“Hire Slowly, Fire Quickly: Kent Hance’s Unfiltered Wisdom on Leadership, Lies, and Lasting Lessons”

“How far would you go to pick up a loved one for the holidays—and what does that reveal about the way we value people in our lives and workplaces?”

In this episode of “Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas,” Kent shares candid stories and hard-earned lessons about leadership, honesty, and the quirks of human nature. The conversation opens with Warren Buffett’s provocative advice: “Hire slowly, fire quickly,” sparking a series of real-life anecdotes about hiring missteps, resume exaggerations, and the importance of trusting your instincts—and your team—when making tough decisions.

Listeners are treated to tales from Kent’s time in Congress, including the unforgettable story of a Phi Beta Kappa imposter and the political fallout of resume embellishments. Kent’s reflections on district forgiveness, public scandals, and the unpredictable electorate offer sharp insights into the world of politics and personal integrity.

Throughout the episode, Kent’s signature storytelling style brings to life memorable moments, such as the legendary “garage door opener” story—where losing the opener meant losing your job—and his “push, push, push” motto at Texas Tech, illustrating the relentless drive needed to turn good ideas into lasting change. Notable quotes like “A committee is nothing more than a cul-de-sac for a good idea to get in there and die,” and “If you’re good to employees, they’ll be good to you,” capture the episode’s blend of humor and wisdom.

As the episode wraps, Kent reflects on Thanksgiving, family, and the true cost of busy work, leaving listeners with practical advice and plenty of laughs. Don’t miss this episode if you want to hear real stories, real lessons, and the kind of Texas-sized wisdom that only Kent Hance can deliver.

If you enjoyed Kent’s stories and insights, make sure to subscribe to “Kent Hance, The Best Storyteller in Texas” on your favorite podcast platform. Leave a review, share the episode with friends, and follow on Instagram at @beststorytellerpodcast for exclusive videos and behind-the-scenes content. Your support helps keep the stories coming!