The Pursuit of Purpose Chris Kiefer

Thomas (Tom) M. Evans, PhD. is a university president, board director and a mission-focused leader with more than 25 years in Catholic higher education. Today, Evans is guiding strategic and transformational growth as president of the University of the Incarnate Word, the largest Catholic university in Texas with a global enrollment of approximately 10,000 students and an endowment of more than $173 million.

Since beginning his term, Evans has spearheaded great advancements, including an increase in high-level donations. He created and developed UIW’s Strategic Plan, which put in place a clear vision and priorities for the future, and the Campus Master Plan, which guides the development of UIW’s San Antonio campuses. In 2019, he secured the transformational acquisitions of Founders Hall, a 350,000-square-foot building on 10 acres, increasing the footprint of the historic, land-locked campus by 20 percent. The anchor tenet is the Liza and Jack Lewis III Institute of the Americas, which Evans launched as an international hub dedicated to promoting better relations and understanding. In 2020, he oversaw expansion of the Brooks campus, home to the UIW School of Osteopathic Medicine, which now totals 265,000-square-feet across seven buildings on 23.5 acres.

Academically, UIW is a college of distinction. Evans has opened new pathways for students from Minority-Serving Institutions to continue their education through agreements and partnerships with Hispanic-Serving-Institutions and an HBCU. He has prioritized support for high-value experiences, such as study abroad, undergraduate research and capstone courses. Evans also established the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, dedicated to ensuring the University continues to serve and elevate the dignity of every person. Since 2019, UIW has been ranked by U.S. News and World Report among the top universities in the nation providing social mobility to its students.

Under Evans leadership, UIW’s pandemic response has been considered the “gold standard” among large, local entities. His oversight of the institution’s financial approach, lead to a budget surplus and pay increases, despite pandemic challenges. In 2021, UIW’s economic impact was valued at $524 million economic impact (ICUT).

Prior to UIW, he also served as president of Carroll College in Helena, Montana, and associate vice president at St. Edward’s University. A native of Austin, Evans and his wife, Lisa, have two sons, Walter and Leland.

Tom's Favorite Books

- The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership by Steven B. Sample

- Reframing Organizations by Lee Bolman and Terrance Deal

Tom's Favorite Movie: Good Will Hunting (1997)

Ryan is the Chief Solutionist at The Brothers that just do Gutters. He started out as a graphic designer for a startup company straight out of college. He worked his way up to Vice President before throwing everything into the gutter. He got into the gutter business in 2002, when he joined up with his brother Ken who started the business in 1999. Together we decided we were going to revolutionize the gutter industry. In 2004 he became co-owner/ VP and fell in love with business. Their goal is to become the largest gutter company in the Hudson Valley, then the state, then the country. He has said that he really enjoy the creative process, and because of his fine art and graphic design background, he has created all of the branding, job forms, web sites, brochures, etc, for the company. Since getting into the gutter business he has been implementing changes and improvements to the systems that effect every aspect of our business. He has helped have streamlined everything from the installation process to our service.

Ryan's Favorite Books


Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman
The One Thing by Gary Kellar
The Science of Getting Rich by Wallace D. Wattles
Clone Yourself by Jeff Hilderman
Mindset by Carol Dweck
10x Rule by Grant Cardone (best audible listen)

Favorite Movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas

Jan is an Executive Coach, Productivity Expert, and Speaker. She is a sought-after presenter on a variety of organizing and productivity topics. Her company, CTC Productivity, is a Twin Cities-based, woman-owned and operated business. Their mission is to help individuals and businesses understand their organizational challenges and provide self-sustaining solutions that improve productivity and reduce stress. The roots of Jan’s business acumen and people-first attitude can be traced back to her formal education. She earned a business degree in Operations and Systems Management with a minor in Psychology from Indiana University Kelley School of Business. CTC is the perfect forum for her to blend her people skills and productivity expertise. Prior to launching CTC, Jan worked for a number of Fortune 100 companies, including Kraft Foods, Accenture, the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission), World Book Encyclopedia & United Airlines. Jan's business CTC productivity helps clients all over the country. She is currently on the National Board of NAPO (National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals) Minnesota chapter. Jan was recently named a 2018 “Women Who Lead” Minnesota Business Magazine Honoree.



Jan's Favorite Book: Quiet by Susan Cain

Jan's Favorite Movie: It's A Wonderful Life

Vered Kogan is a leading behavioral and mindset expert with an expertise in helping individuals and teams release the mental and emotional obstacles that prevent them from adapting to change. She is an Executive Coach accredited by the International Coach Federation (ICF) and holds numerous other professional credentials, such as being a trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Hypnotherapy, and HeartMath, as well as being a certified practitioner of other leading modalities such as Rapid Transformational Therapy, Psych-K and Havening Techniques. Vered is the Founder and CEO of the Momentum Institute, a training and coaching firm specializing in helping leaders and teams successfully navigate change. Her firm offers a variety of programs and courses on topics such as Mindset, Resilience, and Change Management to help them thrive in our increasingly complex world.



Vered's Favorite Books

1. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

2. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho



Vered's Top Movie: King Richard

Greg Winterrowd is an Experienced Senior Program Manager at Evanta, A Gartner Company. An executive networking company, that brings together C-Level leaders to collaborate on key issues they collectively deal with. He has a demonstrated a history of working in the professional training & coaching industry. He is Skilled in Photography, Videography, Film, Event Management, and Public Speaking. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree focused in Media Theatre Arts from Montana State University-Bozeman. My story crosses path with Greg's with an organization called OASC, Oregon Association of Student Councils.



Greg's Favorite Books:

1. Tools of Titans by Timothy Feriss

2. Grit by Angela Duckworth

3. Fire and Brimstone by Michael Punke



Greg's Favorite Movies

1. The Hurt Locker

2. Zero Dark Thirty

3. Remember the Titans

4. Friday Night Lights

Anthony is a Partner in Cornerstone Commercial Investments and the Co-Owner of Northwest Real Estate Team. Specializing in Luxury and Residential Homes in Northern Idaho and Eastern Washington.
Anthony joins Chris today to discuss his decision to get into the real estate world, his rapid path to success in the industry, and what drives him to make experiences with his business an enjoyable journey to a new home.
Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy the show!

Anthony's Favorite Books:
1. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
2. Winning by Tim Grover
3. Traction by Geno Wickman

Anthony's Favorite TV Show: Game of Thrones