On Leadership: Plowman Interviews Randy Boyd on Experiences that Shaped Him
UT System President Randy Boyd joined Chancellor Donde Plowman for an interview exploring his experiences in leadership, including his time as a first-generation college student and the transition from business to government to higher education.
The conversation, which was recorded in mid-June, is the third in a series Plowman launched in late 2024 featuring interviews with leaders across different sectors and levels, including athletics, education and government. In the interview, Boyd and Plowman discuss their working relationship and what makes their partnership as leaders of the UT System and its flagship university, respectively, so effective.
“We work at being aligned. We meet every week, we spend an hour and we talk about our challenges, we get advice from each other,” Boyd said. “The communication and trust is really important.”
During the interview, Boyd shared insights from his personal and professional journey—touching on his roots as a first-generation college student, his experience as a businessman, and the importance of listening to lead.
“Nobody in my family had gone to college,” he said. “It opened doors, gave me confidence, and showed me I could do hard things.”
Boyd credited his success to early mentors, including his scoutmaster and his father, both of whom shaped his approach to leadership and resilience.
“People aren’t born leaders,” Boyd said. “Leadership is something you practice.”
The full interview is available for viewing below.