What 2025 Taught Us About Leadership Growth (Part. 1)
In this episode, Ralph Owens and Terry Baylor reflect on the impactful conversations of 2025, emphasizing the importance of curiosity in leadership and the value of supportive relationships. They discuss how asking better questions can elevate discussions and build trust, while also highlighting the significance of community and support in leadership roles.
Takeaways
-2025 has been a year of significant change.
-Asking questions that elevate can transform conversations.
-Curiosity is a key differentiator in leadership.
-Visibility is created through asking questions, not through volume.
-Curiosity builds trust and fosters relationships.
-You don't have to know all the answers to lead effectively.
-Confidence is built by engaging others meaningfully.
-Supportive relationships are crucial for leadership success.
-Curiosity can be a career accelerator.
-Reflecting on past conversations helps in personal growth.
⏲ Chapters
- (00:00) - Why This Recap Matters
- (01:50) - Lessons That Stick
- (02:40) - Building the Platform
- (04:20) - Meaning of Sovereignty
- (05:18) - Asking Better Questions
- (07:15) - Curiosity as Positioning
- (10:19) - Trust Through Curiosity
- (14:00) - Who Speaks for You
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CIO | 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.
Strategic IT & Digital Transformation Leader, Entrepreneur, Mentor, Public Speaker, and Podcaster
Terry Baylor is a transformative Strategic IT & Digital Transformation Leader, entrepreneur, mentor, public speaker, and podcaster based in Houston. He’s on a mission to humanize technology, believing that the most powerful connections still happen in person. Terry leads with empathy and action, guiding teams and organizations to harness Agile practices, embrace innovation, and thrive in complex digital landscapes. At Lift Life Technology, Terry champions the mantra "Old‑fashioned isn’t outdated," emphasizing face‑to‑face interactions in a virtual world. His recent LinkedIn reflections underscore his passion:
“When you show up, listen, and connect from the heart, you’re not just selling a service — you’re building trust, community, and lasting relationships.”
Whether he’s delivering key insights at events like Cisco Live or coaching high-performing teams, Terry empowers others to lead with authenticity, agility, and impact.
