One Question Leadership Podcast

@1QLeadership Question: How can leaders in college sports build innovative, business-savvy organizations that still protect and prioritize the long-term wellbeing and development of student-athletes?

Gary Stokan, retiring President and CEO of the Peach Bowl, reflects on his 47-year career in sports and how coaching principles shaped his leadership in college football. He shares his core frameworks—TEAM (teamwork, empowerment, accountability, management), CARE (customer, attitude, relationships, excellence), and ROCKS (relationships, opportunities, competitiveness, knowledge, strategy)—as simple guides for building people-first, business-smart organizations.

Stokan and 1Q guest host, Steph Garcia Cichosz also unpack his ro...

@1QLeadership Question: What exactly is the problem in college athletics?

Sean Frazier, VP of Athletics and Recreation at NIU, discusses how and why the Huskies is restructured its conference affiliations, and also explores how new financial models can help sustain athletics without burdening the institution.

How do you become indispensable to your athletics department and athletics director? 

Charity Anderson, Assistant AD for Scholar-Athlete Success at UC San Diego, joins 1Q's Steph Garcia Cichosz to offer insight into this question after serving for five years as an Executive Assistant to then-Tritons AD Earl Edwards. Anderson discusses the impact of collaboration and how she remains compassionately curious while staying rooted in her core values.

@1QLeadership Question: What role do external partnerships, internal collaboration, and campus engagement play in growing the athletics program's visibility, revenue, and fan base?

From the 2024 PacNet Conference, Phil Wang, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for External Affairs at UC Irvine, talks about his almost 20 years at UCI. His transition from finance to external affairs, and how the department is maximizing automation and innovation with Learfield and Paciolan. 

Wang also covers collaboration with campus, the value of athletics within the university and broader community, and how the department operates with resources that could be considered limited in t...

@1QLeadership Question: How can student-athlete development programs be effectively built and measured within collegiate athletics?

Dr. Marissa Nichols, Sr. Associate AD for Student-Athlete Experience and Director of the Cameron Institute at Cal, shares her approach to creating measurable student-athlete development initiatives—from conducting needs assessments and aligning with institutional strategic goals to setting clear metrics for measuring program outcomes like career placement, mental well-being, and alumni engagement. She also talks about the three skill sets she brings as a college athletics executive:

Nichols, a future TEDx spe...

@1QLeadershp Question: What are some useful elements of cultivation for fundraising in college athletics?

Mimi Hill, Sr. Associate Athletics Director at Hampton University, talks with 1Q guest host Jazmin Elliott about Hill's journey working in college athletics advancement. 

Hill gives a few personal stories involving failure, success, mentorship and much more. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

@1QLeadership Question: How can an internship directly impact your early years as a young professional?

Brandon Fisher, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development at UNT, and Colby Wilson, Assistant Director of Student-Athlete Development at Pitt, discuss the mindset and competencies they learned during the NCAA Post Graduate Internship Program, and now apply during their first full-time job as young professionals. 

When asked where they see themselves in the future. Fisher wants to merge his passion for sport with his passion for leading people, while W...

@1QLeadership Question: What role does leadership play in shaping feelings of inclusion (or exclusion) among Black women in college athletics administration?

Dr. Jennifer Jacobs, Head Volleyball Coach at Augustana University, discusses her dissertation research outcomes after interviewing multiple Black women from all divisions of college athletics. One of the key findings is that the default for leadership is to be exclusionary, meaning helping people feel included is not automatic.

Dr. Jacobs also talked about her fundraising process...

@1QLeadership Question: How can college athletics departments best support student-athletes in navigating the transition out of competitive sports, particularly in addressing the challenges of athlete identity and life after sports?

Caitlin Broadwell, Athletics Case Manager at Long Beach State, discusses the curriculum used in a class for senior student-athletes on campus. The semester long class focuses on values, developing community, find hobbies away from sports, and other foundation building aspects that help athletes feel better prepared for retiring from competition and the inevitable "Athlete Identity Syndrome" that comes with retirement. 

Broadwell, on...

@1QLeadership Question: Are athlete injuries predictable?

Henry Abbott, Founder of TrueHoop, discusses his new book "Ballistic" which follows the story of Dr. Marcus Elliott and the Peak Performance Project (P3). Abbott talks about how Dr. Elliott's research is being used by NBA athletes to prevent injury. Similar to the way biomarkers are used to inform of possible cardiac emergencies, P3 has developed a way to process data about body movement that can detect an impending athlete injury. 

Abbott also goes into the importance of storytelling and its impact on the world of sports...

@1QLeadership Question: Is there a success blueprint for leadership in college athletics?

Dr. Jacqui Schuman, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at UMASS-Boston, asks Anthony Azama, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Director of Athletics at WashU, about his blueprint for success as a leader in college athletics. Azama describes his view on college athletics and its benefits to all involved. 

Both Schuman and Azama were student-athletes a...

@1QLeadership Question: What goes into an effective graduate sport administration program?

Dr. Patty Raube Keller, Sports Administration Graduate Program Director at Boston College, discusses how her background and experiences shaped her approach to building the sports administration program. After working in college athletics, she transitioned to academia to be more present for her daughter. Her doctoral focus was on the marginalization of women in college athletics.

Raube Keller focuses on practical education as all classes in the program are taught by practitioners who work in sports. The program has a heavy emphasis on technical skills...

@1QLeadership Question: Can work-life integration be a necessity when considering future employers?

Yulander Wells, Jr. , Deputy Athletics Director for Finance, Operations, Revenue & Business Strategy at Notre Dame shares how family has been an integral part of his career in college athletics. He also covers how his business background informs his leadership style, especially given Notre Dame's non-traditional approach to athletics.

Wells emphasizes the importance of integrating family into his professional life and modeling this approach for younger staff members.  – One Question Leadership Podcast – Tai M. Brown

@1QLeadership Question: How do you integrate a leadership philosophy that emphasizes collaboration and informed decision-making within an athletics department?

Dr. Jackie Shuman, Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics and Recreation at UMass Boston, discussing her leadership philosophy and approach to decision-making within college athletics. 

@1QLeadership Podcast: What happens when someone who always wanted to be in the background assumes the leadership position?

This conversation initially took place on AthleticDirectorU.com.

Deana Barnes, President at Paciolan, shares insight into her collective leadership strategy and how her longevity with the organization provides her with perspective. The conversation took place after Barnes had been in the position for roughly a year. She talks about vulnerability of leadership, and feeling better suited in the No. 2 position. She also talks about being a former point guard and how it translates in her leadership style. – On...

@1QLeadership Question: Can someone who dropped out of high school excel in college athletics administration?

Randale Richmond, VP and Director of Athletics at Kent State, and Dr. Ron Moses, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director at Old Dominion talk about culture, athlete identity, and leadership. 

Both Richmond and Moses discuss t...

@1QLeadership Question: How does a Vice President of Student Affairs develop a philosophy on college athletics?

Sarah Comstock, VP for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at University of Puget Sound, discusses how she developed her philosophy on athletics after the department was recently reassigned to report to her. She talks about her input in creating a profile for hiring a new director of athletics. Comstock also gives insight into the importance of the position and how athletics fits into the mission of the university.

@1QLeadership Question: How much does an athletics director think about succession planning?

Alex Ricker-Gilbert, Senior Vice President and Athletics Director at Jacksonville University, discusses hiring coaches and succession planning with Lamarr Pottinger, Director of Leadership Development with NCAA. Ricker-Gilbert has a process of identifying assistant coaches that could potentially be head coaches in the future and engaging with them regularly. He also talks about being aggressive with head coaches who show early signs of success, such as extending one Jacksonville head coach to a 10-year contract after his first year.

@1QLeadership Question: Where does passion fit in sales and business development?

Kevin Barefoot, Sr. VP of Business Development for Teamworks, discusses his experiences working in sales for startups. He talks about the culture at Teamworks and the company's growth. After spending a decade with WinAD, a tech startup operating in college athletics, Barefoot now finds himself in a role where he is leading and evaluating people. 

Barefoot takes a consultative approach to sales. He believes i...

@1QLeadership Question: Is there a grieving period after losing your job?

Amber McCray, volleyball coach and sports administrator, shares her introspection after being dismissed from the head coaching position at Louisiana Tech.  Contemplating on what she valued from the experience, what she could have done differently, and where she goes from this point, McCray gives us an inside look into the mind of a coach who is "in transition."

"God will scream at you if you don't listen to the whispers" - Amber McCray

McCray helped build the...

@1QLeadership Question: What does it take to find success in every role?

Kortne Gosha, Sr. Associate AD for Capital Planning at Nebraska, visits with Wesley Abercrombie of Peak Sports to discuss leadership and finding career success. Gosha started his career as a football equipment manager. Since then, he has led an athletics department, hired coaches, raised money, and done a number of other things that has helped the institutions he worked for change for the better. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

@1QLeadership Question: Can working in video production lead to a career in fundraising?

Joseph Walters, Deputy Athletics Director for External Affairs and Chief Revenue Officer at Hampton University describes how his family-owned video production business has helped him to the role he currently holds in fundraising in college athletics. 

Walters explains how the naming rights are applied for significant gifts and talks about his desire to turn the relationships with donors from transactional t...

@1QLeadership Question: What are some of the best ways to communicate change from the leadership and management perspective?

Troy Austin, Deputy Athletics Director for Development at Duke University, discusses his role helping the athletics director manage change. Interviewed by People and Culture Professional Lamarr Pottinger, Austin gives his definition of culture as "how the staff acts within its environment."

Austin believes in leading with clear, candid communication combined with positivity. ...

@1QLeadership Question: Does the adjustment from making decisions to giving suggestions have to be difficult?

Kim Record, Sr. Associate Commissioner & Chief of Staff at the Atlantic 10 (A10) Conference, talks about her adjustment to working with longtime A10 Commissioner, Bernadette McGlade. Record talks about times when challenging conversations are necessary for the team to be effective.

Record also covers learning how to become a team when many people in the...

@1QLeadership Question: Can a team show consistent growth if most of the players come from the transfer portal?

From the 2023 AVCA Convention, Matt Buttermore, Head Volleyball Coach at Omaha, talks about what he valued about the volleyball day matchup, which pitted Omaha against Nebraska and saw record attendance and viewership. He also gives his thoughts on transfers and NIL.

The conversation w...

@1QLeadership Question: Does age matter if someone has the capacity to do the job?

Tangela Cheatham, Deputy Athletic Director for Sport Administration and Senior Woman Administrator at Central Michigan, talks about being trusted with an executive level position at an early age. The woman who hired her, CMU Director of Athletics Amy Folan, was also trusted early in her career. 

Cheatham d...

@1QLeadership Question: Should substance abuse in sports be viewed as more than just a disciplinary issue?

Ryan Cain, CEO of The Hope Desk, and Shelly Mullenix, Senior Associate AD for Health and Wellness at LSU, discuss the mechanics of providing mental health services for former LSU student-athletes. Mullenix talks about studying social work to further impact the people she has served for nearly three decades. Cain gives his story of recovery and how it led him to create The Hope Desk, which serves people dealing with similar issues that he dealt with. 

@1QLeadership Question: What role does a third-party multimedia rights holder play in mending and maintaining relationships with businesses throughout the campus community?

Otis Wiley, General Manager at Michigan State Sports Properties (PlayFly), talks about his experiences in revenue generation, including repairing relationships on campus after the school faced a few tumultuous years in the news. 

Wiley leads by example and e...

@1QLeadership Question: Are corporate partnerships always about advertising exposure?

Jazmin Elliott, Director of Corporate Sponsorships and Marketing at Norfolk State athletics, discusses her thought process when looking for companies to partner with the department. She finds areas of alignment between the company and the university, that go beyond just advertising exposure.

@1QLeadership Question: Can the processes learned throughout your career lay the foundation for entrepreneurial pursuits?

Dr. Jason Penry, Founder of Penry Advisors, spent years working in fundraising in college athletics and on campus in general. Not long ago, he decided to start a business based on the concepts he learned during his career raising money. 

Before branching out on his own, Penry used the same c...

@1QLeadership Question: Do the titles given during your career define your underlying skillset?

Chris McFarlane is the Deputy Athletics Director for External Relations and Business Development at UCF. At a quick glance, his career arc would have him labeled as a fundraiser. With further study, McFarlane's career is actually rooted in building programs.

McFarlane...

@1QLeadership Question: Do winning head coaches need leadership training?

Penny Lucas-White, Head Volleyball Coach at Alabama State, tells her introspective journey learning to be a better leader after 30 years in the role. She decided to invest in her own development by attending a John Maxwell leadership retreat.

Coach Lucas-White shares her excitement for the health of the game of volleyball and considers herself a relational an...

@1QLeadership Question: Can doing your job contribute to your professional development?

Andrew Kearney, Deputy Athletics Director at Nicholls State, discusses how trying to help others on campus has helped him improve his communication skill. He also touches on learning from Division II and Division III institutions in terms of facilities and use of resources.

Helping athletics to be an integral connection between campus and...

@1QLeadership Question: Is it possible to pre-determine if someone will be a good hire?

Brandi Stuart, Deputy AD for Administration and External Operations at Penn State, answers questions about her experience on the NCAA Softball Committee, accepting a job offer, hiring, and her role with the Nittany Lions.

Stuart is very self-aware and leads with a penchant for getting work done at...

@1QLeadership Question: How can core values help with decisions in the workplace?

Raymond Harrison, Senior Associate Athletics Director at NC State, discusses how core values and purpose are integral to how he navigates his career. From deciding whether or not to take a job, to deciding whether or not to hire someone, Harrison checks on value alignment throughout most of his decision making processes.

With...

@1QLeadership Question: What happens when a perfectionist realizes that no one can be perfect?

Jessie Gardner, Executive Senior Associate AD at UNT, discusses her evolution from being a perfectionist to considering herself an achiever. She acknowledges that perfectionism held her back in her prior leadership roles. Gardner gives credit to enneagram, Strengthsfinders, and self-reflection for her leadership self discovery.

Gardner gives examples of her progress...

*New Episode of The Business of Creativity Podcast*

BOCreativity Question: When should an entrepreneur's role change within the company they founded?

Peak Sports MGMT executives, Ryan Holloway (President) and Wes Abercrombie (Vice President), talk about evolving roles within the company. Holloway, co-founder and president, has been the technician, the manager, and the entrepreneur throughout the company's existence. Abercrombie started in an entry-level position and has worked his way up to the #3 executive within the organization. The two hash out roles and responsibilities as Abercrombie's role and influence has grown along with the company.

...

@1QLeadership Question: Is it important to assess a potential head coach's ability to evaluate talent?

Sarah Baumgartner, Executive Senior Associate Director of Athletics at Texas and retired Director of Athletics, Bill McGillis talk about facilitating sports as a college athletics executive. They also cover evaluating talent and the layers involved when hiring head coaches. 

McGillis recently retired from University of San Diego after ser...

@1QLeadership Question: Can for-profit businesses be mission driven and drive profits all while delivering a public good?

Joe Karlgaard, former Director of Athletics at Rice, discusses his current role advising entrepreneurs with Global Silicon Valley, a global education technology company. He talks about the education he is receiving in terms of how for-profit businesses can be profitable while still focusing on purpose.

@1QLeadership Question: Is life different when working at an off-campus job after a career working on campus in college athletics?

Brittney Whiteside, VP of ASP College at Altius Sports Partners, shares her insight on her role at a college athletics adjacent organization and how life has changed without on-campus pressures. Serving on the Board of Trustees at her alma mater, Whiteside also talks about being in a position to provide insight to the leadership at Wright State about athletic matters.

The Business of Creativity Podcast highlights creativity in business leadership, management, and entrepreneurship. For this episode of 1Q, we will listen to a recent episode of The Business of Creativity Podcast.

Urina Harrell started her company, Vox Pop Branding, while she was a student-athlete at Duke. At the time, college athletes couldn't make any extra income as it was before the Name-Image-Likeness movement we see today. Now, 11 years later, she is still focused on the purpose of the company which is to help people grow their businesses using positive impact messaging.

Key insights: Duration: 00:47:37

Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy's girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here. (https://spadesmg.com/tyeDr)

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@1QLeadership Question: Where do you find stability in an industry where instability is rampant?

Deneé Barracato, Deputy AD for Operations and Capital Projects at Northwestern, stopped by 1Q to talk about her role, her career, what keeps her centered, and being a mother working in sports. As a leader in...

Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy's girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here.

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@1QLeadership Question: Can you blend your personality into the responsibilities of your job?

Kyle Adams, Deputy Athletics Director at Delaware State, discusses his role in supporting others in the department in addition to focusing on student-athletes. His background as a basketball coach, involvement in the community, and focus on leadership blend together as h...

Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy's girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here.

The Business of Creativity Podcast highlights creativity in business leadership, management, and entrepreneurship. For this episode of 1Q, we will listen to a recent episode of The Business of Creativity Podcast.

Matt Roberts created a newsletter that almost every NCAA Division I Director of Athletics reads everyday. The D1.ticker is one of the primary sources o...

Get the #GirlDad in your life a perfect gift for Father's Day. Tye The Dreamer is a story about a daddy's girl who has a big heart and bigger dreams. She loves her cat, her friends, and her community. Tye lives with her father who loves and supports her dreams unconditionally. One day he gives her a gift, and they couldn't predict how the gift would influence her ambition. She learns that knowing what she wants and believing in herself are the cornerstones to joy. Written by Dr. Stephany Coakley. Purchase your copy here.

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@1QLeadership Question: What are the elements of an effective student-athlete mental health program?

Dr. Stephany Coakley, Sr. Associate Athletics Director for Mental Health at Temple University, discusses the functions and processes in place that make up the TUWell program. She covers aspects of creating and maintaining an environment for student-athletes to feel comfortable using the services provided. 

Dr. Coakley created and implemented the program for Temple Athletics. For mo...

@1QLeadership Question: How does a coach know when to remove someone from the team?

Leanne Ulmer, Head Volleyball Coach at Carthage College, talks about her experiences leading the team for almost 25 years. She discusses working through athletics director changes, leading the team without a full-time assistant coach, deciding when to remove someone from the team, and celebrating other sports on campus while mentoring young coaches throughout the department.

@1QLeadership Question: How do leadership development, personnel changes, and organizational behavior intersect?

Angie Torain, Director of Athletics & Recreation at University of Chicago, discusses her development as an executive, developing the leaders on her staff, and enhancing the organizational priorities within the department. 

Torain also covers aspects of fundraising, expanding facilities, and expanding her staff to provide better experiences for student-athletes. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

@1QLeadership Question: Are mental health services provided to an institution's athletic alumni?

Ashton Henderson, Deputy Athletics Director at Michigan State, and Renaldo Hill, NFL/College football coach, discuss the transition away from playing sports as a competitor and the impact it can have on former athletes. Henderson describes a new resource at Michigan State for former student-athletes called Alumni STATE of Mind.

@1QLeadership Question: What is the role of an Athletic Certification Officer?

Carol Bonner, Associate Registrar for Athletic Certification and Eligibility at Texas Tech, explains her role on campus and how it supports the athletics by being housed outside of the department. 

Bonner's office is also responsible for managing the research for the NCAA Graduation Success Rates and Academic Progress Rates at the school. She works with over 30 people throughout campus who contribute t...

@1QLeadership Question: Can one brand or symbol represent all of campus, including athletics?

Jason Cook, VP for Marketing and Communications at Baylor University, shares insights on communicating with a specific objective. He also gives us a deep dive into his One Brand Approach to marketing for an institution of higher education.

@1QLeadership Question: Can the Faculty Athletics Representative's (FAR) role overlap with their research and professorial responsibilities?

As a Faculty Athletics Representative at Texas Tech, Professor Brian Shannon is responsible for advocating for student-athlete welfare. While his primary teaching responsibility is contract law, he focuses his policy and research work on mental health law, an area he has been researching for a lifetime due to his family experience with mental illness. 

Professor Shannon explains that mental illness patients often get caught in the criminal justice system without receiving treatment. He also emphasizes the importance o...

@1QLeadership Question: Is the path to the athletics director chair always the same?

Sharief Hashim, Director of Athletics at Susquehanna University stopped by 1Q to talk about his journey from recreation director to college athletics director. From assistant basketball coach to interim athletics director, Hashim has navigated his career through passion and purpose.

Hashim's leadership principles include having empathy, understand your leadership style, and get outside of your comfort zone. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

@1QLeadership Question: What can college athletics teach us about retention rates?

We asked the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire Chancellor, Dr. Jim Schmidt, about the importance of athletics on a college campus. He gave us insight from research done at UW-Eau Claire which says there are key components that exists in college sports that can translate to higher retention if applied to campus in general.

At UW-Eau Claire, Black men who are student-athletes have a retention rate in...

@1QLeadership Question: How does donor feedback and creativity fit in fundraising?

We asked Alvin Hines II, Sr. Associate Athletics Director at FAU, about athletics fundraising. The key topics covered were how his personality fits within the specific niche of athletic development, what is the process of fundraising in an athletics department, and how much input do donors (and potential donors) have in how funds should be used.

...

1QLeadership Question: When should a coach or administrator hire an agent?

Garry Rosenfield, Coaches Agent for Coaches Inc., stops by 1Q to discuss his process for valuing coaches contracts and why he believes agents are an asset in terms of representation.

While many people think agents are only hired for money, jobs, and contracts, Rosenfield believes representation is also necessary for counsel on many of the things required...

@1QLeadership Question: Would an 'NIT type' event make sense considering the new College Football Playoff structure?

Sean Frazier, VP & Director of Athletics at NIU, stops by 1Q to discuss a few items on his mind as college athletics continues to evolve. 

Frazier has led NIU athletics for over a decade and continues to provide insight, mentorship, and leadership in the industry. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

@1QLeadership Question: Is a Division I athletics director job always the goal?

1Q guest host Dr. Monique Carroll of Chicago State asks Point University VP of Intercollegiate Athletics, Jaunelle White, about leading the athletics department at an NAIA institution after a career of working in NCAA D1. 

White discusses building trust with staff, relationships with student-athletes, and hiring as Carroll provides context with questions from a fellow athletics director's perspective. - O...

@1QLeadership Question: Should interns specialize in one area or learn as much as they can about everything?

NCAA Post Graduate Intern (and 1Q guest host) Kendee Hilliard asked Rose-Hulman Athletics Director Ayanna Tweedy about the choice between specialization or getting broad experience during the early developmental years in one's career.

Tweedy brings her insight and experience to the conversation as Hilliard launches her career in intercollegiate athletics. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown<...

1QLeadership Question: How does being a woman in football operations intersect with the servant leader mindset?

1Q guest host Mattie White asked Jashell Mitchell, Chief of Staff for Football Operations at Jackson State, about her roles in football and her progression as a leader in college athletics. With extensive experience in operations and a sharp focus on people and details, Mitchell has been recognized as a Rising Executive in the college athletics industry.

Jashell...

1QLeadership Question: What does it take to be a university's first Director of Athletics?

We asked Darnell Smith, Director of Athletics at Texas A&M-San Antonio, about the process of starting an athletics department. The school did not have varsity sports prior to Smith's arrival. 

Darnell smith started as the only person in the department and has hired everyone who is currently a part of the staff. Culture and leadership development are major a...

@1QLeadership Question: Can personal and professional purpose intersect?

We asked Misty Brown, Assistant Commissioner at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) if her purpose as a professional intersects with her purpose as an individual. She pointed out that the things she loves to do at work coincide with what she loves to do at home:

• Develop relationships that go beyond the transactional nature of work
• Set aside time for intentional focus on your reason for doing what you do
• Understand how your professional purpose impacts your personal life
• Understand how your personal purpose impacts your pro...

@1QLeadership Question: What are the steps needed to create a major giving society for a college athletics department?

Colton Primm, Senior Associate Athletics Director at Louisiana Tech, answered this question based on his experience setting up the Aillet Society on campus:

Primm explains that (at La Tech) the annual fund is used for the general operations of the athletics department, while the major giving society creates long term giving opportunities and is used for...

@1QLeadership Question: What elements are necessary for success in a college athletics department?

During a visit with Tulane University's Deputy Athletics Director, Kortne Gosha, we asked what it takes to build a successful athletics program.

Gosha has experience leading a department and provides a perspective during a transitional period with the recent departure of the Director of Athletics.

@1QLeadership Question: How can Student-Athletes voice concerns about their experiences on campus?

We asked David Chadwick, Founder & CEO of RealResponse, about solving the problem athletics departments faced in receiving real-time, confidential feedback from student-athletes on campus.

Chadwick started the company as an undergrad after playing his final basketball game at Valparaiso. The company has evolved to include professional leagues, NASCAR, corporations, and the general student body on college campuses. - One...

I asked Keiko Price, Associate VP of Campus Life & Director of Athletics at Emory University, about making tough decisions while leading an athletics department. She answered on the topic of student-athlete accusations against coaches:

Price is in her third year leading the department. She also covers the impact and challenges of her responsibilities as Associate VP of Campus Life. The conversation is wide ranging and insightful.

@1QLeadership...

I asked Valparaiso University Director of Athletics, Dr. Charles Small about how social work concepts fit on campus and specifically within college athletics. He covered the concepts below:

We asked Breakthru Brands Founder, Laura Barnard, about common patterns women face during their leadership journey. The company has worked with over 200 clients, primarily women leaders, to elevate their unique contributions and voices. Based on the data and other studies, Barnard identified two gaps senior women leaders deal with as they progress in their careers:

1. Confidence gap: Senior women leaders are less likely to feel confident in their job performance within their careers. 

2. Authority gap: Senior women leaders are less likely to feel heard and trusted in the workplace, they also experience interruptions and doubt i...

On the question of creating a strategic plan, Toledo Executive Associate Athletics Director & COO, Nicole Alderson visits @1QLeadership to talk about her involvement in putting together the strategy for Toledo Athletics. Immediately upon being hired, Alderson was tasked with creating the strategy for success for the department. She gives insight on communicating with campus and tying all aspects of campus together to prepare a successful future. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

On the question of valuing the human element in the workplace, Michigan Associate AD for Communications & PR, Kurt Svoboda, stops by @1QLeadership  to share his insight on growing people, separating work and home identity, crisis communications, and leadership development. Svoboda also gives his thoughts on analyzing failure within the context of issues management. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

On the question of mid-major conference finances, Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Deputy Commissioner, Jessica Grasso visits @1QLeadership to discuss revenue generation, building trust within the conference, and leadership. Grasso gives her insight on what makes the MAAC unique within the industry. She also talks about her philosophy of 'Leading Beyond the W.'  - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

On the question of the Hispanic experience within college athletics, Liz Reyes of Illinois and Ben Rodriguez of Rutgers visit @1QLeadership to share insight and talk about the establishment of the Latino Association for Collegiate Athletics Administrators & Student Athletes (@LA_CAASA). The organization exists to increase representation and opportunities for Hispanics in college athletics. Both Reyes and Rodriguez talk about their experiences and desires for what they have seen and want to see within the industry.

On the question of the role of legal counsel within an athletics department, Ane Debro, Associate General Counsel for Athletics at Ole Miss, visits @1QLeadership to discuss her position. Debro talks about the difference in tempo working in athletics versus working as the general counsel on campus. She gives her insight on how her responsibilities go beyond compliance, which include providing legal answers that help things move a bit faster within the department. The conversation wraps with Debro's thoughts on student-athletes and NIL.

On the question of leadership through a reflective lens, Texas A&M Director of Athletics, Ross Bjork, stops by @1QLeadership to talk about his experiences and understanding the breadth of college athletics. The conversation covers planning for different possible outcomes, letting his emotions impact his actions in the past, and advice to those looking to be in the chair. His five hot button areas for ascending professionals are embracing tradition, understanding the political environment, increasing competitiveness, finances, and adapting to the evolving nature of college athletics. - One question leadership podcast - Tai M. Brown

On the question of creating an environment where mental wellness is a priority, Temple University Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Dr. Stephany Coakley, visits @1QLeadership to discuss the setup for the athletics department. With a purpose of helping people master the mental and emotional aspects of performing consistently at a high level, Dr. Coakley has put education for coaches and staff as a priority within the department. The conversation also covers the difficulty athletes have transitioning away from sports, noting it can take a minimum of 12 months to fully accept the transition. Coa

On the question of NCAA activism, Northern Illinois VP of Intercollegiate Athletics, Sean Frazier returns to @1QLeadership to ponder what the collective group of institutions that make up the governing body of colleg

On the question of managing athletic facilities on campus, Notre Dame Sr. Associate Athletics Director, Timothy Wise, visits @1QLeadership to cover a number of related items. Wise talks about the important areas that get overlooked with planning a facilities operating budget. He gives insight on how someone in his position is evaluated, and covers the pain points when managing up in terms of facilities. The conversation wraps with his involvement in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within the college athletics industry. - One Question Leadership Podcast - Tai M. Brown

On the question of coaching football with her father, University of St. Thomas (MN) student Anna Caruso, joins Head Football Coach Glenn Caruso, to give her perspective of being on the sideline with family. Anna, a current Tommies Softball Student-Athlete, talks about categorizing the coach mindset while playing, and Coach Caruso gives his thoughts on the evolution of women coaching football.

On the question of feeling like a leader, Macalester College Director of Athletics, Donnie Brooks, visits @1QLeadership

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 m

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.

Jeff Mitchell, Deputy AD at Southern MIss, stops by @1QLeadership to discuss topics such as his experience as interim AD at Santa Clara and Southern Miss and creating an atmosphere that is conducive to fact-finding. The conversation also covers putting people at ease during important conversations, how he delineates his opinion from necessary information, writing a text book on leadership and ethics in sport, and his recent professional development experiences.

Long Beach State Deputy AD, Tiffany Edlin, visits @1QLeadership to talk about strategic thinking in the athletics department and on campus. She talks about using her financial background as a catalyst for thinking athletics centered but with a university perspective. The conversation wraps on maintaining relationships and the process of offering off the wall ideas to get things done.