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.