The Leader Fast Lane

In this episode, I am joined by Texas Tech University Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt. Kirby shares about:1:59 - the role of an athletic director6:31 - leaders he modeled his approach after10:31 - how he makes decisions in a rapidly changing environment17:26 - how to assess culture in an organization19:00 - the guiding principles of the athletics department20:38 - how to address high performers that may erode culture24:58 - ensuring decisions align with values despite external pressure27:43 - what brings him joy about his job33:19 - personal habits that help him stay sharp34:24 - how he resets after tough setbacks37:16 - your attitude and effort are things you can control every day

In this episode, I talk with Carlos Morales, CEO of Caprock Home Health Services. Carlos shares about:4:26 - his leadership journey8:21 - the importance of leaders continuously focusing on self-improvement12:13 - new leaders don't need to know all the answers; instead, build a strong team21:56 - his default instinct under pressure is collaboration24:29 - the development of a values-based culture at Caprock, and its effect31:26 - how to discern values fit for prospective new employees36:24 - the importance for leaders to have a strong support network42:51 - great teams have a clear vision & roles, practice extreme ownership, and engage in honest communication & healthy conflict

Join me as I speak with Midwestern State University Texas President Dr. Stacy Haynie. We talk about leaders needing to be willing to take punches, how to make difficult, weighty decisions, taking risks, MSU Texas's values of community and people-centeredness, learning from failure, the importance of showing up and being curious, and that control and trust are not friends as a leader. Dr. Haynie is an amazing leader. Take a listen!

In this episode, I talk with Ken Parker, Vice President of Learning Innovation at Public Strategies. Ken has four decades of experience in technology and education and has keen insight into issues facing higher education today. We talk about when values are tested in leadership decisions, how difficult moments clarify what matters most, what distinguishes a learning organization from one that just provides training, what hiring for fit means, and how leaders should think about AI.

In this episode, I am joined by Texas Tech University System Regent Clay Cash. We talk about hard work and humility being keys to success, developing grit, overcoming imposter syndrome, and servant leadership.

In this episode, I talk with Jamie McIntosh, an accomplished senior non-profit leader who shares lessons learned from his time leading work with International Justice Mission Canada, Compassion Canada, and World Vision Canada, among others. We talk about how to make wise decisions with heavy consequences, operating in the tension between mission purpose/passion and operational discipline, how to use AI as a tool, and finding your purpose and taking your shot.

In this episode, I am joined by Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr. President Hawkins, who retired from the Air Force as a Lt. General, shares his leadership journey, why he values mentorship, how leadership in higher education differs from leadership in the military, the centrality of character in a leader, how to have difficult conversations, balancing tradition with advancement, and the need to maintain perspective through reading and prayer.

In this episode, I speak with Meredith Imes, Managing Director of Emergency Management at Texas Tech University, where she leads campus-wide efforts in preparedness, response, and recovery.We talk about the importance of mentors, effective communication and collaboration, the importance for leaders to exude calm in a crisis, leading under pressure, how to have tough conversations, and taking care of yourself.

In this episode, I talk with Sean Litton, President & CEO of the Tech Coalition, the organization leading the tech industry’s fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children with over 60 member tech companies committed to the fight. Sean has worked on the front line of child protection for over 20 years, serving as the Global President of International Justice Mission before joining the Tech Coalition in 2021. We talk about how to build superior teams (hire smart people, massively empower them, and implement high accountability), how core values drive leadership behavior, the importance of leader self-care, maintaining proper perspective in high-stress situations, continual self-improvement, and focusing on the positive.

In this episode, I am joined by U.S. Ambassador (ret.) Jean Manes. Ambassador Manes and I talk about looking for leadership opportunities where you are, the importance of self-development, advice for new leaders, having a network of mentors and confidantes, how to implement policies you may disagree with, creating an environment of trust, and more. 

In this episode I speak with Patrick Kramer, Texas Tech University System's Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, about leading in different organizational cultures, the power of integrity, and finding the courage to engage in challenging conversations. 

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Hendrick (Provost of Texas Tech University) about leading with integrity, the importance of leaders knowing their people, having difficult conversations, the essentiality of trust on a team and how to build it, and much more. 

The Leader Fast Lane podcast shares practical leadership principles drawn from accomplished leaders across higher education, public service, nonprofits, athletics, and global contexts—principles listeners can apply immediately to work and life. In this kickoff episode, Alex Ave Lallemant joins me and talks about his leadership journey from 25 years with the State Department and principles that have guided him.The views expressed in this podcast represent those of the individuals participating and do not necessarily represent the views of the State Department or the U.S. Government.