S2 E10 - Building Trust Before Consensus with Cheri Bustos

Oklahoma State Senator Paul Rosino spent 25 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer, before becoming a small business owner, a youth coach, and in 2017, the senator for Oklahoma's District 45. As chair of Health and Human Services, he has built his work around three groups he says have the least voice at the Capitol: children, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and the elderly.In this conversation with Dr. Greg Steely, Senator Rosino draws a hard line between managing people and actually leading them. He shares what a Navy wing commander taught him about investing in the people you lead, the counsel he gives every young person he meets — "say what you mean, mean what you say, and walk the walk" — and how he adapted his leadership across the Navy, real estate, and a 48-member Senate without trading away honesty, respect, or integrity. Asked whether the next generation is ready to lead, his answer is direct: they are ready, and they're hungry for it.The through line is what it costs to lead when nobody is watching. Rosino spent nearly six years driving Oklahoma's IDD services wait list from 13 years down to two, built a clothing closet so students from a low-income district could page at the Capitol, and still says he isn't a legacy builder. He just does right by people and lets the legacy follow. You don't want to miss it!.. Listen Now!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

Delaware State Senator Russ Huxtable represents the state's Sixth Senate District, serving communities including Milton, Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. Long before he was elected in 2022, he spent more than two decades in nonprofit affordable housing and community development — work that started as a high school student volunteering with the Appalachia Service Project, making homes warmer, safer and drier.In this conversation with Dr. Greg Steely, Senator Huxtable makes the case that leadership has far less to do with titles than with proximity. He talks about what communities lost when civic engagement moved from the street corner to the feed, why the next generation needs real spaces to gather and serve, and why he resists mandating service hours for students already helping their families make ends meet. He also shares the moment a woman told him it had rained all night and she never knew it — and what a repaired roof means for a child's next school day, or a teacher's.For leaders operating at scale, this one lands close to the ground. Student success, workforce readiness and community stability all trace back to conditions leaders can actually shape. And his challenge — practice magnanimity, assume positive intent, refuse the pettiness — is a timeless principle worth hearing right now. Watch or listen now.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 Molly Spearman, former South Carolina State Superintendent of Education and a lifelong educator whose career spans more than four decades. From the classroom to state-level leadership, Molly has built her work around one enduring belief: education is about developing people, not simply delivering information.Molly shares why leadership development, character, values, and collaboration must become intentional parts of education. She reflects on South Carolina's journey with portrait-of-a-graduate work and iLead, the importance of giving students space to lead and learn from one another, and why the art of conversation may be one of the most important skills students need in an increasingly technology-driven world.This conversation is ultimately about the kind of leaders and citizens we hope to develop for the future—people who can collaborate, communicate, respect others, lead with character, and use what they know to make their communities better. Watch or listen now to Leadership Unscripted with Molly Spearman.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

Former Congresswoman Cheri Bustos joins Dr. Greg Steely on Leadership Unscripted for a candid conversation about what it takes to lead across different careers, industries, and perspectives. From journalism and healthcare to Congress and public affairs, Cheri reflects on the leadership principles that have remained constant throughout her journey.At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful idea: make leadership more about the other person than yourself. Cheri shares why trust is earned by doing what you say you will do, staying true to your word, showing gratitude, and investing in the people around you. She also discusses building the next generation of leaders and creating opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to step forward.This conversation is a reminder that leadership is not just about position or influence—it is about trust, relationships, service, and the impact we leave on others. Listen now to Leadership Unscripted with Dr. Greg Steely.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

What does authentic leadership look like when you're leading both a statewide public office and one of Colorado's largest early childhood education organizations? In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, Dr. Greg Steely sits down with Colorado State Senator Scott Bright to explore the leadership principles that have guided his journey from third-generation childcare business owner to public servant.Their conversation dives into building trust with students, empowering teams through ownership, staying connected to the people you serve, and why the next generation deserves more confidence than criticism. Senator Bright also shares how stories—not policies alone—create influence, and why humility, accessibility, and purpose remain essential for leaders at every level.Whether you lead a school, an organization, or an entire system, this episode offers practical leadership insights that will challenge and encourage you.  Listen now and discover timeless leadership principles that create lasting 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

Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner joins Leadership Unscripted with Dr. Greg Steely for a powerful conversation about preparing students not just for graduation, but for meaningful lives of purpose, contribution, and opportunity. As Indiana's first Secretary of Education, Dr. Jenner shares how a unified vision across K–12, higher education, business, and government is reshaping the future of education through bold leadership and measurable outcomes.Together, Dr. Steely and Dr. Jenner explore what today's students truly need to thrive—from communication, collaboration, and work ethic to civic, financial, and digital literacy. They discuss the importance of experiential learning, workforce readiness, building meaningful pathways beyond high school, and why leadership begins by helping every student discover their purpose.This episode is a masterclass in systems leadership, change management, and leading with conviction. Whether you serve in education, government, business, or your local community, you'll leave with practical insights on building partnerships, inspiring people, and creating lasting impact. Listen now to discover what authentic leadership looks like when it's focused on the future of every student.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

Governor Mike Braun of Indiana has navigated the worlds of business, the United States Senate, and now executive leadership of one of America's most dynamic states. He brings to this conversation a rare combination of private-sector discipline and public-sector accountability — the kind of leader who understands that the weight of a title is measured not in prestige, but in responsibility.In this episode of Leadership Unscripted, Governor Braun sits down with Dr. Greg Steely for a candid conversation about what it truly means to lead at scale. They explore the art of decision-making under pressure, how to balance the demands of today without mortgaging the future, and what stewardship of public trust looks like when millions of lives hang in the balance. These are the leadership lessons that don't make the headlines — but shape everything.With Indiana's future in education and workforce development on the line, this conversation couldn't be more timely. If you believe that real leadership is about serving the next generation, not just the next election cycle, this is an episode you cannot afford to miss.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

Service is at the core of meaningful leadership, especially in education. Jeff Rose brings more than two decades of experience leading large, diverse school systems, with a consistent focus on improving student outcomes and building environments where every learner can thrive.On Leadership Unscripted with Dr. Greg Steely, Superintendent Rose shares what it means to lead with responsibility and purpose. From shaping student leadership to guiding educators and systems, he reflects on how service-driven leadership influences culture, strengthens schools, and prepares students for life beyond the classroom. The conversation also explores how conviction and collaboration work together to create lasting impact.For leaders committed to developing people and shaping the future through education, this episode offers a grounded perspective on leadership rooted in service.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 Corey Stillwell, Coordinator of Student Leadership for Gwinnett County Public Schools, one of the largest and most diverse school districts in the country. Corey leads the nationally recognized Gwinnett Student Leadership Team and supports a districtwide Peer Leadership program shaping student leaders from elementary through high school.Their conversation explores how career readiness, student agency, and real-world learning can become core pillars of the K–12 experience. Corey shares how CTE pathways, leadership development, and community partnerships help students discover purpose, build confidence, and take ownership of their future, not just prepare for a test.At a time when schools are being asked to better connect learning to life, this episode offers a practical and hopeful look at what’s possible when leadership development starts early and includes every student.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

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