In this podcast episode, Lesley Reid, Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs at the University of Alabama, discusses her leadership journey, focusing on the roles she has held during and through transition. She shares her strategies to incorporate diverse voices and build policies collaboratively in the service of rebuilding trust. Lesley's open-door policy and immersive engagement with faculty members highlight her commitment to creating inclusive and participatory leadership. Her motto, "slow is smooth, smooth is fast," underpins her approach toward steady, impactful leadership.

In this episode, Annmarie Caño, a professor of psychology and former Dean, and a coach with Academic Impressions, discusses the concept of leadership through accompaniment. She emphasizes the importance of empathy, listening, and understanding the perspectives of both those above and below in the organizational hierarchy. As a coach, Caño highlights the challenges faced by those leading from the middle, such as department chairs and associate provosts, particularly in times of uncertainty. By focusing on the concerns and aspirations of faculty and staff, leaders can foster a culture of support and growth, even amidst funding challenges and institutional pressures.

In this podcast episode, leaders from Boise State University discuss their pioneering work in developing effective leaders and leadership development structures. Michelle Payne, Vice Provost for Academic Leadership and Faculty Affairs, and Stephanie Ritchie Breach, Director of Faculty Success and Development, share their experiences of shifting the culture of leadership at their institution. They emphasize the importance of equipping department chairs for success and how their combined efforts provide a supportive environment for academic leaders. Their partnership has brought profound changes in a relatively short time, aligning leadership with the strategic vision of Boise State. We also hear about their partnership, collaboration, and personal leadership journeys.

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In this episode, Beth Rotach and Amit Mrig with Academic Impressions talk with the founder of Optim Communications, Joanna Rosenthal, to discuss the complexities of communication within institutions during times of uncertainty. We discuss the challenges leaders face when conveying messages amid federal actions and executive orders that lack clarity. Highlighting the importance of maintaining transparency without exposing institutions to unnecessary risks, and share insights into balancing internal and external communications. Right now, there is a need for consistency in upholding values while adapting language to fit the current context, and ensuring that communication remains empathetic and true to the institution's core mission.

More on Leading in Uncertainty from Academic Impressions: https://www.academicimpressions.com/leading-in-the-moment-higher-ed/

Optim Communications: https://optimcommunications.com/

Learn more about our podcast from Academic Impressions. We'll meet with leaders and talk about their challenges, ask tough questions, and share what we're hearing and learning about leading in higher ed today.

The podcast promises to go beyond surface-level discussions, featuring real stories about decision-making and leadership styles in challenging environments. Central to these conversations is Academic Impressions' Five Paths to Leadership model, a tool for leaders to understand and improve their leadership capabilities. Engaging and reflective, the podcast invites listeners to delve into their leadership effectiveness, promoting adaptability and success through authentic storytelling and expert insights.