Introduction

During my professional career, I have experienced multiple leadership roles within the
organizations I have been fortunate enough to work for. Immediately after college, I went to
work as a project manager for one of the largest home builders in the Houston, Texas area.
During this time, I was responsible for leading various crews through the home building process
and learned a tremendous amount about time management and motivation. Following the two
years I spent in Houston, I accepted a position in the wireless phone industry as an inside sales
representative. My role during my time as a salesman evolved from taking orders from people
that walked into the store to prospecting for new business and maintaining existing accounts.
After two years in the wireless industry, I began my current career as a college football coach.
Throughout my 13 years of being a coach, I have been a volunteer position coach, a graduate
assistant, a defensive coordinator, and an assistant head coach.

I enrolled in the Master of Science in Leadership program at Southwestern College to help

further my career and set an example for those I lead on a daily basis. In my profession, a
masters degree is required to become a head football coach at most colleges and universities
across the country. After being passed over for open coaching positions, I knew I needed to
further my education. When coaching student-athletes at the collegiate level, it is important to
demonstrate the importance of being a lifelong learner and set an example by making education a
priority. Earning a masters degree in leadership was the most logical choice for me, because
being an effective leader is the key to becoming the best football coach I can be.
During my pursuit of a Master of Science in Leadership degree, I have learned what it takes to
become the best leader I can possibly be. Throughout my journey, I have continued to develop

my leadership style based on my existing workplace environment, and strive to inspire people
around me to cultivate the most effective working environment possible. During the pursuit of
my degree, I have learned how to identify the various structures of the organizations I have
worked in, which has allowed me to behave in a manner that allows me to maximize my
leadership potential. My problem solving and conflict resolution skills have improved
tremendously during this time, and as a result; I have been able to lead those I am responsible for
through many organizational changes throughout my career. The ability to understand what it
means to be an ethical leader has prepared me to be an effective leader in the future as I continue
to progress in my profession. In addition to being an ethical leader, it is my responsibility to
utilize a transformational leadership style to get the most out of each individual I have the
privilege to lead. Creating an inspiring vision for them to follow requires me to set difficult, yet
attainable goals and motivate them to buy into the vision to set them up for a successful future on
and off the football field.

As I look towards the future, I envision being in a position that allows me to continue to develop
my leadership skills. My professional goals include being a coordinator at the NCAA Division II
level, a position coach at the NCAA Division I level, a defensive coordinator at the NCAA
Division I level, and a head coach at the NCAA Division II level or higher. My ultimate goal is
to teach my players to become leaders on the field and in whatever professional endeavors they
choose to pursue.

This portfolio is designed to demonstrate my mastery of the Master of Science in Leadership

program outcomes. The individual pages of this portfolio will serve as a platform to display my

educational experience and reflection on the following outcomes, as determined by Southwestern

College:
1. Evaluate different leadership contexts by integrating knowledge of effective leadership
practices and competencies for leading organizations.
2. Distinguish themselves as excellent candidates for advancement and qualified for
leadership positions within their industry or discipline.
3. Articulate the importance and implication of ethical reasoning for todays leaders.
4. Exhibit poise and confidence in effective verbal, interpersonal, and written
communication.
5. Demonstrate the ability to build and develop continuous learning opportunities in the
key areas of leading organizations.
These outcomes can be viewed at:
https://learn.sckans.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-819267-dt-content-rid6406173_1/courses/CAPS600PA2016SPRING02PS3/Graduate%20Program%20Descriptions%2
0and%20Outcomes%281%29.pdf