1.question Podcast

Notable venture capitalist Peter Thiel's go-to interview question is, "Tell me something that's true, that almost nobody agrees with you on." In this 1.Q, Northern Colorado AD Darren Dunn says it's not one, two or three exact questions that he's interested in, but the overall body of responses from a candidate. Dunn also notes the list of 100+ questions Baylor AD Mack Rhoades created from which to pick & choose depending on the role being hired & further, on the importance of trusting your gut.

Northern Colorado AD Darren Dunn reflects on being mentored by former Missouri AD Mike Alden & how what he learned from Alden's approach helped prepare him for the next step. Dunn also runs through a number of other leaders he's worked with, including Conference USA Commissioner Judy MacLead at Tulsa, San Diego AD Bill McGillis at New Mexico, and current Baylor AD Mack Rhoades at Houston. Dunn notes the approach to leadership he's taken from each and goes into detail on Rhoades' system of hiring for fit, "The Way of the Shepherd," and digging deeper to identify the best candidate.

More on the Home Team Sports/FOX College Sports Properties' acquisition of Impression Sports & Entertainment, which comes on the heels of the pair working together on the LA Coliseum-United naming rights deal. Kyle Sherman, President of HTS/FOX, provides perspective on why Impression fits his existing portfolio, how the two plan to provide premium value to the marketplace & the model of "connecting brands with fans." Impression President Foy: "We think there's a major opportunity for more naming rights deal in college sports." Points to both new deals & expiring contracts for some facility names.

Missouri State AD Kyle Moats continues with leadership insights, this time on how he aids his staffers once they have their own team to oversee within the department. Moats is also one of the only, if not the only, athletic administrators around the nation who has worked at both Louisville & Kentucky. For the second half of this pod, Kyle relates the lessons he learned during his tenures under Louisville AD Tom Jurich & former Kentucky boss CM Newton.

Missouri State AD Kyle Moats provides perspective on how he identifies, mentors & encourages young administrators who excel within his department. Moats also compares the experience for entry-level professionals in a mid-major department versus starting in a 'Power 5' conference. More from Moats to come tomorrow.

Belmont AD Scott Corley continues his 1.Q with a review on how he & former Bruins AD Mike Strickland coordinated three weeks of information sharing in the office before Strickland officially retired last summer. Corley also provides perspective on which of his duties have taken the longest to wrap his head around & the importance of the leadership consistency of longtime MBB HC Rick Byrd.

Providence AD Bob Driscoll continues on the value of his mentoring relationship with former NBA HC Rolland Todd, as well as another with former Big East Commissioner Tranghese. Notable: "If you surround yourself with all these great people & collectively you share the success...If you make it not about you, you can create something very, very special. That takes a different kind of view in separating your ego from having to be the guy that gets all the praise."

Providence AD Bob Driscoll has led the Friars for the past 15-plus years. Given the average tenure of an AD these days is around a third of that length, I asked Driscoll how he stays fresh on the leadership front. You'll enjoy his explanation of "a conversation of possibilities" via his life coach, Rolland Todd, as well as the importance of surrounding yourself with people from whom you can always learn something, "success leaves clues." This, understanding risk, honesty with HC hires that aren't working out & more.

Washington State AD Bill Moos continued in Part II of his 1.Q. Topics: The increase of premium seating areas in new construction & his message to all types of Cougar fans, the operation of regional fundraising offices, as well as a discussion around the success ratio of fundraisers who have spent time in a regional office & Moos' advice to those generating dollars in cities away from their home campus.

Belmont Director of Athletics Scott Corley shares how the time he spent in the banking industry is benefiting him today, almost one year into the job at Belmont. Corley also discusses his outreach plan for gaining more athletic support during the early stages of his tenure. More to come tomorrow, including the challenges of coming from a different industry into college athletics.

Washington State AD Bill Moos has successfully raised money in college athletics for nearly 30 years. In Part I of this 1.Q, Moos provides perspective on how driving donations has changed over the years. Sub-topics within the conversation include college athletics' facilities arms race, the impact of premium seating additions, and Moos' recollections of the first major gift he secured.

Idaho Athletic Director Rob Spear digs in on how aspiring administrators should approach the challenge of adding sport oversight to their list of responsibilities. Spear also talks through which programs may be best for first-time facilitators, plus more.

In today's 1.Q, University of Idaho AD Rob Spear shares insights on how he manages the Vandals football program in Moscow.

Part II of Western Kentucky AD Todd Stewart's 1.Q focuses on how he interacts with current Head Coaches when there are opportunities on the table. 

Western Kentucky Athletic Director Todd Stewart debuts on 1.Q with perspective on how to handle feedback with head coaches involved in a search, plus more. 

Oregon State Deputy AD for External Operations Zack Lassiter continues in part two of his 1.Q by discussing the path to the AD chair and increasing diversity in leadership roles.   

In today's 1.Q, Oregon State Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations Zack Lassiter details his recent visit to the NACMA Veterans Summit.

In today's 1.Q, the Wichita Eagle's Paul Suellentrop provides perspective on Wichita State's move to the AAC including the impact on WSU athletics and the community. 

More from Southeast Missouri State Athletic Director Brady Barke on the interpersonal approach he took when transitioning from Chief of Staff for the President to Interim, and then full-time, AD with the Redhawks.   

In today's 1.Q, Southeast Missouri State AD Brady Barke reflects on his career path and the importance of the relationship between the Athletic Director and the Chancellor at a university.