In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Christopher Williston about stewardship, leadership, and the responsibility carried by leaders in community banking. They explore how trust, humility, and healthy culture shape effective leadership and how shared burdens within teams create stronger organizations.

• The stewardship responsibility community bank leaders carry for customers, employees, and communities.
• Why trust is foundational to banking relationships and leadership credibility.
• How leadership privileges belong to the position rather than the individual.
• The importance of culture and teamwork in carrying leadership responsibilities.

Christopher Williston VI is the President and CEO of the Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT), the largest state association dedicated exclusively to community bank advocacy. Prior to leading IBAT starting in 2019, Williston served the association for nine years in numerous roles, including Chief Operations Officer, and held the position of Director of Communications at the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors – Texas. In addition to his job responsibilities at IBAT, Williston has been recognized for his service to the association industry. He is a Past Chairman of the Texas Society of Association Executives, and he has been recognized with the Certified Association Executive designation from the American Society of Association Executives. Williston is a graduate of Texas Christian University and Brite Divinity School at TCU. He and his wife, Michelle, live in Georgetown, Texas, and have six children. More about IBAT: Independent Bankers Association of Texas

More about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com; sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

To learn about Eric’s upcoming book: Stewardship Leadership for Stinkin' Accountants: Serving as the CFO

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Bill Chittenden about leadership, stewardship, and the role community banks play in strengthening local communities. They discuss succession planning, board governance, lifelong learning, and how steward leadership and servant leadership shape effective bank leadership.

• The mission and impact of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking in developing future banking leaders.
• Why succession planning is a critical stewardship responsibility for community bank leaders.
• The distinct governance role of bank boards and the importance of asking good questions.
• How community banks serve as essential institutions for economic vitality in local communities.

Dr. William T. Chittenden is President and CEO of the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) at Southern Methodist University’s Cox School of Business. Prior to joining SMU, he served at Texas State University as Presidential Fellow, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs, and Department Chair. Dr. Chittenden holds a B.B.A. in Finance and an M.S. in Economics from the University of Texas at El Paso, and a Ph.D. in Finance from Texas Tech University. A recognized authority on banking, finance, and economic analysis, he is a past president of both the San Antonio Association for Financial Professionals and the Academy of Financial Services. His work and insights have been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, USA Today, American Banker, and numerous other publications, and he has appeared on television and radio in the United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, Germany, and Singapore. Dr. Chittenden is the co‑author of The Art of Transforming Data: A Banker’s Guide to Dashboards and Scorecards. He has consulted for numerous financial institutions and speaks regularly to professional organizations across the United States and Canada on financial, economic, and banking‑industry topics. More about SWGSB: swgsb.org

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Katherine Leary Alsdorf about how the gospel – the good news of and about Jesus Christ – reshapes the way Christians think about work, leadership, and vocation. They discuss how believers can pursue excellence, humility, and cultural renewal in their daily work while participating in God’s larger redemptive purposes in the world.

• How the gospel restores and reorients our understanding of work and vocation.
• Why humility should mark Christians in the workplace and leadership roles.
• How the ‘already but not yet’ nature of redemption shapes a realistic yet hopeful view of work.
• Practical ways leaders can pursue excellence while reflecting Christ in their professions.

Katherine is the co-author of Every Good Endeavor, a former CEO in the high-tech industry, and the founder and former executive director of the Center for Faith & Work at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. She serves as a Senior Advisory Board Member of The Global Faith & Work Initiative – a ministry of Redeemer City to City which aims to equip pastors and city leaders to edify the laity of the church to be missional in all areas of their vocation and life leading to the flourishing of their cities. More about The Global Faith & Work Initiative: globalfaithandwork.com

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com; stewardleaderspodcast.com sixarrowsconsulting.com.

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Katherine Leary Alsdorf about the theology of work, the biblical narrative behind vocation, and insights from the book Every Good Endeavor. They explore how faith reshapes our understanding of work, why work often feels broken, and how the gospel provides a framework for meaningful vocation.

• The biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption provides the framework for understanding work.
• Work carries dignity because humans are created in the image of God and called to steward creation.
• The concept of common grace explains how God works through all people to contribute goodness to the world.
• One of the clearest marks of a Christian in the workplace may be humility—owning mistakes and apologizing readily.

Katherine Leary Alsdorf is the co-author with Timothy Keller of Every Good Endeavor. A former Silicon Valley CEO, Katherine founded and was the former executive director of the Center for Faith and Work at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City. She presently speaks regularly and serves as Senior Advisory Board Member of The Global Faith & Work Initiative.

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com stewardleaderspodcast.com sixarrowsconsulting.com

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this episode, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Julie Schniers about the power of recognition and appreciation in shaping healthy workplace culture. They explore how leaders can create meaningful engagement through personalized recognition and connection.

• Recognition and appreciation are key drivers of employee engagement and retention.
• Effective leaders tailor recognition to individual personalities and needs.
• Peer-to-peer recognition strengthens trust and collaboration.
• Strong culture depends on valuing contributions at every level of the organization.

Julie Schniers is an inspiring speaker, consultant, and coach for businesses and school districts that want to increase their ability to make an impact. Helping organizations reach goals as a team, increase success, and create a culture that helps people thrive is her mission. From hospitals to fast food and small schools to large corporations, there is no space she hasn’t inspired. The tie that binds them all is people. People are her passion.

More about Julie: julieschniers.com.

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com stewardleaderspodcast.com sixarrowsconsulting.com

Leadership is temporary. Stewardship is about forever.

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this episode, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Dory about stewardship leadership and risk management in community banking. They explore how a long-term perspective, humility, and running toward problems shapes resilient institutions and healthy organizational culture.

• Stewardship means building an organization that thrives beyond the individual leader.
• Banks are uniquely trained to manage risk and adapt to constant change.
• Legacy leadership requires separating family identity from organizational mission.
• Great leaders run toward problems rather than away from them

Dory A. Wiley, CFA, CPA, CVA is President & CEO of Commerce Street Holdings, the holding company for broker/dealer and investment advisor funds specializing in financial institutions, retirement plans, institutional portfolio management, and small to midsize buyouts. Mr. Wiley has over 35 years of experience in commercial and investment banking and investment management, and he is frequently quoted in the media and regularly speaks at universities, conferences, and seminars regarding stocks, corporate finance, and related topics. He is also a frequent contributor on Fox Business News, Fox News, and CNBC. Mr. Wiley serves on various boards, investment committees, and advisory boards of community banks. He received a BBA in Finance and Accounting from Texas Tech University and an MBA from Southern Methodist University.

More about Commerce Street: commercestreetholdings.com.

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com stewardleaderspodcast.com sixarrowsconsulting.com

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this brief episode, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Matt Bumstead about stewardship as the defining framework for biblical and ethical leadership. They explore how humility, responsibility for others, and wise risk-taking shape faithful leadership, particularly in financial decision-making.

• Stewardship reframes leadership away from ego and toward serving something greater than oneself.
• True leaders view people as entrusted to their care and seek their flourishing, not just results.
• Financial stewardship requires balancing prudence with responsible risk-taking rather than fear-driven caution.
• The Parable of the Talents illustrates that faithfulness includes initiative, not just preservation.

Matt Bumstead is the CEO in Residence for the College of Business at Lubbock Christian University, where he has taught since 2016, and where he also served as Dean. Matt spent twenty years at United Supermarkets, where, as a fourth-generation member of family ownership, he served as Co-President and a member of the Board of Advisors. He served on the Board of Directors of Happy State Bank during the period when Eric was on the bank’s executive team.

This conversation with Matt was originally released as a Six Arrows Consulting video on YouTube in February 2024.

For more episodes and additional information about the show: stewardleaderspodcast.com

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com sixarrowsconsulting.com

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).

In this conversation, Eric R. Alexander speaks with Chris Kelley and Byron Earnheart about stewardship, leadership development, and the responsibility of bankers to serve their communities.

• Leadership begins with self-awareness and emotional intelligence.
• Community bankers must balance technical expertise with people-centered leadership.
• Stewardship frames banking as care for people, not just money.
• Developing leaders requires understanding individual strengths and limits.

Chris Kelley has been the Executive Director & President of the Barret School of Banking in Memphis, TN since 2003. Chris regularly speaks at banking conventions and events across the US. He is a graduate of the Barret Class of 2000, and served as the Alumni Association President. Chris was a Board member prior to becoming the Executive Director. He began his banking career in 1995 in a management trainee position with National Bank of Commerce in Memphis. His final role was Senior VP in Branch Administration. Prior to starting his banking career, Chris played professional baseball for the Texas Rangers. Chris has an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Tennessee, where he played baseball, and received his MBA from Christian Brothers University. He was born and raised in Andalusia, Alabama, and moved to Memphis in 1995. He is married with two children. Chris has served for a number of civic organizations in the Memphis area, including board member of Leadership Memphis and the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis. He has served on the PTA of his children’s schools for more than 10 years. He has been a volunteer youth sports coach for the past 15 years

Byron Earnheart is the Programming Director for the Barret School of Banking and the host of the “Main Street Banking” podcast. He has nearly 25 years of experience in the financial services industry; 11 of which have been in banking in various roles from teller work to branch management to lender and all points in between. He spends his time playing guitar and singing in Delta Heart (the “house band of the Mississippi Delta”), songwriting, cooking, reading, teaching Sunday School and enduring the University of Tennessee Volunteers athletic seasons. You can hear his original music on iTunes, Spotify, or any musical streaming service. He is married to his wife Kelly of 17 years and has two children, John Aubrey (15) and Mary Laura (12).

More about the Barret School of Banking: Barret School of Banking

More about the Main Street Banking podcast: Main Street Banking

For more episodes and additional information about the show: stewardleaderspodcast.com

For more about Eric: ericralexander.com sixarrowsconsulting.com

See also the LinkedIn newsletter: Musings for Steward Leaders

Intro/outro music: "Fairest" performed and arranged by Eric, based on the hymn "Fairest Lord Jesus" (from a 17th century German hymn and folk tune).