Episode 168: What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part 1)
As 2025 drew to a close, The Leadership Sovereignty Podcast hosts Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor took time to reflect — not on numbers, titles, or milestones, but on the personal growth that transformed their leadership.
From navigating change to redefining what it means to “ask better questions,” their end-of-year conversation revealed that the best leaders aren’t those who know it all — but those who stay curious enough to keep learning.
“Curiosity isn’t a soft skill — it’s a leadership advantage.” — Ralph Owens
The Leadership Challenge
Ralph and Terry entered 2025 with full schedules and heavy expectations. By December, they realized the true challenge wasn’t managing the load — it was managing their posture.
Throughout the year, both leaders found that curiosity — a posture of humility and openness — was the most powerful catalyst for personal and organizational growth.
Curiosity redefined how they led meetings, approached challenges, and listened to others. It wasn’t about having answers but creating space for others to bring theirs.
“Curiosity puts you in the right position, no matter what room you walk in.” — Terry Baylor
Key Insights
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Curiosity is a leadership position, not a personality trait.
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Questions that elevate build confidence in others and trust in teams.
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Visibility comes from curiosity, not volume.
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Faith and humility are the foundations of sustainable leadership growth.
Each of these themes emerged organically through reflection — not as theory, but through the lived experience of two leaders walking through real-world change in 2025.
How to Apply This at Work
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Lead with a question, not a statement. Start every key conversation by asking, “What don’t I know yet?”
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Practice “learn-it-all” leadership. Replace the need to prove yourself with the drive to improve yourself.
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Use curiosity to build bridges. Ask questions that elevate others’ thinking and affirm their value.
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Reflect weekly. Don’t just track progress — track perspective.
Growth comes from curiosity, not certainty. The leaders who keep learning are the ones who keep rising.
Faith, Values, and Integrity
Ralph and Terry didn’t shy away from naming the spiritual core of leadership.
They reminded listeners that sovereignty begins with stewardship — the belief that leadership is not about control, but about care.
Faith grounded their reflection: that God entrusts influence to those who lead with humility and gratitude.
Their end-of-year message was clear — leadership is sacred work, and curiosity is how we stay teachable in it.
About the Guests
Ralph Owens is a Chief Information Officer in the financial services sector. His leadership centers on innovation, faith-driven excellence, and mentorship.
Terry Baylor is the CEO of a healthcare technology startup. Known for his relational leadership and strategic insight, Terry champions authenticity and community as drivers of business success.
Together, they co-host The Leadership Sovereignty Podcast, a space where faith meets real-world leadership practice.
Conclusion
2025 was the year leadership got personal.
Through reflection, friendship, and faith, Ralph and Terry reminded us that growth doesn’t come from certainty — it comes from curiosity and courage.
As we head into 2026, take this with you:
Curiosity is your greatest currency. Spend it often!
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CIO | CTO | Podcaster | 2x Houston CIO Of The Year Finalist | US Navy Veteran
Ralph Owens is an accomplished technology executive with a proven record of driving digital transformation and business growth in high-stakes environments. Fueled by a deep passion for technology and innovation, Ralph excels at developing and executing IT strategies that deliver measurable results and lasting competitive advantage. As a strategic leader, Ralph brings a sharp focus on cybersecurity, operational excellence, and building strong partnerships across the business. His experience spans diverse industries, including financial services and energy generation, where he has successfully secured critical infrastructure and navigated complex regulatory landscapes. Recognized for his ability to build high-performing teams and lead complex IT initiatives, Ralph consistently aligns technology with business goals to create innovative solutions that accelerate growth, enhance customer experience, and achieve revenue targets. Driven to empower organizations to harness technology for sustainable value, Ralph is passionate about collaborating with forward-thinking leaders to shape the future of digital transformation.
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