Bonafide Leaders (Tim G Williams)

Tim continues sharing his professional development story, talking about one of the most significant moves he made in his career. He discusses the pivotal moments and challenges he faced when transitioning from a finance-focused role to becoming a major division's head of finance and operations. This discussion unpacks the professional and personal hurdles, including regrets about initial relationship building, the impact of physical and logistical barriers, and the complexities of managing travel and remote work.

Discover how strategic decisions, cultural shifts, and relentless professional development helped him navigate through this demanding role. They also talk about the importance of having a reliable team, the nuances of cross-functional leadership, and how early decisions shaped his success. From systemic changes and managerial responsibilities to building trust and fostering team morale, this episode is packed with insights on effective leadership and personal growth.

This discussion is about the intricate dynamics of making significant career leaps and what it takes to thrive in the face of overwhelming challenges.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Looking back on finding ways to connect with and build better relationships with key stakeholders
• Physical barriers affecting casual communication and relationship-building
• Professional growth and the importance of learning from experiences
• Promoted to vice president and initial job struggles
• Relocation to California and its logistical and financial difficulties
• Navigating hiring and retention in a highly competitive job market in Silicon Valley
• Balancing professional demands with family responsibilities.
• Importance of reliable team members and fostering strong team dynamics.
• Personal struggles without a dedicated administrative assistant.
• Learning an expanded job role, including logistically planning events

In this episode of the Bonafide Leaders podcast, Tim G Williams discusses his definition of success, which consists of six parts. He starts by breaking down the traditional definition of success as a favorable or desired outcome, and then adds the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence. The first three parts of his definition are stuff, titles and power, and experiences. These elements represent a certain level of success, but Tim emphasizes that they should not be the sole measure of success. He then introduces three additional parts of his definition: setting goals and achieving them, knowledge plus application plus relationship, and peace of mind and self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you're capable of becoming.

In this episode of the Bonafide Leaders Podcast, host Tim G. Williams discusses the complexities and nuances of leadership transitions. Covering everything from what leadership transition means, to personal anecdotes of transitions gone wrong, the episode delves into the challenges of change, the importance of communication, and strategies for effective leadership change. With a focus on ensuring minimal disruption and maintaining organizational coherence, Tim shares insights on succession planning, the necessity of overcommunication, and fostering a culture of respect and dignity. Through examples of mistakes and practical tips, listeners are guided on how to manage leadership transitions effectively, ensuring both the organization's and employees' well-being during times of change.

In this episode of the Bonafide Leaders Podcast, host Tim G. Williams discusses five crucial rules for promoting individuals into leadership roles within organizations. These rules include three 'dos': promoting individuals with a track record of leadership and growth, individuals who demonstrate consistent character and integrity, and individuals with strong communication skills and emotional intelligence. Tim also shares two 'don'ts': caution against promoting leaders solely for their technical expertise or big idea generation, and a firm stance against promoting narcissistic, overly arrogant, or selfish individuals. Throughout the conversation, Tim emphasizes the importance of evaluating an individual's ability to inspire and positively influence their surroundings rather than just impressing leadership with technical abilities or charisma. The episode also touches on the concept of the Peter Principle and offers insights into recognizing and nurturing true leadership qualities.

In this episode, Tim welcomes Art L. George Jr., a celebrated leader with an illustrious career at Texas Instruments (TI). Art shares his unique journey from an early engineering role in Sherman, Texas, to becoming a pivotal figure in TI's analog and high-performance linear businesses. Despite facing personal and professional challenges, including a divorce and experiences with racial prejudice, Art's story is one of resilience and determination.

They discuss his strategic career moves, from managing smaller teams to overseeing central business units and eventually joining corporate boards. Art emphasizes the importance of asking for what you want, mentoring others, and the critical role of strong professional relationships. He also discusses scaling management techniques, maintaining work-life balance, and the influence of mentors in shaping his leadership path. He also gives powerful insights on navigating career challenges, fostering authentic leadership, and the power of mentorship.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Managing Precision Analog and Amplifiers and Interface (PAI) and its evolution
• The significance of taking lateral or backward steps for long-term career growth
• Personal challenges including navigating a divorce and the professional implications
• Strategies for handling personal crises in leadership roles
• Transition to a post-TI career with aspirations in public for-profit board service
• Why it is important to ask for what you want in life and get mentorship
• Managing complexity and scaling teams from smaller to larger business units
• The role of mentorship in Art’s Career
• Personal anecdotes about overcoming racial challenges in his career

Tim welcomes Ricky Cortez, CEO of MCA Communications, and talks about his journey from starting as an installer in his family's business to becoming CEO. Ricky discusses the initial challenges of prioritizing personal development tasks like coaching, comparing it to the early difficulties of starting a workout routine. Ricky reflects on the essential role of coaching in his leadership growth despite his initial skepticism. He stresses the need for leaders to be coachable and emphasizes the importance of guiding rather than directing team members, fostering their independence and accountability.

Ricky also talks about the impact of his early work experiences on his leadership style, highlighting lessons learned from labor-intensive jobs. He talks about the importance of understanding and solving core business issues through firsthand experience. The conversation also covers the culture of MCA Communications, which encourages taking initiative, viewing failures as learning opportunities, and the ongoing need for adaptation and growth. Ricky also covers the valuable role of mentorship and support systems in his career, advocating for a balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being as keys to effective leadership.

To learn more about MCA Communications, visit: https://mcacom.com/

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Importance of leaders being coachable
• Labor-intensive jobs shaping leadership perspective
• Understanding core business issues through hands-on work
• Guiding team members instead of giving direct instructions
• Trust and patience in leadership.
• Encouraging initiative and viewing failures as learning opportunities
• Constant adaptation and growth
• Family support in managing business pressures
• Value of having mentors and a solid support network
• Integrating coaching into personal life
• Finding the balance between work pressures and home life

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Bonafide Leaders Podcast, where I explore leadership and its interrelated parts. In this episode, I peel back the layers of what makes a leader truly bonafide, diving into the core principles that underpin effective and genuine leadership, principles like time management. Through a blend of personal insights and practical advice, I’ll discuss how to navigate the challenges of leadership, inspire those around us, and make a lasting impact in our organizations and communities. Join us as we set the stage for a series dedicated to fostering authenticity, integrity, and purpose in the art of leadership.

In this season's premiere, Tim discusses the theme of "making the leap" and explores the intricacies of significant career moves. Tim opens up about his unexpected transition from a thriving director role to a challenging executive position, complete with the hurdles of being younger than his peers, navigating the company's financial cycles, and balancing the arrival of a new child.

Tim also reflects on the importance of mentorship, adapting your skills, and mastering the art of perception management and relationships at an executive level. He shares advice on leveraging tight processes, communicating career aspirations, and driving your own career progression.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Tim's career transformation
• Learning to cope with new changes
• Overcoming self-doubt and creating confidence
• Learning how your role changes as you move higher up
• The importance of communicating aspirations
• The importance of having great mentors

See more at bonafideleaders.com

In this episode of the bonafide leaders podcast, host Tim G Williams embarks on a deep dive into managing and leading change. Drawing from personal and professional experiences, Tim shares insights on defining change, its components (size, agent, and desire), and how it impacts businesses and personal lives. He emphasizes the importance of expecting change, maintaining a positive mindset, and focusing on what one can control. Through discussions on the nuances of accepting, driving, and adapting to change, Tim offers actionable strategies for leaders to effectively navigate change within organizations, including owning the message, utilizing a Socratic approach to address disagreements, and identifying personal stances on change. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for leaders at all levels to understand, manage, and lead change effectively.

In this episode of the Bonafide Leaders podcast, hosted by Tim G. Williams, the discussion focuses on the critical role of commitment in leadership. Tim introduces the concept by exploring why commitment is personally important and its significance for leaders and their teams. He outlines different levels of commitment, ranging from no commitment to 'ride or die' loyalty, and discusses how leaders can identify and foster the right level of commitment among their team members. An illustrative story about a chicken and a pig highlights the difference between contribution and total commitment. The conversation also covers topics such as the importance of asking the right questions to gauge commitment, the impact of work-life balance on commitment levels, and strategies for increasing commitment within teams. Tim offers advice for both leaders and emerging leaders on how to cultivate resilience, grit, and a long-term career perspective. He emphasizes the distinction between genuine commitment and manipulative tactics, highlighting that enduring commitment is essential for significant impact and lasting results in any organization.

Tim welcomes Derick Miller, Irving's Chief of Police to explore the important relationship between leadership, trust, and innovation in policing. They discuss the importance of aligning words with actions to build community trust and emphasize the need for innovation, discussing advances like AI in dispatch. Derick also shares a personal story illustrating the impact of effective emergency response, reinforcing his respect for emergency services.

The episode also tackles career transitions, focusing on maintaining motivation and effectiveness through different career stages. They offer insights into avoiding complacency and embracing challenges, emphasizing the importance of perspective, continuous learning, and compassion when faced with difficult decisions. They also discuss leadership development, the role of middle managers, and the strategic use of emerging technologies like drones and AI to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Resources Mentioned:

- Transitions: Making Sense of Life's Changes by William Bridges

- The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins

- The Curve by Simon Sinek

Key Topics Discussed

• Leadership and Trust in Policing
• Innovation and Opportunities in Policing
• Career Transitions and Challenges
• Importance of Determination
• Self-Reflection and Improvement
• Middle Management Insights
• Community Engagement and Trust-Building
• Use of Technology in Policing
• Financial Management in Police Departments
• Balancing Professional and Personal Life in High-Profile Roles

In this episode of the Bonafide Leaders podcast, host Tim G Williams talks about the intricacies of the hiring and selection process. Tim shares his extensive experience from managing teams at Six Flags of Texas as a teenager to leading recruitment efforts at Texas A&M and national conferences, emphasizing the importance of seeing hiring as a comprehensive strategy rather than just a tactical step. He discusses common mistakes, such as hiring biases and the failure to assess a candidate's fit beyond their resume. Tim introduces a rigorously structured approach to hiring that minimizes bias and predicts job performance more accurately, incorporating a unique calculator he developed to objectively assess candidates. He also highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement, the benefits of reducing turnover, and the overall impact of a well-executed hiring process on business results.

In this episode, Tim discusses the four Cs of hiring: competence, character, culture, and chemistry. He emphasizes the importance of assessing these factors when making hiring decisions. Tim shares insights on how to measure each of these characteristics during the hiring process. He also highlights the benefits of using the four Cs framework, including greater efficiency, reduced attrition, improved performance, and credibility in the organization.

In this episode, Tim G Williams discusses the four stages of every leader's growth journey. The stages are: 1) the "Didn't even know" stage, where leaders are unaware of their development; 2) the "I think I can" stage, where leaders recognize their potential and start taking on leadership assignments; 3) the "I know I can" stage, where leaders have a track record of success and confidence in their abilities; and 4) the "I'm not done" stage, where leaders focus on mentoring and developing others. Tim emphasizes the importance of staying humble, listening to others, and being intentional with time in each stage.

Tim talks to Ellen Barker, a seasoned professional and retired senior VP and CIO of Texas Instruments in this episode of Bonafide Leaders. Ellen shares her journey, highlighting her experiences with coaching, mentoring, and major career decisions post-retirement. She discusses the value of both internal and external mentors, focusing on how each provides unique insights crucial to professional growth. Ellen also reflects on her post-retirement transition, weighing personal commitments like family roles before deciding to join a publicly listed company board, driven by her desire for intellectual stimulation and impact.

Ellen and Tim also talk about pioneering her efforts in advocating for flexible work arrangements, particularly during a time when such practices were uncommon. She successfully negotiated a business plan for telecommuting to balance her professional and personal life, breaking conventional corporate norms. The episode also touches on Ellen's involvement in STEM initiatives, her unique career path, and her approach to managing stress and work-life integration.

To connect with Tim, visit: www.BonafideLeaders.com

Key Topics Discussed:

• Ellen Barker's experience with coaching
• Importance of internal and external mentors
• Career decisions post-retirement and joining a board
• Promoting flexible work arrangements
• Ellen's impact as Tim’s only female boss
• STEM initiatives and gender biases
• Career awareness and education for girls in STEM
• Ellen's approach to managing stress and work-life balance
• Overcoming career challenges and unexpected opportunities
• Relocation challenges and professional growth