Think Like A Leader

July 2010 This episode is an interview with Maria Myrback, a lady I met in the Orlando, Florida airport as I was awaiting a flight to Memphis. Maria has just begun a non-profit organization, The Great Experiment Scholarship, designed to award small scholarships of $10-40 to support simple science experiments. If you desire more information, you may contact Maria by email or visit her web site. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think. It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

This is Part Two of a series with two special guests: Lucy Gray and Carol Anne McGuire. Lucy Gray is an Instructional Technology Specialist at the University of Chicago (IL) Center for Elementary Math and Science Education. Among her numerous awards are having been named an Apple Distinguished Educator (2005), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, and Google Certified Teacher. Lucy is a popular speaker at national and international conferences. Also, Lucy has a strong reputation as a collector and organizer of robust online resources, using such technologies as blogs, wikis, nings, Twitter, and Facebook, among others. Carol Anne McGuire is a teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist at the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, CA. Formerly, she was an award-winning teacher of blind and visually impaired students. The fact that amazes most people is that Carol Anne was teaching these visually impaired students to make videos!! Those videos have been shown around the world. Among the awards and recognitions that have come Carol Anne's way are: Apple Distinguished Educator (2004), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, Google Certified Teacher, Top Online Educator, Disney Teacher of the Year, SMARTBoard Exemplary Educator, American Film Institute Screen Educator, and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Teacher of the Year (2008). Like Lucy, Carol Anne is a highly-sought after keynote speaker, as well as workshop leader, at professional conferences around the globe. Carol Anne also serves as "Lead Rocker" for an internationally-acclaimed project, "Rock Our World." So, you can see that I was highly honored to be able to share conversation with these two outstanding ladies. Their ideas on improving education are stellar. You will discover that, as you listen to this episode, if you hadn't known it already. This episode represents Part Two of a two-part series. I believe you will be inspired and stirred by listening to these fabulous educators. Please send your questions and comments. If you wish to contact either Lucy or Carol Anne, they can be reached by clicking on the links to their names. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think. It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

My special guests for this episode are Lucy Gray and Carol Anne McGuire. Lucy Gray is an Instructional Technology Specialist at the University of Chicago (IL) Center for Elementary Math and Science Education. Among her numerous awards are having been named an Apple Distinguished Educator (2005), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, and Google Certified Teacher. Lucy is a popular speaker at national and international conferences. Also, Lucy has a strong reputation as a collector and organizer of robust online resources, using such technologies as blogs, wikis, nings, Twitter, and Facebook, among others. Carol Anne McGuire is a teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist at the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, CA. Formerly, she was an award-winning teacher of blind and visually impaired students. The fact that amazes most people is that Carol Anne was teaching these visually impaired students to make videos!! Those videos have been shown around the world. Among the awards and recognitions that have come Carol Anne's way are: Apple Distinguished Educator (2004), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, Google Certified Teacher, Top Online Educator, Disney Teacher of the Year, SMARTBoard Exemplary Educator, American Film Institute Screen Educator, and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Teacher of the Year (2008). Like Lucy, Carol Anne is a highly-sought after keynote speaker, as well as workshop leader, at professional conferences around the globe. Carol Anne also serves as "Lead Rocker" for an internationally-acclaimed project, "Rock Our World." So, you can see that I was highly honored to be able to share conversation with these two outstanding ladies. Their ideas on improving education are stellar. You will discover that, as you listen to this episode, if you hadn't known it already. This episode represents Part One of a two-part series. I believe you will be inspired and stirred by listening to these fabulous educators. Please send your questions and comments. If you wish to contact either Lucy or Carol Anne, they can be reached by clicking on the links to their names. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think. It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Vicki Davis, a very successful classroom teacher in Camilla, GA. Vicki is also a grant-winning educator who has created several collaborative projects involving students and schools around the world. Vicki and/or her projects have won several awards. She and her co-collaborator, Julie Lindseay (Qatar Academy, Qatar), have built a global audience around their Flat Classroom Project. Flat Classroom Project Other projects in which Vicki is active include: Net Gen EdDigiteens As you listen to Vicki's comments during this episode, I believe you will be struck with the reality that this teacher is dedicated, motivated, and determined to prepare her students for success in the 21st Century -- and in a global environment. Should you wish to contact Vicki, she can be reached at coolcatteacher@gmail.com I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think. It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Kelly Janzen, a very successful educator, musician, and leader among her peers. Kelly is a motivating teacher who discusses the role of technologies in the lives of her students and how they grow as a result of interacting with new technologies. Also, Kelly talks about teachers' roles as leaders who can model excellent leadership behavior to peers and superiors. The web site for Kelly's school is http://www.wcdhs.ca -- so feel free to visit and see what she and her students are accomplishing. Should you wish to contact Kelly, she can be reached at Kelly.Janzen@ugdsb.on.ca I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think. It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

I have two pieces of information to pass along to you: thinklikealeader@gmail.com It is very important for you to participate by suggesting additional topics (key principles or characteristics), making general comments, telling stories about your experiences with good (or poor) leaders, or asking questions to be addressed on the episodes. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Lori Clark, a very successful young business leader who has demonstrated remarkable persistence, determination, and resolve as she has built a large team of business partners. Not only is successful in business, but she also is very active in community affairs, youth activities, and her church. During this episode, discusses difficult events early in her life that contributed to her success currently. While living in Memphis, Tennessee, her father experienced a significant downsizing in the corporate world. As a result, Lori's family went through a bankruptcy. She learned many lessons during this time that have helped her through the years. She had to begin working at an early age, but also pursued a four-year degree at Mississippi State University. Times were hard and many family decisions were profoundly difficulty, but she persisted through all these obstacles. During those years of living and working hard in Memphis, her persistence paid off by earning the MBA degree from the University of Memphis--all while holding down a full-time job. She believes that leaders early in her life were responsible for setting that expectation for her. In less than four years, has built a business with an annual revenue in excess of a million dollars in her position as National Vice-President of Arbonne, International. She has developed a strong team of associates and continues to build, nurture, and promote those individuals so they can experience success, as well. Without a doubt, as you listen to this episode, you will recognize easily that is extremely passionate about her life, and the impact she is being able to have upon thousands of people, not only through her business, but also through her participation in community and church activities, as well as the events in which her children are involved. My hope is that Lori's passionate enthusiasm will be viral, that you will "catch it" as you listen to her talk. Although is quite humble and soft-spoken, I find a Gibraltar of strength in her words. No doubt, her children are quite proud to call her "Mom." In this episode, shares with us several of the books and authors to which she credits much of her personal development. In addition, she shares some one-liners and adages from key people who have influenced her life positively. As you listen to the podcast, I truly hope you will take a few minutes and send your comments, questions, and suggestions. I will forward those to , because she has agreed to come back for a follow-up episode to talk about teams and how you build a team for success. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think. It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. Lori recommended several books to listeners. (If an audio version of the book is available, that link is shown, also.) You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

I've been anticipating this episode for many months! My two guests are: Dr. Michael O'Dell and Dr. Ed Hill, two premier physicians from the North Mississippi medical community. is Director of the Family Medicine Residency Center in Tupelo, MS. Mike has a background in academic circles, having taught and led at several major universities, including the University of Kansas, University of Texas, and University of Alabama. Now, he is not only a family physician, but also leads the preparation program for physician residents. Dr. O'Dell is very active in community affairs, including Rotary Club and his church. is a man who has achieved numerous accomplishments during his medical career. He founded the Family Medicine Residency Center and ran it for several years until Dr. O'Dell was recruited to come in and relieve Dr. Hill to address some of the other activities that called him. He has been extremely active in medical profession affairs, including a year's stint as President of the American Medical Association. Now, he is Chairman of the Board for the World Medical Association, a global enterprise involved directly with 84 countries. Perhaps Dr. Hill's greatest pride, though, is in serving proudly as a grandfather! During this episode, both doctors discussed principles of leadership that can apply to anyone--not just those in the medical profession. Their "take" on leadership is intriguing, probably different from what we read and hear from mainstream authors and speakers. But, as is their natural way of functioning, Drs. O'Dell and Hill make good, common sense in their remarks. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog. Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think. It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. Dr. O'Dell and Dr. Hill recommended several books to listeners: You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Two outstanding ladies join me for this episode -- and -- to discuss the philosophies, roles, and conditions of women in leadership. Dr. Mabel Murphree is a freelance consultant, dealing in education, workforce education and development, and political matters. She is former Director of the Appalachian Region Commission, with offices in Tupelo, MS. Dr. Murphree is a well-respected educator, speaker, and civic activist. Mrs. Doyce Deas is, among many other things, a current member of the Tupelo (MS) City Council. She has been active for many years in health care, education, arts, and civic boards and events. During this episode, Dr. Murphree and Mrs. Deas enumerate many traits and characteristics of effective leaders that are particularly applicable to females. However, as you will hear, these are not limited to one gender. Some of the outstanding books they recommend are: If you would like to order one of these books from Amazon, click on the link below. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Two outstanding corporate CEOs and community leaders, Mr. Chauncey Godwin (Heavenly Ham, Tupelo, MS) and Mr. Mike Thomas (CEO of American Furniture Manufacturing in Tupelo, MS), discuss these and other pertinent topics. This episode has a lot of "meat" in it that will give you some good ideas. But, rather than just listening passively to this episode, I suggest that you do the following: Think Like A LeaderContact mereally I strongly encourage you to submit your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. No doubt, many of you have instituted some outstanding leadership principles in your school, company, or community. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material to the podcast -- or, at least, leave a comment at the end of this blog posting. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

What a terrific impact Jim Collins' outstanding book, Good to Great has had upon our society! Curriculum Director and Apple Distinguished Educator, from Orange County, CA, is featured in a thorough, provocative review of Collins' book. I know you will gain new insights as you hear her review. But, rather than just listening passively to this episode, I suggest that you do the following: Think Like A LeaderContact mereally If you don't yet have your own copy of Good to Great, here is a link where you can find it: I strongly encourage you to submit your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. No doubt, many of you have instituted some Good to Great principles in your school, company, or community. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material to the podcast -- or, at least, leave a comment at the end of this blog posting. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically.

This exciting episode features a compelling interview with Dr. Evangeline Stefanakis, renowned author of Multiple Intelligences and Portfolios: A Window into the Learners Mind (link to the book is shown below). This interview was recorded in Atlanta, Georgia during the National Educational Computing Conference in late June, 2007, immediately following a presentation I had just finished co-presenting with Dr. Gordon Dahlby of West Des Moines, Iowa. Dr. Stefanakis joined me at the front of the room for this chat, so I pulled out my iPod, connected the Belkin stereo microphone, and began recording. I am so impressed with all the things I learned from Dr. Stefanakis, as well as the inspiration and provocative energy she imparted for all listeners to this podcast. Now, as you listen to the recording, here's how you can help: Think Like A LeaderContact me If you would like to contact Dr. Stefanakis, remember that she will be moving to Boston University, effective August 1, 2007. Thus, the BC address is the one I provide in the link here. If you wish to contact her at Teachers College, Columbia University, she gives that email address in the podcast episode. She mentioned several books that are recommended to 21st Century Leaders: I encourage you to send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically.

The final installment of our 3-part series devoted to: How Leaders Deal with Adversity. Episode Feature: Vickie Ramsey's Bout with Breast Cancer Panelists included: Humor 'n HealingTo Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer The original recording took place in December 2006; however, the entire program lasted for almost 1.5 hours. So, I split it into three parts. I encourage you to send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Note

This episode is Part Two of the 3-part program during which I interviewed four outstanding local leaders. Our topic for the discussion was How Leaders Deal with Adversity. Each panelist is particularly well-qualified to speak about this matter. Episode Feature: Kristi Brown's Bout with Cancer Panelists included: Humor 'n HealingTo Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer The original recording took place in December 2006; however, the entire program lasted for almost 1.5 hours. So, I have split it into three parts. Part Three will follow this episode in approximately one week. As you listen to this episode, I encourage you to make notes, then send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Many thanks to all of you who are such valuable subscribers and contributors to this podcast. I simply cannot do it without you. You just have to be the very best audience in all of "podcast-dom" -- I just know it! Note

Recently, I had the privilege of convening a panel of individuals who are recognized locally as strong leaders to discuss the important topic, How Leaders Deal with Adversity. This was a most informative and provocative interview. Panelists included: Humor 'n HealingTo Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Canceremail Kristi and request a book, ask a question, or make a comment The original recording took place in December 2006; however, the entire program lasted for almost 1.5 hours. So, I have split it into three parts. Parts 2 and 3 will follow this episode approximately one week apart. As you listen to this episode, I encourage you to make notes, then send in your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. I know that many of you have compelling stories that will interface well with the content of these three episodes. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email mePodcast hotline: 206/984-3136Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Many thanks to all of you who are such valuable subscribers and contributors to this podcast. I simply cannot do it without you. You just have to be the very best audience in all of "podcast-dom" -- I just know it! Note

Great leaders often do the small things in big ways. And, many times, this means they do "just a little bit more" than is required. That's what gives them the competitive edge over their competition--that razor's edge! In this episode, we discuss just a few recommendations that, while seemingly small, can make all the difference in our success: Good to GreatPsychology of Winning If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Then, please feel free to send your comments and suggestions by one of the following methods: larry@nctp.com

My guest this episode is from Lee County, Mississippi (my home of Tupelo is in Lee County). As you will hear in this episode, there is another famous person who was born in Tupelo and Sheriff Johnson has some connections to this person's family. During our conversation in Sheriff Johnson's office, he outlined several aspects of what makes an effective leader. He gives several examples of how these principles have been put into action in his life. Links to some of the resources he recommends are given below: Cops-n-KidsIn the Eye of the Storm Sheriff Johnson invites any listeners who have ideas, suggestions, or questions to email him. Or, you may call his office at 1-662-841-9040 If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Then, please feel free to send your comments and suggestions by one of the following methods: larry@nctp.com

Recently, I had an opportunity to sit down with Kristi Brown and talk about several aspects of leadership. The first two episodes have been posted already (Episodes 11 and 12). However ... ...as Kristi and I continued our "off air" conversations, it became increasingly apparent to me that Kristi's compelling, moving story of her bout with cancer would be just the thing for this leadership podcast. As you will hear in this program, Kristi and her husband, Steve, had tried for several years to have children shortly after their marriage 14 years ago. However, they discovered, during a routine check with her doctors, that Kristi had a rare condition known as premature ovarian failure -- which meant that she could not have children. The only possibility of their having children would be via in vitro fertilization. After the passage of time, they tried this procedure and Kristi did, in fact, become pregnant. Now, rather than my telling you the rest of the story, I think you will find it necessary to subscribe to this podcast and hear Kristi's story, as it is unveiled incident by incident. Kristi and I both hope that this episode will be of special encouragement to all ladies that they will visit their health care professional and get regular checkups. Too, this gives me a chance to encourage all men to get checked for not only prostate cancer (perhaps the most common type of cancer peculiar to men), but also for other catastrophic diseases and conditions. Some listeners might think that this program is not focused directly on leadership. Quite to the contrary, when you hear Kristi's testimony, you will recognize how she, as a strong leader, had to dig down and pull herself up by the bootstraps during this time of intense agony. Leaders find themselves in a variety of situations where their emotions and energies are stretched to the breaking point. What do they do? How do they make it through one dilemma after another? What are the characteristics of the effective leader that enable him/her to not only survive, but also thrive in these troubling times? Enjoy this episode, then please send comments, suggestions, and your own stories about how you or a person you know has dealt with catastrophic conditions, as they demonstrated strong leadership abilities. You can call the podcast hotline number (shown below), email me (a link is provided below), or you might want to just record an audio file and email that to me so I can use it in a future episode. If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Then, please feel free to send your comments and suggestions by one of the following methods: larry@nctp.com

My guest again this episode is from Starkville, Mississippi (home of Miss. State University). In this episode, we discuss some of the particular features of leaders we have known, watched, and worked with--both the positive and the negative. Some leaders seem to have an innate ability to lead people or full teams, while others seem to find joy in tearing teams apart. This destructive nature of some leaders--at least positional leaders--gives them a feeling of power. Only the weak leaders feed on power. The strong leaders create power among their people, then they give that power away, quite judiciously, to their team members who exhibit the ability to handle power that comes their way. I feel sure that, as you listen to this episode, you will remember leaders for whom you have worked. But, the key question may be: Are you the kind of leader you really want to be? If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Then, please feel free to send your comments and suggestions by one of the following methods: larry@nctp.com

My guest this episode is , an energetic and enthusiastic young lady who has both achieved and observed leadership in a variety of venues. She is a public relations professional, a certified meeting planner, and an overall "good gal." I believe you will really enjoy hearing the perspective Kristi has on leaders and leadership in several types of organizations. Kristi lives with her husband, Steve, along with her two beautiful white Labs, Sadie and Lily, in Starkville, Mississippi, home of Mississippi State University. I first met Kristi when she was working on staff at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. She had a Mississippi State coaster on her desk, so that initiated a conversation between us. It's funny how just that one instant has brought us back together so many times since then. Subsequent to that, Kristi moved to Starkville, MS (where I lived most of my life and taught at Mississippi State University) and worked in the Chamber of Commerce. Not too long thereafter, she was hired at Miss. State to work in the office of student recruiting and orientation. Naturally, she wanted to further her education, so she enrolled in the graduate program in Instructional Technology and became one of my "prize students." Kristi resigned recently as Vice-President of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership so that she could pursue her new company, UpsideBrown Consulting, where she does not only consulting for companies and public service entities, but also personal life coaching. This is one talented lady! During our conversation in this episode, Kristi recommended several books and audio programs that can help anyone who desires to achieve excellence in leadership. I have provided an easy way for you to click and check out the books below. Boundaries: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your LifeThe Art of Exceptional LivingQBQ: The Question Behind the QuestionThe 5 Dysfunctions of a TeamBattlefield of the Mind If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast so you can receive all episodes automatically. Then, please feel free to send your comments and suggestions by one of the following methods: larry@nctp.com Thank you for being such a valuable member of the Think Like A Leader audience. We now have more than 6,000 subscribers!! Tune in next time for another episode with Kristi Brown.