On this episode of Leadership Unscripted with Dr. Greg Steely, we’re joined by Claire Painter, Associate Director of Student Leadership at the University of Central Oklahoma. Claire leads and shapes high-impact programs including the President’s Leadership Council, Leaders of Tomorrow, TEDxUCO, and the Nigh Leadership Academy, equipping students to lead with purpose, clarity, and conviction.

In this conversation, Claire unpacks what it really means to develop student leaders in today’s world. From understanding how Gen Z defines leadership and purpose, to building transformational experiences that extend beyond the classroom, she shares practical insight into how young leaders grow into individuals who influence systems, not just spaces. She also challenges common misconceptions about leadership and highlights the ongoing importance of servant leadership in higher education.

As institutions and organizations look to prepare the next generation, this conversation offers a grounded, forward-looking perspective on leadership development that lasts. Watch or listen now to Leadership Unscripted.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org

Leadership at scale requires more than position, it requires influence that carries across roles, sectors, and seasons. Todd G. Lamb, President of the University of Central Oklahoma, brings a rare perspective shaped by service as a U.S. Secret Service agent, Lieutenant Governor of Oklahoma, and now as a university leader impacting thousands of students.

Joining Dr. Greg Steely on Leadership Unscripted, President Lamb shares how influence shows up in real leadership moments. From the B.R.O.N.C.H.O. Way to leading through complexity, he unpacks how consistent principles guide decision-making across government and higher education. The conversation also explores what it means to lead when alignment isn’t guaranteed and how leaders can still move people and systems forward.

For leaders navigating responsibility, collaboration, and long-term impact, this conversation offers a clear and grounded perspective on influence in action.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, Dr. Greg Steely is joined by Adam Pugh, Oklahoma State Senator and Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. Senator Pugh’s leadership journey spans military service in the United States Air Force, the private sector, and public office, giving him a grounded perspective on responsibility and service.

The conversation centers on what it means to lead when decisions carry real consequences for students, teachers, and families. Senator Pugh reflects on education policy as stewardship, how conviction and collaboration must work together, and why keeping students at the center matters even inside complex political systems.

At a time when public trust and long-term thinking are essential, this episode offers a clear look at leadership rooted in service, discipline, and accountability.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org

Season 2 of Leadership Unscripted begins with a powerful and timely conversation on the foundations of leadership and the future of our nation.

Dr. Dewitt Smith, Executive Director and CEO of Region 18 Education Service Center in Texas, joins Greg Steely for a thoughtful dialogue that bridges education, leadership, and civic responsibility. Drawing from his experience leading at scale, Dr. Smith shares why a strong understanding of the Constitution is not just academic, but essential to developing informed, responsible leaders.

Together, they explore what it takes to raise up the next generation with clarity, character, and conviction. From the role of educators in shaping student leadership to the importance of building a strong foundation early, this conversation challenges leaders to think beyond the present and invest intentionally in what comes next.

If leadership is stewardship, then the next generation is the measure. This episode sets the tone for a season focused on timeless principles and real-world impact.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org

We’re kicking off our Timeless Leadership Principles series with a leader who knows what it means to serve a state, stand firm in conviction, and lead through change.

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, Dr. Greg Steely sits down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the first female governor in the state’s history. Together, they explore what it takes to lead with authenticity under pressure, innovate for student success, and make decisions that impact the next generation.

Governor Sanders shares insights on courage, values, education reform, and the kind of leadership that outlasts trends and politics — leadership rooted in timeless principles that shape character, influence, and impact.

🎧 Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform, and join us for the launch of this powerful series on leadership that lasts.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org

In this special live episode of Leadership Unscripted recorded at IMC, Dr. Greg Steely sits down with Tammy Hoskins, a seasoned leader, speaker, and Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach.

Tammy shares how great leadership begins with authenticity and grows through service, self-awareness, and the courage to lead others with heart. In this conversation, Greg and Tammy unpack what it means to lead with purpose in real time—through challenges, growth, and the pursuit of impact.

🎧 Watch or listen to Leadership Unscripted on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Each episode brings you conversations with leaders shaping the future through integrity, influence, and innovation.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, Dr. Greg Steely sits down with Dr. Eric Mackey, State Superintendent of Education for Alabama, for an unfiltered look at leadership, innovation, and the evolving landscape of public education.

Dr. Mackey shares how Alabama is investing in literacy, workforce readiness, and character development to prepare students not just for college, but for life. He also opens up about the lessons he’s learned leading through challenge, balancing accountability with empathy, and why authentic leadership always starts with listening.

🎧 Leadership Unscripted brings you real conversations with the people shaping the future of education, business, and public leadership. Watch on YouTube or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org

In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, Dr. Greg Steely sits down with South Carolina State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver to explore how leadership, policy, and vision are shaping the future of education in her state.

Ellen shares her journey from humble beginnings in Greenville to leading bold statewide reforms, including her “3 Ps” framework of People, Policy, and Process. Together, Greg and Ellen discuss:
•Why literacy and foundational skills are non-negotiables for student success
•How to balance innovation with equity in education
•The role of parents, teachers, and communities in shaping strong schools
•What it means to lead with conviction, compassion, and courage

🎧 Listen to Leadership Unscripted wherever you get your podcasts, or watch the full conversation here on YouTube.

📢 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations with state leaders, superintendents, and influencers shaping the future of education.

Leadership Unscripted is brought to you by Growing Leaders a program of the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Learn more about Growing Leaders at Growingleaders.com and Maxwell Leadership Foundation by Visiting Maxwellleadership.org