Leading Lubbock

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 ne...

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...

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 op...

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 te...

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...

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...

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 insigh...

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...

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...

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 be...

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-yo...

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 identi...

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 sho...

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 abou...

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 ste...

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...

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 leade...

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, an...

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...

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...

Emily Herring, COO and co-founder of True Title Partners, joins us to talk about the power of leading with compassion, building healthy culture, and staying curious in every season. Emily shares her journey from grassroots leadership to overseeing eight thriving offices across Texas and New Mexico — and the personal experiences that have shaped the way she leads today. We dive into the importance...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and business partner, Tanner Dean, for a real and honest conversation about leadership — not as a title, but as a posture. We talk about walking alongside others, sacrificing personal comfort for the good of the team, and learning to lead through failure, family, and faith. Tanner shares how his view of leadership has been shaped over time, and how the be...

Michalea Perez is the Operating Director of Cornerstone Caregiving, a leader whose life speaks louder than any title. In this heartfelt episode, Michalea shares her journey from a decade at Betenbough Homes to launching a company built on honoring seniors and equipping teams with clarity, love, and purpose. We talk about raising godly sons, establishing rhythms of discipline, and embracing who God...

At just 20 years old, Texas Tech offensive lineman Jurrien Loftin brings a depth of wisdom that’s rare at any age. In this episode, Jurrien unpacks what real leadership looks like—grounded in humility, fueled by healthy competition, and focused on lifting others higher. He shares powerful stories about overcoming a major knee injury, finding his identity beyond football, and the lesson that change...

Lily Scarborough, a junior at Kingdom Preparatory Academy, joins the podcast to share how she’s learning to lead with humility, consistency, and a heart for others. As a two-time volleyball captain, Academic All-State athlete, and active community servant, Lily reflects on what it means to be a servant leader — showing up, building others up, and putting Christ at the center. In this conversation,...