photo by: Shelley Hanson

Glen Dale resident Francie Brak-Myers talks with Robin Capehart on Friday at the Moundsville Public Library.

MOUNDSVILLE — Robin Capehart, a Moundsville native and former local university president and former secretary of the state tax department, shared “timeless lessons learned from a lifetime experience” on Friday.

Capehart shared his thoughts at the Moundsville Public Library as the principal fellow of the Carnegie Academy, which is a group that helps colleges and universities “reach their maximum potential.” Capehart is also a John Maxwell Certified Leadership Team member.

Capehart said the top 5 leadership lessons he has learned include: “If it’s lonely at the top, you’re not doing something right; the toughest person to lead is always yourself; influence is earned not given; people quit people, not companies; and keep learning to keep leading.”

Regarding being a leader, Capehart said he learned that being in a position of authority does not earn people’s trust.

“I experienced this firsthand when I became a college president and, earlier, as West Virginia’s secretary of tax and revenue,” he said. “Despite my background, to my new team I was just the new boss — they followed me initially because of the position, not because I had earned their trust or respect yet.”

So Capehart worked on building genuine connections and a collaborative team.

“In my own career, I found the greatest success and satisfaction not from standing alone at the top, but from building strong, collaborative teams — whether it was turning around enrollment at Bluefield State or launching new programs at West Liberty,” he said.

Regarding leading himself, Capehart said he had to become a better person to become a better leader.

“In my own experience, especially during times of crisis, like leading a university through the pandemic, I worked hard on growing my ability to stay calm, consistent and honest with myself, setting the tone for everyone else,” he said.

Regarding influence, Capehart said that it is “built day by day, by serving, being trustworthy, and consistently adding value.”

“It’s about actions, not just authority,” he said. “Think for a moment. Have you ever been more influenced by someone’s actions than their title? … Earn your influence every day by growing your relationships, delivering results and always leading by example — not just by position.”

Regarding people quitting their jobs, Capehart said most people quit a position not because of the pay or perks, but because of a poor relationship with their leader.

“In all my leadership roles, I worked hard to connect personally with faculty, staff and students, because when people feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to stay, thrive and invest in the institution’s success,” he said. “Keeping a good team together is essential for building lasting success.”

Regarding learning, Capehart said he continues to attend trainings, read and seek feedback “because the world changes and so must we.”

“Leadership is about connection, self-mastery, earned influence, strong relationships and lifelong learning,” he said. ”

Capehart, a 1971 graduate of John Marshall High School, has served as West Virginia’s secretary of tax and revenue, chief administrative law judge for the West Virginia Tax Department, chairman of the Governor’s Commission on Fair Taxation, chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Government Reorganization, director of Marshall University’s Tax Studies Program, and senior fellow of the West Virginia Public Policy Foundation.

Capehart also served as president of West Liberty University and Bluefield State University. He now lives in Jonesborough, Tenn., with his wife Amanda.

Capehart recently also gave leadership talks at the Moundsville Rotary Club meeting and at the Ohio County Public Library in Wheeling.