エピソード

  • Conversation with Scott Dueser about stewardship and building enduring banking institutions

    Conversation with Scott Dueser about stewardship and building enduring banking institutions
    2026/08/05

    In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Scott Dueser about stewardship, fiduciary leadership, and building enduring banking institutions. They discuss stewardship, relationships, generational customers, governance, culture, performance, and the responsibilities leaders owe to customers, employees, shareholders, and communities.

    • Stewardship as enhancing what has been entrusted rather than merely protecting it.
    • Balancing responsibilities to customers, employees, shareholders, and communities.
    • The importance of generational customer relationships and trust.
    • Board governance, constructive disagreement, and consensus-based decision-making.

    Scott Dueser received a BBA degree in Finance and Accounting from Texas Tech University in 1975 and graduated from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University in 1981. He started his banking career in 1971 and joined First National Bank of Abilene in 1976. He is presently Executive Chairman of First Financial Bankshares, Inc. and First Financial Bank.

    Scott has demonstrated leadership throughout his career, holding prominent positions within key banking organizations. His dedication to the industry is evident through his service as Chairman of the Texas Bankers Association and President of the American Institute of Banking. In 2018, Scott further distinguished himself by serving as Chairman of the International Financial Conference (IFC). Beyond his professional achievements, Scott contributed significantly to higher education, serving on Texas Tech University’s Board of Regents from 2005 to 2009, including a term as Board Chairman during 2008 and 2009. His commitment to excellence has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Rawls College of Business in 2006, Abilene’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Abilene Chamber of Commerce in 2009, and the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at SMU in 2013. In 2014, Scott was honored by the Abilene Council, Boy Scouts of America, with both the Distinguished Eagle Scout and Distinguished Citizen Award.

    He also received numerous accolades in recent years, reflecting his ongoing impact on both the banking industry and his community. In 2015, he was elected to the Texas Bankers Hall of Fame. In 2019, Scott was named Distinguished Alumni by the Texas Tech Alumni Association, further celebrating his lifelong connection to his alma mater. In 2020, the Texas Tech Board of Regents announced the renaming of the Excellence in Banking Program Director Endowment to the F. Scott Dueser Chair for Excellence in Banking. The following year, he was named the F. Scott Dueser Texas Heritage Community Banker by the Texas Bankers Association. His commitment to service continued in 2022, when Scott was honored with the Make Your Mark Award from the Big Brothers, Big Sisters Association and received the Chairman’s Award from the Abilene Chamber of Commerce.

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

    Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

    To learn about Eric’s new book: 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).

    続きを読む 一部表示
    32 分
  • Conversation with Jeff Mercer about "building better bankers"

    Conversation with Jeff Mercer about "building better bankers"
    2026/07/25

    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).

    続きを読む 一部表示
    36 分
  • Conversation with Barry Rowan about stewardship in all of life

    Conversation with Barry Rowan about stewardship in all of life
    2026/07/20

    In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Barry L. Rowan about stewardship of time, relationships, wealth, and about the freedom that comes from recognizing God's ownership of every aspect of life. Barry shares how surrender, open-handed living, and faithful stewardship transform leadership, work, and personal fulfillment.

    • Stewardship extends far beyond money to include relationships, stories, time, talents, and opportunities.
    • Viewing wealth as a gift to be managed rather than a goal to be pursued changes one's relationship with money.
    • The purpose of planning is focus and discernment, not control over outcomes.
    • Stewardship should be experienced as freedom and joy rather than burden and anxiety.

    Barry Rowan is a Harvard Business School graduate who spent his entire career serving in C-Suite roles. He has been instrumental in building and transforming eight businesses, primarily in the technology and communication space, with one selling for $10 billion. His leadership experience spans both private and public companies, including Gogo (the inflight connectivity company), Vonage, Nextel Partners, and Fluke Corporation.

    Based on his belief in giving back, Barry serves on both for-profit and non-profit boards, mentors young leaders, and leads international study trips. His non-profit boards have included InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Seattle Pacific University, Gordon College, the Gonzaga University Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and advisory boards for Harvard Business School. He also served as president of Bellevue Christian School.

    Deeply immersed in Scripture and the classic spiritual writers, Barry is deeply committed to contemplation and prayer which led him to complete a month-long silent retreat immediately following his retirement from a full-time executive career. His friends have dubbed him a “corporate mystic.”

    Barry is married to Linda, his wife of over forty-two years, and they have two adult sons. Together they are now engaged in multiple lines of service including walking with the poor and investing in the next generation of leaders. Their commitment to the poor has taken them to Central America over twenty times. They are members of the National Leadership Council of World Vision and support local organizations breaking the poverty cycle through sustainable programs.

    The Spiritual Art of Business may be purchased at Amazon and at leading booksellers and the free downloadable Discussion Guide may be found at barrylrowan.com.

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

    Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

    To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: 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).

    続きを読む 一部表示
    32 分
  • Conversation with Barry Rowan about The Spiritual Art of Business

    Conversation with Barry Rowan about The Spiritual Art of Business
    2026/07/10

    In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Barry L. Rowan about vocation, stewardship, joy, and the integration of faith and work. Barry reflects on his corporate leadership journey, the origins of his book, The Spiritual Art of Business, and the transformative role of surrender in both life and leadership.

    • Barry describes stewardship as managing God's gifts for the benefit of others.
    • Joy grows out of gratitude and a life increasingly surrendered to God.
    • Retirement is reframed as an encore calling focused on continued service and contribution.
    • Healthy leadership requires deep relationships, forgiveness, and spiritual formation.

    Barry Rowan is a Harvard Business School graduate who spent his entire career serving in C-Suite roles. He has been instrumental in building and transforming eight businesses, primarily in the technology and communication space, with one selling for $10 billion. His leadership experience spans both private and public companies, including Gogo (the inflight connectivity company), Vonage, Nextel Partners, and Fluke Corporation.

    Based on his belief in giving back, Barry serves on both for-profit and non-profit boards, mentors young leaders, and leads international study trips. His non-profit boards have included InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Seattle Pacific University, Gordon College, the Gonzaga University Entrepreneurial Leadership Program, and advisory boards for Harvard Business School. He also served as president of Bellevue Christian School.

    Deeply immersed in Scripture and the classic spiritual writers, Barry is deeply committed to contemplation and prayer which led him to complete a month-long silent retreat immediately following his retirement from a full-time executive career. His friends have dubbed him a “corporate mystic.”

    Barry is married to Linda, his wife of over forty-two years, and they have two adult sons. Together they are now engaged in multiple lines of service including walking with the poor and investing in the next generation of leaders. Their commitment to the poor has taken them to Central America over twenty times. They are members of the National Leadership Council of World Vision and support local organizations breaking the poverty cycle through sustainable programs.

    The Spiritual Art of Business may be purchased at Amazon and at leading booksellers and the free downloadable Discussion Guide may be found at barrylrowan.com.

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

    Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

    To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: 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).

    続きを読む 一部表示
    37 分
  • Conversation with Ash Noah about stewardship, finance, and AI

    Conversation with Ash Noah about stewardship, finance, and AI
    2026/07/05

    In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Ash Noah about artificial intelligence, stewardship, and the future of finance leadership. They discuss AI governance, human oversight, professional judgment, and why stewardship becomes more important—not less—as technology advances.

    • AI will improve business guidance while increasing the need for governance and stewardship.
    • Finance leaders must understand where humans belong in the loop, on the loop, and in the lead.
    • Professional expertise cannot be fully automated and must be developed intentionally.
    • Simulation-based learning may become essential for developing future finance professionals.

    Ash Noah, CPA, FCMA, CGMA, is VP and Managing Director of Learning, Education and Development, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. In this position, Ash leads the Research, Examinations and Learning product development for the Management Accounting Unit. Ash works closely with CFOs and Business Finance Leaders globally, identifying the trends that are impacting practitioners, businesses and the profession in order to ensure that the Association’s Finance Competency Framework, Syllabus, Examinations and Learning solutions remain effective and are producing competencies to operate and remain relevant in the practice of Business Finance. Ash was formerly the CFO of the International Unit of TNT, A global express logistics provider and has led finance transformation in teams across 45 countries. He is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), licensed US CPA and member of the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Ash has a passion for flying and is an avid aviator.

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

    Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

    To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: 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).

    続きを読む 一部表示
    35 分
  • Conversation with Ash Noah about Global Management Accounting Principles

    Conversation with Ash Noah about Global Management Accounting Principles
    2026/06/20

    In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Ash Noah about stewardship, trust, and the unique role finance leaders play in guiding and governing organizations. They explore the Global Management Accounting Principles, responsibilities of CFOs, and why independence, transparency, and ethics are foundational to value creation.

    • The finance function serves two core purposes: business guidance and business governance.
    • Trust, ethics, and stewardship are foundational to effective finance leadership.
    • Finance leaders create value through information, insight, communication, and stewardship.
    • Independence and transparency are essential for maintaining credibility and organizational trust.

    Ash Noah, CPA, FCMA, CGMA, is VP and Managing Director of Learning, Education and Development, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. In this position, Ash leads the Research, Examinations and Learning product development for the Management Accounting Unit. Ash works closely with CFOs and Business Finance Leaders globally, identifying the trends that are impacting practitioners, businesses and the profession in order to ensure that the Association’s Finance Competency Framework, Syllabus, Examinations and Learning solutions remain effective and are producing competencies to operate and remain relevant in the practice of Business Finance. Ash was formerly the CFO of the International Unit of TNT, A global express logistics provider and has led finance transformation in teams across 45 countries. He is a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), licensed US CPA and member of the American Institute of CPA’s (AICPA). He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Ash has a passion for flying and is an avid aviator.

    More about the Global Management Accounting Principles: GMAP 2nd edition

    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; pre-order now): 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).

    続きを読む 一部表示
    35 分
  • Conversation with Drayton McLane, Jr. and Drayton McLane III on stewardship, accountability and joy

    Conversation with Drayton McLane, Jr. and Drayton McLane III on stewardship, accountability and joy
    2026/06/15
    In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Drayton McLane Jr. and Drayton McLane III about stewardship, accountability, and consistency between personal values and public leadership. They discuss teaching through example, transparency, joy, family influence, and the long-term impact leaders leave behind. Why stewardship requires consistency between personal and professional life.How leaders function as teachers through both words and example.The role transparency and accountability play in organizational culture.Why joy and relationships are essential parts of meaningful work and leadership. Drayton McLane, Jr. serves as chairman of the McLane Group and is the former CEO of the Houston Astros Baseball Club. A native Texan, this acclaimed businessman, leader, and generous philanthropist, ensures the focus of all his endeavors are based upon strong Christian values and moral ethics. The grandson of a successful entrepreneur, Drayton experienced firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to successfully thrive in industry. He began developing his tireless work ethic at age nine by working for his father at the family’s wholesale grocery business, the McLane Company. Mr. McLane received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University in 1958 and his Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University in 1959. Upon completion of his formal education, Drayton came back to begin working at the family business loading trucks on the second shift. He worked his way up and by earning the respect and admiration of his co-workers, he became president and CEO of the company in 1964 and held these positions for thirty years. During his tenure, he propelled the McLane Company into a nineteen billion dollar company, achieving an average growth rate of thirty percent per year. Following the McLane Company’s merger with Wal-Mart, Inc. in 1990, he became vice-chairman of Wal-Mart while maintaining his position at the McLane Company. After playing key roles in each of these companies’ growth and productivity, he resigned in order to devote more time to the McLane Group, a parent company consisting of family owned companies operating throughout the world, which until November of 2011 included the Houston Astros where he served as Chairman and CEO. Drayton McLane completed his nineteenth season with the Astros in 2011 when he sold the team. Over the years, their philosophy remained consistent – bring home a World Series championship to Houston and make a positive difference in the community. They were unable to bring home a championship, but they were the first Texas team to make it to the World Series and they also made a very positive difference in the community. Drayton McLane, III graduated from Baylor University in 1996 with a BBA in Marketing, and accepted a position with MBNA America in Dallas, Texas. He worked in the marketing department working with direct promotions, direct mail, and telemarketing teams while at MBNA. After three years with MBNA, Drayton started with Lone Star Plastics (a polyethylene film producer in Garland, Texas) and completed their management training program. Drayton spent a total of six years with Lone Star before coming back home to Temple, Texas in 2006 to work at McLane Group. Beginning in 2008, Drayton III was the purchasing director for McLane Advanced Technologies. He spent his time consolidating purchases within MAT and pulling all McLane Group purchasing together to maximize their buying power. He also has worked as a sales rep for the other McLane Group companies. Drayton III is Managing Partner of McLane Classic Foods, a kettle cook company located in Burleson, Texas. He has been with McLane Classic Foods since 2010. McLane Classic Foods provides an array of kettle cooked food products to national chain restaurants. Since February 2014 Drayton III has served as Chairman of Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports (Formerly Sports in Action) who publish Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine and perform advertising and marketing duties on behalf of Texas UIL, Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: 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).
    続きを読む 一部表示
    14 分
  • Conversation with Drayton McLane, Jr. and Drayton McLane III on stewardship in business and life

    Conversation with Drayton McLane, Jr. and Drayton McLane III on stewardship in business and life
    2026/06/10
    In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Drayton McLane Jr. and Drayton McLane III about stewardship, integrity, and the long-term responsibilities of leadership in business. They discuss how values, accountability, finance, vendor relationships, and organizational culture shape companies that endure across generations. How family values and Christian principles shaped the McLane business culture across generations.Why stewardship requires long-term thinking rather than short-term gain.The role accountability and finance leaders play in protecting organizational integrity.How businesses affect employees, vendors, customers, and communities simultaneously. Drayton McLane, Jr. serves as chairman of the McLane Group and is the former CEO of the Houston Astros Baseball Club. A native Texan, this acclaimed businessman, leader, and generous philanthropist, ensures the focus of all his endeavors are based upon strong Christian values and moral ethics. The grandson of a successful entrepreneur, Drayton experienced firsthand the hard work and dedication it takes to successfully thrive in industry. He began developing his tireless work ethic at age nine by working for his father at the family’s wholesale grocery business, the McLane Company. Mr. McLane received his Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Baylor University in 1958 and his Master of Business Administration degree from Michigan State University in 1959. Upon completion of his formal education, Drayton came back to begin working at the family business loading trucks on the second shift. He worked his way up and by earning the respect and admiration of his co-workers, he became president and CEO of the company in 1964 and held these positions for thirty years. During his tenure, he propelled the McLane Company into a nineteen billion dollar company, achieving an average growth rate of thirty percent per year. Following the McLane Company’s merger with Wal-Mart, Inc. in 1990, he became vice-chairman of Wal-Mart while maintaining his position at the McLane Company. After playing key roles in each of these companies’ growth and productivity, he resigned in order to devote more time to the McLane Group, a parent company consisting of family owned companies operating throughout the world, which until November of 2011 included the Houston Astros where he served as Chairman and CEO. Drayton McLane completed his nineteenth season with the Astros in 2011 when he sold the team. Over the years, their philosophy remained consistent – bring home a World Series championship to Houston and make a positive difference in the community. They were unable to bring home a championship, but they were the first Texas team to make it to the World Series and they also made a very positive difference in the community. Drayton McLane, III graduated from Baylor University in 1996 with a BBA in Marketing, and accepted a position with MBNA America in Dallas, Texas. He worked in the marketing department working with direct promotions, direct mail, and telemarketing teams while at MBNA. After three years with MBNA, Drayton started with Lone Star Plastics (a polyethylene film producer in Garland, Texas) and completed their management training program. Drayton spent a total of six years with Lone Star before coming back home to Temple, Texas in 2006 to work at McLane Group. Beginning in 2008, Drayton III was the purchasing director for McLane Advanced Technologies. He spent his time consolidating purchases within MAT and pulling all McLane Group purchasing together to maximize their buying power. He also has worked as a sales rep for the other McLane Group companies. Drayton III is Managing Partner of McLane Classic Foods, a kettle cook company located in Burleson, Texas. He has been with McLane Classic Foods since 2010. McLane Classic Foods provides an array of kettle cooked food products to national chain restaurants. Since February 2014 Drayton III has served as Chairman of Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports (Formerly Sports in Action) who publish Dave Campbell’s Texas Football magazine and perform advertising and marketing duties on behalf of Texas UIL, Texas High School Coaches Association and Texas High School Football Hall of Fame. For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com. Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever. To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: 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).
    続きを読む 一部表示
    29 分