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.