Though he studied astronomy & meteorology as an undergrad, Lee received a Master’s degree in English from the University of Kansas. While he was there, Lee was a mild-mannered lecturer in the English department by day, and a member of a touring glam rock band by night. Complete with pyrotechnics and makeup. His band just finished their Final Reunion after playing 45 years together—see Facebook.

As an undergrad, he travelled a thousand miles away from home and ran his own business selling books with Southwestern Advantage—which is a direct sales program.  Lee was a top salesperson that summer, and over the next seven years, was a top experienced salesperson, recruiter, and manager every year.

Southwestern promoted Lee to Director of Marketing & Sales Development, in charge of Southwestern’s training, and finally became the Director of Leadership Development worldwide. He helped train more than 100,000 college students there over the course of 36 years!

In addition, Lee has taught at Vanderbilt’s Owen School of Management and is currently a professor at two universities in Nashville, teaching business, literature, & communication courses. He also is a certified John Maxwell trainer and life coach.

In his non-work life, Lee trains and competes with the U.S. Masters swim team. He is a deacon at his church, is a certified storm spotter, and also a face reader…. His wife is a physician at Vanderbilt, and they have three grown children who enjoy rock music and correcting people’s grammar.

You can read Lee’s interview in full here