In this final episode of Season 6, I was joined by former student, long-time supporter of our sport management program, and outstanding Trinity University alumna (class of 2013), Veronica Oviedo. She is currently the Director of Marketing at Spurs Sports and Entertainment.

During our conversation Veronica spoke glowingly of mentors, of great leaders she's worked with, who shaped her outlook and approach to leadership. She "doesn't think titles matter" and the regular listeners will hear direct connections to The Leadership Challenge, and specific references to the DISC Behavioral tool and Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Model - all of which have been important elements of our class this year.

Veronica emphasizes that great leaders ask questions AND create space for others to ask questions. The way she describes her use of the job interview as a starting place to learn teammates' why and as the place where leadership development begins is truly inspiring - and quite frankly should be a model for leaders of all stripes and across any industry sector. She desribes her role as a leader who leads leaders and highlights that leaders must model vulnerability, self-awareness, and followership. Her people-centered approach to leadership is underscored when she describes that the leader and follower co-create the culture.

The conversation is high energy and so much fun for both Veronica and me.

To conclude the episode, I lectured on chapter 13 of the 10th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I discuss Followership and its significant role in the leadership process.

I normally encourage listeners who aren't in the class to skip the lecture, but this time I'm actually imploring you to listen. Followership is a topic that NEEDS to be discussed and there are places in the lecture that might be good starting points for those conversations!

I hope you enjoy the episode. Drop me a note; I'd love to hear your thoughts so I can bring them into our class.

In episode 7's Living Leadership segment, I was joined by my long time friend, partner of our sport management program, and outstanding Trinity University alumnus (class of 2000), Terris 'T' Tiller. T is the Director of Alumni Career Engagement at Trinity and returned back home after a distinguished career on the U.S. Modern Pentathlon team and long-time team member at the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.

During our conversation Terris emphasizes the need for leaders to create spaces that allow others to be seen, spaces to know they are valued. He considers equity and inclusion work to be deeply embedded in his day-to-day life and sees it as a way to grow capacity for the entire organization, but he knows it starts with vulnerable leaders who seek to earn trust by being the first to trust. He models that vulnerability for us when he shares stories about his transition from life as a student to life as an Olympian and about the day he knew his competition days were over.

Terris' concluding advice, to stay curious, couldn't be more powerful and perhaps never more important in our current climate.

To conclude the episode, I lectured on chapter 15 of the 10th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I discuss the Inclusive Leadership concepts described and designed by Donna Chrobot-Mason and Quinetta Roberson.

In the lecture I mention this research article. If you want to know about the reason inclusion and inclusive leadership matters, please read "Gendered Leadership Networks in the NCAA: Analyzing Affiliation Networks of Senior Woman Administrators and Athletic Directors" (request full text here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323505935_Gendered_Leadership_Networks_in_the_NCAA_Analyzing_Affiliation_Networks_of_Senior_Woman_Administrators_and_Athletic_Directors)

I hope you enjoy the episode. Drop me a note; I'd love to hear your thoughts so I can bring them into our class.

In episode 6 of season 6, I lecture on chapter 6 from the 10th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I describe the Path-Goal leadership approach, highlight the basics of how Path-Goal theory works, and conclude with strengths and criticisms of the model.

Before the lecture, I was joined by Nick Cowell for the Living Leadership segment. Nick was the head women's soccer coach at Trinity from 1991-98 during which he lead the Tigers to an amazing record of 117-3-8 and developing six all-Americans. After leaving Trinity he coached at Baylor Unviersity and has been the head women's coach at St. Edward's University for 20 years. He is the winningest coach in NCAA Division II history among active coaches, with 465 total wins, and is third all-time. He ranks 14th all-time across all divisions of the NCAA, second all-time in NCAA Division II, and seventh all-time in NCAA Division III. Cowell ranks in the top 50 for winningest coaches of all-time as determined by winning percentage across all divisions, 15th all-time in NCAA Division II, and 25th all-time in NCAA Division III.

But, whatever you do - don't talk to him about the numbers. As he says, "all of that doesn't help me win the next game." Nick played an important part in my growth and development as a college student, so speaking with him about his leadershp philosophy and how he employs the Path-Goal approach was meaningful.

Nick is a great role model for leaders everywhere. I hope you enjoy our conversation. And please, drop us a note on LinkedIn - or send me a tweet (@TingleJK) - to let us know your Take Home.

This week I was so lucky to sit down with Rob Sender, Trinity University alumnus '99, for the Living Leadership Interview segment. After leaving Trinity he earned a Master's degree in Sports Sales from Baylor University which segued into a first job in Minor League Baseball. Following many years on the agency side, Rob has found a home as the Senior Brand and Marketing Director with the Dallas Cowboys.

The conversation weaves from managing one of the most iconic brands in the world, his time and Trinity, and his thoughts on the Situational Leadership model, his leadership philosophy, and principles. He describes the impact of mentors he had at Trinity and those in his professional life since. Rob indicates that one can become a great leader through being exposed to lots of different leadership styles and leader personalities and at the end of the day curiosity should be the "coin of the realm." I truly appreciate how he describes the need to tinker, the need to "test and learn" and why all of us should manage our networks.

The episode concludes with my lecture on chapter 5 of the 10th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I provide an overview of Hersey and Blanchard's Situational Leadership Model, discuss details about the connection between a leader's style and the follower's developmental level, and why it's essential that leaders engage in conversations with their team members.

Let me know your reactions to my chat with Rob. Reach out to both of us on LinkedIn and let's keep the conversation going.

In episode four's Living Leadership segment I'm joined by Josh Wollock a Trinity alumnus ('99) and Executive Vice President at SPORTFIVE. Before moving to SPORTFIVE, Josh had a long career at Genesco and has worked on sport marketing consulting for most of his post-Trinity life.

During our conversation, Josh details why relationships are key to a leader's success, that great leaders are first great followers, and the value of saying yes to opportunities. He cares deeply about role modeling, and surrounding himself with curious, life-long learners. Josh also emphasizes the power in seeking new opportunities and the value in becoming indispensable. We speak at length about authenticity and you can hear how he truly lives that mantra. And when he described winning the 50/50 ball as a metaphor for leadership (doing things with purpose, passion, and to set an example), I just knew it was going to be a great conversation!

The episode concludes with my lecture on chapter 4 of the 10th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I discuss behavioral approaches to studying leadership, the DISC behavioral profile, and highlight the Blake-Mouton Leadership Grid.

There's so much leadership gold in the episode. Enjoy!

Episode 3 of Season 6 begins with the Living Leadership Interview segment. This week I had the joy to discuss leadership philosophy, the skills great leaders utilize, and the importance of lifelong learning with Trinity alumnus Kyle Porter.

Kyle is the Director of Player Performance with the Colorado Rapids who play in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Western Division. Before joining the Rapids in 2022, he worked as the Assistant Director of Sports Performance at Grand Canyon State University, the Director of Soccer Performance at FC Arizona, and owned and operated Porter Athletic Performance in which he worked with over six soccer academies and clubs.

While at Trinity, Kyle was a two-year captain (2011 & 2012), won four Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Championships, and advanced to the NCAA Division III National Tournament four times with three Sweet Sixteen appearances, and one Elite Eight appearance in 2008.

He details how his Trinity experience as a Finance and Marketing major shaped his professional trajectory and the importance of his men's soccer teammates and Coach Paul McGinlay in helping him develop his leadership philosophy and approach to relationship building.

During our conversation, Kyle spoke in great detail about why great leaders look first to develop relationships, paraphrasing the Teddy Roosevelt quote, "Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care." We also discussed individual and organizational trust, the importance of staying in observation mode as long as you can, and that great leaders practice empathy and compassion. Kyle also highlights the value of genuine curiosity, that the "only guarantee is that there are no guarantees," and how collaboration can lead to a positive team culture.

The episode concludes with my lecture on chapter 3 of the 10th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I highlight the evolution of skills-based approaches to studying leadership and detail Mumford et al.'s Skills Model of Leadership.

Send me your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going on Twitter / X (@TingleJK) or on LinkedIn.

In episode 2, of Season 6, after the Living Leadership segment, I provide a brief lecture on Kouzes and Posner's "The Leadership Challenge," during which I describe the fundamentals of leadership, the characteristics of admired leaders, and highlight the Five Practices (or behaviors) of Exemplary Leaders.

In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I discuss leadership philosophy with Libby Kruse, the Vice President of Partnership Sales at Minnesota Timberwolves & Lynx and Trinity University alumna ('14).

Libby describes her personal leadership journey, coming from Minnesota to play college basketball at Trinity, a transformational coaching change, an exercising outsight in as many ways possible. She details the importance of mentors and why being curious is a key personal trait for emerging leaders to develop and refine.

She emphasizes that leadership is earned, not given - and can be accomplished by building relationships, developing trust, and being curious. Libby cares deeply about being a role model, inspiring others, challenging (with a purpose), allowing others to be their best, and why she relishes being "the hype woman."

Libby also describes how her experience as an athlete and self-awareness, developed partially through using the DISC profile, allowed her to see two or three steps into the future. It was so much fun to catch up with my former student -- I hope you love the Spring Break story as much as I do!!!

Send me your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going on Twitter (@TingleJK) or on LinkedIn.

Season 6 kicks off with the Living Leadership Interview. In the segment, I was lucky to sit down with Marco Ferruzzi to discuss his leadership philosophy and how he sees it playing out in his day-to-day.

Marco is the Sporting Director for San Antonio Futbol Club (SAFC) and is also the parent of a Trinity sport management alumna! He is a San Antonio native and after graduating from Keystone High School, we attended the University of North Carolina to play soccer. After a long professional playing career, Marco obtained his USSF coaching 'A' license and got the opportunity to join the coaching staff at FC Dallas. After two decades in Dallas, Marco came home to San Antonio to assume his current role with SAFC in November 2023.

During our conversation, he highlights the importance of mentors and how leaders (mentors) have the vision to support followers and to help them recognize gifts they might not even see that they possess. Marco talks at length about why it's important for leaders to be great listeners, to have a clear vision, and create inclusive environments in which employees feel safe to make mistakes and be innovative.

Listen for how Marco talks about emergent leadership and how people can BE leaders even without the title.

After my conversation with Marco, I lecture on chapter 1 of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." General concepts of leadership are discussed, the term is defined, and there's a special focus on the connection between leadership and power.

Send me your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going on Twitter / X (@TingleJK) or on LinkedIn.

This spring I'm releasing bonus episodes of The Take Home. No new lectures on leadership, instead I'm sharing the amazing podcasts created by the students in my Leadership for Sport Professionals class.

This final bonus episode of Season 5 features "Leadership in Motion" which was produced and created by Luke Pfeiffer, River Rocha, Jordan Arce. Here are their liner notes:

Lou Simon, an entertainment industry veteran and former collegiate baseball player, is the founder of Game Ready Enterprises and the creator of the Game Ready Softball Series. In 2021, he launched The League, a nonprofit collegiate softball summer league that continues to thrive and expand across Southern California. Lou is deeply passionate about promoting fastpitch softball and increasing positive awareness for the sport.

In this episode, Lou shares insights on perseverance during challenging times and the importance of advocating for others. He highlights the value of reflection, giving back to the community, and supporting the goals of those around him. Lou also shares compelling stories, from the creation of his softball league to his journey in the entertainment industry

Louis Simon's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-simon-a3b124a/

GameReady Enterprises: http://www.youtube.com/@gamereadyenterprises1542

This spring I'm releasing bonus episodes of The Take Home. No new lectures on leadership, instead I'm sharing the amazing podcasts created by the students in my Leadership for Sport Professionals class.

In this bonus episode of Season 5, I'm sharing "Outside the Lines" which was created and produced by Harrison Durow, Christian Green, and Zander Guckian. Here are their liner notes:

In this episode of Outside the Lines, we interviewed Maryellen Durow, a Hall of Fame volleyball player at the University of Northern Iowa and a varsity coach and athletic director in her own right, about how her experiences shape her outlook on leadership.

Maryellen narrates her journey from growing up in Milwaukee, to being a successful athlete at Pius High School, where she helped her teams compete for state championships. She explains how being an athlete helped her develop resilience, teamwork, and the potential to change a team culture when things go south.

The discussion explores gender expectations in leadership, changing opportunities for women in athletics, and the balancing act of being assertive versus likable. Inspired by her high school coach, Mr. Fisher, and the great UCLA Coach John Wooden, Maryellen teaches the fighting values of hard work, trust, and teamwork.

She also discusses the significance of setting goals, building strong relationships, and adapting a leadership approach to individual and team needs. Her advice for aspiring coaches and athletes centers around being vulnerable, honing people skills, and valuing team success over individual accolades.

The lessons from this episode go beyond lessons we can learn on the court and in administration, and they also show how we live our day-to-day lives around building a culture of trust and growth. Maryellen's wisdom offers concrete advice for all who want to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Podcast Music- https://freemusicarchive.org/music/daynigthmorning/business/for-podcast/ "For Podcast" by DayNigthMorning