In this episode, Tim welcomes Justin Henry to talk about his journey from electrical engineering to law, education, and public service. They discuss the influential figures in Justin's life, including sports legend Jackie Robinson and his grandmother, who instilled resilience and determination in him. Justin shares the challenges he faced during his education and career, including disparities in educational opportunities and the decision to transition from a promising engineering career to joining Teach For America. This decision marked the beginning of his lifelong commitment to educational equity and community service.

Justin recounts his extensive career as a teacher and a corporate attorney, as well as his advisory roles at various organizations. He reflects on the personal costs and sacrifices inherent in leadership roles, the importance of mental health, and maintaining a balance between career and personal life.

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

Key Topics Discussed:

• Influential figures in Justin's life, including Jackie Robinson and his grandmother
• Educational disparities and challenges Justin faced at the University of Texas at Austin
• Career transition from electrical engineering to joining Teach For America
• Experiences and lessons learned as a middle school math teacher in Los Angeles
• Importance of educational equity and community service
• Leadership insights and personal costs of leadership roles
• Mental health and work-life balance strategies
• Impact of the Jackie Robinson Foundation on Justin's education and development
• Networking, building trust, and the significance of relationships in career success
• Justin's decision to run for the Dallas Independent School District Board of Trustees
• Reflections on authenticity and staying true to one's purpose

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

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