Leadership is Personal with Brad Mahon

Joe welcomes Brad Mahon, President and CEO of Great Plains College and author of Leadership is Personal: How Community and Culture Lead to Business Success. Brad shares his unconventional journey from professional guitarist to college president, revealing the essential leadership lessons he’s learned along the way. Joe and Brad explore the importance of community-centered leadership, the evolving role of higher education, and why businesses thrive when leaders foster strong internal and external cultures. They also discuss the growing debate around the necessity of college degrees and how organizations can better recognize transferable skills in hiring. Brad’s insights on leadership, reflection, and the power of meaningful connections will resonate with anyone looking to lead with purpose and authenticity. Tune in for an insightful conversation about leadership, business, and the power of relationships.BRAD MAHON, PhD, MBA, is a seasoned higher education leader with over 25 years of experience. As a college president and former university dean, he champions transformative education and community alignment. Brad's leadership style emphasizes collaboration, forging strategic partnerships across sectors. An advocate for engaged learning, he balances his administrative duties with occasional stints as a freelance professional guitarist.