In the season 5 finale episode, I explore Hill's approach to Team Leadership as detailed in chapter 16 from the 9th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I highlight connections to our class' definition of leadership, discuss the importance of a strong culture, provide an overview of the model, and conclude with strengths and criticisms of the model.

For the final Living Leadership interview of the year I'm joined by Deb Boughton, the Deputy Athletic Director at Marshall University. Before arriving at Marshall, she had a similar role at Northern Illinois University. Deb is a 1997 Trinity University alumna. While at Trinity she was a standout on the women's soccer team and was in the first class of Trinity Master's of Accounting program. 

She speaks glowingly about role models and mentors like her head coach Nick Cowell, accounting professor Dr. Petrea Sandlin, and Trinity's longtime Director of Athletics Bob King. Deb firmly believes that nothing gets done if you haven't built strong relationships and emphasizes the difference between management and leadership. Speaking about relationships and the value of intercollegiate athletics, Deb says "A coach connects you to a program, but your teammates keep you there."

She highlights that great leaders see no boundaries or limitations, but that they need strong colleagues to help them be aware of the pitfalls or proverbial alligators. I love how she describes what college athletics was for her and what it is for so many others - a place to learn, overcome fears, and develop confidence. During the conversation we discuss fruit salad versus gumbo as metaphors for why diversity matters and her two tenets of leadership: 1) reliability and 2) trust.

This is an amazing conversation to conclude season 5 and I hope you enjoy!

In episode 7 of season 5, I lecture on chapter 6 from the 9th 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 Elizabeth Eder Northern for the Living Leadership segment. Liz graduated from Trinity University in 2009 with a Bachelor's degree. As an undergrad, she double majored in Religion and math, was an three time National Qualifier on the cross country team, and took full advantage of all that Trinity has to offer. She was a true Renaissance person and embraced the university's Liberal Arts ethos. After leaving Trinity she completed a Master's degree at Penn State and has served as the longtime Director of Research at Tarrant County College (TCC). In addition to being recognized by the Fort Worth Business Press with 40 Under 40 Award, Liz was also named as one of the Trinity University Alumni Association Tower 5 Award recipients in 2019.

In our conversation she talks about the importance of mentors and friends, both in terms of pushing her to achieve things she never would have dreamed of and for holding each other accountable. As a leader of a team at TCC, she details the importance of hiring for complementary skill sets, helping team members maximize their strengths, and finding meaning in the work. Liz describes why setting developmental goals is good, both for the individual and the organization, and why having a leader that trusts their followers is paramount.

Liz and I also talk about her successful distance running career (which isn't over!). While her accomplishments as a distance runner are wildly impressive, I hope you'll agree that her leadership approach and philosophy make her the kind of person we'd all like to work and learn with.

She 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 Scott Williams, Trinity alumnus '89, for the Living Leadership Interview segment. Scott and I met when I was 19 and was one of my early mentors at Trinity. Since that time, we've maintained a close relationship, which was heightened during his time serving on the Trinity University Alumni Association Board.

 Scott and I discuss the Situational Leadership model and his leadership philosophy and principles. He details important in and out-of-class mentors he had at Trinity and the value of meeting others where they are and seeing them for who they are. Scott describes why leaders must connect with individuals and why it would actually be unfair to treat everyone the same. He says that if you treat everyone with respect and build a foundation of trust, you can meet people where they are and bring out the best in them. This conversation about focusing equity, rather than equality, is important for us all to hear.

Four years ago, Scott and I appeared on the Trinity University Podcast Network for a discussion on race, education, mentors, and modern-day athlete activism. I encourage you to give that conversation a listen as it is really different from this episode, but can provide you important context for what makes Scott tick. Reflections on Life, Trinity, and the American Dream (https://soundcloud.com/user-936731397/reflections-on-life-trinity-and-the-american-dream) 

The episode concludes with my lecture on chapter 5 of the 9th 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 Scott. Reach out to both of us on Twitter (@TingleJK and @scottwilli75or LinkedIn and let's keep the conversation going

In episode 5's Living Leadership segment, I was joined by my teaching partner and outstanding Trinity University alumna '88, Allison Hawk. Allison is the founder of AHC Consulting LLC and was previously the Director of Corporate Communications and Community Outreach at the National Football League's St. Louis Rams.

Allison highlights how her in and out of class experiences at Trinity shaped her leadership philosophy and that studying abroad is the single most important thing any student can do. She says that great leaders have the ability to learn, the ability to write, intercultural awareness, and adaptability. Her approach is to model the way, have an open door, to inspire with a detailed vision, and make sure that her team has the tools they need to be successful. 

Allison highlights her own journey through the leadership labyrinth and tells stories about important mentors who made sure she was invited into the room AND had a place at the table. She also eloquently pushes against traditional notions of success by debunking the myth of the success narrative. Most importantly, Allison emphasizes the need to be kind - to others AND to yourself. 

To conclude the episode, I lectured on chapter 14 of the 9th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During the segment, I discuss the Glass Ceiling and Leadership Labyrinth metaphors which are used to describe the intersection of gender and leadership in the sports world. Those interested in learning more are encouraged to read these two research articles:

1) 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)

2) Passage Through the Leadership Labyrinth: Women’s Journey in the Collegiate Recreation Profession (request full text here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352483507_Passage_Through_the_Leadership_Labyrinth_Women's_Journey_in_the_Collegiate_Recreation_Profession)

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 four's Living Leadership segment I'm joined by Leah Kareti a Principal Consultant at 3 Fold Group, which specializes in NCAA Division III intercollegiate athletics and small college strategic initiatives. Before co-founding 3 Fold, Leah worked for the NCAA including six years as the Director of Division III. 

During our conversation, Leah details why relationships are key to a leader's success, the role and importance of a mutually beneficial mentee-mentor relationship, and how being benevolent becomes easier over time. She boils her leadership philosophy down to Vision and Accountability and that the work is so much easier (and better) when done with a group.  I love how she describes taking risks in her career and why "Challenging the Process" must be done with intentionality, care, and with the aim of improving - not just complaining. 

The episode concludes with my lecture on chapter 4 of the 9th 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 5 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 Rush Olson. 

Rush is the Co-Founder of Mint Farm Films (https://www.linkedin.com/company/mintfarmfilms/) and the Principal at Rush Olson Creative & Sports (https://www.linkedin.com/company/rush-olson-creative-&-sports/). Before venturing out on his own, Rush worked as the Texas Rangers Media Team's Creative Director. During our conversation Rush shares insights gained from more than three decades in the sport marketing, media, and creative spaces.  

He details how his Trinity experience as a Communication and History double major shaped his professional and leadership philosophies and how his experience as the co-founder of Kappa Kappa Delta social fraternity continues to serve as a strong link to campus. 

Rush highlights that no matter whatever your level in the organization, "the better you understand the big objectives (the why), the better you'll be." He emphasizes that leaders must help their followers be mindful of how they fit into the big picture, but also highlights it is incumbent on less experienced staff to scan the environment and look for ways they can contribute. 

We also discussed the importance of LinkedIn, the skills great leaders need to possess, and why leadership is a constant learning experience. He concludes with a discussion of Type 1 and Type 2 egos and I just love the way he describes why the latter should drive our actions. 

The episode concludes with my lecture on chapter 3 of the 9th 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 5, 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 and Transformational Leadership with Dr. Sheldon Tate, the Executive Director of Recreation at George Mason University.

Dr. Tate describes his life journey from being an African-American student at a Predominately White Institution (PWI) to completing his dissertation research study in a compelling, deliberative, and thoughtful way. And he details how mentors, listening to his inner voice, and being reflective and intentional were foundational to his development. 

He emphasizes that leadership is earned, not given - which is accomplished by building relationships, developing trust, and being values-driven. He cares deeply about the Five Leadership Practices and provides great examples for why titled leaders must Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart.

Dr. Tate also describes how his experience as an athlete and high level basketball referee allowed him to see what he is capable of and significantly impacted his perspective as a leader, a mentee, a husband, and a father. The conversation is high energy and lively; I hope you enjoy it! 

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

Season 5 kicks off with a new format. Instead of starting with my lecture, each episode begins with my conversation with the Living Leadership guest.  My hope is that those of you not in the class will find it easier to enjoy the lessons from the guests - and not feel forced to wade through my lecture! 

In the Episode 1 Living Leadership Interview segment, I was lucky to sit down with Charles Houston to discuss his leadership philosophy and how he sees it playing out in his day-to-day. Charles is a Senior Vice President Commercial Lending of Broadway Bank and was recently selected as a recipient of the 40 Under 40 Award by the San Antonio Business Journal. 

Charles graduated from Trinity in 2009 with a degree in accounting and was a standout on the men's basketball team while on campus. He was also in a social fraternity and a member of the Black Student Union. During our conversation, he highlights the importance of mentors and why taking calculated risks is key for great leaders. Charles talks at length about why great leaders focus on developing relationships, do more than is expected, are vulnerable, and create a culture where people are allowed to make mistakes. 

Listen for how Charles describes lessons learned from travel, internships, and why being authentic is the foundation for developing strong relationships. 

After my conversation with Charles, 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.

In this final bonus episode of Season 4, I'm sharing "Sidelines of Success" which was created and produced by Grayson Herr, Marissa Drange, and Ify Ikenga.

In the podcast, they interview Marvin Lewis, and discuss principles of Followership and Team Leadership. Lewis was the Cincinnati Bengals head football coach from 2003-2018 and was an assistant coach with Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Washington. With such a long career in the National Football League, Coach Lewis has amazing life lessons to share - and his focus on building trust and being consistent with those whom you lead are great mantras for leaders at any level. I hope you enjoy!

Music credits: Strong Future by Purple Plant Music 

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.

Today's bonus episode features "Leadership Unlocked" produced and created by Josephine McCray, Jarrett Phillips, and Matthew Mackey.  

In the podcast, they interview Jeff Earls, the Assistant Director of Athletic Performance (FB) at Penn State University. Before arriving at Penn State, Coach Earls worked in various capacities at Texas Tech University, Tulane University, Purdue University, the University of Texas, Louisiana State University, and in the National Football League with both the Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns.  

In the podcast they discuss principles of Situational and Adaptive Leadership. Coach Earls highlights that great leaders are demanding, but not demeaning, that they both accept their role AND star in their role every day, and discusses his mantra: "It'll never happen through you if it's not happening in you."

Consistency, genuiness, and intentionality are key messages that surface throughout the conversation. I hope you enjoy!

Music credits:

• Intro (Artist: HolzinaCC0 Track: All the Flight Left) 
• Outro (Artist: HolzinaCC0 Track: Machines With Feelings)
• Other Music (Artist: Malaventura Track: El Burrito)