CTRL-ALT-LEAD with David Hinson

Episode: Be Ready to Play
Date: January 13, 2025
Host: David Hinson

Episode Overview

In this episode of CTRL-ALT-LEAD, David Hinson discusses the importance of preparedness—both in the context of his professional life as a Campus CIO and his passion for performing music. Through personal anecdotes and practical advice, Hinson emphasizes how being ready to act, over-preparedness, and mindfulness can set leaders apart and turn unexpected opportunities into moments of success.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Value of Preparedness

• Personal Strategy: Hinson reveals his habit of being the first to show up and being over-prepared, whether for work, meetings, or musical performances.

  “[My] quirky habit of being chronically early and overly prepared has served me in extremely good stead for well over a half century.” (03:37)

• Professional Tie: He draws a parallel between performing on stage without a setlist and leading without a perfect roadmap, suggesting adaptability and readiness are universally valuable.

2. Music and Leadership: Parallels

• Storytelling: Hinson describes how playing music in various cities helped him make unique connections and led to memorable experiences, all facilitated by always being ready to perform.

  “When I play, I don’t have music in front of me. It’s just me, a mic, an amp, and a guitar... Less to go wrong and much less to interfere with me connecting directly with my audience.” (01:25)

3. Mindfulness, Intention, and Preparedness in Leadership

• Mentorship: Hinson outlines specific best practices he encourages mentees to adopt, focusing on mindful planning, agenda setting, and the importance of respecting others’ time.
  • Review the next day’s calendar each evening
  • Share meeting agendas and outcomes ahead of time
  • Arrive early—both for work and meetings
  • Double-check equipment and contingencies

  “When you show up early and ready, you demonstrate to others that you value their time and have made them a priority.” (05:04)

4. The “Type 5” Technique

• Definition: Hinson encourages leaders to cultivate a “personal type 5”: a topic they can speak about extemporaneously for five to ten minutes with no need for notes.

  “I learned that I needed to have my type 5 always at top of mind for that unexpected but honestly expected presidential command performance.” (08:09)

• Practical Application: Useful for on-the-spot speaking opportunities with any audience.

5. Reflection on Preparation vs. Luck

• Philosophical Inquiry: Hinson challenges listeners to reconsider “luck” as the readiness to seize opportunities rather than blind chance.

  “Was that attributable simply to blind luck, or were you just ready for the moment?” (09:02)

• Actionable Encouragement: He relates a recent story where his readiness turned an unexpected invitation on stage into a magical performance.

6. Memorable Tale of Readiness

• Live Example: Hinson recounts stepping in during a live gig when the vocalist forgot the lyrics, turning potential embarrassment into a special moment because he was prepared to contribute.

  “So I went up. I was game to play and for the next few minutes we made some musical magic together because I was ready. Ready to play.” (10:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Over-preparedness:

  “Over prepared? Yeah, maybe. But you never know if you’re gonna walk into a room where all they want to hear is Morgan Wallen...or if they just want to hear Radiohead, Pink Floyd and the Cure. Regardless, you gotta be ready to play like it’s your job.” (02:05)

• On Mindfulness as Leadership Practice:

  “When you are mindful and intentional, you’re more focused on the task at hand, planning for what is needful and what could potentially go wrong. Thinking proactively, thinking left of bang.” (06:08)

• On Preparedness as Respect:

  “Try to finish on time because it shows respect to everyone in the room.” (06:43)

• On Creating Your Own Luck:

  “Be ready to make your own magic. Be ready to go out and create your own luck.” (11:06)

Important Segment Timestamps

• 00:50 – Parallels between music performance and leadership preparation
• 03:37 – The benefits of chronic preparedness
• 05:04 – Teachings on mindful leadership and meeting preparation
• 06:45 – Detailed checklist for meeting and work readiness
• 08:09 – Explanation and utility of the “type 5”
• 09:02 – Challenge to listeners: readiness vs. luck
• 10:10 – The live gig anecdote: being ready when called upon
• 11:06 – Inspirational message to create your own magic and luck

Summary and Takeaways

David Hinson leverages personal experience and practical mentoring to convey that readiness is a critical trait for leaders in any field, not just technology or higher education. The habits of showing up early, preparing thoroughly, and maintaining a mindset ready for the unexpected can transform both mundane tasks and sudden opportunities into moments of success. His final call to action encourages listeners to proactively create their own “luck” by always being “ready to play.”