Magic in the Room #32- Leadership Challenge with Special Guest Bob Schooley

November 24, 2020

Recurring guest “Dr. Bob” shares with Hannah and Luke the five practices of exemplary leadership based on the research and book by James Kouzes and Barry Posner. Starting with his personal experience of meeting Kouzes and Posner as a young professor at San Diego State University, Dr. Bob describes each of the five practices and how we can apply them in our lives to become the best leaders we can be.

Are leaders born or made? Parents sometimes tell their kids that they are a born a leader, but is this helping them? By contrast, if you had a growth mindset, you would talk about the behavior that would give you the ability to become a great leader and the hard work and effort you put into it.

 

These are just a few reasons why Hannah looks at leadership from a growth mindset where everyone can learn the behaviors it takes to be an effective leader. Even if armed with raw talent, we don’t start as great leaders. But we can all hone our skills and learn to become better at leading our teams.

 

Many mistakenly believe that you need to belong to several stereotypes to be an effective leader. But it’s ridiculous to think that you must be of a specific gender or personality type to succeed. Dr. Bob advises that anyone can become an effective leader, and he has the research to prove it.

 

Dr. Bob also shares how he has many unforgettable memories of when he witnessed the actual moment people blossom in front of you when learning about leadership. Throughout Luke’s career, he has been interested in the subject too. From designing leadership programs and coaching folks to helping people become better leaders.

Everyone has an opinion on leadership, and these opinions seldom resonate with people. Luke would begin by asking, what are the behaviors that you would practice to help you become a leader? But follow up with, here’s an answer and it’s based on research.

In this episode, Luke also shares why he has always have cared about inclusivity, what’s on the horizon, and aligning everyone together on the journey forward. He also shares more about the importance of learning more about meaningful recognition and encouragement, calling out people’s character, and looking for opportunities to help them.

Finally, Dr. Bob warns listeners that you can’t think your way to leadership. Leadership is an affair of the heart. It truly is loving what you do and loving the people around you. If you want to be a successful leader, that’s a requirement. And if you can’t do that, then it’s probably time to look for something else.

 

November 4, 2025
In this episode of "Magic in the Room," Chris interviews board members from the National Native American Human Resources Association (NNAHRA) discussing the power of purpose-driven leadership within tribal organizations. Recorded at the NNAHRA annual conference, they explore themes like courage, vulnerability, accountability, community service, and fostering environments where all employees feel valued and able to contribute. They share how NNAHRA builds a supportive professional network for tribal HR leaders, encourages alignment between individual roles and tribal purpose, and creates space for courageous conversations across governance and enterprise structures. They also discuss future initiatives, including new certifications and the 2026 conference at the Hilton Village in Hawaii. The overarching message: lead with purpose, support one another, and build cultures rooted in respect, courage, and shared responsibility.
By Sarah Whitfield August 5, 2025
In this episode of "Magic in the Room," Luke Freeman sits down with Mike Day, founder and CEO of Tribal Hub. This episode explores the rapidly evolving landscape of tribal technology leadership, focusing on unique challenges and opportunities in tribal enterprises. They unveil the new Certified Tribal Technology Practitioner program, designed to close skill gaps in both technical proficiency and essential soft skills for aspiring and seasoned technology leaders in tribal contexts. Hear insights on building effective teams, coaching, strategic communication, and the importance of understanding tribal culture, sovereignty, and self-sufficiency. Learn how this hands-on certification, from industry assessment to personal development plans and one-on-one coaching, aims to empower leaders to drive transformational change in their organizations. Discover more about the inaugural program at tribalhub.com and why investing in people is key to sustaining vibrant tribal communities.
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