Chris Boleman, Ph.D., was named president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ on May 12, 2020.
Dr. Boleman joined the Rodeo in 2017 as the executive director of the Agricultural Competitions and Exhibits Division. In 2019, he was promoted to chief mission officer. A native Texan, Dr. Boleman earned a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University, where he also has served as Associate Professor.
Throughout his career, Dr. Boleman has provided more than 800 educational trainings and presentations, collaborated with experts in content areas to author more than 100 publications, and supported and collaborated with organizations to provide subject matter expertise through instruction, curriculum development, and/or consultation.
Boleman holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree from Texas A&M University, and has received leadership education certificates from Harvard University and The University of Texas.
Success Story
Overcoming challenges is a vital part of any successful journey. Whether leading an established organization or building a business from scratch, Chris Boleman inevitably faced adversity, obstacles, and setbacks.
But these challenges were not just obstacles to be overcome – they were opportunities for him to grow, learn, and become a better leader. That’s exactly what Chris learned when he took on the role of CEO at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, the largest Livestock Show and Exhibition in the world, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Leading an organization that thrives on bringing people together during a time when gatherings were restricted was daunting. But with the support of an exceptional team of staff and over 35,000 volunteers, Chris found a way to keep their educational commitment to Texas students alive despite having to cancel the live event.
It was a challenging and unforeseen situation, but together, they made it through. They learned to trust each other’s expertise and relied on their collective creativity to keep their mission of promoting agriculture and meeting their scholarship commitments alive.
The following year, they hosted a private Show, and it was a reminder of the resilience and determination that defines their organization. But it wasn’t until 2022 that their event came back, stronger than ever.
And while planning a “normal” event was certainly easier than navigating the unprecedented past two years, Chris and his team didn’t take anything for granted. They were reminded of why they do what they do – to spark joy, support education, and educate their community about agriculture and livestock.
In the end, the challenges Chris faced were unexpected resets that reminded him to appreciate what he had and to stay committed to his mission. As a leader, he learned that it’s not just about overcoming obstacles – it’s about using those challenges to become a better version of himself and to build a more resilient organization.
Advice for Future Entrepreneurs
Here are a few pieces of advice that Chris wishes he knew when starting out as a CEO and that he would like to share with aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders:
- Have a clear mission and purpose:
As a non-profit CEO, having a clear mission and purpose is critical to the success of the organization. This applies to entrepreneurs as well – having a clear understanding of why they are doing what they are doing will help them stay focused and motivated, and will also help them attract supporters and investors who share their vision.
- Build a strong team:
No matter how talented and capable someone is, they can’t do it all alone. Building a strong team of people who share their values and are committed to their mission is essential. It’s important to invest time and resources in hiring and developing a team, and to foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and accountability.
- Be adaptable and resilient:
The past few years have shown that the unexpected can happen at any time, and that people need to be prepared to adapt and pivot quickly. As an entrepreneur, they will face many challenges and setbacks, but it’s important to stay resilient and keep moving forward. Learn from mistakes, stay flexible, and be willing to take calculated risks.
- Cultivate strong relationships:
Networking and building relationships with others is essential to success in any field. As CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Chris learned the importance of cultivating strong relationships with sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community leaders. As an entrepreneur, building strong relationships with investors, customers, suppliers, and mentors can make all the difference.
- Stay focused on the mission:
In the face of challenges and distractions, it’s important to stay focused on the mission and not lose sight of why someone started their organization or business in the first place. Keep priorities in order, stay true to values, and don’t be afraid to make tough decisions when necessary.
If you would like to get in touch with Chris Boleman or his company, you can do it through his – Linkedin Page
