136 | Lessons from Leading 36,000 Volunteers with Melinda Underhill

In Today’s Episode:

This week on Leaders Of The West, Jessie sits down with Melinda Underhill, Vice President of Human Resources at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—the largest event of its kind in the world.

With more than 36,000 volunteers, 109 committees, and a massive year-round operation, RodeoHouston is a leadership feat all its own. Melinda takes us behind the scenes of how this iconic organization runs like a well-oiled (and deeply passionate) machine.

In the episode, Melinda shares:

• How they cultivate volunteer leadership, create accountability without burnout, and keep communication flowing across thousands of people
• Her thoughts on leading with integrity, building family-first cultures, and the powerful role that celebration and recognition play in long-term success

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More About Melinda

As Chief Volunteer and HR Officer, Melinda ‘Mel’ Underhill is responsible for maintaining a positive and collaborative environment at the Rodeo. She manages the hiring, training, professional development and performance evaluation processes for the Rodeo’s 148-plus staff and 36,000 volunteers. Underhill also oversees all internal communications across Rodeo staff and volunteers.

Prior to joining the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, she served as an Executive Vice President at Direct Energy and Centrica. As an EVP, Underhill was the Global Head of Organization Effectiveness and led Strategic HR Business Partnering for the Commercial Business Division. She was responsible for leading a global team of HR partners, providing strategic consultation and developing talent capabilities and leading global internal communications and culture transformation.

Underhill holds a bachelor’s degree from The University of Texas at Austin and has received multiple HR certifications. She is the chairman-elect for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto. Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council.

More About Jessie

Jessie was born and raised on her family’s cattle ranch in Southern Idaho, which at an early age, instilled in her the importance of a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for the American West.

In addition to her lifelong involvement raising cattle, Jessie has had over a decade’s worth of experience in print and digital media, both writing for and producing various agriculture and western fashion publications, as well as freelancing in ag and western communications.

As someone who has been on all sides of the spectrum—as a job seeker, a business owner, someone looking for various service providers, and as a freelancer—Jessie deeply understands the obstacles one must navigate when job hunting or looking to hire for employment or project purposes in the west.

Jessie’s proudest accomplishment(s) in life is that of her family—her husband Justin, her son, Jhett, and baby girl, Jaxyn.

More About Leaders Of The West

Leaders Of The West is a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. 

Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave. 

These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. 

In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. 

Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you.

You’ll find new episodes every week. Don’t forget to subscribe, so you never miss a show!