1.question Podcast

On the question of feeling like a leader, Macalester College Director of Athletics, Donnie Brooks, visits @1QLeadership to talk about his evolution in the leadership chair. Brooks goes over his process of developing personal core values, and affirming them by also defining what they do and don't look like in action. He also discusses feeling uncomfortable in the traditional AD outfit of sport coat and Cole Haan's but acknowledges visiting other leaders and finding unique qualities to bring back to his department as the school ascends its conference.

On the question of the why women and people of color are given unfavorable leadership positions, Dr. Christy Glass, Professor of Sociology at Utah State, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the Glass Cliff. Glass unpacks her research finding that that women and people of color are more likely to be appointed to leadership positions when an organization is at risk to fail. She also offers suggestions on how to convince organization leaders about the importance of diversity. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

On the question of how purpose, core values, and culture fit in college athletics, Eric Hyman, former Athletics Director oat VMI, Miami (OH), TCU, South Carolina, and Texas A&M, stopped by @1QLeadership to give his experienced insight. With 47 years in college athletics, including 28 years as an AD, Hyman discusses definitions of the key terms inherent to successful leadership – value, values, core values, purpose, and culture. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

On the question of developing staff for a successful culture, Lamarr Pottinger, Associate Director of NCAA Leadership Development, visits @1QLeadership  to give his insight on prioritizing people. With regard to HR, Pottinger talks about the need for the athletics industry to further understand what it means to be a resource to humans. He also mentions the importance of knowing that everyone should be poured into even if they don't want to move up the proverbial career ladder. The conversation wraps on individual sports employing staff members specifically for people development. - Tai M. Brown - One Question Leadership Podcast

Addressing the topic of being transformational in an industry filled with transactions, Kent State Director of Athletics, Randale Richmond, visits @1QLeadership to give his thoughts. Richmond talks about the process of ensuring action behind the department's guiding principle of being student-centered, coach-led, and administrator-supported. He talks about how Alston Awards are earned, and relates the current state of athletics to the economic principle that every free market in a capitalistic system finds its balance. The conversation wraps with advice on existing in an environment where values don't align.

Andrew Gavin, AD at UW-Parkside, and Chris Barker, AD at Southern Connecticut State, stop by @1QLeadership to discuss their friendship in the business, leadership styles, and lessons learned. Gavin talks about keeping work away from home by having a colleague with common experiences to talk through issues with. Barker covers working for Gavin at Parkside prior to taking on his own leadership role. Both Gavin and Barker discuss the benefits of the NCAA's Leadership Development programming as they progressed to the AD chair. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

DaShena Stevens, Deputy AD at UIW, visits @1QLeadership to talk leadership. Stevens covers her thoughts on the difference between leaders and managers saying that leaders wear both hats. She covers her philosophy evolution, giving her top three priorities of leadership, leading by example, having an impact, and being transformational. She also addresses the changes in responsibilities since becoming the Deputy AD.

In a recently discovered conversation from Summer 2022, Heath Schroyer LinkedIn Profile Director of Athletics at McNeese State, visits @1QLeadership to talk about the adventure of leading an athletics department through the aftermath of two nasty hurricanes, in the middle of a pandemic, and all during his first year or so as he transitioned from head basketball coach to AD. He talks about assessing the community, prioritizing safety, creating a plan to play, and executing the plan to play all sport seasons. The conversation wraps on the diligence of student-athletes.

Sean Frazier, VP & Director of Athletics at NIU, visits @1QLeadership to discuss his idea for mitigating the potential educational impact of entering the transfer portal. Frazier proposes a solution that finances the remaining degree requirements for those who enter but don't sign on with a new school. He also gives his insight on why ADs went from silence to actively promoting NIL collectives on their respective campuses. Also joining the conversation is Lauren Bullock of Stretch.

James Hall, Sr Associate AD at New Mexico State, visits @1Q Leadership to talk primarily about his role overseeing athletics diversity. He talks about the balance of the role being included in conversations and knowing when to interject his position into certain situations. Hall also talks about how the diversity position can have a positive impact on recruiting and the Student-Athlete experience. 

Derita Dawkins, Assistant Vice Chancellor & Deputy AD at Arkansas, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss titles, responsibilities, asking questions, and influence. Dawkins talks about advocating for the return of football during her time at UAB. She also covers adjusting to changes on campus during her career and why asking great questions is important for success. The conversation wraps on how her responsibility is to inform rather than influence. 

Ryan Holloway, President and Co-Founder of Peak Sports MGMT, visits @1QLeadership on the topics of entrepreneurship, young professionals, and business growth. Holloway talks about identifying the lack of media rights partners on NCAA-FCS campuses (including HBCUs), and starting the business as a solution. He also talks about the internship model and why hiring young professionals has worked for Peak.

Chris Barker, Director of Athletics at Southern Connecticut State visits @1QLeadership to talk about his philosophy of inclusion and hard work. On the day of his one year anniversary as AD, Barker discusses his method of keeping track of small wins, and tackling tough conversations.

Dr. Bren Stevens, VP & Director of Athletics at University of Charleston, visits @1QLeadership on the topic of staff professional development. Stevens provides 16 total sessions for her staff with programming in leadership, emotional intelligence, inclusion, and other topics. The conversation wraps on the NCAA Division II initiative which helps women and minorities get opportunities to become athletics directors.

Herb Courtney, CEO of Renaissance Search & Consulting, visits @1QLeadership to discuss starting and growing the firm without external funding while addressing specific issues in the college athletics industry. He discusses reasons for expanding the staff and how it has helped the company's processes evolve. The conversation also goes into understanding the client to help find the best and most diverse candidate pool.

Sable Lee, Assistant Director for Leadership Development at NCAA, stops by @1QLeadership to give some insight on young professionals in the workforce, specifically within the college athletics industry. She talks about perceptions young professionals may have of the environment and methods to adjust to that environment before jumping ship to find something else. She also provides information on the upcoming NCAA Emerging Leaders Seminar including who should and how to apply.

Candace Smith, Senior Associate AD for Internal Operations at Akron, stops by @1QLeadership for an insightful conversation about her role. She talks about the transition from basketball operations and working with a new leader as she has worked for two head coaches and, in her current role, two athletics directors. The discussion also covers budget planning with coaches and working with numbers and people. Smith wraps the conversation with insight on being unsure when transitioning to a new leadership role. 

Michelle Morgan, Senior Director of Athletics at John Carroll University, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss responsibilities as Chair of NCAA D3 Management Council. She talks about the challenge of considering competing priorities within the division. Morgan also gives insight on taking over a successful athletics department and the conversation wraps on professional development and her leadership philosophy.

Tim Duncan, VP of Athletics at University of New Orleans, visits @1QLeadership to discuss why embracing the New Orleans community culture was included in his strategic plan. The conversation also covers working with the university on raising funds for campus, hiring staff, and wraps on the future of the Emerging Leaders Conference.

Danielle Harris, Commissioner of the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, stops by @1QLeadership to talk about listening as a crucial aspect of leadership. Key skills noted are to listen, observe, and be able to connect the dots. She also covers mental health services post-pandemic and the conversation wraps on the concerns regarding enrollment in higher education.