Cultivating Next-Generation Leaders: Strategies from Dr. Stacy Wellborn

In this episode of Nuts and Bolts of Leadership, host Billy Duren sits down with Dr. Stacy Wellborn, a serial entrepreneur, marketing consultant, and professor at Spring Hill College. Stacy shares how her real-world business experience shapes her teaching, making classroom lessons more practical and relatable for students. She discusses the importance of blending academic theory with real examples, helping students prepare for real challenges after graduation.

The conversation covers how today's students are interested in entrepreneurship and the idea of having control over their careers, including side hustles and the importance of thinking like an owner, even as an employee ("intrapreneurship"). Stacy also touches on the differences between Gen Z and previous generations, especially around setting boundaries and valuing flexibility at work.

The episode dives into why teamwork matters, the value of learning from failure, and the power of vision and communication in leadership. Dr. Wellborn encourages young leaders to embrace continuous learning, seek out new information from multiple sources, and always ask good questions. If you're passionate about leadership growth or want practical tips on preparing for the workforce, this episode is for you!

3 Key Listener Takeaways

1. The Value of Combining Real-World Experience with Academic Theory:

Stacy Wellborn highlights how bringing practical, real-world business experience into the classroom, coupled with academic theory, enhances student learning. She discusses how sharing current challenges from her consulting career allows students to see the direct application (and limitations) of theoretical models.


2. The Importance of Teaching and Embracing Failure:

Stacy stresses the need for young leaders and students to learn how to handle failure effectively. She notes that success often comes from how you respond to setbacks, not just from your initial achievements, and emphasizes that failure offers essential lessons for growth and resilience.


3. Communication of Vision is Essential for Leadership:

Both Billy and Stacy discuss that having a vision isn't enough, a leader must clearly communicate that vision to rally their team. Leaders need to articulate where the organization is headed, how to get there, and each person's role, ensuring alignment and buy-in across the group.


Show Overview

00:00 Leadership Insights Podcast

05:46 From Classroom to Warehouse Insight

07:34 Entrepreneurial Shift for Gen Z

11:09 Balancing Leadership and Contributor Development

15:29 Customer Engagement and Future Vision

19:04 Team Communication Strategies

19:35 Animal Personality Test Insights

24:12 Digital Influence Degree Launch

27:40 Leadership Influence and Role Models

31:39 Empowering Youth for Entrepreneurship

35:50 Gen Z: Balancing Technology and Life

38:28 Embracing Hustle Culture Across Generations

42:22 Impact of Emotional State on Personality Tests

44:06 Understanding My Introverted Energy