Discover leadership insights from Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta, former state president of TACHE. Learn how passion, resilience, and authenticity shape impactful leadership. Today, I’m sharing leadership insights from one of my favorite voices in higher education—my good friend, business partner, and colleague, Dr. Mayra Olivares-Urueta. Mayra has been a guiding force in Texas higher education leadership,…

This was not the article I had planned for us today. What was on my mind this morning was the idea of decision-making and knowing when to leave a toxic work environment. A year ago, my good friend and higher ed colleague, Dr. Tony Cruz, shared a book with me called Exit, Voice, and Loyalty,…

Like the mesquite tree, we grow in ways that defy expectations—rooted in resilience, shaped by our challenges, and determined to thrive. The mesquite tree grows determinedly, thriving regardless of its conditions. In shallow soil, it develops as a bush. In deeper soil, it matures into a tree. Where conditions are dry, it extends deep roots…

Writing is one of the most powerful tools available to leaders. It sharpens our thinking, refines our communication, and serves as a self-reflection tool that strengthens emotional intelligence. The Power of Writing: Why Every Leader Should Keep a Journal Writing is one of the most powerful tools available to leaders. It sharpens our thinking, refines…

and the little things we can do to prevent burnout I just read my own title and laughed. I know some of you did, too. These two ideas don’t seem to go together very well, do they? I don’t know about you, but I had much more physical energy before I became a leader. After…

Effective leadership isn’t about titles or authority—it’s about trust, respect, and communication. Here’s how these three pillars define great leaders. A Thought-Provoking Question in an Unexpected Place I was in a cab in D.C. heading to the airport when the taxi driver, a tall African man with a warm smile and kind eyes, struck up…

A serious workplace doesn’t have to mean a humorless one. Discover why humor in the workplace is an essential leadership tool that drives performance, engagement, and well-being. The Serious Leader Who Avoided Laughter Years ago, I knew a very serious leader. She was not a laugher. She was not a joker. I never once heard…

Successful leadership requires more than enthusiasm—it demands strategic timing. Learn how to navigate the cycles of motivation and drive projects to completion The Enthusiastic Leader: A Common Challenge I once worked with an incredibly enthusiastic leader—we’ll call him Doc. He was the ultimate hype man, the kickoff expert, and the spark that ignited every new…

Want to move into leadership faster? Learn how to position yourself for promotions by becoming an expert, networking authentically, and contributing valuable work. “How do I get promoted into leadership?” “How do I avoid waiting ten years for a promotion?” “How do I get my name out there?” These are questions I hear all the…