Think Like A Leader

Episode 23: Leaders in Medicine

Fri, 4 Jul 2008 19:38:00 GMT

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.

Dr. Mike O'Dell 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.

Dr. Ed Hill 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 me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunesâ) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Episode 22: Women in Leadership

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:00:00 GMT

Two outstanding ladies join me for this episode -- Dr. Mabel Murphree and Mrs. Doyce Deas -- 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:

The Fred Factor
The Servant Leadership
Five Dysfunctions of a Team
In Search of Excellence
Good to Great
The Rise of the Creative Class
A Whole New Mind

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 me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunesâ) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Learning to Learn

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:10:00 GMT

Are you "learning to learn"?

This is a question that evolves from the basic phrase "learning to learn" that several leading experts in education are pitching around right now. This concept bears some attention: it calls upon us to evaluate what we truly believe about learning.

A foundational construct for our discussion is that we agree that leaders are learners. After all, if a leader were not learning, what would become of that person, over time? Would you like to work for a leader who had decided to stop learning? Would you enjoy being around a leader who found no joy in learning? So, we can agree that great leaders are eager learners.

Will Richardson purports that leaders who are learning not only create situations in which learning is facilitated, but that aggressive, effective leaders will ensure that all in the organization are provided means and mechanisms for connectivity. The real power in the learning comes largely from the power of the learner's network.

Consequently, one of the premier avenues for connected learners is via social networks. No doubt, all readers of this treatise are familiar with the banter about social networks. If you work in a school, you probably have heard the network administrator dictate that no social networking at all will be allowed on the school network. This mandate is reality, even in the face of voluminous documentation that social networking, employed meaningfully and effectively, then monitored by personnel in charge, yields amazing, positive achievement results. In addition, the quality of student work is much greater, as a result of collaborations via social networks. The question becomes, "Why would a network administrator, classroom teacher, or school leader deny student learners the opportunity to expand their education via social networks?"

Perhaps, a surface-level answer could be, "They have stopped learning how to learn." Thus, the students are the ones whose minds are held captive in the lockdown-mentality schools.

So, what are these students--and their teachers--to do, especially when they know the power of social networks and media? The only recourse they have is to conduct their meaningful education activities when they leave the school. Ludicrous, isn't it?

Well, in defense of the school network police, they are often cautioned by superiors to ensure that students are kept safe from dangers that come from being left "open" to the wiles of the Internet. Predators are alive and well--and prey on innocent children. Nasty, filthy content proliferates online. Hate-promoting and race-supremacy web sites can be found quite easily. So, with all the responsibilities of a school technology coordinator, s/he finds it easiest to just clamp down the network and let only the minimum of information through the filter. Sometimes, these coordinators don't like having to block ninety-percent of content available online any more than the students and teachers. However, they perceive that a lawsuit is, metaphorically speaking, lurking around the corner if they allow a single student to be ensnared in some kind of techno-trap.

What do we do about all this? Wring our hands? Disconnect school computers from the Internet, totally? Fret? Fuss? Blame each other? Nurture an environment of suspicion?

That brings us back to the topic of this posting: learning to learn.

In research conducted by the National Center for Technology Planning, the findings revealed that social networks are disallowed from schools based, predominantly, from ignorance by decision makers! Decisions are made, often, as a result of overhearing a conversation about the bad stuff online--or how terrible Facebook is, since it's a breeding ground for teenagers to gang up on other teenagers and engage in cyberbullying.

The effective leader will engage in study of the social media opportunities available to the people in the organization. This process is not merely learning for learning's sake. Rather, this is an advanced process: we must begin, afresh, a process of learning to learn. This takes more time, focus, and critical analysis. Flippant decisions are off-limits. Casual attitudes are cancerous. Devout learning is the vitamin of success.

Join me in a fresh commitment as we learn to learn!

Please leave comments here so others may profit--may learn--from your writings.

Alternatively, please call our hotline (206.984.3136) and leave an audio comment that we can use in a forthcoming podcast.

Episode 21: 2 CEOs talk about leadership

Wed, 9 Jan 2008 17:46:00 GMT

What does leadership mean in a growing community?
What organizations in a community will help young people become stronger leaders?
What are the characteristics you have found among others you consider as leaders that have helped you become a stronger leader?

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:

Take good notes, making sure you capture the key points
Write down any questions and/or comments
Send them to the Think Like A Leader offices.
Contact me if you would like to submit an audio file containing your comments on anything related to this podcast
Let me hear from you (can you tell I really want your feedback and input???)

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 me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunesâ) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Episode 20: Good to Great Review

Sat, 10 Nov 2007 20:57:00 GMT

What a terrific impact Jim Collins' outstanding book, Good to Great has had upon our society!

Curriculum Director and Apple Distinguished Educator, Trang Lai 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:

Take good notes, making sure you capture the key points
Write down any questions and/or comments
Send them to the Think Like A Leader offices.
Contact me if you would like to submit an audio file containing your comments on either the book or the review
Let me hear from you (can you tell I really want your feedback and input???)

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 me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave 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.

Episode 19: Dr. Evangeline Stefanakis--Multiple Intelligences & Portfolios

larry@nctp.com — Fri, 6 Jul 2007 16:25:00 GMT

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:

Make notes
Write down your questions and comments
Send them in to the Think Like A Leader offices.
Contact me if you would like to be interviewed on this topic for a future session -- or if you can recommend an expert in this area.
Let me hear from you (can you tell I really want your feedback and input???)

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 me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave 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.

Episode 18: Part 3 of 3--How Leaders Deal with Adversity

larry@nctp.com — Tue, 22 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

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:

Dr. Sam Pace, MD -- a noted gastroenterologist in Tupelo, MS
Dr. Mary Pace, MD -- a physician who has her own private practice and who deals often with traumatic conditions (also, Dr. Sam Pace's wife)
Vickie Ramsey -- an instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College. She also has authored a book, Humor 'n Healing about her experience with breast cancer.
Kristi Brown -- a popular speaker, author, and life coach. Kristi's book, To Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer, is just hot off the press.

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.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

Email me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave 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: Please pardon the audio quality on these three episodes. When I set up the microphones for this group recording, I made a couple of wrong connections into the mixer; therefore, Dr. Mary Pace was not mic'ed correctly, nor was I. Then, when I finished the first run of post-production, I ran the audio file through the program, Levelator, so it would balance everything. Well, it did a pretty good job; however, you will hear some "dips" during the program when nobody is speaking. Therefore, please pardon these errors of mine. Just listen to the content and don't focus too much on the technical aspects, please.

Episode 17: Part Two--How Leaders Deal with Adversity

larry@nctp.com — Tue, 15 May 2007 04:00:00 GMT

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:

Dr. Sam Pace, MD -- a noted gastroenterologist in Tupelo, MS
Dr. Mary Pace, MD -- a physician who has her own private practice and who deals often with traumatic conditions (also, Dr. Sam Pace's wife)
Vickie Ramsey -- an instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College. She also has authored a book, Humor 'n Healing about her experience with breast cancer.
Kristi Brown -- a popular speaker, author, and life coach. Kristi's book, To Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer, is just hot off the press.

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 me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave 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!

Episode 16: Part One--How Leaders Deal with Adversity

larry@nctp.com — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 04:00:00 GMT

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:

Dr. Sam Pace, MD -- a noted gastroenterologist in Tupelo, MS
Dr. Mary Pace, MD -- a physician who has her own private practice and who deals often with traumatic conditions (also, Dr. Sam Pace's wife)
Vickie Ramsey -- an instructor at Northeast Mississippi Community College. She also has authored a book, Humor 'n Healing, about her experience with breast cancer.
Kristi Brown -- a popular speaker, author, and life coach. Kristi's book, To Walk on Fertile Ground: Extraordinary Living through Infertility and Cancer, is just hot off the press. You'll want to email 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.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

Email me <-- (click on the link)
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave 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: Please pardon the audio quality on these three episodes of this program. When I set up the microphones for this group recording, I made a couple of wrong connections into the mixer; therefore, Dr. Mary Pace was not mic'ed correctly, nor was I. Then, when I finished the first run of post-production, I ran the audio file through the program, Levelator, so it would balance everything. Well, it did a pretty good job; however, you will hear some "dips" during the program when nobody is speaking. Therefore, please pardon these errors of mine. Just listen to the content, please.

Episode 15: The Razor's Edge

Larry@nctp.com — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 19:18:00 GMT

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:

Greet others first
Smile!
Be courteous
Offer help before it's sought
Send cards or letters to offer a word of encouragement, thanks, etc.
Return phone calls promptly
Check your email messages to ensure that they aren't harsh or could be misinterpreted
Read Good to Great by Jim Collins and Psychology of Winning by Denis Waitley. These are just two of the many books I consider essential in a leader's library. Remember, "all leaders are readers."
Seek ways to make others' jobs easier and faster
Value others' opinions
Apologize if wrong has been done. True/effective leaders take personal responsibility for their errant actions.

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:

Email: larry@nctp.com
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave comments by using the link shown below

Are iTunes and iPods evil???

Larry@nctp.com — Sun, 22 Apr 2007 03:25:00 GMT

Recently, I conducted a brief survey of technology coordinators and leaders in 3 states. My purpose was to ask them these questions:

1. Do you block iTunes in your school? (followed by, if so, why not?)

2. Do you allow students to bring iPods to school?

There were a couple more related questions, but the main focus of the survey was to determine to what extent iTunes and iPods are a part of the planned school learning environment.

I'll bet you can predict the responses.

So....what do you think they said? Let me hear from you. You can either shoot me an audio file (MP3 would be great), a voice mail or fax to my hotline number (206/984-3136), or email me.

After you send me some feedback, I will respond with the results. I am open to suggestions from you on how I can expand this survey to more states and/or countries, as well.

Until next time.....be safe!

Episode 14: Sheriff Jim Johnson - Leadership in the Public Arena

larry@nctp.com — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 19:38:00 GMT

My guest this episode is Sheriff Jim Johnson 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-Kids -- a program that collects children's books, then distributes them to children living in abused, neglected circumstances.
Max Lucado's book, In 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

Email: larry@nctp.com
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave comments by using the link shown below

More podcast episodes coming soon!

larry@nctp.com — Fri, 22 Dec 2006 04:28:00 GMT

New episodes coming -- be patient!

As you will notice, I have not published a fresh episode in approximately two months. However, I have three (3) episodes currently in the stage of post-processing and will have them up and ready to go within the next week or so.

Previews:
I recorded an interview with four panelists recently. The topic was "How Leaders Deal with Adversity" and panelists included: Dr. Sam Pace (internal medicine physician); Dr. Mary Pace (Dr. Sam's wife and a general practitioner/family doctor who focuses upon women's health issues); Vickie Ramsey (community college instructor and breast cancer survivor); and Kristi Brown (a panelist on three prior episodes and a cancer survivor).
This was an exciting episode to record. As a matter of fact, it contained so much information that I have decided to split it into two episodes. No doubt, you'll enjoy these episodes.

Another episode on hand is an interview I conducted with Mr. Jim Johnson, Sheriff of Lee County, MS. Sheriff Johnson talked about leadership in the public service arena, including some quite moving stories about how leadership has played a key role in the lives of individuals touched by the work of law enforcement officers.

So, as you see, I have some excellent programs coming soon for your consumption. Thanks for staying subscribed so you won't miss a single episode.

Please feel free to send your input, suggestions, or questions.

Episode 13: How A Leader Deals with Cancer (w/Kristi Brown)

larry@nctp.com — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 04:30:00 GMT

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.

Email: larry@nctp.com
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
Leave comments by using the link shown below

Episode 12: Kristi Brown on Leadership, Session 2

larry@nctp.com — Sat, 9 Sep 2006 02:27:00 GMT

My guest again this episode is Kristi Brown 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?

Email: larry@nctp.com
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3036
Leave comments by using the link shown below

Episode 11: Kristi Brown on Leadership, Session 1

larry@nctp.com — Mon, 28 Aug 2006 19:58:00 GMT

My guest this episode is Kristi Brown, 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 Life
The Art of Exceptional Living
QBQ: The Question Behind the Question
The 5 Dysfunctions of a Team
Battlefield of the Mind

Email: larry@nctp.com
Podcast hotline: 206/984-3036
Leave comments by using the link shown below

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.

Episode 10: Podcasting Clinic, Pt. 3-Mics & Mixers

larry@nctp.com — Tue, 6 Jun 2006 14:11:00 GMT

Great leaders need great podcasts. That is the purpose for this continuing series of informative episodes about successful podcasting.

I conduct an interview with Jeff Sewell, a professional audio/media engineer. Our topics this episode include:

Microphones. Two types: dynamic and condenser. Situations in which one type mic or the other will work best. How to position mics for best pickup.
Most common mic connectors: XLR; 1/4"; USB; and 1/8"
Mixers. Common features on a mixer. How to adjust for proper EQ
Basics of frequency/wavelength -- and how this understanding can aid the successful leader in podcasting

Please send your comments in one of the following ways:

Email: larry@nctp.com
Podcast Hotline: 206-984-3136
Click the "Comment" link below to send comments here on this podcast blog

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

Thank you for being a loyal subscriber and supporter of Think Like A Leader!

Episode 9: Podcasting Clinic w/Jeff Sewell, Pt. 2

larry@nctp.com — Thu, 18 May 2006 03:46:00 GMT

This episode is a discussion between Dr. Larry Anderson, host of Think Like A Leader podcast, and Jeff Sewell, audio engineer and owner of Sewell & Associates.

After a general introduction in the previous episode, Larry and Jeff discuss the basics of setting up a podcasting studio. We use as a starting point, some information of choosing a microphone. Then, we talk about other equipment necessary for a beginning podcast studio. We describe settings on our mixer, then talk more in detail about how mixers can impact the quality of the podcast.

Future sessions will delve more in depth with these issues, then get into a broader expanse of what you need in your podcast "gig bag."

Please send your comments and questions to me via email or you can leave them here by clicking on the "comments" link below. Also, you may call the voice mail hotline at 206.984.3136.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

Episode 8: Podcasting Clinic w/Jeff Sewell, Pt. 1

larry@nctp.com — Wed, 10 May 2006 19:20:00 GMT

In this episode, I interview Jeff Sewell, owner of Sewell & Associates -- audio/multimedia engineering firm -- to set the stage for upcoming episodes when we explore various techniques for becoming a better podcaster.

I asked Jeff to give some background on his experiences in sound engineering, so you could learn what talents he brings to the table and how he might be able to help us all. Jeff's experience covers many years of working with professional musicians, artists, and entertainers; thus, he certainly can work with some of us fledgling podcasters.

Listen to his stories about running sound for such groups as: Geoff Moore and the Distance, Petra, Al Denson, Point of Grace, Anthony Burger (Bill Gaither Homecoming), Dino, Bill Cosby, Reba McEntire, Wynonna Judd, Charlie Daniels, and many, many more.

In coming episodes, we will discuss such concepts as: how to choose a microphone; how to use a microphone properly; how to choose and use a mixer; how to choose good headphones; tips and strategies on wiring; and general information on setting up a small podcasting studio to get the best results.

Please send your comments and questions to me via email or you can leave them here by clicking on the "comments" link below. Also, you may call the voice mail hotline at 206.984.3136.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

Until next time, Think Like A Leader!!

Episode 7: One Word for Leadership

larry@nctp.com — Mon, 1 May 2006 03:30:00 GMT

What one, single word best describes leadership?

In this episode, I report on feedback I received when I asked several people to respond to that question. Recently, I sent out an email message to a few hundred of my contacts, and I asked:

What one word, in your opinion, best describes the notion of leadership? In other words, if you had to boil down leadership into just one word, what would that be?

The responses were intriguing. Here are the first ones I received...and which are reported in this episode:

integrity; but the more I think about it, the word should be servant -- Carol Anne McGuire, California
vision -- Lucy Gray, Illinois
courage, commitment, understanding, direction, shepherd -- Kristen Vassos, New Jersey (these are responses from members of her family)
communication -- Gayle Berthiaume, Minnesota
integrity, commitment -- Dr. Otto Benavides, California
vision -- Joanna Seymour, Iowa
heart-- Tami Brass, Minnesota
creativity -- Jeff Hall, Virginia
relationships -- Robert (Bob) Hudson, Illinois
experimentation -- Patricia Conlan, New York City

Then, there was one more very special submission by Dr. Pat Horn, an Apple Distinguished Educator from Florida. Pat called the Think Like A Leader hotline (206/984-3136) and left an audio message. The crux of her submission is:

vision, dedication, caring spirit, persistence ... but she summed up all this by saying a leader must be "a visionary who leads by doing."

I appreciate all the feedback that you sent in. Now, I am putting out a Call for Help on a few issues:

Book Reviews -- I promised you some reviews of books on leadership and related topics. A few of them have been included in previous episodes; however, I want to give you a great many more. In order to accomplish this, I need some of you to record a brief audio file in which you give a 1-2 minute synopsis of some book that has meant a great deal to you. Send your files to me at larry@nctp.com.
Your Most Admired Leader -- I need you to create a short audio file (30 seconds - 2 minutes) and tell me who your most admired leader is, and why. I would like to play some of these audio submissions on a future episode.
Music for Podcast -- Although I have been using music composed by Ted Scalzo in New York, I would like to get some more of you to send some music that I can use as bumpers/clips/jingles for the: opening; transitions; and closing. I know you are great musicians, so please send me your stuff and we'll highlight it on a future episode.

Please send your comments and questions to me via email or you can leave them here by clicking on the "comments" link below. Also, you may call the voice mail hotline at 206.984.3136.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

Until next time, Think Like A Leader!!

Arizona Conexiones Students interview me @ MEC2006

larry@nctp.com — Fri, 28 Apr 2006 03:10:00 GMT

Conexiones Students Interview Larry Anderson

Perhaps you have listened to the interview I conducted with three students involved in the Conexiones Project that is being operated at Arizona State University. These students are high schoolers who are classified as migrant students. They were so charming, eager, and creative.

However, one of the fun things that occurred at the annual Microcomputers in Education 2006 Conference (MEC) at Arizona State was when these students, functioning as student reporters for the conference, asked if they could interview me. What a thrill for me!

The interviewer is rather hard to hear in the audio; however, I believe you will enjoy listening to this interview. Also, when you navigate to the students' web page, feel free to look around and check out th other things they are doing! Please send them feedback, too, in the form of encouraging words. They worked extremely hard to post this material and could use a hearty pat on the back.

Episode 6: Conexiones Students in Arizona

Larry@nctp.com — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 02:54:00 GMT

I sat down with three high school students during the Microcomputers in Education (MEC) 2006 Conference in Tempe, Arizona, where I was invited to be a keynote speaker. These students are part of a program focusing upon migrant students' use of technology and interpersonal relationships skills. The students talked about their leadership roles, how they perceive leaders, and how the Conexiones Project has helped them succeed in their academic pursuits.

Music for this episode was provided by Ted Scalzo, Bay Area High School in New York. The audio for this episode is quite poor due to the conditions in which we recorded. Plus, I did not have my mixer with me, so we had to use only one microphone and it was highly directional. I pointed the mic at the students rather than myself. Please pardon the quality, but I had to make a decision to go ahead with the recording or to miss this opportunity completely. I chose to record!

If you have not done so already, I invite you to subscribe to this podcast in iTunes (free).

Please feel free to leave feedback or comments here on this blog. Or, you can send me an email. In addition, please call in to the Think Like A Leader hotline at 206/984-3136 and leave a voicemail.

I really do want to hear from you, especially if you have suggestions for improving this podcast or have ideas for future episodes.

Episode 5: David Rumbarger & Mike Clayborne

larry@nctp.com — Sun, 9 Apr 2006 01:17:00 GMT

This episode features two outstanding guests:

David Rumbarger, Executive Director, Community Development Foundation, Tupelo, MS
Mike Clayborne, Executive Director, CREATE Foundation, Tupelo, MS

The three of us gathered in Mike's conference room to discuss elements of leadership that had made the two young gentlemen as successful as they are. As you might imagine, they both were quite modest, seeming unwilling to accept the accolades I offered them. They talked about the importance of each other's organization as a key component in the North Mississippi region's growth. This is one mark of a great leader--a willingness to offer credit to others for the achievements they have engendered.

During our one-hour interview, they discussed the conscious decision by CREATE to host a leadership enhancement program for young leaders in the region. Enhancement was the focus rather than mere development, because they want to make sure they build upon the successes existing in the area, already. Yet another mark of a stellar leader--concern and consideration for those around you!

I asked David and Mike to name some books (or authors) that had meant the most to them. In case you would like to purchase the recommended books, here is a short list:

Please send your comments and questions to me via email or you can leave them here by clicking on the "comments" link below. Also, you may call the voice mail hotline at 206.984.3136.

A SPECIAL THANKS
I want to offer a special word of commendation and thanks to Jeff Sewell, owner of Sewell and Associates, a local audio/video engineering firm. Jeff spent several hours helping me figure out some new equipment I had bought. Plus, he loaned me some new microphones to test. But, the most help came when, after I recorded the session, I couldn't believe how much hiss had been recorded (I definitely didn't have the same thing coming through my headphones as what wound up on the recorder), so he helped me figure how to diminish that with Soundtrack Pro. Please bear with me as I learn proper ways to use this new equipment and software for podcasting.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes.

Episode 4: The World is Flat

larry@nctp.com — Fri, 24 Mar 2006 07:14:00 GMT

It was a normal, sunny morning in Tupelo, MS. I was sitting at my breakfast table, reading the local newspaper, when I noticed an announcement from the Lee County (MS) Friends of the Library. There was to be a noon luncheon held today and the feature was to be a book review by locally-revered citizen, Mr. Glenn McCullough.

Glenn is a former mayor of Tupelo, then resigned when President Bush chose him to become Chairman of the Tennessee Valley Authority. He has testified before U.S. Congress, traveled the entire world as a speaker, consultant, and business leader. Today, though, he was to give a thorough review of Thomas Friedman's highly-acclaimed book, The World is Flat.

Please use this link to buy The World Is Flat.

I invite you to subscribe to this podcast via iTunes. Also, I encourage you to send input and feedback to me via email or call my voicemail hotline for this podcast at 206/984-3136.

Thank you for being such good supporters and encouragers of the Think Like A Leader podcast.

Who is Larry Anderson? & A Book Review

larry@nctp.com — Mon, 20 Mar 2006 04:45:00 GMT

Several subscribers/listeners asked me to tell you a bit about who I am, so the first section of this episode includes a few stories that, I hope, will reveal a bit about why I am so intrigued with the notion of leadership.
Also, I spotlight three individuals who mean a great deal to me, who show me the essence of leadership:

Dr. Bob Phares, Asst. Supt. in the Enterprise (AL) School District
Al Denson, a successful Christian musician, author, radio & TV personality, and entrepreneur. Al is my nephew, but I admire him for his enthusiastic leadership style -- and how he leads others by living his life as a stellar example of excellence
Norma Cother, managing broker for Crye-Leike Realty in Tupelo, MS. I consider Norma a great friend whom I admire for her impeccable ethics. Her reputation for integrity, honesty, and warm personality is sterling. Norma's brand new podcast, Blueprint for Real Estate Success can be found in the iTunes Music Store, as well.

Part Two is a book review submitted by Rae Niles, Director of Technology & Curriculum in the Sedgwick, KS School District. Rae reviews Jim Collins' book, Good to Great.

Please click on this link to buy Good to Great.

A special word of thanks goes to Ted Scalzo for providing the music used in this episode.

Please email me with your comments. Or, call the Think Like A Leader hotline at 206/984-3136.

If you haven't done so already, I invite you to subscribe to this podcast in the iTunes Music Store.

Definition of Leadership: What Do You Say?

larry@nctp.com — Thu, 16 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

As I prepare content for future podcast episodes, I am looking to you for input.

Much has been written, spoken, and conjectured about the topic of leadership. Often, however, those individuals offering their opinions about leadership come from differing vantage points -- having differing definitions of leadership. So, as they talk about being an effective leader, their words are associated with a definition that might not be universal.

So, what is your definition?

What is leadership?
What is a leader?

Please leave a comment here, email me, or leave a voice mail at the Think Like A Leader hotline at 206-984-3136.

Stay tuned for another episode coming in a few days.

Vote for our podcast

Tue, 14 Mar 2006 00:43:00 GMT

Until I get a better way of posting this voting mechanism, please consider using the one below. I am experimenting with some ways to vote for this podcast. I appreciate your helping me with the experiment. Here we go....

Episode 2: Think and Grow Rich

larry@nctp.com — Tue, 7 Mar 2006 15:39:00 GMT

This episode includes a few comments about subscribers, the music that has been contributed, and the book review that follows. Then, we get right into a review of "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.

If you would like to leave voicemail or send a fax, feel free to call 206/984-3136 or email me.

Use this link to buy Think and Grow Rich

Reactions to Episode 1

larry@nctp.com — Mon, 6 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT

I am almost overwhelmed! In less than 48 hours, you have responded so wonderfully to my first episode on this podcast. This tells me several things:

1. You are a dynamic group of professionals
2. You must be the best group of listeners in all of "podcastdom"
3. I feel challenged to make this podcast even better -- even more powerful -- than originally planned
4. I must prepare a second episode soon and get more content flowing your way.

Thanks for your suggestions. Thanks for your support. Thanks for sticking in with me, as a loyal subscriber, until I get a collection of episodes that demonstrate to you what a valuable resource this podcast can be.

Now...please continue sending your comments and suggestions. Also, feel free to check out my other blog at http://nctpcast.blogspot.com or email me.

Episode 1: Introduction to the Think Like A Leader podcast

larry@nctp.com — Thu, 2 Mar 2006 22:58:00 GMT

This is just a basic introduction to our podcast. My main purpose in this episode is to request your help in determining the direction the podcast will take.

While I have many ideas about future programs, I covet your input. Here are a few of the topics that will be covered as time allows:
* NCTP: What is it? Its history. Expansion of services. Future directions
* Interviews with successful leaders -- to determine their secrets of success
* Team building
* Profiles of courageous, successful leaders
* Commentary on crucial issues
* Resources for 21st Century leadership

So, I encourage you to join me in future episodes as we think, learn, and act like the great leaders we are becoming.