The Leader Fast Lane

In this episode, I talk with Ginger Kerrick Davis, former NASA Flight Director and Regent at the Texas Tech University System. Ginger is an exceptional leader with practical insight and tips for leaders at all levels. Highlights of this episode include:

2:32 - Ginger's role in the development and success of Artemis II

6:00 - her admonition not to "model yourself" after other but to glean leader tips

7:30 - "leaders come in all shapes and sizes"

13:43 - how to make risk-informed decisions and leave emotion out of the equation

22:26 - psychological safety, and idea killers versus idea boosters in a team

37:56 - "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does great things themself but who inspires and empowers others to do great things."

In this episode, I speak with Andrew Natsios, Executive Professor at the Bush School at Texas A&M. Andrew shares about his leadership experiences at the highest levels of politics, diplomacy, and higher education. We talk quite a bit about USAID and its legacy as well. Some key points:

2:34 - the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy

5:10 - how leading and managing differ

6:24 - "you can't demand loyalty from you people if you aren't loyal to them"

7:26 - leadership is more about responsibility than authority

11:29 - the importance of getting the real story from on the ground colleagues

20:31 - the two most important roles for senior executives

26:27 - misconceptions about global development

42:04 - leading in ambiguity

In this episode, I am joined by Texas Tech University Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt. Kirby shares about:

1:59 - the role of an athletic director

6:31 - leaders he modeled his approach after

10:31 - how he makes decisions in a rapidly changing environment

17:26 - how to assess culture in an organization

19:00 - the guiding principles of the athletics department

20:38 - how to address high performers that may erode culture

24:58 - ensuring decisions align with values despite external pressure

27:43 - what brings him joy about his job

33:19 - personal habits that help him stay sharp

34:24 - how he resets after tough setbacks

37:16 - your attitude and effort are things you can control every day

In this episode, I talk with Carlos Morales, CEO of Caprock Home Health Services. Carlos shares about:

4:26 - his leadership journey

8:21 - the importance of leaders continuously focusing on self-improvement

12:13 - new leaders don't need to know all the answers; instead, build a strong team

21:56 - his default instinct under pressure is collaboration

24:29 - the development of a values-based culture at Caprock, and its effect

31:26 - how to discern values fit for prospective new employees

36:24 - the importance for leaders to have a strong support network

42:51 - great teams have a clear vision & roles, practice extreme ownership, and engage in honest communication & healthy conflict

Join me as I speak with Midwestern State University Texas President Dr. Stacy Haynie. We talk about leaders needing to be willing to take punches, how to make difficult, weighty decisions, taking risks, MSU Texas's values of community and people-centeredness, learning from failure, the importance of showing up and being curious, and that control and trust are not friends as a leader. Dr. Haynie is an amazing leader. Take a listen!

In this episode, I talk with Ken Parker, Vice President of Learning Innovation at Public Strategies. Ken has four decades of experience in technology and education and has keen insight into issues facing higher education today. We talk about when values are tested in leadership decisions, how difficult moments clarify what matters most, what distinguishes a learning organization from one that just provides training, what hiring for fit means, and how leaders should think about AI.

In this episode, I am joined by Texas Tech University System Regent Clay Cash. We talk about hard work and humility being keys to success, developing grit, overcoming imposter syndrome, and servant leadership.

In this episode, I talk with Jamie McIntosh, an accomplished senior non-profit leader who shares lessons learned from his time leading work with International Justice Mission Canada, Compassion Canada, and World Vision Canada, among others. We talk about how to make wise decisions with heavy consequences, operating in the tension between mission purpose/passion and operational discipline, how to use AI as a tool, and finding your purpose and taking your shot.

In this episode, I am joined by Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr. President Hawkins, who retired from the Air Force as a Lt. General, shares his leadership journey, why he values mentorship, how leadership in higher education differs from leadership in the military, the centrality of character in a leader, how to have difficult conversations, balancing tradition with advancement, and the need to maintain perspective through reading and prayer.

In this episode, I speak with Meredith Imes, Managing Director of Emergency Management at Texas Tech University, where she leads campus-wide efforts in preparedness, response, and recovery.

We talk about the importance of mentors, effective communication and collaboration, the importance for leaders to exude calm in a crisis, leading under pressure, how to have tough conversations, and taking care of yourself.