Podcast Summary

Mick Unplugged: What Happens When You Stop Playing Small

Host: Mick Hunt
Guest: Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr.
Release Date: December 29, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of "Mick Unplugged" dives deeply into what it means to stop "playing small" and embrace a calling for generational, sustainable impact—both personally and within communities. Host Mick Hunt sits down with Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr., a visionary leader at Grambling State University, to discuss core values, actionable leadership, the pivotal role of HBCUs, and how leaders can harness their "because" to effect transformative change. The episode is especially powerful for families considering HBCUs, current students, emerging leaders, and anyone seeking to connect their purpose to impact.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Dr. Lemelle’s "Because" & Purpose (03:13 – 04:04)

• Defining the ‘Because’: Dr. Lemelle articulates his deeper purpose as being “commissioned to create generational impact and change for sustainable communities.”
  • “When Dr. King unfortunately passed, his next fight was around economic justice. So I am in a position now to pick up that mantle.”
    — Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. [03:17]
• HBCUs as Agents of Change: Emphasizes the role of HBCUs like Grambling State in transforming Pell Grant eligible students into market-ready, globally competitive graduates.

2. Personal Journey and Grambling State Lineage (04:10 – 06:56)

• Dr. Lemelle shares his familial ties—third-generation Grambling State graduate—and experiences that shaped his worldview.
• Early Influence of Black Excellence:
  “I saw in this small zip code 71245 more doctoral educated individuals per capita than most places in the world.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [04:31]
• Career Pivot: From student government to corporate success, and back to higher education driven by a “calling higher than quarterly statement and investors.”

3. The Value of Leadership & Involvement in College (10:20 – 11:53)

• Dr. Lemelle stresses the importance of involvement—student government, Greek life, and professional associations.
  • “Yes, people want to understand that you have technical acumen. ...But each conversation I’ve ever had...always focused in on leadership and the storyline of how I was able to lead...”
    — Dr. Lemelle [10:40]
• Advice for Students:
  “Volunteer, get involved, stay connected and find your leadership blueprint.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [11:50]

4. Evolving Social Skills & Integrative Learning (13:20 – 14:58)

• Social Skills in the Digital Era: Discussion about challenges and strategies for fostering genuine interpersonal connection among today’s students.
• Blending Technology & Learning:
  “Gone are the days of this single disciplinary focus. We have to be both. ...The race of today is not man or woman versus technology. It’s got to be man, woman, other individuals with technology.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [14:31]
• Integrative Education: Grambling State utilizes contemporary student interests (like “Get Ready with Me” videos) to boost communication skills and critical thinking.

5. Embracing AI and Technology in Higher Ed & Business (14:58 – 17:59)

• AI as a Collaboration Tool: Both leaders discuss how AI should be integrated, not separated, from human creativity and work.
  • “Communicating better because of AI...not being replaced by AI, but using it correctly helps get thoughts out of our minds better.”
    — Mick Hunt [15:42]
• Practical Implementation: Grambling uses AI to analyze student feedback and drive improvements in campus operations (e.g., identifying dining preferences).

6. Core Values & Decision-Making in Leadership (22:03 – 27:40)

• Leading with Heart: Dr. Lemelle is guided by love, trust, and mutual accountability.
  • “If I’m going to be in covenant relationship with you to inspire change...you have to understand one that I care and that there’s trust.”
    — Dr. Lemelle [22:28]
• Accountability Through Action: Uses small acts (e.g., requiring info for recommendation letters) to build trust and preparation.
• Pivoting as a Process:
  “The pivot is a part of the process...if we spend too much time in the doldrums...we’re going to miss the next exit.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [23:41]

7. Anticipating Change and Staying Ahead (25:31 – 26:45)

• Proactive Leadership: Importance of anticipating needs, mitigating risk, and flexible routes to achieve goals.
  • “Being focused on destination but being open to route allows us to get to the destination with the right level of success.”
    — Dr. Lemelle [26:35]

8. The Art of Decision-Making (27:40 – 30:11)

• Preparation as the Driver:
  “You don’t rise to the occasion. You rise to your level of preparation.”
  — Mick Hunt [27:05]
• Data and Context: Dr. Lemelle explains using data, context, and a clear strategic framework to empower teams, make quick, informed decisions, and foster innovation—even at the risk of fast failure.

9. The Transformative Legacy of HBCUs & Grambling State (30:23 – 33:26)

• Celebrating Grambling’s Century-Long Impact:
  • Chronicles the university’s founding in 1901, upcoming 125th anniversary, and lineage of globally impactful alumni.
    • Denise Young Smith (former Chief HR Officer, Apple)
    • Thomas Moorehead (first African American Rolls Royce dealer)
    • Charles Blow (NYT journalist, author)
    • Doug Williams (first Black Super Bowl-winning QB)
• HBCUs as Leadership Accelerators:
  “Grambling Knights continue to thrive in every field of human endeavor...we’re now cultivating the next generation of leaders. And I can’t wait to see what they will do.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [32:49]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It’s because we are commissioned to create generational impact and change for sustainable communities.”
  — Dr. Martin Lemelle Jr. [03:13]

• “I lead with my heart…if I’m going to be in covenant relationship with you to inspire change…there’s trust. And trust is built and earned through these very small acts.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [22:08]

• “The pivot is a part of the process. ...When things go in a different direction, they know my safe word across campus. It’s time to pivot.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [23:41]

• On Student Experience:
  “Volunteer, get involved, stay connected and find your leadership blueprint.”
  — Dr. Lemelle [11:50]

• On AI & Technology:
  “The race of today is...man, woman, other individuals with technology. ...How do we leverage that as an accelerator for growth and experience?”
  — Dr. Lemelle [14:33]

• On HBCUs:
  “We were founded in 1901...and so as we think about that, we have had torchbearers throughout history…”
  — Dr. Lemelle [31:27]

Important Timestamps

• 03:13: Dr. Lemelle’s “because”—generational impact & economic justice
• 04:25: Grambling State lineage and Black excellence
• 10:20: The real-world value of student leadership roles
• 13:20: Fostering social and communication skills in today’s tech climate
• 14:58: Blending AI into higher education and business
• 22:03: Foundational core values: love, trust, and accountability
• 23:41: The necessity and mindset of pivoting
• 25:31: Anticipating change and proactive management
• 27:40: Insights on decision-making and preparation
• 30:23: The legacy and impact of Grambling State University alumni
• 33:26: Vision for the future generations of leaders

Summary Tone & Closing

Mick and Dr. Lemelle share a thoughtful, energetic, and heartfelt exchange—balancing practical leadership lessons with personal passion and cultural context. The atmosphere is both motivational and grounded, making the episode relevant for students, parents, leaders, and alumni alike.

“Remember: your because is your superpower. Go unleash it.”
— Mick Hunt [34:38]

This episode is a call to step into purposeful leadership, embrace change and technology, and honor the enduring legacy of institutions—and individuals—who leave transformative marks on the world.