The Leader Fast Lane Wed, 27 May 2026 16:26:52 -0500 https://theleaderfastlane.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 The Leader Fast Lane yes 2b6cbc96-856a-511a-885f-70143e517c3b Lane Mears episodic false Lane Mears is Assistant Vice Chancellor for Leader & Culture Development at the Texas Tech University System. In this podcast, he talks with leaders within the Texas Tech System, public service, the private sector, and beyond about their leadership journeys, principles that have guided them along the way, and lessons learned. 


No buzzwords. No shortcuts. Just real leaders sharing real lessons you can apply right away.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Lane Mears https://storage.buzzsprout.com/oimvd7p81z7nyedska4mlwbjj66f?.jpg The Leader Fast Lane The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 16 - with Steve Sosland The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 16 - with Steve Sosland In this episode, I talk with Steve Sosland, Founder & President of Second Mountain Coaching and former Vice Chancellor for Leader & Culture Development at the Texas Tech University System. Steve has decades of experience leading others and training up leaders. There's a lot here for leaders of all stripes. Steve shares:

5:00 - about his Army Ranger experience and what it taught him about leadership

12:21 - his goal to train people for their next role before they are promoted

18:04 - what a values-based culture looks like day-by-day

24:43 - about knowledge hoarders versus knowledge sharers

28:02 - how to build a values culture

44:36 - how "yet" is a powerful word that gives us permission to grow

49:02 - how we have a choice in how we respond to others.

]]> In this episode, I talk with Steve Sosland, Founder & President of Second Mountain Coaching and former Vice Chancellor for Leader & Culture Development at the Texas Tech University System. Steve has decades of experience leading others and training up leaders. There's a lot here for leaders of all stripes. Steve shares:

5:00 - about his Army Ranger experience and what it taught him about leadership

12:21 - his goal to train people for their next role before they are promoted

18:04 - what a values-based culture looks like day-by-day

24:43 - about knowledge hoarders versus knowledge sharers

28:02 - how to build a values culture

44:36 - how "yet" is a powerful word that gives us permission to grow

49:02 - how we have a choice in how we respond to others.

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-19184722 Mon, 25 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500 3338 1 16 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 15 - with Ginger Kerrick Davis The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 15 - with Ginger Kerrick Davis In this episode, I talk with Ginger Kerrick Davis, former NASA Flight Director and Regent at the Texas Tech University System. Ginger is an exceptional leader with practical insight and tips for leaders at all levels. Highlights of this episode include:

2:32 - Ginger's role in the development and success of Artemis II

6:00 - her admonition not to "model yourself" after other but to glean leader tips

7:30 - "leaders come in all shapes and sizes"

13:43 - how to make risk-informed decisions and leave emotion out of the equation

22:26 - psychological safety, and idea killers versus idea boosters in a team

37:56 - "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does great things themself but who inspires and empowers others to do great things."

]]> In this episode, I talk with Ginger Kerrick Davis, former NASA Flight Director and Regent at the Texas Tech University System. Ginger is an exceptional leader with practical insight and tips for leaders at all levels. Highlights of this episode include:

2:32 - Ginger's role in the development and success of Artemis II

6:00 - her admonition not to "model yourself" after other but to glean leader tips

7:30 - "leaders come in all shapes and sizes"

13:43 - how to make risk-informed decisions and leave emotion out of the equation

22:26 - psychological safety, and idea killers versus idea boosters in a team

37:56 - "The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does great things themself but who inspires and empowers others to do great things."

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-19185283 Mon, 18 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2551 1 15 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 14 - with Andrew Natsios The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 14 - with Andrew Natsios In this episode, I speak with Andrew Natsios, Executive Professor at the Bush School at Texas A&M. Andrew shares about his leadership experiences at the highest levels of politics, diplomacy, and higher education. We talk quite a bit about USAID and its legacy as well. Some key points:

2:34 - the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy

5:10 - how leading and managing differ

6:24 - "you can't demand loyalty from you people if you aren't loyal to them"

7:26 - leadership is more about responsibility than authority

11:29 - the importance of getting the real story from on the ground colleagues

20:31 - the two most important roles for senior executives

26:27 - misconceptions about global development

42:04 - leading in ambiguity

]]> In this episode, I speak with Andrew Natsios, Executive Professor at the Bush School at Texas A&M. Andrew shares about his leadership experiences at the highest levels of politics, diplomacy, and higher education. We talk quite a bit about USAID and its legacy as well. Some key points:

2:34 - the experiences that shaped his leadership philosophy

5:10 - how leading and managing differ

6:24 - "you can't demand loyalty from you people if you aren't loyal to them"

7:26 - leadership is more about responsibility than authority

11:29 - the importance of getting the real story from on the ground colleagues

20:31 - the two most important roles for senior executives

26:27 - misconceptions about global development

42:04 - leading in ambiguity

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-19105881 Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2970 1 14 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 13 - with TTU Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 13 - with TTU Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt In this episode, I am joined by Texas Tech University Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt. Kirby shares about:

1:59 - the role of an athletic director

6:31 - leaders he modeled his approach after

10:31 - how he makes decisions in a rapidly changing environment

17:26 - how to assess culture in an organization

19:00 - the guiding principles of the athletics department

20:38 - how to address high performers that may erode culture

24:58 - ensuring decisions align with values despite external pressure

27:43 - what brings him joy about his job

33:19 - personal habits that help him stay sharp

34:24 - how he resets after tough setbacks

37:16 - your attitude and effort are things you can control every day

]]> In this episode, I am joined by Texas Tech University Athletic Director Kirby Hocutt. Kirby shares about:

1:59 - the role of an athletic director

6:31 - leaders he modeled his approach after

10:31 - how he makes decisions in a rapidly changing environment

17:26 - how to assess culture in an organization

19:00 - the guiding principles of the athletics department

20:38 - how to address high performers that may erode culture

24:58 - ensuring decisions align with values despite external pressure

27:43 - what brings him joy about his job

33:19 - personal habits that help him stay sharp

34:24 - how he resets after tough setbacks

37:16 - your attitude and effort are things you can control every day

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-19099600 Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2331 1 13 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 12 - with Carlos Morales The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 12 - with Carlos Morales In this episode, I talk with Carlos Morales, CEO of Caprock Home Health Services. Carlos shares about:

4:26 - his leadership journey

8:21 - the importance of leaders continuously focusing on self-improvement

12:13 - new leaders don't need to know all the answers; instead, build a strong team

21:56 - his default instinct under pressure is collaboration

24:29 - the development of a values-based culture at Caprock, and its effect

31:26 - how to discern values fit for prospective new employees

36:24 - the importance for leaders to have a strong support network

42:51 - great teams have a clear vision & roles, practice extreme ownership, and engage in honest communication & healthy conflict

]]> In this episode, I talk with Carlos Morales, CEO of Caprock Home Health Services. Carlos shares about:

4:26 - his leadership journey

8:21 - the importance of leaders continuously focusing on self-improvement

12:13 - new leaders don't need to know all the answers; instead, build a strong team

21:56 - his default instinct under pressure is collaboration

24:29 - the development of a values-based culture at Caprock, and its effect

31:26 - how to discern values fit for prospective new employees

36:24 - the importance for leaders to have a strong support network

42:51 - great teams have a clear vision & roles, practice extreme ownership, and engage in honest communication & healthy conflict

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-19071773 Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500 3236 1 12 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 11 - with Midwestern State University President Stacy Haynie The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 11 - with Midwestern State University President Stacy Haynie Join me as I speak with Midwestern State University Texas President Dr. Stacy Haynie. We talk about leaders needing to be willing to take punches, how to make difficult, weighty decisions, taking risks, MSU Texas's values of community and people-centeredness, learning from failure, the importance of showing up and being curious, and that control and trust are not friends as a leader. Dr. Haynie is an amazing leader. Take a listen!

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18952560 Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500 3082 1 11 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 10 - with Ken Parker The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 10 - with Ken Parker In this episode, I talk with Ken Parker, Vice President of Learning Innovation at Public Strategies. Ken has four decades of experience in technology and education and has keen insight into issues facing higher education today. We talk about when values are tested in leadership decisions, how difficult moments clarify what matters most, what distinguishes a learning organization from one that just provides training, what hiring for fit means, and how leaders should think about AI.

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18944729 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2933 1 10 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 9 - with TTUS Regent Clay Cash The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 9 - with TTUS Regent Clay Cash In this episode, I am joined by Texas Tech University System Regent Clay Cash. We talk about hard work and humility being keys to success, developing grit, overcoming imposter syndrome, and servant leadership.

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18914087 Mon, 30 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2772 1 9 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 8 - with Jamie McIntosh The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 8 - with Jamie McIntosh In this episode, I talk with Jamie McIntosh, an accomplished senior non-profit leader who shares lessons learned from his time leading work with International Justice Mission Canada, Compassion Canada, and World Vision Canada, among others. We talk about how to make wise decisions with heavy consequences, operating in the tension between mission purpose/passion and operational discipline, how to use AI as a tool, and finding your purpose and taking your shot.

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18871711 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 3198 1 8 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 7 - with Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr. The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 7 - with Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr. In this episode, I am joined by Angelo State University President Ronnie Hawkins, Jr. President Hawkins, who retired from the Air Force as a Lt. General, shares his leadership journey, why he values mentorship, how leadership in higher education differs from leadership in the military, the centrality of character in a leader, how to have difficult conversations, balancing tradition with advancement, and the need to maintain perspective through reading and prayer.

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18819009 Mon, 16 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 3116 1 7 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 6 - with Meredith Imes The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 6 - with Meredith Imes In this episode, I speak with Meredith Imes, Managing Director of Emergency Management at Texas Tech University, where she leads campus-wide efforts in preparedness, response, and recovery.

We talk about the importance of mentors, effective communication and collaboration, the importance for leaders to exude calm in a crisis, leading under pressure, how to have tough conversations, and taking care of yourself.

]]> In this episode, I speak with Meredith Imes, Managing Director of Emergency Management at Texas Tech University, where she leads campus-wide efforts in preparedness, response, and recovery.

We talk about the importance of mentors, effective communication and collaboration, the importance for leaders to exude calm in a crisis, leading under pressure, how to have tough conversations, and taking care of yourself.

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18758010 Mon, 09 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2852 1 6 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 5 - with Sean Litton, CEO Tech Coalition The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 5 - with Sean Litton, CEO Tech Coalition In this episode, I talk with Sean Litton, President & CEO of the Tech Coalition, the organization leading the tech industry’s fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children with over 60 member tech companies committed to the fight. Sean has worked on the front line of child protection for over 20 years, serving as the Global President of International Justice Mission before joining the Tech Coalition in 2021. 

We talk about how to build superior teams (hire smart people, massively empower them, and implement high accountability), how core values drive leadership behavior, the importance of leader self-care, maintaining proper perspective in high-stress situations, continual self-improvement, and focusing on the positive.

]]> In this episode, I talk with Sean Litton, President & CEO of the Tech Coalition, the organization leading the tech industry’s fight against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children with over 60 member tech companies committed to the fight. Sean has worked on the front line of child protection for over 20 years, serving as the Global President of International Justice Mission before joining the Tech Coalition in 2021. 

We talk about how to build superior teams (hire smart people, massively empower them, and implement high accountability), how core values drive leadership behavior, the importance of leader self-care, maintaining proper perspective in high-stress situations, continual self-improvement, and focusing on the positive.

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18756588 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0600 3257 1 5 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 4 - with Ambassador Jean Manes The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 4 - with Ambassador Jean Manes In this episode, I am joined by U.S. Ambassador (ret.) Jean Manes. Ambassador Manes and I talk about looking for leadership opportunities where you are, the importance of self-development, advice for new leaders, having a network of mentors and confidantes, how to implement policies you may disagree with, creating an environment of trust, and more. 

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18707773 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600 3244 1 4 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 3 - with TTUS Vice Chancellor Patrick Kramer The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 3 - with TTUS Vice Chancellor Patrick Kramer In this episode I speak with Patrick Kramer, Texas Tech University System's Vice Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, about leading in different organizational cultures, the power of integrity, and finding the courage to engage in challenging conversations. 

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18637660 Mon, 16 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600 3027 1 3 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 2 - with TTU Provost Ron Hendrick The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 2 - with TTU Provost Ron Hendrick In this episode, I talk with Dr. Hendrick (Provost of Texas Tech University) about leading with integrity, the importance of leaders knowing their people, having difficult conversations, the essentiality of trust on a team and how to build it, and much more. 

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

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18620088 Mon, 09 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0600 2981 1 2 full false The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 1 - with diplomat Alex Ave Lallemant The Leader Fast Lane - Episode 1 - with diplomat Alex Ave Lallemant The Leader Fast Lane podcast shares practical leadership principles drawn from accomplished leaders across higher education, public service, nonprofits, athletics, and global contexts—principles listeners can apply immediately to work and life. In this kickoff episode, Alex Ave Lallemant joins me and talks about his leadership journey from 25 years with the State Department and principles that have guided him.

The views expressed in this podcast represent those of the individuals participating and do not necessarily represent the views of the State Department or the U.S. Government.

]]> The Leader Fast Lane podcast shares practical leadership principles drawn from accomplished leaders across higher education, public service, nonprofits, athletics, and global contexts—principles listeners can apply immediately to work and life. In this kickoff episode, Alex Ave Lallemant joins me and talks about his leadership journey from 25 years with the State Department and principles that have guided him.

The views expressed in this podcast represent those of the individuals participating and do not necessarily represent the views of the State Department or the U.S. Government.

]]> Lane Mears Buzzsprout-18613034 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:00:00 -0600 3638 1 1 full false