Not Just Networking - Prioritize building genuine, mutually beneficial relationships over transactional networking. Take time to understand people’s goals and find ways to support them.
2. Get Out from Behind Your Screen - Practice “management by walking around”—engage with your team, customers, and partners in person or via real conversations, not just emails and digital communication.
3. Set Clear Expectations and Communicate Openly - Whether you’re a leader or a team member, don’t assume others can read your mind. Use your words to clarify what you need, set deadlines, and manage expectations—especially during times of change.

By applying these resources and steps, you can begin to build stronger, more effective relationships and leadership presence in your professional life.

Key Lessons:

1. Authentic Relationships Drive Success - Brad emphasizes that truly caring about people—whether they’re colleagues, direct reports, or clients—creates relationships that last for years and often become mutually beneficial. Authenticity, rather than transactional networking, leads to sustainable business growth and satisfaction.
2. Communication Is a Leadership Duty - Clear, proactive communication—especially during challenging seasons—is crucial. Leaders shouldn’t assume people are mind readers. Setting and managing expectations, and being transparent about goals or setbacks, builds trust within teams and organizations.
3. Strategic Relationship Building Is Essential - Brad advises being intentional and strategic about whom you build relationships with. Focus on boss, direct reports, and key stakeholders—don’t try to connect with everyone. Invest in the right relationships and consistently nurture them to achieve organizational goals.
4. Humility and Apologies Strengthen Teams - Great leaders are humble, willing to admit mistakes, and quick to apologize. This humility builds a culture of trust and transparency, allowing organizations to learn from failures and move forward more effectively.
5. Get Out and Show You Care - One of Brad’s most practical tips: get out from behind your desk or screen and spend time with your team, clients, and partners. Frequent, face-to-face connections (even informally) help leaders understand people’s aspirations, challenges, and wins—showing you truly care.

These lessons, rooted in Brad’s decades of leadership experience and highlighted in his book Spheres of Influence, offer actionable wisdom for leaders at any stage.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 The Importance of Understanding Your Client

00:37 Introducing Brad Engler: Leadership and Faith

01:32 Brad's Career Journey: From Accenture to Higher Education

02:18 Mentorship and Writing a Book

03:53 Workshops and Relationship Building

06:38 Generational Differences in the Workplace

07:54 Communication and Managing Expectations

10:59 The Art of Saying 'Whoa'

14:57 Brad's Teaching Experience in Australia

18:45 From the Midwest to Austin: Brad's Journey

21:06 Transformational Projects in Higher Education

22:21 Vendor Relationships and IT Transformations

27:44 Strategic Planning for Agencies and Universities

29:07 Federal Government Efficiency and Personal Experiences

33:09 Creating and Nurturing Authentic Business Relationships

46:13 Leadership Traits: Humility and Confidence

49:33 Insights from the Book 'Spheres of Influence'

52:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:

🎙 Unlock Leadership Excellence with Tim

• Transform your leadership and align your career with your deepest values. Schedule your Free Discovery Call now to explore how you can reach new heights in personal and professional growth. Limited slots available each month – Book your session today!

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A Final Challenge: Redefine Success with Coach

Before you sign off, here’s a powerful invitation from Tim: If you’ve been inspired by the stories on Seek Go Create, take the next step with his novel, Coach: A Story of Success Redefined. It’s a transformative journey that invites leaders to rethink success and align their lives with faith, purpose, and peace. Get your copy today at TimWinders.com.

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