Leadership Requires Flexibility, Not Ego with Texas Search and Rescue Division Leader Meg Hinkley – Episode 346
May 19, 2026
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Joining us for today’s episode is Meg Hinkley, a volunteer leader with Texas Search and Rescue who has served on more than 130 deployments over the last 13 years. From leading teams during devastating Texas Hill Country floods to helping families navigate the unimaginable pain of missing loved ones, Meg shares what it means to lead with empathy, trust, and integrity. She reminds us that leadership must be flexible, rather than ego-driven — sometimes you are leading the mission, and sometimes you are following the person with the right expertise in the moment. Her stories about working overnight in floodwaters, supporting grieving families, and managing the emotional toll of search and rescue show the power of staying grounded in purpose while remaining adaptable under pressure.
In this episode, we also explore how Meg's strengths of Empathy, Adaptability, Communication, Positivity, and Woo shape her leadership style both in the field and in life. Beyond search and rescue, Meg has spent decades teaching women’s self-defense through her company Athena Strategies, helping others understand preparedness, confidence, and personal safety. She believes that preparation reduces fear. Her perspective on service, teamwork, and using your unique strengths to help others is something every leader can learn from.
Top 3 Takeaways:
1. Leadership requires flexibility, not ego.
Great leaders focus on outcomes over titles and are willing to let others lead when they have the right expertise. Teams perform better when leadership is flexible, collaborative, and built on trust.
2. Mission-driven teams build trust and resilience.
People stay engaged and committed when they clearly understand the mission behind their work. Leaders who connect daily tasks to a larger purpose create stronger, more resilient teams.
3. Soft sills are essential leadership skills.
Empathy, communication, and emotional intelligence are critical in high-pressure environments. Leaders who manage emotions well and build strong relationships create safer, more effective teams.
Episode Minutes:
- Minute 3:00 - The mission of Texar and what motivates Meg in volunteer rescue work
- Minute 11:00 - The balance of empathy, communication, and trust in leadership
- Minute 22:00 - Meg’s core values: faith, family, and service
- Minute 36:00 - Balancing family, faith, and professional service
Links + Resources from This Episode:
- Learn more about the work of Texas Search and Rescue at www.texsar.org
- Take the free 3-minute Authentic Imprint™ Assessment
- Get a copy of Dana’s book, The Internal Revolution: Lead Authentically and Build Your Personal Brand from Within
- Learn more about The Strengths Journal
About Meg Hinkley
Meg Hinkley has been a member of TEXAS Search and Rescue (TEXSAR) since 2013, contributing to more than 130 mission deployments in support of search and rescue operations across Texas and beyond. She currently serves as the North Texas (NTX) Division Leader, a role she assumed on January 1, 2024. She is also responsible for managing TEXSAR’s relationship with Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Meg’s leadership and service have earned her multiple honors, including the TEXSAR Outstanding Leadership Award in 2024, the TEXSAR Distinguished Service Award for 2025, and the Carine Chalfoun Service Above Self Award for 2025.
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