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In this episode, host Joe Gottlieb speaks with Dr. Karlyn Crowley, Provost at Ohio Wesleyan University, about "Adaptive Leadership: How to Win Trust and Accomplish Change." Dr. Crowley, the first woman provost in Ohio Wesleyan's 182-year history, shares how she has successfully led major institutional changes during challenging times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Crowley reveals her journey from passionate horseback rider to academic leader, explaining how her early discipline and boldness shaped her leadership philosophy. She discusses implementing five significant change initiatives in five years, including program prioritization, curriculum revision, and faculty handbook overhaul. Throughout the conversation, she shares practical "leadership cheat codes" from Ron Heifetz's adaptive leadership model, emphasizing the importance of correctly identifying problems, regulating distress, getting perspective, and giving work back to those affected.

With candor and authenticity, Dr. Crowley discusses the challenges of leading through resistance, the loneliness of leadership, and the importance of maintaining joy in administrative work. The conversation concludes with her optimistic outlook for Ohio Wesleyan's future, highlighting their impressive student retention improvements and innovative equity initiatives.

References: 

Dr. Karlyn Crowley

Ohio Wesleyan University

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