Learning From Leaders

In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Warren Tranquada, President and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. From his roots in Toronto to nearly two decades at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Warren brings a wealth of nonprofit leadership experience to Dallas’s thriving Arts District. He shares the moment that first hooked him on live performances, and reflects on how that passion continues to shape his leadership style today.
Warren explores the vital role philanthropy plays in sustaining cultural institutions, explaining how collective support has transformed Dallas into a destination for world-class performances and economic growth. He discusses the Center’s priority of reaching new and more diverse audiences, the unique opportunity the 2026 FIFA World Cup offers to brand Dallas as a global arts city, and how technology is reshaping live experiences. With insights on strategy, partnerships, and the intersection of art and human health, Warren highlights why the arts are essential to both community vitality and personal well-being. Tune in to hear how strong leadership and philanthropy are shaping Dallas’s cultural future.
Episode Details:
Season 2 | Episode 9
Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Guest: Warren Tranquada | President and CEO, AT&T Performing Arts Center
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes. Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice.
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast. However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.” Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System. The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

What if the prescription for better health starts in the kitchen? In this episode of Learning from Leaders, we sit down with Jaclyn Albin, M.D., Associate Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center and founder of its pioneering Culinary Medicine program. A nationally recognized leader in food as medicine, Dr. Albin blends nutrition, education, and clinical care to show how what we eat plays a critical role in prevention and healing.
She shares her personal journey that sparked a passion for integrating food into medical training, from leading classes in UT Southwestern’s teaching kitchens to building one of the nation’s first culinary medicine clinical programs at the UT Southwestern RedBird campus. Along the way, Dr. Albin reflects on leadership lessons she has also learned, like the power of authenticity, persistence in driving change, and meeting people where they are. This conversation highlights how food, community, and innovation can reshape the future of health.
Chapters:
00:00 – Open00:30 – Welcome & Introduction01:36 – Early Inspiration for Medicine02:30 – Food and Medicine Become Personal04:12 – Returning to Dallas & Building Med-Peds06:30 – Bringing Students into the Kitchen08:30 – How to Talk About Food with Patients11:34 – Leading the Charge in Culinary Medicine12:15 – Early Challenges and Lessons Learned14:31 – Yes-And: Integrating Food and Medicine15:46 – Shared Medical Appointments at RedBird18:11 – Partnerships with Food Banks & Churches21:02 – Scaling the Culinary Medicine Model24:16 – Vision for the Future of the Program26:04 – How the Community Can Support29:11 – Leadership Lessons & Authenticity31:13 – Mentors Who Shaped Her Journey34:55 – Rapid Fire: Food, Family & Favorites40:19 – Favorite Restaurant & Closing
 
Episode Details:
Episode 8, Season 2
Host:Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Guest:Jaclyn Albin, M.D. | Associate Professor of Internal Medicine, Pediatric, and Public Health in the UT Southwestern School of Medicine and O'Donnell School of Public Health.Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Mandy Ginsberg and Shar Dubey. These two women are trailblazing executives who each served as CEO of Match Group, the company behind Tinder, Match.com, OkCupid, and Hinge. Together, they reflect on their unlikely paths into tech leadership, building a startup from the ground up, and scaling Match into a global portfolio of brands. Their story is one of risk-taking, resilience, and redefining the rules of leadership. 
Mandy and Shar share candid insights into their complementary styles, the power of asking for help, and why transparency and trust shaped Match’s culture. They also discuss the importance of mentorship, gender equity, and building diverse teams. They offer advice for rising leaders and talk about their continued work in health and wellness, including Mandy’s service on the Board of Southwestern Medical Foundation and involvement with the women’s health app, Flo.
 
Chapters: 
00:00 – Intro 00:56 - Meet Mandy Ginsberg and Shar Dubey 02:00 - How Mandy and Shar First Joined Match 04:07 - Building Chemistry.com from Scratch 06:38 - Lessons in Scrappy Leadership 07:18 - Early Career Turning Points 10:00 - Scaling from Startup to Global Platform 12:21 - Managing a Portfolio of Dating Brands 13:40 - Taking Match Group Public 15:27 - Navigating COVID  17:11 - Lasting Changes from the Pandemic 19:32 - Building a Strong Executive Partnership 21:28 - Creating a People-First Culture 23:53 - Championing Equity in the Workplace 25:53 - Leadership Lessons and Personal Growth 28:11 - Why Shar Never Takes Notes 30:31 - Women in Leadership and the Path Forward 33:15 - Health, Transparency, and Board Service 36:31 - Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders 39:03 - Raising Your Hand and Knowing Your Value 40:21 - Mentorship and Mutual Respect 42:00 - Mandy’s Role at Flo and FemTech Growth 44:00 - Shar’s Work in Mental Health Innovation 45:30 - Why Mandy Joined Southwestern Medical Foundation 47:08 - Corporate Responsibility and Community Impact 48:10 - How to Get Involved and Give Back 50:17 - What They're Most Proud Of 52:32 - Rapid Fire Questions 59:00 - Closing Remarks 
 
Episode Details: 
Episode 7, Season 2 
Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, LH Capital, Inc. / Lyda Hill Philanthropies - www.lydahillphilanthropies.org
Guests:  Mandy Ginsberg | Former Match Group CEO (2017-2020) | www.mtch.com 
Shar Dubey | Former Match Group CEO (2020-2022 | www.mtch.com 
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation - www.swmedical.org
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com 
 
Disclaimer: 
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice.   
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented. 
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated. 

How do we ensure that there is funding to advance medicine? It starts bold vision and is catalyzed by the generosity of donors, but sustaining support for the critical work of our health care leaders requires expertise in stewarding those donations within an investment portfolio. Sarah Fletcher, CFO of Southwestern Medical Foundation, leads a conversation with investment leaders David Haley and Andrew Zach as they explore how the Foundation responsibly manages $1.2 billion in total pooled assets. From navigating market volatility to aligning strategy with mission, this episode offers an inside look at the disciplined approach, long-term vision, and local stewardship driving impact in North Texas and beyond.
Listeners will gain insight into how a carefully structured governance model enables strategic oversight, how private capital and diversification have played a role in endowment growth, and how investment decisions are made with the Foundation’s enduring health care mission in mind.
Whether you're a donor, board member, or fellow steward of philanthropic assets, this conversation underscores the value of intentional, strategic investing.
 
Chapters:
00:00 – Teaser
00:31 – Introduction to the Episode and Guests
01:27 – The Role of the Foundation's Endowment
02:32 – Guest Backgrounds: David Haley and Andrew Zach
05:05 – Evolution of the Endowment and Growth Strategy
07:25 – Navigating Market Volatility
09:12 – The Shift from a 60/40 Portfolio
11:09 – Governance Without a CIO
13:52 – Lessons from Downturns and Rebalancing Strategy
15:40 – The Role of Alternative Asset Classes
18:09 – How Success is Measured: Benchmarks and Peer Groups
21:14 – Aligning Investment Strategy with Mission
22:53 – Principles Behind Manager Selection
24:06 – Local Insight: Carbon and Energy Investments
25:34 – Takeaways for Trustees and Donors
27:15 – Trends and Growth in North Texas
28:04 – AI, Biotech, and Innovation Opportunities
29:25 – Staying Disciplined Amid Investment Fads
31:00 – Site Visits and Hands-On Engagement
33:16 – Avoiding Investment Pitfalls: China and Risk
35:27 – Final Reflections and Key Takeaways
37:48 – Outro and Invitation to Subscribe
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Episode Details:
Episode 6, Season 2
Host:Sarah Fletcher | CFO, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Guests: David C. Haley | President Emeritus of HBK Capital & Investment Committee Chair of Southwestern Medical Foundation
Andrew M. Zach | Sr. Vice President, FEG Investment Advisors
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Aristoi Media - www.ianvanalan.com and Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

What does it take to lead in public health during a crisis and beyond? In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Dr. Richard Hoffman, longtime state epidemiologist and former Chief Medical Officer of Colorado, and Dr. Saad Omer, Founding Dean of the Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern. Together, they explore what it means to serve the public, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they’re preparing the next generation of public health leaders. From vaccine breakthroughs to data-driven community outreach, this episode offers a masterclass in leadership, innovation, and purpose.
Chapters
00:00 – Welcome and Introductions02:00 – What Is Public Health?06:30 – How They Got Started in Public Health10:00 – Excellence for Impact: Building the New School of Public Health13:30 – The Challenges and Opportunities in Texas18:30 – COVID-19: Lessons in Trust, Coordination, and Communication24:30 – Science in Action: Wastewater Surveillance and Innovation33:30 – The Speed of Vaccine Development and Public Health Progress36:30 – Global Vaccines and the Case for a Universal Flu Shot40:30 – Leadership, Mentorship, and Building a Skilled Public Health Workforce46:30 – Mentorship Journeys and Paying It Forward54:30 – Scholarship, Philanthropy, and the Power of Education59:00 – The Future of Public Health: AI, Rural Access, and What’s Next01:05:05 – Rapid Fire Questions
Episode Details:
Episode 5, Season 2
Host: Mason Smith | Steering Committee Member, The Cary Council; Vice President, Actium Group
Guests:Saad Omer, M.P.H., Ph.D., M.B.B.S. | Inaugural Dean, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health at UT Southwestern Medical Center
Richard Hoffman, M.D., | Trustee, Southwestern Medical Foundation; and Former Chief Medical Officer of the State of Colorado.
 
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
 
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

In this special live-audience episode of Learning from Leaders, we sit down with two influential business minds: Drew McKnight, Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Fortress Investment Group, and James “Jim” Litinsky, Founder, Chairman and CEO of MP Materials and JHL Capital Group.
This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Old Parkland’s Debate Chamber in Dallas and moderated by Lili Clark, Vice Chair of The Cary Council and Senior Associate of Lyda Hill Philanthropies | LH Capital. Our guests dissect what is driving the momentum behind North Texas’ explosive growth, the launch of the Texas Stock Exchange (nicknamed “Y’all Street”), and the leadership required to build lasting impact.
Jim shares the remarkable story of how he acquired a rare earth mine out of bankruptcy and turned it into a company vital to the national security of the United States. Drew reflects on the purpose behind the idea of Y’all Street and why Dallas is poised to be the next great financial hub.
This episode explores bold bets, balanced leadership, and what it means to invest in a region’s future. Listeners will also hear candid thoughts on leadership, risk, mentorship, and how values like resilience and brutal honesty have driven these two leaders to success.
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Episode Details:
Episode 4, Season 2
Host: Lili Clark | Vice Chair Committee Member, The Cary Council; Senior Associate, Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Guests:James Litinsky | Founder, Chairman and CEO of MP Materials; Founder and CEO of JHL Capital
Drew McKnight | Co-CEO and Managing Partner of Fortress Investment Group
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Charlie Neil, President of Dallas Trinity FC, to discuss the rise of women’s soccer, the economic impact of sports in North Texas, and the leadership principles behind building a successful franchise.
Charlie shares thoughts on why North Texas is a soccer powerhouse, why investment in women’s sports is essential, and what it takes to create a sustainable, community-driven organization. He also highlights the role of UT Southwestern in player health, the importance of corporate & community partnerships, and how sports can drive economic growth in the region.
Tune in to hear how leadership, vision, and passion for the game are shaping the future of women’s soccer in North Texas.
Chapters & Timecodes:
00:00 – Introduction
Welcome to Learning From Leaders and introduction to Charlie Neil
Overview of Dallas Trinity FC’s mission and vision
04:42 – The Rise of Women’s Soccer & Why Dallas Was the Perfect Fit
Growth of women’s soccer and how Dallas has the largest youth girls’ soccer population in the U.S.
Why the city lacked a professional women’s team and how Trinity FC is filling that gap
05:49 – Why Dallas is a Soccer Hotbed & Its Economic Potential
The longstanding culture of soccer in North Texas and why Dallas is a natural fit for a professional team
How investing in sports drives economic impact, corporate engagement, and community growth
07:50 – Creating a Brand That Represents Dallas
How Trinity FC "owns Dallas" by focusing on the local culture
The importance of the Trinity River and Fair Park in shaping the club’s identity
12:13 – Choosing the Cotton Bowl: A Historic Home for a New Team
Why Trinity FC chose the Cotton Bowl as its home stadium
The logistics and benefits of playing in one of the most iconic venues in Texas
24:38 – Leadership & Investing in Player Health with UT Southwestern
How UT Southwestern partners with Trinity FC to provide top-tier sports medicine and injury prevention
The unique needs of female athletes and why investing in player wellness is critical
25:48 – Why Women’s Sports Need More Community Support
How fans and businesses can help women’s sports thrive
The importance of corporate sponsorships and fan engagement in building a successful team
27:49 – The Long-Term Vision for Women’s Soccer in Dallas
The need for better facilities, training environments, and investment
How Trinity FC is thinking about the next 20-30 years of growth
29:42 – Leadership Lessons from Professional Baseball & Business
How Charlie’s experience in pro baseball shaped his leadership style
Lessons from mentorship, team-building, and sports culture
40:09 – Giving Back to the Community & Inspiring the Next Generation
How Trinity FC is creating opportunities for young athletes
The impact of sports in uplifting local communities
42:00 – Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Charlie shares his hopes for the future of women’s soccer
How fans and businesses can get involved in supporting the team
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Episode Details:
Episode 3, Season 2
Host: Lili Clark | Programming Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Guests:Charlie Neil | President of Dallas Trinity FChttps://www.dallastrinityfc.com/
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
 
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with Jim Keyes, former CEO of 7-Eleven and Blockbuster, to discuss the power of education, embracing change, and the future of leadership in a rapidly evolving world. From growing up in a three-room shack with no running water to leading Fortune 500 companies, Jim shares how education transformed his life and why he believes lifelong learning is the key to success.
Jim shares his first-hand experience navigating disruptive change at Blockbuster and the looming event that would ultimately mean the end of the iconic brand. He shares lessons he learned from his time at 7-Eleven, and his vision for AI in education - including how students could one day step inside an operating room at UT Southwestern through immersive technology.
Additionally, Host Lili Clark and Jim talk about leadership, business innovation, the future of education, flying, sculpting, and more…this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Listen now and follow our podcast for more inspiring conversations.
Show Notes:
Chapters:
01:04 – IntroductionHost Lili Clark introduces Learning From Leaders and welcomes Jim Keyes, a transformational business leader with a career spanning 7-Eleven, Blockbuster, and beyond.
02:14 – The Power of EducationJim shares how education took him from a three-room shack with no running water to the boardroom, and why he believes learning is the key to personal and professional transformation.
04:30 – Overcoming Adversity: Turning Struggles into StrengthsHow Jim’s challenging childhood built his resilience and shaped his perspective on embracing change.
07:14 – Lessons in Leadership from 7-ElevenJim reflects on his time at 7-Eleven, how a pivotal conversation changed his career, and the importance of convenience, innovation, and adapting to change.
08:26 – Embracing ChangeJim talks about how CEO stands for ‘Change Equals Opportunity.’
10:35 – Blockbuster’s Digital DisruptionJim discusses his experience leading Blockbuster during the rise of streaming, what decisions worked, what he would have done differently, and how the 2008 financial crisis altered Blockbuster’s trajectory.
19:30 – Business and Social Good Can Go Hand-in-HandWhy shareholder value goes beyond the bottom line. Jim talks about corporate philanthropy and shares how Education is Freedom, the nonprofit he founded, is making a lasting impact.
26:00 – The Future of Education and AI’s RoleJim presents his vision for the future of learning, explaining how AI and immersive technology could revolutionize education and workforce development.
27:03 – UT Southwestern and the Future of Medical TrainingHow AI and technology could take students inside an operating room at UT Southwestern, offering a next-level, hands-on learning experience.
31:20 – Overcoming Fear Through KnowledgeJim discusses the link between fear and knowledge, and how learning can help leaders and individuals tackle uncertainty and change.
38:50 – The Yoda Philosophy: Overcoming Fear to Achieve SuccessJim shares insights from ancient philosophy and Star Wars, explaining how fear leads to failure, but knowledge leads to hope and success.
44:09 –  Rapid Fire
46:00 – Flying with an Apollo AstronautA once-in-a-lifetime story: Jim flew with Charlie Duke, the Apollo 16 astronaut, and even landed on NASA’s shuttle strip.
47:45 – AI’s Potential to Revolutionize EducationHow Jim is leveraging AI to help shape the future of learning, and why business leaders need to invest in education today.
48:47 – Closing Thoughts & Call to ActionJim shares his final leadership advice: “The Future Is in Your Hands”—so embrace learning, adaptability, and change.
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Episode Details:
Episode 2, Season 2
Host: Lili Clark | Programming Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Guests:Jim Keyes - https://www.jameswkeyes.com/ | www.educationisfreedom.com
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
 
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

In this episode of Learning From Leaders, we sit down with acclaimed journalist and Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Rena Pederson. Known for her trailblazing career and fearless storytelling, Rena shares the fascinating journey behind her latest book, The King of Diamonds: The Search for the Elusive Texas Jewel Thief, a gripping true-crime story about an elusive Dallas jewel thief.
She also reflects on breaking barriers as a pioneering female journalist, offers timeless leadership lessons, and discusses how storytelling connects communities. From interviewing global figures like Aung San Suu Kyi, Laura Bush, Julia Child, and Fidel Castro to investigating an unsolved Dallas mystery, Rena’s insights are both inspiring and thought-provoking.
Subscribe now to hear from Rena and other remarkable leaders driving change in their communities.
Show Notes:
Chapters:
00:50 – Introduction: Meet Rena Pederson and discover her illustrious career.
07:36 – Breaking Barriers in Journalism: Rena’s experiences as a pioneering female journalist.
13:00 – The King of Diamonds: The six-year journey of trying to identify Dallas’s most elusive jewel thief.
25:40 – Leadership in Journalism: Reflections on character, courage, and the changing media landscape.
30:38 – Mentorship and Community Impact: Advocating for diversity and fostering connections.
37:22 – Rapid-Fire Questions: Rena’s favorite memories, interviews, and inspirations.
43:30 – What’s Next: A sneak peek at her upcoming projects and closing thoughts.
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Episode Details:
Episode 1, Season 2
Host: Lili Clark | Programming Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Guests:Rena Pederson - https://renapederson.com/
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Senior Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
 
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.

In this inspiring episode of Learning from Leaders, we sit down with Russell Hayward, a serial entrepreneur whose ventures span coffee culture, global branding, and leading-edge cancer research. Russell shares how his frustration with mediocre coffee led to the creation of Ascension, a Dallas staple redefining community spaces. He then takes us on his unexpected leap into biotech with Etira, a company advancing groundbreaking therapies for therapy-resistant cancers.
Discover how Russell’s passion for innovation, team-building, and community impact has guided his career across industries and continents—from working in advertising in Australia to producing major music events in the U.S., and now leading a transformative effort in Dallas’s growing life sciences ecosystem. Russell also reflects on his leadership philosophy, lessons learned from his mentors, and the importance of giving back to future entrepreneurs.
Show Notes:
Learn more about Etira
Learn more about Ascension
Subscribe for more inspiring stories of leadership and community impact on Learning from Leaders!
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Episode Details:
Episode 9, Season 1
Host: Lili Clark | Programming Chair, The Cary Council; Senior Associate at Lyda Hill Philanthropies
Guests:Russell Hayward, CEO of Etira
Producer: Dustin Magwire | Digital Media Manager, Southwestern Medical Foundation
Videography: Brazos Film & Video - www.brazosfilms.com
 
Disclaimer:
The Southwestern Medical Foundation Podcast is intended solely for educational purposes.  Nothing contained therein constitutes, nor should be interpreted as medical, healthcare, financial or legal advice. 
Southwestern Medical Foundation strives for accuracy in its publications, including the Podcast.  However, due to the nature of the topics discussed, there frequently is not a clear-cut “right answer.”  Consequently, Southwestern Medical Foundation cannot guarantee the accuracy or sufficiency of any information presented.
The views of the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations, nor Southwestern Medical Foundation, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center or the University of Texas System.  The inclusion of any guest or mention of any product or service does not constitute an endorsement thereof, nor of any company, employer, or organization with which the guest, product, or service is affiliated.