#144 ,OTOH, Jim Hudson, Secretary of Arkansas Dept of Finance & Administration, part 2, 1-16-26

In part 2 of their conversation with Jim Hudson, Secretary of Arkansas Dept of Finance & Administration, April and John explore how Jim leads his team in these polarized times, manages risk, integrates faith and integrity into public service, and finds hope amid division. Jim explores how leadership in government requires balancing experimentation with accountability, explaining how his team tests new processes, learns from early setbacks, and weighs financial investments against the real costs inefficiency imposes on taxpayers. He describes a service-oriented leadership style built on setting clear priorities, trusting teams to execute, and remaining visible during demanding periods, while emphasizing that respectful communication, active listening, and humility are essential when navigating political disagreements and policy debates. Jim also reflects on aligning personal convictions with organizational leadership, encouraging open internal debate while distinguishing deeply held principles from personal opinions. Connecting faith, character, and coaching to effective leadership, he discusses the major challenges facing Arkansas—such as poverty, educational outcomes, and rural population decline—while expressing optimism about economic growth in parts of the state and urging emerging leaders to focus on personal development, lifelong learning, and appreciation for the often-unseen contributions of public servants.