Be Kind with Allison Hawk

In episode 5's Living Leadership segment, I was joined by my
teaching partner and outstanding Trinity University alumna
'88, Allison Hawk. Allison is the founder of AHC Consulting
LLC and was previously the Director of Corporate
Communications and Community Outreach at the National Football
League's St. Louis Rams.


Allison highlights how her in and out of class experiences at
Trinity shaped her leadership philosophy and that studying abroad
is the single most important thing any student can do. She says
that great leaders have the ability to learn, the ability to
write, intercultural awareness, and adaptability. Her approach is
to model the way, have an open door, to inspire with a detailed
vision, and make sure that her team has the tools they need to be
successful. 


Allison highlights her own journey through the leadership
labyrinth and tells stories about important mentors who made sure
she was invited into the room AND had a place at the table. She
also eloquently pushes against traditional notions of
success by debunking the myth of
the success narrative. Most importantly, Allison
emphasizes the need to be kind - to others AND to yourself. 


To conclude the episode, I lectured on chapter 14 of the 9th
edition of Peter G. Northouse's "Leadership: Theory and
Practice." During the segment, I discuss the Glass Ceiling and
Leadership Labyrinth metaphors which are used to describe the
intersection of gender and leadership in the sports world. Those
interested in learning more are encouraged to read these two
research articles:


1) Gendered Leadership Networks in the NCAA: Analyzing
Affiliation Networks of Senior Woman Administrators and Athletic
Directors
(request full text here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323505935_Gendered_Leadership_Networks_in_the_NCAA_Analyzing_Affiliation_Networks_of_Senior_Woman_Administrators_and_Athletic_Directors)


2) Passage Through the Leadership Labyrinth: Women’s Journey in
the Collegiate Recreation Profession (request full text here:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352483507_Passage_Through_the_Leadership_Labyrinth_Women's_Journey_in_the_Collegiate_Recreation_Profession)


I hope you enjoy the episode. Drop me a note; I'd love to hear
your thoughts so I can bring them into our class.