Next Generation Leader Podcast

“Freedom regards religion as the companion in all its battles and all its triumphs as the very cradle of its infancy and the source of all its claims…. because religion alone is the safeguard of morality, and morality is the best and surest pledge for the survival of freedom.” – Alexis de Tocqueville Timothy Head is the executive director for the Faith & Freedom Coalition. The Faith & Freedom Coalition is committed to educating, equipping, and mobilizing people of faith and like-minded individuals to be effective citizens. Our conversation is all about how to have hard conversations in the public sphere using your faith. 

Arnold Punaro is the chief executive officer of The Punaro Group. He consults for a broad array of Fortune 100 companies and has been recognized by Defense News as one of the 100 most influential individuals in U.S. Defense. A retired U.S. Marine Corps Major General, he served as the Director of the Marine Corps Reserve, Deputy Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command (Mobilization), and for three years as the Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division. Other assignments were Commanding General, Marine Corps Mobilization Command, and Deputy Commander, Marine Forces Reserve. In December 1990, he was mobilized for Operation Desert Shield. In December 1993, he completed a tour of active duty as Commander of Joint Task Force Provide Promise (Forward) in the former Yugoslavia. He was mobilized for a third time in May 2003 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He served on active duty as an Infantry Platoon Commander in Vietnam where he was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart. Mr. Punaro is the recipient of numerous recognitions including the Secretary of Defense “Medal for Distinguished Public Service” and two awards of the Secretary of Defense “Medal for Exceptional Public Service.” He received the Marine Corps League's "Iron Mike Award” in 1993 for "exceptionally outstanding service" and "unwavering commitment" for over 20 years to "ensuring a strong national defense."

Today's episode is with a citizen of the great country of Ukraine, Yaro Hnatusko. Yaro's family and friends are still on the ground in Ukraine fighting for their freedom against tyranny. The citizens of Ukraine need our help and prayers today, so please check out this website to see how you can donate and help. I am a Ukrainian. Glory to the heroes.  Article about Yaro and his brother: Ukraine-Born Sullivan Foundation Alumnus Helping Organize Relief Aid for His Country - Sullivan Foundation (sullivanfdn.org)

This is a special edition of the Next Generation Leader Podcast, it is our 100th episode and it is Coop's final episode as our regular co-host. As we say goodbye to such a wonderful season of learning and growth, we wanted to take a quick look back at some of our favorite moments from these incredible 100 episodes. Today we hear from Shay Robbins, Senator James Lankford, Costi Hinn, Anne Chow, Horst Schulze, and Dr. Ben Carson. This is one you will not want to miss. Thank you to everyone who has supported us these past 100 episodes. We could not do it without you guys and your constant encouragement. Much love. Keep listening. 

Johnny is a former NFL football player and United States Olympian in the sport of Bobsled. He had the honor of representing the United States of America at the Sochi Olympics in 2014. Now, he is on a mission to deliver thought-provoking and action-packed messages to businesses and organizations of all sizes. Check out his TEDx Talk here.  Our conversation today is all about the mindest of an olympian. Nothing happens without taking action. Ultra-performers are men and women who find a way to get the job done with the current resources available. Johnny powerfully simplifies the elite action steps he developed in the Olympics and professional football to help everyone in your organization become an ultra-performer and win in the marketplace.

Zac and Coop provide clarity on the future of the Next Generation Leader Podcast, but not before talking about the future of flying cars. 

Everyone go wish Coop a happy birthday and listen to his appeal to young leaders to spend time in God's Word and how it has radically changed his life. 

Kimberly A. Reed served as President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Export- Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) from 2019-2021. She was the first woman to lead EXIM in the agency's 87-year history and was the first recipient of EXIM's highest honor, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Award. Prior to EXIM, Chairman Reed spent her career working at senior levels in both the public and private sectors. Reed served as President of the International Food Information Council (IFIC). At the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Reed headed the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, where she oversaw the award of $4 billion in tax credits, loans, and grants to financial institutions and economic development groups investing in distressed communities across the nation.  Kimberly is recognized as one of the “100 Women Leaders in STEM,” Washingtonian's “Most Powerful Women in Washington,” and West Virginia Executive's “Lawyers and Leaders."  In today's episode, we talk about EXIM's role in business, Kimberly's leadership of the entire organization, and how faith influences personal leadership. 

"Our country needs better discourse, and religious freedom can help foster it if we continue to protect the rights of students to live out their faith." Keisha Russell is Counsel with First Liberty Institute, concentrating on religious liberty matters and First Amendment rights. Prior to joining First Liberty, Keisha was a 2011 Teach For America corps member in Atlanta Public Schools. As an elementary special education teacher, she taught students with ADD, emotional behavioral disorders, and learning disabilities. Keisha is most passionate about protecting religious freedom for children in America's schools. From calling out discrimination against faith-based businesses such as Chick-fil-A, to denouncing the bigotry against the Orthodox Jewish community in Airmont, NY, Keisha is fierce in her conviction and isn't afraid to expose religious animosity. You will not want to miss this fascinating and helpful conversation.  

Evelyn Lim is the Director of Policy and Research at the American Cornerstone Institute.  She was most recently the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Regional Administrator for Region 8.  Ms. Lim began her public service career in 2003 at DHS shortly after its creation at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), then at DHS headquarters. From 2005 – 2007, Ms. Lim served in the White House under President George W. Bush as the Director of Transportation Security Policy.  In 2008, she served as the personal aide to the U.S. Ambassador to Finland in Helsinki. Policy decisions can sometimes be clouded by vague statistics and/or intense emotions. Today's conversation is based around the idea that citizens of the United States are real people, these people are facing real problems, but these problems have nuanced solutions. How can we break through the partisan divide of our nation and achieve life-changing solutions?  

Bobby's leadership breakthrough came when he had this thought, "I want to be a Values-Driven company that achieves results; not a Results-Driven company that has values." Many companies have their mission statement or values painted on the wall, but no one who works there knows them or allows them to impact their work. Leaders and businesses need to transition from this results-based mindset to a value-based mindset and it starts from the highest form of leadership. Bobby Albert has spent over 40 years in business perfecting this ideal and he shares his insight with us here today!

“Those who don't know history are destined to repeat it.” Dr. Brent Taylor is a pastor, international speaker, author, professor, and spiritual health coach. His primary intention is to help people find their purpose in life. He loves to share stories about life change and how a person can navigate the sometimes difficult waters we call "life."  He has written two books on leadership and history. The first being, Founding Leadership, which profiles nine of America's “Founding Fathers,” as well as Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, focusing on how each man used one key leadership tool to advance the dream of an independent and prosperous America.  His second book, Presidential Leadership, explores the common leadership actions in the lives of 21 American Presidents during their years both in and out of office. By pairing the Presidents, Dr. Brent Taylor uncovers the commonality—and sometimes disparity—between the Commanders in Chief and illustrates how this applies to current leadership challenges. In today's conversation, we discuss Dr. Taylor's first book, Founding Leadership, in light of the July 4th holiday weekend. We discuss how to study the lives and works of these great men, while also understanding the sobering reality of their faults. On this side of heaven there will be no perfect leader, but we must push forward, work relentlessly, and continue on the never-ending effort towards a more perfect Union. 

Did you know that Texas ranks #2 in the U.S. for human trafficking? This is a huge problem.  Bianca Jackson and New Friends New Life are on a mission to end this issue and help the women who are affected by it. By providing access to education, job training, interim financial assistance, mental health, and spiritual support, New Friends New Life helps women and their children overcome backgrounds of abuse, addiction, poverty, and limited opportunities.  Please consider partnering with Bianca and New Friends New Life at their website: https://www.newfriendsnewlife.org/

Ben Carson went from being a poor student to receiving academic honors and eventually attending medical school. As a doctor, he became director of pediatric neurosurgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital at age 33 and earned fame for his groundbreaking work separating conjoined twins. He retired from medicine in 2013, and two years later he entered politics, making a bid to become the Republican candidate for U.S. president. Carson dropped out of the race in March 2016 and became a vocal supporter of Republican nominee Donald Trump, eventually earning selection as President Trump's secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. We talk today about how courage allows you to go against the grain and stand up on conviction and beliefs. 

Dr. Mike Williams has been a part of the full-time Dallas Baptist University faculty since 1995, serving for 15 years as Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at DBU. He has twice been named DBU Professor of the Year (1999-2000, 2012-2013), and the Baptist History and Heritage Society presented him with the Meritorious Service Award in 2006 and the W. O. Carver Distinguished Service Award in 2013. He also had the "pleasure" of having Zac and Cooper in his class three times at DBU. He has also authored four books and many other articles on these topics. You do not want to miss this conversation. 

Lisa Caprelli is a book and publishing consultant, author and innovator with a passion for studying, expressing and writing about human behavior, communication and happiness. Author of the Amazon best-selling book, Color Your Message, Lisa boasts a wealth of knowledge from more than two decades as a  business development leader. She is also the founder of the children's unicorn brand and book series: UNICORN JAZZ. She believes in community outreach and volunteering and by sharing her love of literacy and reading she reaches even more kids at children's hospitals and has teamed up with Microsoft Office to do children's writing workshops year-round.

Maggie is the founder and managing partner of Innovan Neighborhoods and has a goal of "putting people at the center of real estate." Maggie and Innovan's mission is to advance community-anchored real estate development through innovative, collaborative solutions. She strives to leverage community-driven partnerships to develop innovative and catalytic real estate projects. She believes that real estate development can be used as a tool for inclusive, economic growth that builds generational wealth in distressed neighborhoods. GREAT leaders build up the neighborhoods around them, just like Maggie.

Dexter Evans is the Executive Director of the FRIENDS of Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy in Dallas, Texas. As a mission-driven, brand loyalist, Dexter has been responsible for meeting annual fundraising targets for several organizations. The Mayor’s Star Council, Big Thought, Inc. March of Dimes – Texas, and the African American Leadership Institute have all benefitted from Dexter’s commitment to advancing regional nonprofits. Today's episode is about raising young men that will impact the communities around us. 

Nine years ago, Janie Cooke and Caroline Nix started the Dallas-based company O-Venture, and specifically the Big O Key Ring, which has been named one of Oprah’s Favorite Things. Their goal is to give women an "O-so-chic" way to simplify, stay organized, and keep their hands free for what’s most important. Not only have they made so many women's lives easier, but they have also empowered countless women to take the leap and start their dream business. These ladies are full-time wives, full-time mothers, but also founders and CEOs of their own enterprise. In this episode, they break down what it takes to start and sustain a business while also winning at home. 

The Honorable Jason Isaac is the Director of Life: Powered at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Prior to joining the Foundation, Jason, a fourth-generation native Texan, was elected four times as the State Representative for Hays and Blanco counties in the Texas Hill Country. During his eight years of service, he successfully passed legislation to reduce taxes, strengthen election integrity, improve public education, preserve Second Amendment rights, protect local groundwater, and protect private property rights.  Today's conversation is all about Texas energy and why happened during the Texas "snowpocalypse" of 2021. The leaders of tomorrow need to understand that "renewable" does not always equal "reliable." We discuss how to save the environment, save money, and save lives. 

President Ronald Reagan chose Peggy Grande to work at his side for 10 years, and together they created a powerful partnership. Serving as his post-presidency Executive Assistant, Peggy was the liaison between Ronald Reagan and his staff, the public, local dignitaries and world leaders. She ensured that his events, travel, personal and political relationships and day-to-day operations were handled efficiently and effectively. Her book, The President Will See You Now, details her time with President Reagan and shares fascinating stories from his post-presidency. In today's episode, we talk about President Reagan's vision for America, his leadership style, and amazing stories from their time together. 

Jamey Rootes has been a community and business leader for more than twenty years. As past Board Chairman of the United Way of Greater Houston and past Chairman of the Greater Houston Partnership, Jamey maintains an active role in the community. During his two decades as President of the Houston Texans, Jamey oversaw the activities of the Houston Texans Foundation, which donated more than $32 million to youth activities. Since stepping down from his positions with the Houston Texans he has released his new book, The Winning Game Plan: A Proven Leadership Playbook for Continuous Business Success. In today's episode, we walk through Mr. Rootes' "Leadership Playbook," and recount stories of great Houston Texans along the way. 

Genevieve is a 7th generation Texan, a business executive, former Republican candidate for Congress, and a fierce competitor. Genevieve is one of the most driven, competitive people you will ever meet, claiming that she hates losing more than she loves winning. She has a heart for service and a spirit that just cannot give up. After running a remarkable congressional campaign, she has pivoted to grassroots work with Americans for Prosperity. In today's episode, we discuss how patience and persistence can lead you to success and meaning in your work and in your life. If you get nothing else from our conversation today, get this: never ever give up. 

Bill Haslam served as the 49th Governor of Tennessee from 2011-2019. Under his leadership, Tennessee is recognized as a national leader in education, economic development, efficient and effective government, and fiscal strength. Since Governor Haslam took office in 2011, Tennessee has been ranked No. 1 for advanced industry job growth, No. 1 for jobs created through foreign direct investment, and is a three-time winner of “State of the Year” for economic development by Business Facilities magazine. Today's conversation revolved around how to infuse humility with your political beliefs. 

Virginia Prodan is an International Human Rights Attorney, an Allied Attorney with the Alliance Defending Freedom, an International Speaker, an Author at Tyndale House Publishers memoir, Saving My Assassin.  Virginia had literally faced her assassin and has lived to tell about it.   You will be inspired by her confidence and courage in the Lord and by her desire to share God’s love with anyone.  She had shared it with the man who was hired to kill her. She is passionate about speaking and mentoring others who want to stand up to their giants and create a courageous, purpose-filled, and abundant life.   

Breea Clark is the first "millennial mayor" of Norman, Oklahoma and the director of the JCPenny Leadership Center at Oklahoma University. She talked about how she thought her whole political career would be as a "staffer," but she saw herself as a leader, kept saying "yes" to opportunity, and it now the Mayor of Norman. Wherever you are in your life right now, YOU are a leader. 

"Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages." - George Washington.  You might know him as America's first President, but do you know the man behind the legend? What separated him from the other founding fathers? Why was he chosen to be the first President of the United States of America?  Zac has just gotten back from a trip of a lifetime in Virginia, studying the leadership of the founders and especially George Washington.  This trip answered all of the above questions and more. What was it that separated Washington? - His character. With the help of DBU President, Dr. Adam Wright and DBU professor Dr. Brent Taylor, author of the incredible book, Presidential Leadership, we journeyed through time and studied what made these men great.  These men, including George Washington, were not perfect but they had the resolve to create the most exceptional country on the face of the earth. I hope you learn something today and are challenged to grow as a leader from the example of George Washington. 

All the NGL Podcast fans were asking for it, so we delivered. It is our first ever Q&A with Zac and Coop. You asked the questions, we gave the answers. Don't take yourself too seriously. 

Michael Atmar is the proud husband of his wife, Erin, and father of his three sons, Case, Declan, and Tate. A fourth-generation Houstonian, Michael is excited to be a part of the mission of Seven Mile Road and longs to see the city of Houston transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Michael is passionate about discipleship, training leaders, and equipping God’s people to use their gifts for the work of ministry. In today's episode, we talk about what it looks like to model our leadership after that of a shepherd. Our conversation is based off the book, The Way of the Shepherd, by Kevin Leman. More importantly, we want to base our leadership on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.  

A four term U.S. Congressman serving Louisiana’s 4th Congressional district from January 2009, to January 2017, John Fleming is also a physician, businessman and former Webster Parish coroner. His public career also includes medical service in the U.S. Navy. His latest role was as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the White House under President Donald Trump. Dr. Fleming was on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to assist the administration from the perspective of an American citizen, a politician, and a physician. All leaders handle crisis, learn NOW how to handle it in the most positive, efficient, and productive way. 

Dr. J.J. Peterson serves as Chief of Teaching and Facilitation of StoryBrand, as well as co-host for chart-topping podcast Building a StoryBrand with Donald Miller. J.J. is an expert communicator and brand strategist, leading a business that drives leaders to eliminate confusion, connect with customers and grow business -- a method that has been trusted by more than 10,000 organizations including Intel, Pantene and Berkshire Hathaway. In today's episode, we discuss with JJ how the stories we tell has the power to inspire those we lead. Every great story works through a framework, and JJ has harnessed this framework to help businesses thrive. 

A legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze's teachings and vision have reshaped the concepts of service and hospitality across industries. Mr. Schulze's professional life began more than 65 years ago as a server's assistant in a German resort town. Throughout the years he worked for both Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation before becoming one of the founding members of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in 1983. There Mr. Schulze created the operating and service standards that have become world-famous. During his tenure at The Ritz Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO responsible for the $2 billion operations worldwide. It was under his leadership that The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company became the first service-based company to be awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — twice. In 1991, Mr. Schulze was recognized as "corporate hotelier of the world" by HOTELS magazine. In 1995, he was awarded the Ishikawa Medal for his personal contributions to the quality movement. In 1999, Johnson & Wales University gave him an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree in Hospitality Management. Most recently, Mr. Schulze has been honored as a “Leader in Luxury” by Travel Agent magazine and its sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor. After leaving The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Mr. Schulze went on to found The Capella Hotel Group. This luxury hotel company managed some of the most elite properties worldwide and gave Mr. Schulze the opportunity to further define the luxury hotel industry, receiving countless awards and recognitions. His book, Excellence Wins, is one of the most impactful books that Zac and Cooper have ever read. His teaching on service, excellence, and leadership have inspired men and women all across the world. 

Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." This is the highest calling that any leader can strive for, but what does it practically mean? The world has tried to use servant leadership and explain what it means, but the one true example is Jesus Christ Himself. In today's episode, Dr. Justin Gandy reveals to us what the Bible says about servant leadership and how we can lead like Jesus in a broken and fallen world. Real leaders SERVE, expecting nothing in return. Servant leadership is not serving only with your bottom line in the back of your mind. Strive to serve like Jesus. 

Trey Bowles is a serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and educator. Trey co-founded the Dallas Entrepreneur Center (DEC), a central location for entrepreneurs to learn how to start, build and grow businesses through training, education, mentorship, promotion, and capital investment. In addition to his work with the DEC, Trey worked closely with the Startup America Partnership, a non-profit organization started by Steve Case and the Kauffman Foundation, leading a team of entrepreneurial experts across the country to help high-growth startups find greater success. Trey says that entrepreneurs need three things to survive, courage, persistence, and a little bit of crazy. 

Former Next Generation Leader Podcast guest, April Sprintz, started her own podcast called Pouring into your Business.  Every week, April pours into you and your business by bringing you expert advice from Leaders and CEO's across the globe. She shares life and business changing mindset tips and help you accelerate your business with the principles of The Generosity Culture®. Join her for amazing conversations and learn how to pour into your people, your clients and your community for tremendous growth and success. This week, Zac was her guest and they had a conversation about generational differences and leading the next generation. 

Every leader needs to be surrounded by those who will support and challenge them. Christine Handy is a mother and breast cancer survivor living in Florida​. On May 1st, 2016, Christine released her first book Walk Beside Me, a fictional depiction of her illness and trivial long road to recovery. Walk Beside Me is a novel about cancer, illness, prayer, hope, and the power of friendship—but it’s also about so much more. Don't miss this incredible episode! 

Life, career, and leadership do not happen instantly, they all take development. Much like the film from a camera, your life takes time to develop. Delayed gratification has been lost in this generation but we talked with Brandon about how to see the big picture. Brandon Gibson was named Chief Operating Officer for the State of Tennessee in May 2020. Gibson previously served as Senior Advisor to Governor Lee, working primarily on rural and criminal justice initiatives. Prior to joining Governor Lee’s administration, Gibson served on the Tennessee Court of Appeals for over four years after being appointed to the court by Governor Bill Haslam. 

If 2020 was "the longest year ever," what do you have to show for it? This year has thrown every curveball in the books at us, but GREAT leaders see great adversity as great opportunity. Our prayer is that the listeners of this podcast are challenged to look beyond the challenge in front of you and see this bigger picture. Many of us have been quarantined for weeks and months, but mental health issues have sky-rocketed. We believe that lack of purpose has been the biggest virus of 2020 and that comes from within. Make 2021 the year you CHOOSE to make a change, and leave this world a better place. LET'S GO. 

In God We Trust. How far have we strayed from this statement. David Barton is the Founder of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious, and constitutional heritage. His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation. We discuss with David the role of the Bible in our country's founding, and how, as Christians, we should view politics today. 

Lindsey’s passion for advocating for those treated unfairly stems from her own childhood story of resilience. That passion led her to join Traffick911’s grassroots team of volunteer pioneers in 2010 and ultimately to leave her job in corporate America in 2012 to serve full time. After serving in the anti-trafficking field for a decade, one of her favorite topics to discuss is ‘free people free people’ - the discovery of our own brokenness, shared humanity, and stories as we walk alongside others seeking freedom. Traffick911 exists to free youth from sex trafficking through trust-based relationships. WARNING: There is sensitive information in this episode that you "can't unknow," therefore proceed with caution but know that we do not hide from difficult issues. 

George Seay is a nationally recognized speaker, civic leader, and financial industry CEO with senior-level experience working in government and on GOP political campaigns. George is the founder and chairman of Annandale Capital, a global investment firm that manages capital for clients all across the country. Mr. Seay has significant public policy experience through his work for the Governor of Texas and the Deputy Secretary of State at the U.S. State Department in Washington. Mr. Seay discusses with us how to prepare to lead, and how to steward your money for future success. 

John Koufos is the National Director of Reentry Initiatives at Right on Crime with the Texas Public Policy Foundation. John’s reentry work has been recognized by President Donald J. Trump, and he works with the public and private sector to build partnerships designed to lead to better employment outcomes and safer communities. His leadership in the business community was recognized in 2016 when NJBIZ named him one of New Jersey’s “Top 40 Under 40.” In today's episode, we talk about how we can slam the revolving door of the prison system, and create opportunities for those caught in the prison cycle. 

A thought-leader, two-time TEDx speaker, author, and CEO of Strata Leadership, Dr. Mellor is an experienced executive coach, who has provided in excess of 3,000 coaching sessions for executive leaders. He serves as a sounding board, sparring partner, and a source of encouragement for leaders seeking to maximize their effectiveness. Since its founding in 2009, Strata Leadership has pursued its mission of “Elevating Life at Work.” In today's episode, we discuss the mental models that can either hold us back or propel us forward. Sometimes, there is something you believe about yourself that you must leave behind in order to go forward. 

The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to provide God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world, and together with the local church worldwide, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. Each year, over 11 million shoeboxes go overseas and land in the hands of little children, some of whom have never received a gift before. Ranjita Kumar was one of those children. Today, hear her story of how God used these simple acts of faithfulness to radically change her life. We would encourage you to pack a box and share the gift of Jesus Christ to a child in need. Visit https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ for more information! 

Daneshe Bethune is the current executive director of the C5 Youth Foundation of Texas. The mission of the C5 Youth Foundation of Texas is to change the odds for high potential youth...inspiring them to pursue personal success and preparing them for leadership roles in college, work, and their communities. The five C's in their program are character-driven, community-focused, challenge-ready, college-bound, and committed to a better future. Dani gives us inspiration in the non-profit world and creating brighter realities for the people around us. 

Tom Lindsay, Ph.D., is a distinguished senior fellow of higher education and constitutional studies at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. He has more than two decades’ experience in education management and instruction, including service as a dean, provost, and college president. Confucius once said, "If your plan is for one-year plant rice. If your plan is for 10 years plant trees. If your plan is for 100 years educate children." In today's highly volatile culture, it is more important than ever to know our nation's history and to respect what our country stands for. It is impossible to love that which we do not understand. Know your history. Become educated. Respect our great country. 

In Anne Chow's LinkedIn bio it claims that she is a transformative executive, servant leader, diversity champion, and culture expert. It does not mention that she is the CEO of AT&T, one of Forbes 2020 most powerful women, or that she was 2016's "woman worth watching." She believes that leadership is more than the titles, and more than the accolades because it is about the people that you lead. There is a lot of talk about culture, diversity, and inclusion these days, but Anne says it all comes down to one word: belonging. How do you make those you lead feel as though they belong? We asked Anne in this episode, don't miss out! 

IT'S OUR ONE YEAR PODCAST ANNIVERSARY! After 52 weeks of putting out episodes, we finally made it a whole year! This episode is 6 things that we have learned from the Next Generation Leader Podcast this past year. Thank you for all your support over this past year, and we could not do it without y'all! Don't forget to give us a 5-star rating and leave us a review. If this has been helpful to you, doing this would help us out so much! Let's keep this thing going! 

Jim Bridenstine was nominated by President Donald Trump, confirmed by the U.S. Senate, and sworn in as NASA’s 13th administrator on April 23, 2018. Bridenstine was elected in 2012 to represent Oklahoma’s First Congressional District. In Congress, he served on the Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Bridenstine’s career in federal service began in the U.S. Navy, flying the E-2C Hawkeye off the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier. He flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan and accrued most of his 1,900 flight hours and 333 carrier-arrested landings. In today's episode, we break down NASA's next moon landing, heading to Mars, and how curiosity is one of leaders greatest tools. 

Jennifer is the founder and president of LeaderShift Insights Inc., a firm known for helping leaders dealing with disruptive change who want to increase their organization’s capacity to adapt so they can emerge stronger and more effective faster. Jennifer is a former Partner with Cambridge Leadership Group, Vice-President, Leadership Development & Learning for Bank of America, and has held several other senior roles in Learning, Organization & Leadership Development at AutoZone and Coca-Cola Enterprises. With a unique ability to align diverse stakeholders and global experience in consulting and corporate roles, Jennifer’s integrated approach to creating alignment, develops leaders at all levels while enabling learning and productive dialog. Her book, Resilience: It’s Not About Bouncing Back is an international best seller.

Kevin Roberts, Ph.D., is the executive director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation.  He has twenty years of experience as a teacher, professor, headmaster, and college president, and has been involved in a number of education reform initiatives around the country. As a scholar of the Constitution, the history of American education, and school reform, Dr. Roberts applies his experience as a practitioner to the Foundation’s important efforts in all policy areas. In today's episode. we discuss three main pillars of modern conservatism: free markets, liberty, and personal responsibility. Leaders of the next generation have to know what they believe, why they believe it, and never let go of their principles.