Next Generation Leader Podcast

"Perseverance and spirit have done wonders in all ages." - George Washington. 

You might know him as America's first President, but do you know the man behind the legend? What separated him from the other founding fathers? Why was he chosen to be the first President of the United States of America? 

Zac has just gotten back from a trip of a lifetime in Virginia, studying the leadership of the founders and especially George Washington. 

This trip answered all of the above questions and more. What was it that separated Washington? - His character. With the help of DBU President, Dr. Adam Wright and DBU professor Dr. Brent Taylor, author of the incredible book, Presidential Leadership, we journeyed through time and studied what made these men great. 

These men, including George Washington, were not perfect but they had the resolve to create the most exceptional country on the face of the earth. I hope you learn something today and are challenged to grow as a leader from the example of George Washington. 

All the NGL Podcast fans were asking for it, so we delivered. It is our first ever Q&A with Zac and Coop. You asked the questions, we gave the answers. Don't take yourself too seriously. 

Michael Atmar is the proud husband of his wife, Erin, and father of his three sons, Case, Declan, and Tate. A fourth-generation Houstonian, Michael is excited to be a part of the mission of Seven Mile Road and longs to see the city of Houston transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Michael is passionate about discipleship, training leaders, and equipping God’s people to use their gifts for the work of ministry. In today's episode, we talk about what it looks like to model our leadership after that of a shepherd. Our conversation is based off the book, The Way of the Shepherd, by Kevin Leman. More importantly, we want to base our leadership on the teachings of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd.  

A four term U.S. Congressman serving Louisiana’s 4th Congressional district from January 2009, to January 2017, John Fleming is also a physician, businessman and former Webster Parish coroner. His public career also includes medical service in the U.S. Navy. His latest role was as the Deputy Chief of Staff in the White House under President Donald Trump. Dr. Fleming was on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic and was able to assist the administration from the perspective of an American citizen, a politician, and a physician. All leaders handle crisis, learn NOW how to handle it in the most positive, efficient, and productive way. 

Dr. J.J. Peterson serves as Chief of Teaching and Facilitation of StoryBrand, as well as co-host for chart-topping podcast Building a StoryBrand with Donald Miller. J.J. is an expert communicator and brand strategist, leading a business that drives leaders to eliminate confusion, connect with customers and grow business -- a method that has been trusted by more than 10,000 organizations including Intel, Pantene and Berkshire Hathaway. In today's episode, we discuss with JJ how the stories we tell has the power to inspire those we lead. Every great story works through a framework, and JJ has harnessed this framework to help businesses thrive. 

A legend and leader in the hotel world, Horst Schulze's teachings and vision have reshaped the concepts of service and hospitality across industries.

Mr. Schulze's professional life began more than 65 years ago as a server's assistant in a German resort town. Throughout the years he worked for both Hilton Hotels and Hyatt Hotels Corporation before becoming one of the founding members of The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company in 1983. There Mr. Schulze created the operating and service standards that have become world-famous.

During his tenure at The Ritz Carlton, Mr. Schulze served as President and COO responsible for the $2 billion operations worldwide. It was under his leadership that The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company became the first service-based company to be awarded the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award — twice.

In 1991, Mr. Schulze was recognized as "corporate hotelier of the world" by HOTELS magazine. In 1995, he was awarded the Ishikawa Medal for his personal contributions to the quality movement. In 1999, Johnson & Wales University gave him an honorary Doctor of Business Administration degree in Hospitality Management.

Most recently, Mr. Schulze has been honored as a “Leader in Luxury” by Travel Agent magazine and its sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor.

After leaving The Ritz Carlton Hotel Company, Mr. Schulze went on to found The Capella Hotel Group. This luxury hotel company managed some of the most elite properties worldwide and gave Mr. Schulze the opportunity to further define the luxury hotel industry, receiving countless awards and recognitions.

His book, Excellence Wins, is one of the most impactful books that Zac and Cooper have ever read. His teaching on service, excellence, and leadership have inspired men and women all across the world. 

Mark 10:45 says, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give his life as a ransom for many." This is the highest calling that any leader can strive for, but what does it practically mean? The world has tried to use servant leadership and explain what it means, but the one true example is Jesus Christ Himself. In today's episode, Dr. Justin Gandy reveals to us what the Bible says about servant leadership and how we can lead like Jesus in a broken and fallen world. Real leaders SERVE, expecting nothing in return. Servant leadership is not serving only with your bottom line in the back of your mind. Strive to serve like Jesus. 

Trey Bowles is a serial entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, and educator. Trey co-founded the Dallas Entrepreneur Center (DEC), a central location for entrepreneurs to learn how to start, build and grow businesses through training, education, mentorship, promotion, and capital investment. In addition to his work with the DEC, Trey worked closely with the Startup America Partnership, a non-profit organization started by Steve Case and the Kauffman Foundation, leading a team of entrepreneurial experts across the country to help high-growth startups find greater success. Trey says that entrepreneurs need three things to survive, courage, persistence, and a little bit of crazy. 

Former Next Generation Leader Podcast guest, April Sprintz, started her own podcast called Pouring into your Business.  Every week, April pours into you and your business by bringing you expert advice from Leaders and CEO's across the globe. She shares life and business changing mindset tips and help you accelerate your business with the principles of The Generosity Culture®. Join her for amazing conversations and learn how to pour into your people, your clients and your community for tremendous growth and success. This week, Zac was her guest and they had a conversation about generational differences and leading the next generation. 

Every leader needs to be surrounded by those who will support and challenge them. Christine Handy is a mother and breast cancer survivor living in Florida​. On May 1st, 2016, Christine released her first book Walk Beside Me, a fictional depiction of her illness and trivial long road to recovery. Walk Beside Me is a novel about cancer, illness, prayer, hope, and the power of friendship—but it’s also about so much more. Don't miss this incredible episode!