In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Jeff Mercer about leadership development in community banking, the Texas Tech School of Banking, and the stewardship mindset required for effective bankers and bank directors. The discussion explores building better bankers, developing leadership through practice, preparing future bank leaders and directors, and the importance of governance, accountability, and lifelong learning.

• How leadership is intentionally developed at the Texas Tech School of Banking.
• The role of stewardship, attitude, and practice in becoming an effective leader.
• Why bank simulations help participants develop both technical and interpersonal leadership skills.
• How bank directors can better fulfill their governance and fiduciary responsibilities.

Jeff Mercer, Ph.D., is the Centennial Bank Chair in Finance, Emeritus, Executive Director of the Texas Tech School of Banking, and Executive Director of the Williams Institute for Community Banking and Finance at Texas Tech University. Dr. Mercer is a partner and principal of McDonald Capital Management LLC, a Registered Investment Advisory firm located in Lubbock, Texas, where he helps direct the firm’s investment research and management of over $360 million in investment assets. Prior to joining Texas Tech in 2002, Dr. Mercer was Director of Investment Research at Ibbotson Associates, a Chicago-based investment consulting firm now wholly owned by Morningstar, Inc. Dr. Mercer, or press coverage of his work, has appeared on or in Forbes, ABC World News This Morning, CNN.com, BusinessWeek, The Wall Street Journal, Barron’s, USAToday, SmartMoney, Financial Times, The MotleyFool, Fox Business News, and The CBS Early Show. Dr. Mercer holds a B.S. degree in Finance from the University of Wyoming, and both an M.S. and Ph.D. in Finance from Texas Tech University.

More about the Texas Tech School of Banking: School of Banking | Rawls College Home | TTU

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

To learn about Eric’s upcoming book (7/31 release date): Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).