Episode Overview
In this episode of LEAD UNI, host Jesse Heath sits down with Connie Hansen, Associate Director of Student Involvement at the University of Northern Iowa. After more than 35 years serving UNI students, Connie has helped shape countless leaders while overseeing some of the university's most recognizable programs, including CAB, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the Panther Pantry.
Rather than focusing on titles or authority, Connie shares a philosophy centered on helping other people succeed. She reflects on difficult conversations with students, creating environments where employees feel valued, adapting to changing generations, and why the most effective leaders build cultures where everyone feels like they belong. Throughout the conversation, Connie offers practical advice on encouragement, delegation, recognition, and the importance of leading with both compassion and accountability.
Key Themes
Leadership Is About Helping Others Succeed Connie explains why leadership isn't about individual achievement - it's about creating opportunities for others to grow and celebrating the success of the entire team.
Belonging Creates Better Teams From staff meetings to student programming, Connie shares how intentional relationship-building, recognition, and shared experiences create stronger, more connected teams.
Care and Accountability Can Coexist Some of the hardest leadership moments involve difficult conversations. Connie discusses approaching those conversations with honesty, empathy, and a genuine desire to help people move toward what's best for them.
Meeting People Where They Are Whether leading employees or serving students, Connie believes leaders must adapt rather than expect others to fit old systems. Effective leadership evolves with the people you're serving.
What You'll Learn
- Why belonging is one of a leader's greatest responsibilities
- How recognition and encouragement improve team performance
- Practical ways to build trust through autonomy and delegation
- Why admitting mistakes makes leaders more credible
- How to identify people's strengths and position them for success
- The importance of adapting leadership to changing employee and student needs
Memorable Takeaways
- Great leaders measure success by how many people they help succeed.
- Belonging isn't accidental - it's intentionally created.
- Honest conversations delivered with care build trust over time.
- Leaders should put people where their strengths can shine.
- Teams perform best when they're encouraged, recognized, and trusted.
- Work should be meaningful - but it should also be fun.
About LEAD UNI
LEAD UNI is a leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa that explores the real experiences behind effective leadership. Each episode features conversations with faculty and staff who share the moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped how they lead.
LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Advance, Develop - a framework designed to help leaders at every stage of their journey grow with purpose.
