Be the Kind of Leader People Remember | A Wisdom Conversation with Bethany Meighen

The People Who Shape Us The people who leave the deepest mark on our lives rarely do it with grand gestures. More often, they are parents, mentors, teachers, coaches and friends whose quiet encouragement shapes who we become. Dr. Bethany Meighen has spent her life learning from people like these—and becoming one herself. As President of Concord University, she now helps prepare a new generation of students while preserving the close-knit community that makes Concord distinctive. In this warm and thoughtful conversation, Bethany reflects on the mentors who invested in her, the lessons they passed along and why meaningful influence is often found in small acts of grace, encouragement and care.   Why This Episode Matters The people who shape our lives rarely do it with grand gestures. They do it through small, faithful acts of encouragement, grace and care—and if you're navigating a season of change, this conversation is a gentle reminder that you can be that person for someone else.   About Our Wise Guest: Dr. Bethany Meighen Dr. Bethany Meighen serves as President of Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. After more than a decade working within the University of North Carolina System, she returned home to West Virginia to lead a public university devoted to changing lives and responding to the needs of its region. A passionate advocate for servant leadership, student success and first-generation college students, Bethany believes leadership is less about authority than it is about helping others flourish. Her perspective has been shaped by family members and mentors who modeled sacrifice, humility, courage and care. She and her husband are raising three sons. Although Bethany carries the responsibility of leading a university, she considers being a wife and mother her most important role.   Wisdom Resources to Explore 🎓 Concord University Learn more about Concord University, its academic programs, campus community and mission to help students come to learn and go to serve. 💼 Dr. Bethany Meighen on LinkedIn Connect with Bethany and follow her work in higher education leadership, student success and service. 🎧 Related Listening: Brad Lane Bethany's appearance on The Main Thing began with a recommendation from former guest Dr. Brad Lane. Listen to Brad's wisdom conversation and discover the relationship that helped bring Bethany to the podcast. What You'll Discover Why the best leaders remove obstacles instead of creating them The family legacy that shaped Bethany's passion for first-generation college students Three mentors. Three leadership lessons. One lasting philosophy. Why "family is never the wrong answer" How AI can enhance human connection without replacing it Episode Chapters [03:35] — Coming Home [05:29] — The First-Generation Legacy [08:52] — Building a University That Knows Your Name [10:41] — What Servant Leadership Looks Like [13:13] — Three Mentors, Three Leadership Lessons [15:56] — The Legacy She Hopes to Leave [17:11] — Utilizing AI Without Losing Our Humanity [20:16] — Bethany Reveals Her Main Thing [22:20] — Living Out This Wisdom; Application & Action Steps [24:07] — Grace, Trust and One Powerful Leadership Question [25:41] — The Power of Encouragement [26:54] — The Balloon Lady [27:46] — A Final Word for Wisdom Seekers Credits Editor + Technical Advisor Bob Hotchkiss Brand + Strategy Advisor Andy Malinoski PR + Partnerships Advisor Rachel Bell Graphic Design + Social Media Chloe Lineberg   Stay Connected with Us on Social YouTube @themainthingpod Twitter @themainthingpod Instagram @themainthingpod Facebook  @TheMainThingPod LinkedIn   How Can You Help Support the Growth of this Podcast? Become a subscriber. Share the podcast with one or two friends. Follow us on social media @TheMainThingPod Buy some Main Thing Merch from our Merchandise Store. Become a patron of the show and support us on Patreon with funding. Purchase a book from our curated collection on Bookshop. Purchase a set of Wisdom Cards