In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Kay Lynn McLaughlin about the relationship between the CEO and finance team, drawing on McLaughlin's experience as a lender, controller, CFO, and CEO.

The conversation explores trust, transparency, accountability, disagreements, relationships with auditors and boards, communication within finance teams, the human meaning behind financial numbers, and the importance of protecting time for family.

• The CEO–CFO relationship and the complementary roles of strategic leadership and financial detail.
• Trust, transparency, accountability, and constructive disagreement between CEOs, CFOs, boards, and auditors.
• The importance of communication and relationships for finance professionals and leaders.
• The human side of financial leadership, including the people behind the numbers and the importance of family time.

Kay Lynn McLaughlin began her employment with the Plains Land Bank in March 2010. Ms. McLaughlin holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree, as well as a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of Public Accounting degree, all from West Texas A&M University. She previously served as a Loan Officer, Operations Manager, Controller, and Chief Financial Officer for Plains Land Bank, FLCA. She was promoted to Chief Executive Officer-Elect in March 2021, and has served in the role of Chief Executive Officer since October 2021.

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).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Sandy Brown about stewardship in bank mergers and acquisitions, with particular attention to people, culture, transparency, negotiation, and long-term value creation.

They explore how leaders can steward employees, customers, communities, and shareholders from strategic planning through integration, including the importance of organizational readiness, relationship-building, risk allocation, and finding productive roles for strong people on both sides of a transaction.

• Why M&A leaders should treat employees, customers, communities, and shareholders as important constituencies rather than focusing solely on transaction economics.
• How transparency, early integration planning, and attention to culture can preserve value and help people navigate transformational change.
• The role of business-minded legal counsel in negotiation, risk allocation, emotional management, and moving a transaction toward a constructive close.
• Why leaders should assess organizational alignment and cultural readiness before pursuing M&A and think beyond closing day to long-term outcomes.

Sanford (“Sandy”) Brown counsels and represents financial institutions and specialty finance companies, as well as their shareholders and holding companies, in matters involving state and federal banking laws, regulations, and enforcement actions; in corporate transactions, such as mergers, acquisitions, securities offerings, and holding company matters; and on issues involving cybersecurity, privacy, and identity theft.

Sanford served in the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency from 1987 to 1989. His responsibilities included a wide range of matters relating to the regulation of national banks, including the development of banking policy in the areas of risk-based capital and dividends. He is a faculty member of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking and a frequent speaker at regional and national banking seminars and educational programs.

Sanford is nationally ranked by Chambers USA in the Financial Services Regulation: Financial Institutions M&A category. He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America® in the areas of Banking and Finance and Financial Services Regulation, including in the latter category as the Dallas/Fort Worth “Lawyer of the Year” in 2015, 2017, 2021, and 2024.

Representative experience:

• Counsel to over 200 buyers and sellers of community banks nationwide.
• Counsel to hundreds of community banks in issuing equity and debt securities.
• Counsel to multiple regional banks on numerous corporate and regulatory issues.
• Counsel to two bank holding companies on Section 363 transactions.
• Regulatory counsel to several specialty finance companies.

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).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Ryan McCool about selfless leadership, the leadership lessons Ryan drew from his experience as a U.S. Marine Corps officer, and the ideas behind his book, It's Not About You! Discovering Selfless Leadership. The conversation explores connecting everyday work to a greater purpose, respecting employees' personal time, taking accountability rather than assigning blame, understanding leadership as a burden and responsibility to others, and practicing humility.

• Ryan's Marine Corps experience shaped a leadership philosophy centered on removing the focus from the leader and putting it on the people being led.
• Leaders can sustain motivation by helping people see how their everyday work contributes to a larger mission and greater purpose.
• Respect for employees includes protecting their personal time and thinking through how well-intentioned leadership decisions affect their lives.
• Effective leaders accept accountability, treat leadership as a serious responsibility, and practice humility rather than relying on status or authority.

Ryan McCool served for four years in the Unites States Marine Corps as an Aviation Logistics Officer. That experience firmly shaped his selfless leadership philosophy. Following his time on active duty, Ryan received his MBA in Strategic Leadership from Penn State University. He has over ten years of corporate experience as a leader in the Supply Chain Management field. Observing a need for selfless leadership training in the corporate space, Ryan founded McCool Leadership Development to instill selfless leadership principles in businesses. He recently authored a book titled It’s Not About You! Discovering Selfless Leadership. More about Ryan: McCool Leadership Development

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).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Paul Barnhurst about the evolving role of FP&A (financial planning and analysis) professionals, stewardship in financial leadership, and how finance can create greater value through sound analysis, business partnership, and wise decision-making. They discuss technical excellence, AI, empathy, operational understanding, communication, burnout, and the importance of presenting thoughtful recommendations rather than simply reporting numbers.

• How curiosity, empathy, and operational understanding distinguish exceptional FP&A professionals.
• The opportunities and risks AI creates for finance teams, including the need for strong data foundations and governance.
• Why stewardship requires finance leaders to consider both financial outcomes and the people affected by business decisions.
• Practical guidance for presenting analysis, influencing decisions, and partnering effectively with business leaders.

Paul Barnhurst, The FP&A Guy, is a highly respected FP&A (Financial Planning and Analysis) professional, corporate trainer, consultant, and dynamic public speaker. As the founder of www.thefpandaguy.com, Paul is committed to sharing expert knowledge and resources in the field of finance, helping both individuals and organizations enhance their financial planning and business strategy capabilities.

Paul’s academic credentials include a Master of Science in Information Management and an MBA in Finance. He also holds the prestigious FPAC (Financial Planning & Analysis Certified Professional) certification from AFP, and the FPAP (Financial Planning and Analysis Professional) from CFI and is recognized as an Advanced Finance Modeler (AFM) by the Financial Modeling Institute (FMI). These qualifications reflect his dedication to mastering the technical and strategic elements of financial planning.

In addition, Paul has earned the elite distinction of Microsoft MVP for his excellence with Microsoft Excel, demonstrating his ability to harness and teach the advanced capabilities of the software, a key tool in the FP&A profession. As a recognized thought leader in the FP&A community, Paul regularly engages with his audience of over 100,000 LinkedIn followers, providing valuable insights, best practices, and tools to optimize financial processes.

More about Paul: www.thefpandaguy.com

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).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Scott Dueser about building an enduring culture of exceptional customer service, leadership, and stewardship at First Financial Bank. They discuss intentional culture-building, employee development, customer care, leadership training, hiring, teamwork, and creating joy through people-centered leadership.

• How First Financial Bank developed and reinforced its 21 non-negotiables.
• The role of onboarding, leadership development, and continuous training.
• Why customer service standards and teamwork shape organizational culture.
• Selecting the right people and creating joyful, people-centered workplaces.

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).

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).

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).

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).