Top 5 – Books Read in Last 5 Years

May 19, 2020

Note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have the chance to learn a little more about our Louisiana Tech Athletics Family. We'll call it Tech Top 5. Go to LATech.edu for more Top 5s. #TogetherApart

Tim Padgett

Louisiana Tech Associate AD/CFO Tim Padgett came to Ruston this past year following a two-year stint as the associate athletics director for financial operations at Pittsburg State University in Kansas. He also spent time at UC-Berkeley and Arkansas State. His previous professional experiences also include stints in minor league sports, academic healthcare and local government. A native of Jacksonville, Ark., Tim earned a bachelor's of science degree in sports management from Arkansas State in 2009 as well as a master's of business administration (MBA) from the school in 2011.
 
1. The Wright Brothers by David McCullough – An inspiring story of their path to being first in flight.   Experiment, fail, identify the problem, and correct the problem in pursuit of an ultimate goal is an approach that all would be well-served to apply.    
 
2. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin – One of the best leadership books I have ever read.  Lincoln chose not to employ "yes men" as his advisors, but instead wanted to hear different viewpoints before coming to a decision.  Most of these men accepted the cabinet position despite very little respect and some downright contempt for Lincoln himself.  Upon his death, they were heartbroken at the loss of their leader who they had grown so close to while serving under. 
 
3. Gridiron Genius by Michael Lombardi – Written by a longtime NFL executive who worked under both Bill Walsh and Bill Belichick.  The book has tremendous leadership examples applicable to all walks of life, as well as extensive detail about the inner workings of an NFL franchise.  If you are interested in both then this is definitely worth your time. 

4. Duty: Memoirs of a Secretary at War by Robert Gates – Terrific memoir by former Defense Secretary Robert Gates that focused on his time in the position that spanned two very different Presidents.  His frank praise and criticism where he saw warranted of both men was refreshing in our current polarized environment.  The level of concern he has for American troops is especially touching. 
 
5. RoundTripper: A Father and Son's Journey to All 30 MLB Stadiums and What They Learned Along the Way by C. Shane Hunt and Andrew Hunt -- Written by one of my best friends and his son, this book chronicles a nine year stretch where they visited all 30 Major League Baseball parks.  Each chapter focuses on a different park and includes interesting facts about each facility as well as a greater life lesson.  I was lucky enough to be with them when they visited #30 – the Oakland Alameda County Coliseum.  Yes, they saved the worst for last.