Ruben and his new co-host, Ryan Harris, sit down for a candid conversation about what’s next for Leading Lubbock. Together, they reflect on the journey of Season One — forty stories of leadership, purpose, and transformation — and share the heart behind Season Two. The episode covers lessons learned, the power of stories, the importance of leading in both mountains and valleys, and the exciting new direction of the show. It’s a transparent look behind the scenes, full of gratitude, laughter, and anticipation for what’s to come.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, Ruben sits down with Dr. Julie Hubik, founder of Cornerstone Audiology. For over 18 years, Julie has built a thriving practice rooted in care, compassion, and hospitality while balancing life as a wife, mom, and leader in the Lubbock community.
Julie shares her journey from starting Cornerstone as a “one-woman band” to leading a 14-person team, the lessons she’s learned about communication, core values, and navigating trials, and how hospitality and generosity can transform leadership. She also opens up about learning through challenges, the importance of surrounding yourself with mentors, and how her faith and family keep her grounded.
Julie’s book recommendation, Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, ties perfectly into her leadership style—serving others with more than they expect.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, Ruben sits down with Cade Fowler, Executive Officer of the Lubbock Association of REALTORS®. Cade reflects on his 20+ years of leadership, from his early days in key services to guiding one of West Texas’s largest trade associations. He shares how listening more than speaking, guiding with guardrails, and building trust have shaped his leadership. Cade also opens up about navigating change in the MLS, raising two boys with his wife Leslie, and how lessons from parenting often mirror leadership at the Association. His book recommendation, Start with Why by Simon Sinek, reminds us that purpose fuels both organizations and people.
Jeanna Roach is the CEO of Betenbough Companies, leading several organizations and over 400 team members with a clear Kingdom-driven purpose. In this episode, Jeanna shares her journey from public relations in Dallas to finding deep transformation through leadership, faith, and humility at Betenbough Homes. We talk about emotional intelligence, the power of love and truth in leadership, raising teenagers, navigating identity as a female executive, and the legacy of founders Rick and Ron Betenbough. Jeanna’s story is full of wisdom, vulnerability, and insight for anyone desiring to lead with purpose.
Matt Moreland is a fourth-generation entrepreneur living in Lubbock. He farms nearly 1,000 acres of vineyards with his company Texas Vine Country, helps operate his family winery FermForge/Viñador, and works as a commercial real estate agent with Duncan Realty Group. In this episode, Matt shares about building family-run businesses, fatherhood, faith, and how intentional leadership shows up in his life. From running numbers in real estate to planting grapes in West Texas soil, Matt opens up about what it means to build bridges for those who come after you. Thoughtful, steady, and grounded, this is a conversation about legacy, faith, and living on purpose.
In this energizing episode, Ruben sits down with keynote speaker, consultant, and executive coach LeAnne Lagasse to explore what leadership looks like when we lean into our natural strengths. LeAnne shares how she helps organizations boost employee engagement, equip managers, and retain top talent by using strategic communication and strengths-based approaches. They unpack the myths of charismatic leadership, the importance of self-awareness, the impact of employee engagement on business outcomes, and how leaders can create meaningful change—without changing who they are. LeAnne also gives a behind-the-scenes look at her upcoming book on closing the gap between how leaders see themselves and how their teams experience them. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or leading at home, this episode offers powerful insights for every leader.
Emma Clawson, a senior at Shallowater High School and future New Mexico State volleyball player, joins Ruben to share what she’s learning about leadership, encouragement, and trusting God’s plan. Emma opens up about her transition to a new school, her leadership roles in sports and student organizations, and how her younger brother and teammates have shaped her growth. She offers thoughtful insights on listening deeply, leading through presence rather than volume, and how she hopes to carry those values into her future career in medicine. This episode is a refreshing reminder that leadership starts with paying attention—and often, it’s the quiet strength that makes the biggest impact.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, Ruben sits down with Steve Gomez, head coach of LCU Women’s Basketball. With three national championships and decades of coaching experience, Steve shares leadership wisdom rooted in humility, service, and investing in people. He talks about the unique dynamics of coaching women, the importance of consistency in leadership, and the perspective-shifting power of remembering life’s brevity. Steve’s stories and insights offer a refreshing reminder that true leadership is less about self-importance and more about steady, faithful service to others.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, Ruben Trujillo sits down with Cal Zant, President of Betenbough Homes, to discuss leadership marked by humility, authenticity, and a heart for others to flourish. Cal shares powerful stories from his journey—including overcoming addiction, the importance of small-team leadership, and the transformative power of vulnerability. He also unpacks how Betenbough Homes scaled from 600 to 2,000 homes a year without losing their culture and why he believes leadership is about responsibility, not power. This episode is full of hope, faith, and practical wisdom for anyone looking to lead from a place of rest and reliance on God.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, I sit down with Todd Duncan—head coach of LCU Men’s Basketball and a man whose leadership runs far deeper than the court. With 30 years of coaching experience and a powerful story of perseverance, Todd shares how trust, intentionality, and adversity shape both his team and his personal life. From being told he wasn’t good enough to play college basketball to becoming a decorated coach and Hall of Famer, Todd’s journey is marked by grit and grace. We also talk about what it means to raise a family of leaders, learning from loss, and the lasting power of influence.
In this episode, Ruben sits down with Jef Conn—commercial broker, past chairman of Texas REALTORS®, and systems-minded leader—for a masterclass in intentional leadership. Jef shares how a simple “yes” to getting involved opened doors to statewide influence, how to create organized chaos to build systems that last, and why thinking bigger starts with changing how you talk to yourself. From thank-you cards to national impact, Jef’s story is packed with practical wisdom, real-life discipline, and a few solid laughs along the way.
This one is for the doers, the dreamers, and anyone who knows they’re capable of more—but needs a nudge on how to get there.
In this powerful episode, Holly Betenbough shares her deeply personal journey of co-founding Betenbough Homes alongside her late husband Rick, and how heartbreak, humility, and faith reshaped her understanding of leadership. From publicly walking through family struggles to building a workplace culture rooted in kingdom values, Holly speaks with authenticity about what it means to lead from identity, not insecurity. We talk about raising leaders, letting go of fear, living out of purpose, and the beauty of being fully present in people’s lives. This one is rich with wisdom, grace, and redemption.
Jackson Lindgren—home inspector, husband, and father—joins the show for a raw and thoughtful conversation on what it really means to lead in everyday life. From navigating hard conversations in business to instigating change at home, Jackson shares how responsibility, consistency, and humility have shaped his view of leadership.
We talk about parenting, faith, personal growth, and the power of showing up even when you don’t feel like it. Jackson also shares the books that have formed his mindset, including a powerful breakdown of Amusing Ourselves to Death, and leaves us with a definition of leadership you won’t forget.
Whether you’re in a season of growth or trying to get back on track, this episode offers perspective, challenge, and encouragement.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, I sit down with Kalee Rich—wife, mom of three, and Sales Director at Betenbough Homes—for a conversation full of wisdom, warmth, and practical leadership insight. Kalee shares how her view of leadership has transformed over time, why loving correction matters, and how prayer, presence, and attentiveness shape how she leads both at work and at home. We talk about what it means to steward people with care, the challenges of saying no, and why slowing down to hear from the Lord is one of the most powerful things a leader can do. Plus, we dive into Sacred Pace, her favorite book right now, and why its message is so timely for today’s leaders.
Rich Eberhardt has spent nearly three decades shaping the Lubbock real estate community—not just through transactions, but through leadership, mentorship, and service. In this episode, Rich shares the lessons that have guided him: from learning to listen before leading, to the importance of team decision-making, and how humility changes everything. We talk real estate then and now, how to stay steady through seasons of change, and what it really means to lead well. Whether you’re in the business or just navigating leadership in your own life, this conversation is packed with wisdom and warmth.
What does it mean to lead without putting on a mask? In this episode, mortgage lender and soon-to-be mom Whitney Chaney shares how she shows up as the same person—at home, at work, and with clients—by staying rooted in character and adapting with intention.
We talk about the power of having a personal board of directors, how tough love and self-awareness shape leadership, and why time blocking isn’t just about productivity—it’s how you protect what matters most.
Whitney’s blend of honesty, structure, and humility makes this conversation both practical and deeply encouraging for anyone trying to lead with purpose in every area of life.
What does it mean to lead with strength, humility, and trust in others? In this episode, we sit down with Michelle McCord, Superintendent of Frenship ISD, to explore a leadership journey rooted in servant-hearted influence and grounded faith. Michelle shares lessons from over a decade of leading a fast-growing school district, the power of empowering others, the loneliness that can come with leadership, and why “letting go of the pieces” might be the most important shift leaders can make.
We talk about the difference between being alone and being lonely, why gentleness is a radical act in a culture of outrage, and how biblical truths and sticky-noted pages continue to anchor her through the highs and lows of leadership.
Audra Baldwin wears many hats—wife, mom of four, real estate agent, growth advisor, and leveraged agent coach. But at the core of all she does is one driving mission: to love people well. In this episode, Audra and I talk about servant leadership, calling out the greatness in others, and the power of asking good questions.
We also dive into practical rhythms—like time blocking, personal growth, and balancing ambition with family. Her perspective on identity, purpose, and living in your sweet spot will leave you both grounded and inspired.
Whether you’re building a business, raising a family, or figuring out your next step, this conversation is a reminder that you’re made for more—and that leading well starts with being fully yourself.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, we sit down with Mackenzie Dean — Director of Worship and Production at Redeemer Church — for a conversation that’s as grounded as it is inspiring. Mackenzie opens up about her journey from proving herself in leadership to learning how to lead with clarity, humility, and purpose.
She shares powerful insights on embracing your strengths, letting go of comparison, and leading others by building a culture of intentionality. From the stage to behind the scenes, Mackenzie’s perspective is honest, wise, and refreshingly real.
Whether you’re leading a team, a family, or just figuring out your next step — this one will hit home.
In this episode of Leading Lubbock, Dr. Amy Thompson, Chief Executive of Covenant Health’s Lubbock Service Area, joins Ruben for a powerful conversation about leadership that’s honest, humble, and deeply personal.
Amy shares her journey from pediatric medicine to executive leadership, reflecting on moments when she felt completely unprepared—and how those exact moments became the ones that shaped her most. She talks about building culture through vulnerability, creating strong and balanced teams, and leading through crisis with conviction and faith.
You’ll also hear the story of how she and her husband, Dusty, stepped into unexpected parenthood early in their marriage, raising his younger brother through one of the most formative seasons of their lives.
Whether you’re in the boardroom or the locker room, this episode is full of insight on what it means to lead well, love deeply, and grow through challenge.