Leading Lubbock

Emily Herring, COO and co-founder of True Title Partners, joins us to talk about the power of leading with compassion, building healthy culture, and staying curious in every season. Emily shares her journey from grassroots leadership to overseeing eight thriving offices across Texas and New Mexico — and the personal experiences that have shaped the way she leads today. We dive into the importance of self-reflection, leading from behind the scenes, and why understanding the whole person matters in business and life. This conversation is full of wisdom, humility, and real-world encouragement for anyone looking to lead with greater heart and purpose.

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and business partner, Tanner Dean, for a real and honest conversation about leadership — not as a title, but as a posture.

We talk about walking alongside others, sacrificing personal comfort for the good of the team, and learning to lead through failure, family, and faith.

Tanner shares how his view of leadership has been shaped over time, and how the best lessons are often learned in the trenches.

This one is packed with heart, perspective, and quiet strength.

Michalea Perez is the Operating Director of Cornerstone Caregiving, a leader whose life speaks louder than any title. In this heartfelt episode, Michalea shares her journey from a decade at Betenbough Homes to launching a company built on honoring seniors and equipping teams with clarity, love, and purpose.

We talk about raising godly sons, establishing rhythms of discipline, and embracing who God created you to be — without comparison or compromise. Michalea’s story is a masterclass in servant leadership, quiet courage, and the ripple effects of showing up fully, both at home and in the workplace.

Whether you’re leading a business, a family, or just trying to lead yourself well—this conversation will move you.

At just 20 years old, Texas Tech offensive lineman Jurrien Loftin brings a depth of wisdom that’s rare at any age. In this episode, Jurrien unpacks what real leadership looks like—grounded in humility, fueled by healthy competition, and focused on lifting others higher. He shares powerful stories about overcoming a major knee injury, finding his identity beyond football, and the lesson that changed how he shows up every day: learn every name in the building.

Whether he’s talking about being a “force multiplier,” navigating hard seasons through faith, or defining success as turning others toward Christ, Jurrien’s words are packed with purpose. This is a conversation about legacy, leadership, and living with intentionality—on the field and far beyond it.

Lily Scarborough, a junior at Kingdom Preparatory Academy, joins the podcast to share how she’s learning to lead with humility, consistency, and a heart for others. As a two-time volleyball captain, Academic All-State athlete, and active community servant, Lily reflects on what it means to be a servant leader — showing up, building others up, and putting Christ at the center.

In this conversation, we talk about the difference between positional and relational leadership, how intentional conversations at home shaped her values, and why small moments of encouragement can make a lasting impact. Lily also shares her dream of becoming a child life specialist and how her love for kids, fly fishing, and faith have helped shape her purpose.

Her story is a reminder that leadership isn’t defined by age or position, but by presence, character, and the way we choose to reflect Christ in everyday life.

In this episode of Leading Lubbock, we sit down with Jacky Howard, owner of JHoward Realty and a respected leader in the Lubbock real estate community. Jacky shares his journey from a career in music and the food business to becoming a successful realtor and community leader. We dive into his passion for servant leadership, the lessons he's learned through years of balancing business, family, and his role at the Lubbock Association of Realtors, and how his faith has shaped his approach to leading with purpose.

Jacky emphasizes the power of leading by example, getting involved alongside his team, and the importance of listening to truly understand others. Whether you're leading a business, a family, or just looking to grow in your leadership skills, Jacky's story will inspire you to roll up your sleeves and lead from the front.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about perseverance, intentionality, and the transformative impact of servant leadership.

This week on Leading Lubbock, Ruben sits down with Mark Murray—co-founder of Reside Real Estate and True Title—for a powerful conversation on leadership that begins in the unseen places. From organizing disaster relief to building businesses with an open-hand mindset, Mark shares how he leads with humility, prioritizes his family, and intentionally lives a "light and easy" life rooted in faith.

They dive into practical rhythms like doing hard things on purpose, the gift of failure, the cost of comparison, and how to let others take center stage as leaders. Whether you're building a company, raising a family, or learning to slow down in a busy world, this episode will challenge and inspire you to lead from a deeper place.

💡 Featured Book: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
🗣️ Quote to remember: “If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a clear no.”

In this episode of Leading Lubbock, we sit down with Ben Lashaway—a 20-year-old student leader at Texas Tech University who’s already making an impact far beyond the classroom. As a Redeemer College Leader, Vice President of the Real Estate Organization, fraternity chaplain, and Dean’s Student Council member, Ben leads with purpose, humility, and an unwavering commitment to consistency.

We dive into how Ben’s view of leadership has evolved—from chasing personal achievement in high school to embracing servant leadership rooted in his faith. He shares powerful insights on being the same person in every room, why consistency builds trust, and how losing his mom shaped his urgency to love people and live with intention.

Ben’s story reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles or positions—it’s about showing up, caring deeply, and helping others grow. Whether you’re a young leader or seasoned pro, this conversation will challenge and inspire you.

In this episode of Leading Lubbock, I sit down with Doug Duncan, leader of the Duncan Realty Group, husband, father, and someone I’ve admired for years. Doug opens up about his leadership journey—from stepping into leadership at 27 with a “me-first” mindset to learning that true leadership is about helping others win. We talk about his team’s $43 million year, the lessons from starting a business during COVID, and how his faith transformed his approach to leadership.

Doug gets candid about the pressures leaders carry, the importance of staying motivated, and how the small, consistent actions over time make the biggest impact. We explore the balance between certainty and teachability, how to lead with humility, and the powerful legacy left by his father.

You’ll hear practical advice on leading your team, how to avoid burnout, and why serving others for the rest of your life might be the ultimate leadership mantra. Whether you lead a business, a family, or just want to grow in your influence, this conversation will inspire you to lead with purpose, consistency, and heart.

In this episode, Ruben Trujillo sits down with best-selling author, speaker, and encourager Bob Goff for an insightful conversation on leadership, identity, and the power of showing up for others. Bob shares his journey from lawyer to author and humanitarian, unpacking how leadership constantly evolves and how curiosity, love, and whimsy can transform the way we engage with the world.

Together, they explore the deep questions that shape our lives—questions about self-worth, purpose, and the fears that hold us back. Bob challenges us to rethink the invisible rules we’ve made for ourselves, embrace strategic whimsy, and lead not from a place of status but from a heart of service. With his signature humor and wisdom, he reminds us that leadership isn’t about a title but about how we show up for the people around us—whether they’re in a boardroom, a tire shop, or across the dinner table.

Tune in for an episode filled with practical encouragement, laughter, and a reminder that you are wanted, you are enough, and you have something valuable to offer the world.