Summary

In this episode of That’s Awesome, Ryan McPartlin reconnects with Dr. Bob Husband, one of the most influential communication professors in University of Illinois history and a legendary mentor whose classes shaped generations of students to become leaders in their fields long before the title “influencer” became a buzzword.

As an actor, Ryan was trained to listen - really listen- using repetition and presence to stay grounded in the moment. During this conversation, he has a realization: Dr. Husband’s communication class was actually his first acting class, teaching the same active listening skills actors rely on to create real connection on set, skills that translate directly to leadership, relationships, and influence in everyday life.

This isn’t about performing or talking louder. It’s about learning how listening, asking better questions, and reflecting what you hear builds trust, credibility, and impact. Drawing from decades in education and executive consulting, Dr. Husband breaks down how humility paired with fierce resolve creates transformational leaders - and why the most influential people in any room are often the best listeners.

communication, leadership, listening, mentorship, self-improvement, storytelling, education, humility, questions, transformational leadership, University of Illinois, influencer, actor, Captain Awesome, Chuck

Takeaways

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