The Take Home Podcast

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  

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 "Game Changers: Leadership in Sports" which was created and produced by Abby Miller and Trey Green. Here are their liner notes: In this episode of Game Changer: Leadership in Sport, we talk with Olympians Conor McCullough and Conor McCullough Jr to discuss situational approaches, followership, and gender in sports which are found in chapters 5, 13, and 14 from the 9th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." Conor McCullough is an Irish athlete who competed in the men's hammer throw. He studied at Kent State and Boston University. Eventually, he went on to compete at the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympic Games. Later, he welcomed his son Conor McCollough Jr. into the world. Conor Jr. studied at Princeton University and the University of Southern California. In 2016, he competed in the 2016 Olympic Games, following in the footsteps of his father. They both mention the importance of adjusting leadership styles to match an athletes preferred style. They both referred to this approach as meeting people where they are at. Preferences and needs of the athletes change daily, and a good leader has to be able to adapt. Conor Jr. also talks about his experience being coached by different coaching styles. They also mention how women in sports have come a long way. Conor Jr. always felt that having women and men practicing with each other pushes everybody to work harder and created a space for women to achieve great things and avoid the labyrinth they often face. They part with words of wisdom on how to be an elite athlete. In their advice, Conor and Conor Jr. mention trying a variety of sports growing up to become a well rounded athlete. Music: “Inspire Me” by PianoPassion (https://prosearch.tribeofnoise.com/artists/show/41169/19379/Inspire%20Me) “Dive (Instrumental)” staticinverona https://prosearch.tribeofnoise.com/artists/show/33324/42267

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 "Beyond the Arc" which was created and produced by Jacob Harvey and Halle Hamilton. Here are their liner notes: In season 2, episode 1, Jacob and I explore Northouse's ethical leadership style as detailed in chapter 15 of the 9th edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and Practice." During this segment, we highlight the importance of mentoring through observation, speak about humility's role in a collaborative and flexible coaching style and why people should always come first, discuss connections to Trinity, and end with a few valuable bits of wisdom to carry into the future. We also touch on the leadership challenge and the five components of leadership that we discuss in class, competence, benevolence, reliability, trust, and honesty, and how Jay naturally utilizes these practices as a leader in the Sports Industry. For this episode, we are joined by Jay Demings, the 3x3 national teams director of basketball for Team USA. Before arriving in Colorado Springs, Jay coached AAU basketball teams and fostered many youth basketball events. Jay earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration from UMass Amherst and later pursued graduate studies in Sport Leadership at Northeastern University in Boston. Jay Demings joined USA Basketball as the Youth & Sport Development Director at the end of 2013. After expanding the division to include youth and coach development initiatives, 3x3, and E-Sports, Demings officially transitioned his full-time focus to 3x3 men's and women's national teams. Jacob first met Jay when he toured the USA Basketball headquarters in Colorado Springs during his freshman basketball season. From there, he got to know him by being a practice player at training camps for 3x3 world cups and competing in 3x3 events. Jay speaks very passionately about having a collaborative style when coaching. He believes that most of his early success as a coach came from his ability to admit when something went wrong and having the humility to tweak it with the help of his player's input. He drives home that, as leaders, it is extremely important to show people that you care about them more than the results and how far that truly goes. When we spoke about leadership philosophy, Jay stated his was: “Stay as flexible as you possibly can while maintaining your values, standards, and ethics.” He highlights the importance of implementing standards in place of rules and that these standards should be agreed upon collaboratively. When we dove into specific values of leadership, Jay believed trustworthiness was above all else. We loved how he consistently emphasized the importance of prioritizing people, particularly athletes, over the game itself. Jay wraps this conversation up by encouraging listeners to look for roles that allow them to expand their skills and emphasizes the importance of doing a multitude of skills, even the unfavorable ones, to the best of your ability. This is an excellent conversation to introduce season 2, and we thoroughly hope you take this conversation beyond the arc! Music by: Beat Mekanik

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 "Shaping Champions" which was created and produced by Seth Jacobs and Joe Mehary. Here are their liner notes: Shaping Champions is a podcast formed by Seth Jacobs and Joe Mehary; the objective of the podcast is to interview sport industry leaders seeking insight about their perspectives on developing leadership skills. In Season 1 Episode 1, Seth and Joe look at the textbook "Leadership: Theory and Practice," to draw inspiration from the Leader Membership Exchange (LMX) and chapter 16, team leadership. More specifically, Seth and Joe, talk about the dyadic relationships and building trust between players and coaches, and how heterarchical (lateral) oriented teams can have advantages compared to hierarchical teams. In this episode, Seth and Joe are joined by Todd Wildman. Todd is a Trinity University alumni who is a multiple time national champion, competing numerous events, including multis. Todd graduated from Trinity with a double major in finance and accounting, receiving a masters degree in accounting from Trinity as well. Todd now owns a real estate company along with his wife, a fellow Trinity alumni. In his spare time, Todd raises his two boys, and coaches for the Trinity track and field team. Specifically coaching hurdlers and supplementing in other areas when needed. In the episode Todd discusses his time at Trinity, being a leader on the Track team, a student, a professional, and lastly, a coach. Todd puts an emphasis on the discipline that being a high performing athlete taught him, as well as, the organizational skills that being a student at a rigorous university taught him, and how these skills were a catalyst for a successful professional career. Being a coach, Todd tries to build relationships with his athletes to the point where it feels like a mutual respect between both parties. He also believes effective team leaders are those who are committed to the team and approach each day with a purpose, it is not about vocalness or popularity, it is simply about one's will to success for themselves and their teammates. We hope that our conversation with Todd will give you some useful insight on leadership within sports and the application of those same skills in the professional and academic environments. We really enjoyed our conversation and hope that you will as well. Music Credits: Getting Wild Instrumental by jonworthymusic

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 "Tower Talk" which was created and produced by JonConnor Rule and Samuel Colombowala. Here are their liner notes: "Tower Talks" is a podcast hosted by JonConnor and Samuel, dedicated to exploring the insights and experiences of leaders in the sports industry. The podcast's mission is to provide valuable perspectives on cultivating leadership skills and fostering personal and professional growth within the world of sports. In Season 1, Episode 1 of "Tower Talks," JonConnor and Samuel draw on Peter Northouse's Leadership: Theory and Practice to explore the Situational Leadership Model and its practical application in sports management. Specifically, they focus on the importance of the supporting style, which emphasizes stepping while remaining available to guide and assist—especially when things go wrong. They also reflect on leadership practices from The Student Leadership Challenge, particularly the concept of "Enabling Others to Act", which focuses on empowering individuals through trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Marco discusses how he integrates these principles, ensuring that every team member feels valued and equipped to succeed. In this episode, JonConnor and Samuel are joined by Marco Ferruzzi, the Director of San Antonio FC (SAFC). Marco brings a wealth of experience, having transitioned from a successful ten-year professional playing career to key leadership roles in Major League Soccer and beyond. During this conversation, we explore Marco's journey in sports management, starting from his early days as a professional soccer player to his current role at SAFC. We discuss the intricacies of managing a team, building a winning culture, and fostering a deep connection between a team and its community. Marco shares insights into his leadership philosophy, emphasizing collaboration, communication, and trust. Importantly, Marco dives into how he builds a strong team culture by fostering an inclusive and positive atmosphere for players and staff, ensuring everyone feels connected and valued. He highlights the importance of community engagement in creating a deeper bond between SAFC and its passionate supporters in San Antonio, emphasizing that teams thrive when the community is part of their identity. When discussing leadership under pressure, Marco shares his decision-making strategies for handling situations, offering valuable insights on creating a comfort system that surrounds employees, players, and fans when things go wrong. As the episode concludes, Marco offers advice to young professionals aiming for a career in sports management. He emphasizes the importance of versatility, a willingness to embrace challenges, and building meaningful relationships in the industry. This episode is packed with actionable insights for sports enthusiasts, aspiring managers, and anyone looking to improve their leadership skills. Marco's passion for prioritizing people over results and creating a culture of empowerment is both inspiring and practical for listeners across all fields. Song: Breaking the Rules, Thesieryj

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 "Leading on All Fronts" which was created and produced by Eric Liao and Kathryn Detweiler. Here are their liner notes: In the premiere and only episode of Leading on All Fronts, hosts Eric and Kathryn explore the critical themes of Inclusive Leadership and Team Leadership from chapters 12 and 16 of Peter G. Northouse's Leadership: Theory and Practice (9th Edition). They discuss key leadership strategies such as embracing responsibility, mastering clear and consistent communication, fostering a collective “bought-in” mentality, and exemplifying qualities that inspire others to follow. Their guest, Jeff Mueller, brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation. As a partner at Polen Capital and co-portfolio manager of the firm's Global Growth strategy, Mueller combines deep expertise in finance with a disciplined approach to leadership. He also serves as an adjunct professor at Columbia Business School, where he teaches Compounders in the renowned Value Investing Program. Mueller's path to leadership is both dynamic and inspiring. Over a decade of service in the U.S. Marine Corps, he flew more than 200 combat missions in F/A-18 aircraft, honing his skills in high-pressure, mission-critical environments. He later transitioned to finance, earning his M.B.A. with honors and distinction from Columbia Business School while being recognized as a Tillman Scholar. Before that, he graduated from Trinity University with a Bachelor of Arts in communication and business administration, captaining the men's tennis team, achieving All-American status, and contributing to a national championship victory. Today, he resides in Florida with his wife and two children. In this episode, Mueller reflects on the lessons learned throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of continuous growth and embracing the question, “What's next?” He also shares a powerful insight from his Marine Corps experience: the motto, “Mission first, Marines always.” This guiding principle underscores the need to prioritize team cohesion as the foundation for achieving a shared mission—wisdom that resonates far beyond military service. Through engaging dialogue and actionable insights, this episode provides a thoughtful exploration of leadership and its impact. It's a fitting way to both introduce and conclude Leading on All Fronts. Music Credits: ● Intro: "Epic" by BlackTrendMusic ● Outro: "Epic" by Lite Saturation

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 first bonus episode of Season 5, I'm sharing "Beyond the Scoreboard" which was created and produced by Carmen Kennett, Brody Grieb, and Cam Smith. Here are their liner notes: In the premier of the first season of Beyond The Scoreboard, we were lucky enough to spend 25 minutes speaking with Drew Bledsoe, the first overall draft pick of the 1993 NFL draft and 2002 Super Bowl champion. Drew's leadership both on and off the field has left a lasting impact on many people worldwide. Alongside his wife Maura, Drew is also an entrepreneur as he now spends most of his time managing his company, Doubleback winery. Drew spends time telling us a bit about what it was like to be a young man charged with the task of leading an NFL team and the difficulties he faced when forced to sign with other teams. Pay attention as he continuously relates his experience as a leader in the NFL to his experience as a leader in the business world. We introduce Drew to chapter 12 and chapter 13 of Peter G. Northouse's Leadership, which discusses the ideas of inclusive leadership and the importance of followership. Listen as Drew tells us a couple of personal experiences that relate exactly to those topics, and the importance that those experiences were throughout the remainder of his career. He spends time talking about the importance of diversity amongst a team, the value in proving your worthiness through work ethic, and how the best thing an aspiring leader can do is find influential mentors. You can reach Drew at @DrewBledsoe via X, and @drewbledsoe via Instagram. Doubleback winery can be found at https://www.doubleback.com/ Music used in this episode of Beyond the Scoreboard comes from Free Music Archive! It is titled “Breaking Bad” by Jahzzar. Find it at this link: https://freemusicarchive.org/music/Jahzzar/Crime_Scene/Breaking_Bad_1051/  

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 Cinnanati 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)

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 "Beyond the Game" produced and created by Hannah Ritchie, Winston Hutchison, and Austin Kitchens.   In the podcast, they interview Howard McMahan, an Assistant Athletic Director at Round Rock ISD and former high school football coach. In the show they discuss elements of Kouzes and Posner's "The Leadership Challenge" as well as Authentic and Adaptive theories of leadership. The episode is fun and creative and filled with great lessons about leading with humility, joy, and high expectations.  I hope you enjoy! Music credits: Sport - Short (With Solo) by Lite Saturation // Metal Whistle by Pixabay // Wow by SergeQuadrado

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 "Captain Campfire" produced and created by Aliya Jackson, Yonnell Esprit, and Blake Poole.  The podcast motto "Winning isn't just a goal, it's a mindset" sets the foundation for an excellent episode.  In the podcast, they interview Trinity alumni Taylor Kotfas and Jimmy Tatum. Taylor is 2023 Graduate of Trinity University who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies, with Minors in Business and Geosciences. She was a standout on the Trinity Women's team, including winning multiple conference championships and holding the school record in the 4x400. Jimmy has two degrees from Trinity, including his Masters in Accountancy which he earned in 2021. He played baseball during his undergraduate days at Trinity and is currently a Senior Audit Associate at KPMG.  They discuss principles of Authentic Leadership and various Gender and Leadership theories. Both Taylor and Jimmy offer great advice - and their perspective as more recent university graduates is refreshing and eye-opening. Taylor highlights that great leadership is about building relationships before anything else. She says people must know they are cared for and it's the leader's job to make sure people are equipped with the skills to become a little bit better each day. Jimmy talks about the power of authenticity and self-awareness. He says great leaders must be okay with themselves and that "it's okay to not know."  Humility and learning from failure are key messages that surface throughout the conversations. The episode is fun and upbeat, and that Curveball segment is top shelf. I hope you enjoy! Music credits:  Intro (Artist: Purple Planet Music. Track: One Fine Summer). During the interviews (Artist: Purple Planet Music. Track: Reach for Success). Outro (Artist: Purple Planet Music. Track: One Fine Summer).

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 "Evolution of Leadership Through Experiences" produced and created by Danya Selber, Maggie Nava, and Rushil Desai. In the podcast, they interview Dr. Greg Selber. Dr. Selber is a Professor in the Department of Communications at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and still covers sports for the Edinburg Review. He was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2020 and has written numerous books, including, Border Ball: The History of High School Football in the Rio Grande Valley and Bronc Ball: The History of College Basketball at Pan American University. During the interview they discuss the Situational Leadership Model and elements of Adaptive Leadership. Dr. Selber is a compelling storyteller and says it's the leaders job to adjust to the followers' needs, motivations, and competenicies and that ulitmatley, leaders only succeed when they form strong releationships. Dr. Selber displays humility ("I have not cornered the market on wisdom!"), but also owns his competence. He says to focus on trust you must model it first and he relies on the motto: "Be an authority, not an authoritarian." This is a fast moving conversation - strap on your seat belt and get ready for a great ride!  The music for the episode, Sport Rock Trailer - Medium 1 was created by: Lite Saturation Track.

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 "Until Next Time" produced and created by Dabney Moore, Alan McGuire, and Peyton Wagner. In the podcast, they interview Michael Lahoud who is an Analyst for CBS Sports Golazo Network, a color analyst for Austin FC, and on-air talent for ESPN soccer. And in a previous life, he was an assistant soccer coach for Trinity University, which is where our paths crossed, and he first meet Alan.  During the interview they discuss the Behavioral Approach to leadership and the Path-Goal Theory. Michael was a standout student-athlete at Wake Forest and the stories he shares about lessons learned, starting in the recruiting process, are outstanding. "Do you want to make history?" What an amazing question and by answering yes, Michael did indeed make history by winning a National Championship at Wake and influencing so many other indivudals in the years afterwards. With a lengthy professional soccer career at Chivas USA, Miami FC, SAFC, FC Cincinnati, among others, Michael also played in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and AFCON Qualifiers and numerous other matches with the Sierra Leone National Team.  I love how Michael talks about the need to take risks, to say YES, and to keep showing up. Great leaders know that, "closed mouths don't get feed" and Michael certainly personifies that mantra.  This is a fast-paced, delightful conversation. Enjoy!  The music for the episode, The Gentleman, was created by DivKid.      

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 "Evolution of Leadership Through Experiences" produced and created by Kai Tinker, Emily Hayes, and Creston King IV. In the podcast, they interview Matt Muehlebach, the Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Genius Avenue and 5Lights, LLC. Matt is a former University of Arizona Basketball player during which time helped the team to a Pac 10 championship while earning Academic All-American honors. During the interview they discuss the Hill Model for Team Leadership and the importance of Followership. Matt highlights why great leaders must understand their roles and know when it's time to move to the back of the pack and when it's time to let others take the lead. Recognizing and describing why self-awareness is a key, Matt shares great stories about his former Arizona Wildcat teammates, Steve Kerr and Sean Elliot, as exemplars about why "the best" are self-aware before anything else.  Ultimately, if you want to be respected as a leader, Matt says you need to be trusted - and being competent is a great place to start!  This is a lively conversation, filled with great stories; enjoy!  The music for the episode, Overland, was created by AShamaluevMusic.

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 "Breaking Barriers" produced and created by Skye O'Rourke, Ava Limonciello, and Darrin Everage. In the podcast, they interview Brianna Taylor-Leonard. Brianna is the Head Girl's Basketball Coach at East View High School in Georgetown, TX and was a former standout on the University of Texas Women's basketball team. In her senior year, Briana was recognized as the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year and was a four-time selection to the Academic All-Big 12 Teams.  During the conversation Coach Taylor talks about learning from failure, why it's important to take risks, how setbacks can serve as springboards for the future, and she shares stories highlight why great leaders are persistent.  She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and being true to yourself. This is an enjoyable interview and filled with wisdom about inclusive and servant leadership philosophies.  The music for the episode, Give Me Everything, was created by Anthem of Rain.  

In the final episode of season 4, 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. In the Living Leadership segment I'm joined by Zac Selmon, the Director of Athletics at Mississippi State University. At the start of our conversation, Zac recounted watching his older sister, Megan Selmon Kelly play on the Trinity Women's Basketball National Championship team in 2003 - what a fun way to kick it off.  Zac was named to his current position after nearly 14 years working under legendary athletic directors at the University of North Carolina and University of Oklahoma. His perspective on leadership was shaped by those work experiences, but truly goes back to his family. His value statement, "Do as much as  you can for others," was developed by seeing his mom, dad, and uncles serve their communities with humbleness and a deep sense of benevolence. I love how Zac describes leadership as an active, participatory enterprise and that great leaders: 1) listen to those they lead (rather than assuming they know what followers need); 2) act and make decisions that are rooted in purpose; and 3) have emotional intelligence and look to form strong relationship with team members.  His message that we should take care of our inputs, look to differentiate ourselves, and be voracious learners might have been directed specifically at students in my leadership class, but are truly important for all of us to hear.  And after you listen to our conversation, I think you'll agree that Zac does "find joy" through his work and family. 

In episode 7, I 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. In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I discuss leadership philosophy and principles with Dion Wade. Dion is a Trinity alumnus and is currently the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis at Seattle University. After leaving Trinity he completed a Master's degree at the University of Central Florida and then was a recreational sports professional at Stetson University, the University of Texas at Austin, the Clark Center in Cooperstown, NY, and Seattle University.  Dion discusses how his experience as a football player, a first generation college student, working at a pharmacy, and being a father have all shaped his leadership philosophy. He has a deep passion for higher education and helping students become what THEY want and need to be. Dion knows that with great power comes great responsibility and he focuses on leadership as a never ending journey. I love how he describes seeing the potential in others and how he leans into his follower's strengths, builds relationships, and helps others grow. And his discussion about how great leaders focus on equity, not equality is important for us all to hear.  Let me know your reactions to my chat with Dion. Reach out on Twitter (errr X) or LinkedIn and let's keep the conversation going.

In episode 6 of season 4, 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. In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I discuss leadership philosophy and principle with Trinity alumnus Jerheme Urban. Coach Urban has been the head football coach at Trinity University since the 2014 season and had a 9 year National Football League (NFL) career with the Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals, and Kansas City Chiefs - getting to play in two Super Bowls along the way. During his tenure as Trinity's head coach he's truly transformed the program and has helped establish a culture of high expectations, both in the classroom and on the field.  I've known Coach Urban since he was 18 and he's someone I admire deeply for his passion, commitment to excellence, and love of our alma mater. During our conversation, Jerheme talks about culture, helping students realize their own potential, and the power of authenticity. I truly appreciate how he describes great leaders as being consistent, accountable, and encouraging. The episode is filled with loads of leadership gems, including: "The opportunity of a lifetime only exists during the lifetime of the opportunity" and "Daily victories are for future achievements."  Coach Urban is a great role model, not only for Trinity students, but indeed for leaders everywhere. I hope you enjoy our conversation. Drop either of us a note on X and let us know your big Take Home. 

In episode 5, I lecture 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) In the Living Leadership interview segment I was joined by esteemed Trinity University alumna, Mary Ullmann Japhet. Mary is the founder of Japhet Media and was previously the Senior Vice President, Communications & Community Engagement at San Antonio Sports. Mary says there's a leadership opportunity in every opportunity and emplores young leaders to: 1) Be humble, 2) look for chances to flex your leadership muscles, 3) execute your role well (be good at what you do!), and 4) "Be a little stronger, a little smarter, and stand a little bit straighter."  Mary also 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 has so much wisdom to share, whether you're 22 or 62 there's something to learn from her.  I'd love to hear your thoughts, please share them so I can bring them into our class. 

In episode 4, I 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.  During the Living Leadership segment I was joined by Chris Dial, head men's basketball coach at Our Lady of the Lake University (@OLLUSaints) and President of The Basketball Embassy (@bballembassy). Chris has a long career as an educator, basketball coach at all levels (including long stints with the Romanian Basketball Federation and the Kosovo Basketball Federation), and international diplomat.  In the interview, Chris talks about why great leaders exhibit humility, adaptability, and that they intentionally listen with an aim to learn. He speaks at length about why inclusive language, a collaborative philosophy, and the ability to "read the room" are so important if leaders want to motivate and influence those they're wanting to lead. And I love how he highlights the dynamic nature of leadership: "When the group you're trying to lead is ever-changing, ever-evolving, so must your leadership style." There's so much leadership gold in the episode. Enjoy! 

Episode 3 begins 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. In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I had the good fortune to discuss leadership philosophy, the skills great leaders utilize, and the importance of mentors with Trinity alumna, former student, and great friend Aly Lilley. Aly is the Deputy Athletic Director at Centre College (@CentreAthletics) in Danville, Kentucky. Before arriving at Centre, she was Trinity University's Associate Director for Athletic Giving and Engagement, and prior to assuming that role she was a long-time assistant volleyball coach at Trinity. A former All-American student-athlete, Aly highlights that great leaders are empathetic, honest, and deeply passionate about their work. She also details how former professors, part-time job employers, and Julie Jenkins (@TUVolleyballTX's wildly successful coach), helped her recognize the import of mentors to self-development and why trust is THE foundation for developing strong relationships.  Listen for how Aly describes emotional intelligence, a collaboration spirit, and a learner's mindset help leaders create dynamic, high-peformaning organizations.  Send me your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going on Twitter / X (@TingleJK) or on LinkedIn.

In episode 2, of Season 4, I provide a brief lecture on Kouzes and Posner's "The Leadership Challenge." During the lecture portion, I detail the fundamentals of leadership, describe 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. Jamie Thompson, a Trinity alumna, former captain of the Trinity women's golf team, and the current Interim Dean of Students at Trinity University. Jamie discusses why focusing on high expectations, ensuring team members have the freedom to experiment and take risks, and building trust are important behaviors for leaders. She cares deeply about the Five Leadership Practices and is a great example of what it means for a titled leader to Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, Encourage the Heart. Jamie also describes that great leaders start with a clear understanding of organizational values and that organization's with strong cultures review and reward results based on meeting expectations that are directly tied to mission, vision, and values. During our conversation, Jamie discussed Adam Grant's WorkLife podcast. I've left the link here and encourage you to give it a listen. Adam has conversations with some amazing thinkers and leaders and those lessons would be valuable additions to anyone's toolkit. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/worklife-with-adam-grant/id1346314086 Send me your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going on Twitter (@TingleJK) or on LinkedIn.

In the first episode of season 4, 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. In the Living Leadership interview segment I chat with Trinity University alumna, Megan Selmon Kelly. Megan was a key member of the Trinity Women's Basketball team (@TUWBBall) which won the NCAA DIII (@NCAADIII) National Championship in 2003 and at the time of our conversation was the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She is currently the Political and Economic Chief at the same U.S. Embassy.  She has a long career as a U.S. Diplomat and comes from an amazingly successful athletic family.  During our chat Megan talks about the lessons she learned from her family, from Becky Geyer - her Trinity basketball coach, her teammates, and U.S. Abmassadors and other State Department leaders. She details why trust matters, that preparation is the key to success, and why great leaders focus on serving and caring. Her mantra, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, run together" is an inspring message for leaders - at whatever stage in their journey they find themselves. Let me know your thoughts at @TingleJK.

This summer 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 "The Leadership Lab" produced and created by Jacob Ontiveros and Mac Douglas. In the podcast, they interview Marcus Mlcak. Marcus is a Trinity alumnus (@TrinityUAlumni) and Partner at EY. While at Trinity, Marcus was on the golf team (@TrinityUGolf) and he's continued to be active in campus life serving as an alumni mentor in the 1869 Scholars program.  During the conversation Marcus talks about learning from failure, how sports are crucibles for leadership development, and why leaders must be able to work closely with those who are different from themselves. He says that great leaders focus on “we, not me” and why they must build relationships as a means to understand how to motivate each employee as an individual, rather than a cog in the machine. I love his servant leadership approach and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used in The Leadership Lab: Intro and Outro - “Moda” by Fashion Season and during the Interview they used “Inspiring Life” by Fashion Season. The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.

This summer 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 "The One Take Pod" produced and created by Cullen Betsey, Josh Mena, and Sierra Vargas. During the podcast Cullen and Josh have a meaningful and personal conversation about what they've learned about leadership during the semester. They share stories from their college and high school experiences and relate them to situational leadership, trait vs. process leadership definitions, and how leaders work to influence their followers. I hope you enjoy Josh and Cullen's conversation as much as I did! Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used in The One Take Pod: "Downtown" by HoliznaPatreon.  The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.

This summer 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 "Leading the Game" produced and created by Sofia Leobas, Jack Downes, and Jordyn Williams. In the podcast, they interview Dean Mabson (@dean_mabson) from Sheffield, England. Dean is the Managing Director at The Evo Group and Head of Methodology at EvoSoccer/EvoRugby. Dean details that leadership is ultimately about helping people reach their hopes and dreams and in order to do so, leaders must truly know their followers. He also describes that leaders are innovators and life-long learners, who demonstrate a willingness to be vulnerable. And I truly appreciate Dean's two guiding philosophies: 1) focus on solutions, not the problems and 2) hire good people and get out of their way.  Dean and Jack have a lively, engaging conversation and I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used in Leading the Game: "Power" by ashamaluevmusic.  The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.

This summer 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 "The Timely Rebound" produced and created by Damian De Leon, Dani Cala, and Garrett Moran. In the podcast, they interview Danielle Hubenak, a Trust Solutions Senior Manager at PwC. Danielle is a Trinity alumna (@TrinityUAlumni) and was active during her time on campus as a member of the Student Managed Fund and standout on the Trinity women's basketball team (@TUWBBall).   Danielle highlights that great leaders are those who focus on asking good questions, rather than providing all the answers. She describes that asking good questions can be a sign of vulnerability, which is a first step to developing trusting relationships. She encourages us to focus on the process; to enjoy the journey and to follow our passions. Danielle mentions that leaders who focus on people first allows for a strong focus on task during “crunch time” and I love how she uses basketball as an analogy for leadership.  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used in The Timely Rebound: "Something Elated" by Broke For Free.  The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.  

This summer 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 "Tiger Talks" produced and created by Caleb Harmel, Lucy Hansen, and Jen Tierney. In the podcast, they interview Nick Cornell (@CampoStrength), a coach and teacher at Campo Verde High School in Gilbert, AZ.  During his time as a teacher and coach, Nick has been named the Arizonia Health and Physical Education Teacher of the Year, the Campo Verde High School Teacher of the Year, and the 2019 National High School Strength Coaches Association Arizona High School Strength Coach Of The Year Coach Cornell says that to be a great organization, the focus must be on hiring the right people and that “relationships are key.” He's high energy and his positivity shines through. I love how he describes that great leaders pour into their followers and why people need to feel cared about. Coach Cornell believes that a leader's job is to create other leaders and they do that by helping followers enhance their self-efficacy.  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used in Tiger Talk: "Futuristic Beat.”   The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.

This summer 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 the “Tiger Tracker Podcast" produced and created by Cooper Adams and Matthew Beam. In the podcast, they interview their fathers, Greg Beam and Cody Adams, both of whom are Trinity alumni (@TrinityUAlumni).  Greg is the Director of Merchandising and Marketing at H-E-B grocery stores and Cody is a Regional Vice President at Intertek. It's a lively and spirited conversation and it's a joy to hear Greg and Cody speak about their time at Trinity and how important it is for leaders to “stay close to the people doing the work.  They also highlight that it's easier to motivate followers if you know what they need and that great leaders are self-reflective. The emphasis on Path-Goal theory creates an important connection to class material. It's a fun podcast format and filled with lots of leadership nuggets. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used in Tiger Tracker Podcast: "Never Change For Them" by Holizna.  The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.

This summer 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 Insights" produced and created by Carter Self, Cade Rabson, and Emily Bartylla. In the podcast, they interview Bobby Kohler (@BobbyKohler4) a San Antonio area field rep from the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (@FCASanAntonio). Bobby played baseball at Texas Tech University for four years, setting numerous hitting records, was drafted by the Texas Rangers in 1982, and has been inducted into the Texas Tech Athletic Hall of Fame. He has been a faithful servant in FCA for over two decades and he describes great leaders as being humble, trustworthy, and caring deeply about those they serve. He highlights why leaders need to be self-aware and lifelong learners, and that ultimately leadership is about relationships - first.  This is a powerful episode for leaders of all ages. Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used in Leadership Insights: "Motivational Cinematic Corporate" by Alex-Productions.  The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.

This summer 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 “In Her Shoes" produced and created by Reese Wallace and Taylor Campbell. In the podcast, they interview Robert Miller, the Director of Speed and Agility for LA Galaxy Conejo Valley Soccer Club and owner of Phenom Sports Performance. Robert is a former college football player and can be found at @Phenom_SP on Instagram and TikTok (he promises there are no dancing videos!).  Robert's mantra: “If it was easy, everyone would do it” is a great throughline in the episode -- and an important reminder for all of us, no matter where we are in our leadership journey. He also discusses why leaders need to be authentic, trustworthy, and care deeply about their followers. Robert highlights that providing the answers isn't what everyone needs and that great leaders help everyone, themselves included, stay focused on the process rather than the outcome. It's a unique and important take on the idea of controlling the controllables. I love how he talks about being vulnerable and honest as a means to develop strong relationships.  I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did! Let me know what you think; reach out on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter. Credits: Music used for “In Her Shoes” was produced and created by GG Riggs.  The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.

This summer 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 "Beyond the Scoreboard" produced and created by Marina Delia Delaluna and Peyton Bowser. In the podcast, they speak with Coach Ryan Forehan-Kelly (@ForehanKelly) of the Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets). Ryan is currently an Assistant Coach with the Nets and has a long professional career that included stints in the NBA G-League and internationally in Japan, Venezuela, Italy, Jordan, China, France, and Mexico. Coach Forehan-Kelly describes why great leaders focus on developing relationships before jumping into tasks. “You gotta know someone before you're in the fryin' pan!” He also says great leaders: 1) know how to listen, 2) look to collaborate, 3) hold themselves and followers accountable to high standards, and 4) realize they can't treat everyone the same. His mantra “You Can't Take Time for Granted” is an important lesson for us all.  Let's keep the conversation going on LinkedIn or at @TingleJK on Twitter.  Credits: Music used in Beyond the Scoreboard: "Creative Minds" by Benjamin Tissot.  The podcast cover photo was taken by Jacob Tingle at Los Rapidos Bacalar in the Yucatan, Mexico. The intro music is "Be My Guest" by Crowander. "My underground" by Distemper is the closing credits music.  

This summer I'm releasing bonus episodes of The Take Home. No new lectures on leadership, instead I'm sharing the amazing podcasts created by students in my Spring 2023 Leadership for Sport Professionals classes. Today's bonus episode features "The Captain's Chair" produced and created by Tucker Horn, Michael Somerville, and Gerson Amaya. In the podcast, they interview Colonel (retired) J. Craig Flowers (@JCraigFlowers) who served more than 25 years in the US Army, including three years in North Africa and ten years in direct support of the special operations community. His final military assignment was at West Point where he served as senior staff officer, Director of Cadet Affairs, and Assistant Baseball Coach Col. Flowers discusses why relationships matter, the value of international travel and engaging with diverse populations, and highlights the importance of getting honest, direct feedback from peers and followers. He also includes three important questions all leaders must answer: 1) What is your mission? 2) What are your values? 3) Are you humble?  This is an amazing episode!! I know you'll enjoy it. I would be grateful if you'd let me know what you think at @TingleJK.  

In the final episode of season 3, 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.   In the Living Leadership segment, I'm joined by Lindsay Lew, the Assistant Athletic Director for Digital and Database Marketing at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Lindsay and I have been friends for more than 20 years and it was a true joy to speak with her about leadership, culture, and teams.    She speaks with fondness of the lessons learned from her Trinity University Women's Soccer coaches and teammates; especially understanding that if you're not starting, it's up to you to figure out how to make a difference. Lindsay highlights that leaders are often interpreters and emphasizes that college and pro sports need those in leadership positions to be both empathetic and authentic. She recognizes that we must be willing to take risks to improve, but doing so requires an organizational culture where team members feel safe and where they can be their whole selves.    If you enjoyed the conversation and want to learn more about emotional intelligence and psychological safety, I encourage you to explore The Five Love Languages (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Love_Languages) and Adam Grant's concept of the Stay Interview (https://www.linkedin.com/posts/adammgrant_exit-interviews-are-too-late-to-start-the-activity-7022676093509738496-Yr4M/).

In episode 7, 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. In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I discuss leadership philosophy and principles with Brant McAdams, the head football coach at Pacific Lutheran University. Coach McAdams speaks fondly about his friend, mentor, and current Trinity University football coach, Jerheme Urban as well as what he learned about life and leadership from his teammates, Steve Mohr, is coach at Trinity, and from his parents and family. Brant focuses on equity and inclusion by employing Tim Kite's "Be You, Align With Us" mantra and highlights why a culture that is not inclusive will not stand the test of time. He indicates that great leaders lead genuinely and authentically; they create a space where people are psychologically safe to take risks; and they understand their role is to help someone get from Point A to Point B (i.e. to help the followers accomplish their goals). And I love how he employs The Bhagavad Gita into his leadership philosophy: "You're not entitled to the fruits of your labor, you're only entitled to the labor itself." Indeed.  Let me know your reactions to my chat with Lee. Reach out on Twitter or LinkedIn and let's keep the conversation going. 

In episode 6, I 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. In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I discuss leadership philosophy and principles with Lee Hoos, the CEO of Queens Park Rangers Football Club from Shepherd's Bush in West London. Lee provides great advice for students about how to separate themselves from the pack, and highlights why we have to be a little bit adventurous to be successful.  He describes leadership as being "lots of different things" and that there are many ways for leaders to accomplish goals. But he asserts that great leaders focus on inclusivity, empowering their employees, and creating a culture where followers have the freedom to take risks. He says that every situation is unique and leaders must focus first on developing trust before asking team members to engage in the difficult day-to-day tasks. And I love how Lee describes why successful teams debate and disagree when making decisions, but that when choices are made they all "row in the same direction." Let me know your reactions to my chat with Lee. Reach out on Twitter or LinkedIn and let's keep the conversation going. 

In episode 5, I lecture 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 2) Passage Through the Leadership Labyrinth: Women's Journey in the Collegiate Recreation Profession In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I discuss leadership philosophy and principles with Louise McCleary, (@McClearyLou) the Vice President Division III at NCAA (@NCAAIII). Before joining the NCAA headquarters, Louise had a long career in three different athletics departments, and brings a strong commitment to equity into everything she does. Louise describes the importance of mentors and allies and why it's the leaders job to ensure everyone has the opportunity to shine. She details why leaders can't be afraid to fail and why "knowledge of they self" is a critical first step for all leaders.  It was especially enjoyable to speak with Louise on the eve of the combined NCAA Women's Final Four and Championships, during which the 50th Anniversary of Title IX will be celebrated and commenerated. Send me your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going on Twitter (@TingleJK) or on LinkedIn.

I was fortunate to speak with Trennis Jones this week. Trennis is the Vice President of Community Impact for Austin FC and firmly believes that the best leaders look to serve first. He spoke at length about the need for people to be honest with themselves and why we should listen to understand rather than to understand. After playing college basketball at Colorado University, he was an agent at Octagon, and then worked for the NBA's Phoenix Suns as a basketball ops special assistant. Before his current role, Trennis spent six years as the Texas Regional Director of the Positive Coaching Alliance. During those stops, he's learned that organizations can't be successful without great teamwork. His basic formula: Communication + Principle-based decision-making = strong coalitions. I love how he describes that equity is serving people in a way that they need to be served and it requires us to pay attention to where the needs are. And his “dig your well before you're thirsty” ethos is one we should all emulate.  

Brad Bankston is the commissioner for the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) and was the first ever recipient of first recipient of the Daniel T. Dutcher Meritorious Service Award, presented by the Division III Commissioners Association. He's been the ODAC Commissioner for more than 26 years. During that time he's overseen a growth in the conference, both in terms number of members and number of sports offered.  During his tenure he spent significant time volunteering with the NCAA in various capacities including a four-year term on the Division III Management Council and other important NCAA Division III committees (e.g. the Championships Committee and the Football Championship Committee. The son of a long-time high school baseball coach, Brad highlights that the most important skills leaders can refine are building relationships and developing communication skills. His bottom line: If you want to be a successful leader you have to like people and be present for your team/organization.  Listen for how Brad describes trust as experiential learning and why the "Go Serve" philosophy helps: develop trust; build relationships; and enhances communication skills. 

In episode 2, of Season 3, I provide a brief lecture on Kouzes and Posner's "The Leadership Challenge." During the lecture portion, I detail the fundamentals of leadership, describe 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. Jamie Thompson, a Trinity alumna, former captain of the Trinity women's golf team, and the current Assistant Dean of Students and Director of Student Involvement at Trinity University. Jamie discusses why focusing on high expectations, ensuring team members have the freedoms to experiment and take risks, and building trust are important behaviors for leaders. She cares deeply about the Five Leadership Practices and is a great example of what it means for a titled leader to Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, Encourage the Heart. She describes that great leaders start with a clear understanding of organizational values and that organizations with strong cultures review and reward results based on meeting expectations - specifically achieving goals that are directly tied to mission, vision, and values. Send me your thoughts and let's keep the conversation going on Twitter (@TingleJK) or on LinkedIn.

In this bonus episode, I'm releasing my conversation with Trinity University alumna, Megan Selmon Kelly. Megan was a key member of the Trinity Women's Basketball team (@TUWBBall) which won the NCAA DIII (@NCAADIII) National Championship in 2003 and is currently the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. She has a long career as a U.S. Diplomat and comes from an amazingly successful athletic family.  During our chat Megan talks about the lessons she learned from her family, from Becky Geyer - her Trinity basketball coach, her teammates, and U.S. Abmassadors and other State Department leaders. She details why trust matters, that preparation is the key to success, and why great leaders focus on serving and caring. Her mantra, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, run together" is an inspring message for leaders - at whatever stage in their journey they find themselves.  Let me know your thoughts at @TingleJK.

In the first episode of season 3, 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. In the Living Leadership Interview segment, I'm lucky to have the chance to discuss leadership philosophy with Paul McGinlay, the Head Coach of the Trinity University Men's Soccer team (@TrinitySoccerTX). Paul has significant leadership experience in intercollegiate and international soccer and he brings a unique perspective on what it means to lead both on and off the pitch. I think you'll especially love way he describes the importance of life-long learning and developing strong relationships. Let Jacob know your thoughts at @TingleJK.