Word From The Herd

“Because I didn't quit football, I didn't quit a lot of other things.” Stephan Moore, Executive Director of Shiloh Camp, joins Thomas Hill for an inspirational conversation about life lessons, leadership traits, and ways to invest in the people around us. Stephan shares foundational truths he has learned from family, coaches, and numerous others in his life along with leadership wisdom which he passionately pours into the young people at Shiloh Camp. Stephan works diligently to create “a place of belonging in an environment saturated with love and highlighted with excellence,” as he teaches future leaders how to maximize who they are. “Excellence does two things, Stephan says, “it inspires people, and it brings honor and glory to God.”

“Joy was one of our top core values.” Meg Salyer, co-founder of Accel Financial and respected community influencer, joins Thomas Hill for a delightful conversation about how to enjoy your workplace, the benefits of creating unity, and the importance of personal connection. From growing up on Long Island with “service as a part of my DNA” to Oklahoma City's Automobile Alley, Meg is known for making the places people live and work better. Her advice to young leaders—actually to everyone—is to SAY YES. When you do, Meg explains, “You always get more than you expected, and you just never know what door that experience may open for you.”

“We're in a business of serving other people.” Shane Wharton, President of Love's Travel Stops, a company with 30,000 employees, joins Thomas Hill for a meaningful conversation about taking care of people. Shane details how this mindset is modeled by Love's leadership with their consistent focus on the care and health of each employee. (They even have a life-altering employee profit sharing program named Love Shares!) This caring attitude is passed on to employees, Shane explains, and is evident as they celebrate the opportunity to give back to the community with the Children's Miracle Network campaign each year. During the COVID crisis, Love's led the industry with innovative measures to keep their employees safe. The top priority was to take care of the Love's team first, Shane said and added, “If we do that right, they'll be glad to take care of our customers, and our customers will be safer, too.“

“We'll win or we'll lose, but we're not going to hide the ball.” Sandy Coats, Site Director and Senior Counsel for Boeing Defense Oklahoma, joins Thomas Hill for an engaging conversation about life and leadership. With many years as the US Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, Sandy has firsthand knowledge of the challenging yet rewarding work of earning justice for hurting people and giving them their lives back. “One of the hallmarks of a good leader is the ability to listen.” Join this discussion as Sandy shares straightforward wisdom on delegation, ethics, and his two business pet peeves!

“We have the responsibility to do something with the blessings God gave us.” Lee Roland is a recognized and celebrated Difference Maker. With his years as an educator and administrator, Lee brings first-hand knowledge and mesmerizing stories to this gripping conversation with Thomas Hill. The principles Lee used to radically transform a challenged school translate to all areas of leadership and include expectations, mindset, and accountability. Listen as Lee shares the key element necessary for transforming behavior, and hear his passion when he declares, “If you don't want to serve people, you have no business leading.”

"I want to fall in love with helping other people win.” Lance Lang, founder of Hope Is Alive, joins Thomas Hill for a personal and inspiring conversation about addition, recovery, vision, and hope. While sharing what drives him (“It's always about the next person”), Lance talks about why people are drawn to vulnerable leaders and the warning signs that indicate a person is headed toward a crisis. Although his passion is helping the hurting, Lance lives with constant hope. He summarizes this outlook by saying, “Whenever I have a mindset of hope, no matter the situation, I believe that good is going to come from it. Good things are on the horizon.”

“It's more than just a job. It's a group of people together pulling in the same direction.” Ryan Plotkin, President of MD Building Products, joins Thomas Hill for a candid conversation about creating relationships, being authentic, and using what Ryan refers to as the leader's best tool – his ears. “You have to build the environment for people to be heard,” he says. Ryan leads a family company and warmly shares, “Nothing is tighter than family,” noting that his father is his biggest mentor, and his grandmother, a Holocaust survivor, modeled positivity. It's all about relationships. This leadership philosophy drives Ryan as he walks the factory floor, listening, asking questions, and pouring into people. He firmly believes, “Shared experiences are what we are going to talk about years and years in the future.”

“If you don't take care of your people, there's no way your people are going to take care of your customers.” Percy Kirk, Sr. VP/Regional Manager of Cox Communications, joins Thomas Hill for a conversation about leadership, community, and the importance of direct involvement. From the employee led Cox Charities initiative to the Chamber's focus on growing the community to the remarkable vision of the MAPS project, Percy shares a leader's view of how great things can be accomplished when “we are willing to all engage and lean in together.”

“Don't we all need some soul rest these days?” Dr. Richard Kopke joins Thomas Hill for an introspective conversation about destiny, joy, spiritual mission, and doing life at work. Dr. Kopke, Legion of Merit recipient and renowned otolaryngologist, is doing ground-breaking work in the restoration of disabling hearing loss. From miraculous healings in Middle Eastern refugee camps to daily medical research, Dr. Kopke's passionate faith is his guiding star, shining brightly in his valuing of people and his desire to care for their souls. “Whether by medicine, man's hands, machines, or miracles, one of my greatest joys is to see people hear again because restoring hearing restores relationships.”

“When we can help, there are lots and lots of stories of success.” Ann Felton Gilliland, CEO & Chairman of Central Oklahoma Habitat for Humanity joins Thomas Hill for an encouraging conversation about how adding to people's lives provides them the opportunity to grow and change for the better. Under Ann's leadership, the Central Oklahoma Habitat organization has grown tremendously, building over 1,000 homes for families in Oklahoma. Ann credits her “great mentors and great partners”, as she shares about positivity, tenacity, and the generational impact of the work she leads. Her personal perspective is, “I get to do this. It's been such a blessing in my life.”

“It's about helping people belong and walking with them on their journey.” Mike Roark, VP and COO of the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma joins Thomas Hill to explore the ways the YMCA puts their mission into practice. This enlightening conversation parallels the traits needed to build strong relationships at the “Y” and the leadership principles used in a thriving business. Drawing from years of experience and authentic leadership, Mike shares inspiring stories of appreciation, encouragement, and celebration. “Community is an extension of your family,” Mike says. “I love community and I love people.”

“I believe in you.” These four words said to a teenage Sandra Quince changed her life. Sandra is now a senior executive with Bank of America, leading global Diversity and Inclusion initiatives, and her conversation with Thomas Hill is packed with relevant wisdom for leaders on employees, managers, relationships, and interactions. While explaining the implications of “20 square feet”, the need for a Diversity and Inclusion Index, and the definition of “microaggressions”, Sandra shares her passion for courageous conversations and her central belief in hope. “Save space for grace,” she advises. ‘It's not about me or you; it's about me and you.”

“When someone trusts you, you feel compelled to do the right thing.” Timila Rother is the President and CEO of Crowe & Dunlevy, an Oklahoma based law firm begun in 1902. Today she joins Thomas Hill for a personal look at leadership and how the progression of opportunities to lead is based on trust. While upholding the firm's values of tradition, pride, and unity, Timila shares her desire to give “a face and a voice to everybody” in the organization. Join this conversation as Timila talks about the importance of doing the right thing, the results of confidence, and the most inspiring message you can give to the people you lead.

"All of us are special in some way." Jabee, musical artist and EMMY award winner, sat down with Thomas Hill for a sincere, heartfelt conversation about pain, the power of words, and what it means to be a leader in a highly competitive space. From growing up as "that kid who felt like nobody saw me, or heard my voice", to creating music that speaks for a generation, Jabee has life wisdom born of deeply personal experiences. Through music, he has been given a platform and feels compelled to use his influence to make a difference. "People are listening to me, I need to say something to them and continue to be that voice so they can be heard."

Fulfilling a childhood dream, Jane Jayroe Gamble, was the first Miss America to visit a combat zone, beginning the Miss American tradition of providing entertainment to our military every year. Join her inspiring conversation with Thomas Hill as she describes her proudest accomplishment as being able to show value to American military men and women during a time of war and national unrest. From performing on the deck of an aircraft carrier to her years as news anchor and Director of the OK Dept. of Tourism, Jane shares pearls of wisdom, including tips for better communication, how investing in someone can result in multiplied impact, and the power of having a dream. “My dreams kept me going and kept me disciplined.”

“The good leader is the person willing to sacrifice what they want for what other people need on a consistent basis.” Wayland Cubit, a Master Mentor and recognized leader in law enforcement, joins Thomas Hill for a riveting conversation that ranges from what makes a mentor effective to the underlying reason for racial tension in America. Wayland has dedicated his life to helping at-risk youth, standing in the gap as the “good guy”, and inspiring others to add value to the people around them. He sums it up this way. “Love is an action, not a feeling. It is proven by what you do, not by what you say.”

“Until we can say collectively that the children are thriving in our city, we have work to do.” Chris Brewster, founder and superintendent of Santa Fe South Schools, is passionate about seeing children thrive and flourish. Today he joins Thomas Hill for a compelling conversation about expectations, support, and the way company leaders can be involved in community transformation. Join the conversation as Chris poses the question, “What if the lens through which we viewed all our decisions was, ‘Is it good for the kids?'”

“If this moves us forward as a company, surely it will move us forward as a family.” Amy Mason, Executive Director of the Kimmell Foundation, shares how the ways we show value to people at work can be translated to our homes, helping us become stronger as “team family”. This conversation between Amy and Thomas Hill includes how to listen effectively, why sharing the credit makes you better, and the single most important way to invest in your family. And we have a BONUS FEATURE! Hear talented narrator Hugh Sauer read Amy Mason's rhyming, small book, How Do I Win?

“One of the coolest things we can do as a leader is to create an environment that is enriching and where people can grow and prosper.” Scott Klososky, founder of Future Point of View, joins Thomas Hill for an enlightening discussion about the future. Scott shares the importance of “high beam” vision, what it means to have a clean eye, and the critical role leaders will have as they balance technology with its impact on people. And what about the future? What can we expect? Scott says, “Assume everything will get better”, and then he tells us why.

“To meet the need, you have to bring everybody on board.” Nikki Nice, Councilwoman of Oklahoma City's Ward 7 joins Thomas Hill to talk about challenges, compromise, diversity, inclusion, and the role of leaders. Nikki credits a village of people who impacted her life and shaped her desire to give back. Her passion for people is clearly seen in her efforts to inform and to help, and Nikki shares her personal motivation saying, “What sets my soul on fire is my community.”

“Without motivation, nothing else matters.” Ken Parker, CEO and co-founder of NextThought, discusses with Thomas Hill the single most important factor surrounding education and the challenge of communication. Ken is a brilliant innovator with a passion for adult learning and integrating technology into education and corporate training. Join this conversation as Ken identifies the key ingredient necessary in active learning and explains the three crucial components for developing mastery.

In our current climate, becoming disconnected is very easy and often precarious. Today, Michelle Garrett, licensed mental health therapist, shares with Thomas Hill specific ways leaders can create connection and emotional safety for their employees, the key to keeping yourself healthy, and the one daily action that will create a paradigm shift in your life. Michelle's insightful guidance for leaders who are building team members sums up her personal mission: “Help the other person be the hero of their own story.”

“The story is not the point. It is the onramp for people to be able to engage more deeply.” Dr. Nathan Mellor, CEO of Strata Leadership, spends his life making leaders better. In his compelling conversation with Thomas Hill, Nathan explains why leaders need stories to become more effective; he speaks of the all too common ‘impostor syndrome' and the way to use that crisis of self-doubt to grow; and he talks about the intense need for community, for staying in peak performance, and why being a leader requires a short memory! Nathan wraps up with the one trait that makes great leadership possible, and throughout the whole conversation, he captivates us with stories.

“When God puts a dream in your DNA, it comes true in spite of your circumstances.” At 83 years and with an amazing life story, Mo Anderson, former CEO and current Vice Chairman of Keller Williams Realty, shares a lifetime of leadership truths. In her conversation with Thomas Hill, Mo discusses tenacity, standards, culture, and being an agent of change. When asked about her personal and legendary generosity, Mo says, “I wanted to make more money than I needed so I could give it away.”

"It's just a speech unless you turn it into action.” Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt passionately believes in diverse, inclusive leadership. Join this conversation as Mayor Holt shares with Thomas Hill his thoughts on balanced representation for decision making, how to achieve community buy-in, and why simply listening to people is not enough.

Dr. Myron Pope, VP of Student Life at the University of Alabama, shares a heartfelt conversation with Thomas Hill about helping those around us. When he was young, several people poured into Myron's life; as a young man, coaches shared wisdom that continues to shape him today; and now, as a respected educator, Myron is intentional about making people better. This outlook can be summed up in Myron's hiring advice to his team: “Find people who are passionate about helping others.”

How do you show value to someone even when you must decline an idea that is dear to them? In her position of working daily with people and their passion projects, Sarah Roberts, Senior Program Officer for the Inasmuch Foundation, beautifully shares how to be both compassionate and helpful when saying “no”. This illuminating conversation with Thomas Hill highlights the significance of transparency, being available to people, building relationships, and co-investing. Join this exchange and find out why Sarah says, “We bet on leaders all day long.”

Speaking of both educators and business leaders, Dr. Heath Thomas, president of Oklahoma Baptist University declares, “Everyone is in the business of life transformation.” Dr. Thomas radiates a contagious passion as he talks with Thomas Hill about the privilege of overseeing the university. He says, “We get to invest, equip, inspire, and empower the next generation of leaders.” Join this discussion about having a heart for people and celebrating hard work, and hear the value in guiding, mentoring, helping people find their place in life, and “giving them wings to take flight.”

Never make it about yourself. Keep as much positive energy as possible. Earn people's trust. These are a few of the lessons Mick Cornett, former mayor of Oklahoma City, shares in his riveting conversation with Thomas Hill. Mick inherited a city, in his words, 'branded by tragedy' and through intentional and directed leadership helped create a vibrant and thriving downtown, complete with a pro basketball franchise. Listen to Mick talk about the pivotal moment in his conversation with the NBA Commissioner, the necessity of staying on message, and the one unifying thing we all possess.

What is an “ugly listener”? What can a baseball umpire teach us about dealing with conflict? And what are “Miracle Chimes”? Join Thomas Hill for a fascinating conversation with Nico Gomez, CEO of The Children's Center Rehabilitation Hospital, as he shares life wisdom on great leadership traits, encouragement in action, and creating opportunities for people to see the impact they are making. Woven throughout this conversation, and shared with candor and vulnerability, is the central theme of the incredible power of our words.

“Hire for character, train for character, and promote for character.” Join Thomas Hill and Dr. Kevin Penwell as they discuss how medical training has numerous applications in business leadership (including a fascinating ER story!) Ranging from the use of medical listening as a communication skill to showing value to children and parents through innovative telemedicine in schools, Dr. Penwell shares his passion for bringing together skills and needs. In a statement that encompasses both medicine and life, he says, “If we listen long enough, people will tell us what is wrong.”

Starting in high school, Jill Castilla had an unexpected mentor who invested in her and significantly impacted the direction of her life. Now, as President of Citizens Bank in Edmond, OK, Jill invests every day in the people of her community. Join Jill as she shares her fascinating life story with Thomas Hill and as they discuss the wisdom of sometimes saying no, the joy in helping people achieve their dreams, and the need to keep walking until you find the light again.

What does a CEO have in common with a Senior Pastor? With wisdom gained from decades of leadership, Pastor Marty Grubbs has an illuminating conversation with Thomas Hill about transparency, mission vs. strategy, and how to promote mental and emotional safety. “Lower the ladder,” Marty says, “so more people can make that first step.”

From a door-to-door book salesman to the governor's mansion…join Thomas Hill as he talks with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt about tenacity, trust, investing in people, and the Governor's Scorecard!

“You are not better than anyone, but you are as good as everyone.” – George Young, Sr., quoting his remarkable mother Join this compelling conversation between Thomas Hill and Senator George Young, Sr., as they discuss the influences that shape a leader. Senator Young's inspiring life stories take us back five decades to Memphis, Tennessee, as he illustrates the vital significance of the people around us.

Our voice boxes did not come with instructions! Learning how to use your voice effectively is a foundational skill of brilliant leaders. AmyK Hutchens, international speaker and corporate trainer says, “A vision is communicated one conversation at a time.” Join today's conversation with Thomas Hill and AmyK as they discuss when to speak, how to listen, and the rewards of addressing rather than avoiding conflict.

What is the Value Culture? Why is this critical to a company's success? And where do bison fit? Join Thomas Hill, CEO of Kimray, Inc., along with Amy Mason, executive director of The Kimmell Foundation, for an engaging conversation with answers to these questions, with compelling plans for the future, and, of course, with the backstory.