An impactful and wide ranging conversation with Southwestern Speaker, Lee McCroskey. We’ll dive into Lee’s long history with the Southwestern Family of Companies and the influence it has had in his life. Lee opens up about inflection points in his life and speaks about success, the importance of perseverance, and finding your true identity. Also, Lee touches on the habits that have helped to keep him physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally healthy amidst the trying times we are currently living in.

“Anything or anyone outside you cannot define who you are.” - Lee McCroskey

More About Lee McCroskey:

Though he studied astronomy and meteorology as an undergrad, Lee received a master’s degree in English from the University of Kansas. Lee was a mild-mannered lecturer in the English department by day, and a member of a touring glam rock band by night. Complete with pyrotechnics and makeup. His band just finished their Final Reunion after playing 45 years together.. 

As an undergrad, he traveled a thousand miles away from home and ran his own business selling books with Southwestern Advantage—which is a century-old, direct sales program.  Lee was a top salesperson that summer, and over the next seven years, was a top experienced salesperson, recruiter, and manager every year.  

Southwestern Advantage promoted Lee to Director of Marketing and Sales Development, and finally became the Director of Leadership Development worldwide. He helped train more than 100,000 college students there over the course of 36 years!

Lee is now working with another division called Southwestern Speakers, a global team of top-producing thought leaders, authors, and experts who deliver dynamic presentations to audiences around the world.

Outside the business community, Lee has also taught at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management and is currently a professor at two universities in Nashville, teaching business, literature, & communication courses. 

In his non-work life, Lee trains and competes with the U.S. Masters swim team. He is a deacon at his church, is a certified storm spotter, and a face reader…. His wife is a physician at Vanderbilt, and they have three grown children who enjoy rock music and correcting people’s grammar. 

Book Mentioned:

Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership- by Gary L McIntosh and Samuel O Rima

The Action Catalyst is a weekly podcast hosted by Dan Moore, President of Southwestern Advantage, the oldest direct-sales company in America, and Partner with Southwestern Consulting. With more than 45 years in sales leadership and marketing management, Dan has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to make better use of time to achieve life, sales, and other business goals. Each week, he interviews some of the nation’s top thought leaders and experts, sharing meaningful tips and advice. Subscribe on iTunes and please leave a rating and review!