Hob Brooks’ Post

Your success is overwhelmingly inspirational.

This evening, I have the distinct honor of speaking to a group of middle schoolers who have reached a significant milestone: joining the National Junior Honor Society (NJHS). As I reflect on this moment, I can’t help but think about the power of the word "pivot." It's more than just a shift in direction—it's about embracing change, growing into leadership roles, and becoming contributors to the community. For 32 years, I had the privilege of shaping minds and futures as an educator, guiding students toward knowledge, growth, and success. Now, I’ve embraced my own pivot, transitioning into a new role in the Texas real estate market. As a Licensed Real Estate Agent, I am no longer just selling properties; I am helping clients navigate one of the most significant decisions in their lives. Just like in education, the focus remains the same: empowering others. A home is more than four walls; it’s a starting point for dreams, a foundation for prosperity. The skills I honed as a teacher—listening, guiding, and supporting—are now the very ones I bring to each real estate transaction. With the same passion I once devoted to nurturing young minds, I now commit to helping clients find their ideal home, the perfect business location, or a valuable investment property. This isn’t just a career change for me; it’s a continuation of my lifelong mission. Whether in the classroom or the housing market, the goal remains to facilitate growth, knowledge, and success. My journey as a real estate agent is a testament to the power of transformation and proves that with dedication and expertise, one can pivot with purpose and continue to make a profound impact on the lives of others. To the NJHS students, I say this: You are at the beginning of many pivots in life. Embrace them with confidence, knowing that each change holds the potential for growth, leadership, and the opportunity to serve others.

Wake Up Everybody “I am utterly disgusted by University of Florida decision and the precedent that it sets. Without the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion department, the job falls to the Office of the Provost, who already has their hands full, to raise money for the university and continue to advance the academic studies and athletic programs. We cannot continue to believe and trust that a team of leaders all made up of the same background will make the right decision when it comes to equality and diversity. History has already proven that is not the case. Instead of showing courage and leadership, we continue to fail based on systemic issues and with this decision, UFlorida has conformed to the political pressures of today’s time, To the MANY, minority athletes at UF, please be aware and vocal about the decision by the University who is now closing the doors on other minorities without any oversight. And to those who think it’s not your problem and stay on the side lines and say nothing, you are complicit in supporting systemic issues.” -Emmit Smith, former NFL player Pro Football Hall of Fame In 2023, the Florida football program made $93,206,919 in total revenue and paid out $60,894,176 in expenses. The program raked in a net profit of $32,312,743 for the university. 32 million dollars. Diversity, equity and inclusion are the ONLY reasons Florida athletics is able to compete in the Southeastern Conference. The ONLY reason. In a related (fantastic) story, what if all 67 Black players on the 2024 Florida football roster decided to leverage the transfer portal for playing opportunities at Florida A&M, Alabama A&M, Prairie View A&M, Bethune-Cookman, Howard, Southern and Grambling Universities. ‘Day of Absence’ wants to be reality.

As excitement builds for the upcoming college football season (GO HAWKS!) the Big Ten Conference has gotten bigger with the addition of University of Oregon, UCLA, University of Southern California and University of Washington. If you're part of the B10 family, you've probably had or overheard conversations about whether it's good or bad. Why expand? The conference is losing it's traditions and not what it used to be. While a case can me made for that, change is inevitable. It's happening. Embrace it. Try to find the positives. New stadiums to visit. More competition. More visibility for all teams with recruitment. The same can be said when thinking about other aspects of life, including work. Things change. Find the "why" in whatever change happens. How can it positively impact your role, team, company, partnerships, etc. https://lnkd.in/e6ectp8Q

This insightful article from the WSJ is relevant to nearly every member-owned private club, especially to their GM/COO and governing board members.   In it, Penn’s recently resigned board chair cites a lack of consensus over “appropriate roles” as a driving factor in the university’s recent troubles (and his resignation). The Club Leadership Alliance (CLA) and our Partners help private clubs build that critical consensus, and we recognize that without it, sustained success is rare.   At CLA, our work addresses all the concerns mentioned in this article – and then some. We help clubs define and codify governance and management alignment with industry best practices. From the Board and Committee member nominating process to orientations, policy manuals, portals, annual goal setting, ongoing education and more, CLA’s approach to successful club governance is proven to be vital for relevant, enduring private clubs.    All great clubs have one thing in common: They get governance right!

NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development alumni, what are y’all up to 👀?!? I want to nominate you for something dope. Drop a note in the comments to let me know what you’ve been doing!

Click https://lnkd.in/gHHDBMsV https://lnkd.in/gqR6mv-K @Eatdrinkandmarry Health Life Business Relationships Startyourstoryeveryday #innovation #management #digitalmarketing #creativity #technology 619-777-6792

We need your help! This year, the University of Pittsburgh will use the annual K. Leroy Irvis celebration on Feb. 26 to honor six individuals who have made contributions to the Pittsburgh artistic community and who have demonstrated their commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the Pittsburgh region. To nominate someone, visit https://lnkd.in/ecExYNY8. The deadline is Feb. 5. Nominations are being accepted from the public in six categories: Inspiring Leader – A graduate student at the forefront of advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion for the University community. Exemplifies strong leadership skills. Aspiring Ally – An individual who is supporting inclusionary efforts in the community or at the University. Creative Changemaker — An individual who is changing the culture of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the community or at the University. Has shown the ability to shift the narrative around DEIA efforts. Social Justice Advocate – An individual who is focused on advancing social justice efforts for the community or at the University. Unsung Hero — An individual who tends to work in the background, encouraging others to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. A person who historically may not have gotten the credit for the work they do to advance DEI efforts. Campus Leadership — An undergraduate student who develops synergy and collaboration in the University community. Must have leadership experience on campus.

The Rise of a Sleeping Giant: University of Arkansas Poised for Athletic Dominance In the ever-evolving landscape of college athletics, the University of Arkansas stands as a sleeping giant on the brink of a transformational era. With the recent implementation of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules, coupled with the backing of influential figures such as Donnie King, Jerry Jones, and the Walton family, the stage is set for the Razorbacks to emerge as a powerhouse in both basketball and football. The University of Arkansas has already taken the first bold step towards this vision by securing the services of renowned head basketball coach John Calipari. This strategic move signals the university's unwavering commitment to excellence and sets the tone for what lies ahead. Donnie King's leadership at Tyson Foods, Jerry Jones' unparalleled success with the Dallas Cowboys, and the Walton family's legacy through Walmart bring not only financial resources but also invaluable expertise and connections to the table. Their collective involvement is poised to revolutionize the way college athletics operate and elevate the University of Arkansas to new heights. As the Razorbacks harness these newfound opportunities and resources, there is little doubt that they will soon emerge as a formidable force in both basketball and football. The pieces are falling into place for the University of Arkansas to become a juggernaut in college athletics, reshaping the landscape for years to come. The future is bright for the Razorbacks, and the sports world will be watching closely as the University of Arkansas rises to prominence, fueled by a potent combination of talent, resources, and vision.

[Trev] Alberts said. "I've said it 100 times, and I'll say it again: we don't have a revenue problem in college athletics, we have an expense problem." - Very on point quote in a insightful article discussing some of the tough choices, complications and unforeseen outcomes of the House vs NCAA settlement. The consequences of this settlement and the impact of the ever-changing operating landscape of college athletics is going to require athletic departments and administrations to take a long hard look at spending - in terms of its effectiveness and efficiency, public pressure for transparency, and the limited time and resources available (akin to grant recipients subject to donor requirements, as an example). What would you say are the biggest operational issues college athletics departments and administrators are facing in light of the pending settlement and other changes to the operational landscape of college athletics? Mit Winter Kevin R. Flanagan Jack Lieb Anthony Kocheran Stephanie Isham, CPA #ncaa #privateequity #collegeathletics #NIL #cherrybekaert https://lnkd.in/efUVFaRu