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In this episode, we explore why the ability to craft and share meaningful stories is essential to effective leadership, sense‑making, and trust‑building in complex organizations.

Joining the conversation are Trish Beck and Denise Nelson Nash, co‑authors of Trinity of Leadership: Learners, Thinkers, Tinkerers, and thought leaders whose work examines how leaders use narrative to clarify purpose, navigate change, and inspire action. Together, they discuss storytelling as a strategic practice—one that helps leaders connect values to decisions, bridge divides, and create shared meaning across communities.

Drawing on their recent work published by Akers Follett Press, the conversation moves beyond technique to explore storytelling as an ethical and relational act of leadership—particularly relevant in moments of uncertainty and transformation.

Trisha Beck, EdD, RN, NE-BC, FACHE

Dr. Beck brings over two decades of healthcare leadership experience, combining clinical expertise with innovative organizational transformation. She holds a Master's degree from Northeastern University and a Doctorate from New York University. Throughout her career, she has dedicated herself to placing human stories at the center of healthcare solutions, bridging medicine and human dignity. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes the intersection of compassion and innovation.

Denise Nelson Nash, EdD, MFA, RYT-200

Dr. Nelson Nash is a Renaissance leader whose career spans performing arts, city administration, academia, and executive leadership. She served as Director of Cultural Planning for the City of Pasadena from 1991 to 1997. She holds a BA from Scripps College, an MFA from the University of Michigan, a Doctorate from New York University, and a 200-hour yoga teacher certification. A self-proclaimed "professional Tinkerer," she has mastered the art of reinvention while maintaining her core philosophy of human-centered leadership. Her global experiences and diverse career inform her unique leadership perspective.

Resources:

Beck, T., Nelson Nash, D., et al. (2026). Trinity of Leadership: Learners, Thinkers, Tinkerers, Akers Folett Press.

https://akersfollettpress.com/

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More than half of U.S. college students now attend institutions in states where new laws and policies restrict what can be taught and how campuses can operate, according to a new PEN America report. In this conversation, Jonathan Friedman and Amy Reid explore how these constraints are reshaping student learning, faculty work, and the vital research that transforms curiosity into innovations that drive economic growth, create high-paying jobs, strengthen national security, improve public health, and power new technologies.

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. They champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Their mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. 

Jonathan Friedman

Jonathan Friedman, Ph.D., is the Sy Syms managing director of U.S. free expression programs at PEN America, where he leads national advocacy to protect the freedom to write, read, and learn and to safeguard the free circulation of literature, art, and ideas. Since joining PEN America in 2018 as the inaugural director of its Campus Free Speech Program, he has developed free expression workshops for higher education, expanded the organization’s work opposing book bans, educational gag orders, and government censorship in schools and universities, and overseen initiatives such as the Flashpoints centenary series and Free Expression Advocacy institutes for youth. An interdisciplinary scholar and prolific report author and media commentator on academic, artistic, and press freedom, he has facilitated dozens of programs across education, library, and arts sectors and holds an MA and Ph.D. in international education from NYU.

Amy Reid

Amy Reid is the Interim Program Director for PEN America’s Freedom to Learn Program, where she collaborates with national and state-based networks to resist government censorship in higher education and champion public education and the liberal arts. She previously served as a professor of French and director of Gender Studies at New College of Florida, and in 2023–2024 was Chair of the Faculty and faculty representative on the Board of Trustees, working to defend academic freedom in the Florida State University System. A PhD in French from Yale and an award-winning translator of Francophone African fiction, she has translated works by authors including Véronique Tadjo, Patrice Nganang, Mutt-Lon, and Blaise Ndala, and is currently translating Marie-Célie Agnant’s novel Rosa the Alligator, forthcoming in 2025.

Resources:

America’s Censored Campuses: Expanding the Web of Control 

https://pen.org/report/americas-censored-campuses-25-web-of-control/

Snapshots of Censorship

https://pen.org/snapshots-of-censorship/

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In this episode, we sit down with R. Todd Benson from COACHE (Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education) to explore what makes faculty mentoring truly effective. Todd shares insights from COACHE's extensive research on faculty job satisfaction and workplace climate across hundreds of institutions. We discuss the data-driven elements that contribute to successful mentoring relationships, common pitfalls departments face, and practical strategies for creating a culture where both new and established faculty can thrive. Whether you're a department chair, a seasoned mentor, or a junior faculty member seeking guidance, this conversation offers perspectives on building stronger academic communities through intentional mentoring practices.

R. Todd Benson

R. Todd Benson, Ed.D., is the executive director and principal investigator of the Collaborative on Academic Careers in Higher Education (COACHE) — a research-practice partnership at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Benson leads the COACHE team across all dimensions of its research and partner engagement and has worked in higher education for three decades. He is the co-author of a new book: Evaluating Educational Development: A Comprehensive and Data-Driven Approach for Colleges and Universities, (Carol A. Hurney, Bonnie B. Mullinix and R. Todd Benson, Routledge, December 2024), which shows how educational developers can use data to monitor and demonstrate the impact of their work, laying the foundation for evidence-based decisions to improve practice.
Benson earned his doctoral degree in Higher Education Leadership and Policy at Vanderbilt University, where he studied the experiences of doctoral students and the factors that contributed to their respective career outcomes. Previously, Benson served as a student affairs professional for over 10 years at colleges and universities across the country.

Resources:

Hurney, C.A., et al. (2024). Evaluating Educational Development: A Comprehensive and Data-Driven Approach for Colleges and Universities, Routledge.

Mathews, K., & Benson, R. T. (2023). Evidence-based faculty development: The COACHE research-practice partnership. In Success After Tenure (pp. 263-284). Routledge.

Davis, T. M., et al. 2022). Barriers to the successful mentoring of faculty of color. Journal of Career Development, 49(5), 1063-1081.

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From navigating routine compliance challenges to managing full-blown institutional crises, discover how administrators cultivate strategic partnerships with their legal advisor that prove invaluable when the stakes are highest. Guilherne Costa shares candid insights on building trust during quiet periods, establishing clear communication protocols, and why the best crisis responses start long before trouble hits campus. Whether you're facing student protests, Title IX investigations, or unexpected legal challenges, this episode reveals how to transform your general counsel from reactive advisor to proactive strategic partner.

Guilherme M. Costa

Guilherme M. Costa serves as the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Corporation of Bentley University. Guilherme brings more than 15 years of higher education leadership experience, having previously served Syracuse University as the Interim Senior Vice President and University Secretary (and previously as the Senior Associate Vice President and Deputy University Secretary), Ithaca College as the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary to the Board of Trustees, the South Dakota Board of Regents as General Counsel, and the University of Idaho as the Deputy General Counsel (and previously as the Associate General Counsel).  

Guilherme earned undergraduate degrees in business administration and political science from the University of Florida, a law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School, and a master’s degree in Adult/Organizational Learning and Leadership from the University of Idaho. 

Resources

Fabiano, A, Harrington, B, et al. (2025). Five Priorities for College & University Legal Counsel Starting the Academic Year

Masterly Legal (2024). Why Higher Education Institutions Need a Dedicated Higher Education Attorney https://www.masterlylegal.com/why-higher-education-institutions-need-a-dedicated-higher-education-attorney

Morioka, S. (2022). The Evolution of the General Counsel https://quadrangle.michigan.law.umich.edu/issues/fall-2022/evolution-general-counsel

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With recent shifts in federal and state policies, legal rulings, and evolving demographics, how are institutions adapting their approaches to student recruitment and selection? This question is on the minds of educators, administrators, and families across the nation. 

W. Kent Barnds, executive vice president for strategy and innovation, Augustana College

Kent brings over 30 years of strategic leadership experience in higher education to today's conversation. As a seasoned higher ed professional who has served in key roles including Vice President for Enrollment, Communication, and Planning and Executive Vice President at Augustana College, as well as contributing to organizational success at Elizabethtown College, Kent has become a trusted advisor in the non-profit sector. His expertise spans strategic planning, enrollment management, and organizational development, with a proven track record of driving sustainable growth and enhancing student experiences.

Known for his analytical rigor and collaborative approach, Kent excels at engaging diverse stakeholders and translating strategic vision into actionable plans. His ability to synthesize market trends, facilitate consensus, and navigate complex challenges has consistently delivered results for the institutions he's served. As a recognized thought leader in higher education strategy, Kent continues to help organizations chart successful courses in an ever-evolving landscape, making him an invaluable voice on the future of higher education and non-profit leadership.

References

Legatt, A. (2025, July 29). College admissions is changing. Here’s what parents need to know. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/avivalegatt/2025/07/29/college-admissions-is-changing-heres-what-parents-need-to-know/

Urban Institute. (2025, July 2). College enrollment patterns are changing. New data show applicant and admit pools are too. Urban Institute. https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/college-enrollment-patterns-are-changing-new-data-show-applicant-and-admit-pools-are-too

American Psychological Association. (2023, August 7). APA reaffirms support for equity, inclusion in college admissions, in response to Supreme Court ruling. APA Newsroom. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2023/08/equity-inclusion-college-admissions

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When chaos strikes, how do leaders step up, steady the ship, and guide their organizations toward resilience and renewal? This is on the minds of leaders across higher ed and beyond. Dr. Ralph Gigliotti, whose work focuses on helping leaders transform moments of crisis into opportunities for growth and reinvention, shares his insights and recommendations for navigating challenging times.

Ralph Gigliotti

As Assistant Vice President for Organizational Leadership in University Academic Affairs at Rutgers University, Ralph directs the Office of Organizational Leadership and provides executive leadership for signature development programs, consultation services, and research initiatives. He serves as an advisor to senior leaders on change leadership, crisis management, and organizational strategy, facilitating the alignment of planning activities with university priorities. He oversees initiatives to strengthen organizational effectiveness and advances strategic academic transformation projects. Ralph holds faculty appointments in multiple schools and departments at Rutgers, is the author of 10 books and over 50 peer-reviewed publications focused on leadership and organizational dynamics, and serves on numerous university committees, including as co-chair of the Presidential Employee Excellence Committee.

Beyond Rutgers, Ralph is president of the Network for Change and Continuous Innovation (NCCI), a consortium of nearly 100 North American colleges and universities dedicated to advancing excellence in higher education. He serves as a member of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award Board of Examiners, co-leads both the New Jersey Alliance for Clinical and Translational Science Team Science Core and the Distinction in Leadership in Academic Healthcare Program, and holds professional certifications as a Gallup Strengths Coach and Birkman Professional. A recipient of numerous teaching, research, and service awards, Ralph actively contributes to the International Leadership Association and National Communication Association.

Resources:

Leadership Generativity and the Social, Emotional, and Pragmatic Pivot from Crisis to Post-Crisis (2024) by Ralph Gigliotti 

Guide for Leaders in Higher Education: Concepts, Competencies, and Tools (2021) by Brent D. Ruben, Richard De Lisi, Ralph Gigliott

Leadership in Academic Health Centers: Core Concepts and Critical Cases (2021) by  C. Goldthwaite and Ralph Gigliotti

Crisis Leadership in Higher Education: Theory and Practice  (2019) by Ralph Gigliotti

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Things have become more complicated for higher education in 2025, with executive orders, grant terminations, funding reductions, and investigations. This isn't the first time higher education has faced a crisis; what's different this time, or is it? Teresa Valerio Parrot provides perspective and advice on navigating tumultuous times.

Teresa Valerio Parrot, Principal, TVP Communications

Teresa is known for honesty juxtaposed with optimism; the two combine to provide communications counsel focused on transparent leadership and relationship building. Teresa helps higher education executives truthfully share excellence and genuinely own mistakes through their communications and actions because she knows honesty is present in all sound proactive and crisis outreach. 

Previously, Teresa served as senior vice president for Widmeyer Communications and vice president for SimpsonScarborough. She counts almost 10 years of service with the University of Colorado, including an officer-level appointment as Assistant Secretary of the University. She is co-host of the Trusted Voices Podcast, co-editor of Call to Action for Inside Higher Ed, has numerous bylines with national and higher education media, and is a frequent keynote speaker. 

She was awarded the Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence by CASE and serves as a CASE Laureate. Teresa earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Colorado Boulder, a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Colorado Denver, and a doctoral degree in higher education policy and leadership from Southern Methodist University. She is accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). She serves on the boards of PRSA and the Colorado-based Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) and is a member of the Denver Ballet Guild.

Resources

Trusted Voices Podcast https://tvpcommunications.com/trusted-voices-podcast-season-one-recap/

Issues of Educational Leadership: Crisis Management during Challenging Times (2021) by Fern Aefsky

The Prepared Leader: Emerge from Amy Crisis More Resilient Than Before (2022) by Erika H. James and Lynn Perry Wooten 

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In this episode, we delve into the attacks on DEI with Dr. Daryl G. Smith, author of Diversity's Promise for Higher Education. Dr. Smith discusses the complex dynamics of institutional capacity building and offers insights into mission advancement during these turbulent times. 

Dr. Daryl G. Smith, PhD

Dr. Smith is a  Senior Research Fellow and Professor Emerita of Education and
Psychology at Claremont Graduate University. She joined CGU as a faculty
member after serving for years as a college administrator in planning and research
and student affairs. She is the author of numerous books and publications, including Diversity’s Promise for Higher Education: Making it Work (4 rd ed). She has served as an evaluator, consultant, and faculty to numerous projects, professional associations, and campuses across the country and to foundations such as the James Irvine Foundation, the Haas Jr. Foundation, the Mellon Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Pew Charitable Trusts, and The Hewlett Foundation. She served as part of two U.S. delegations to Ford Foundation sponsored tri-national conferences (India, South Africa, U.S.) on campus diversity, higher education, and democracy that took place in South Africa and the United States. Smith was a Fulbright Senior Specialist in South Africa in 2010 and 2012.

Resources (all publications authored or co-authored by Daryl G. Smith):

Diversity’s Promise for Higher Education: Making it Work (4th ed) (2024)

Framing Diversity Work Today: An Imperative for Excellence for a Pluralistic Society (2024)

Leadership Excellence in a Pluralistic Society: The Role of Identity and Inclusive Leadership (2021)

Diversity and Inclusion in Higher Education: Emerging Cross-national Perspectives
on Institutional Transformation (2014)

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In this episode Stacey Gordon, founder and principal consultant of Rework Work and author of Unbias: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work, Stacey commented,  “The awareness piece is so big. When I first started DEI work, about a decade ago, I really thought it was all about action, and I was that person, like, you need to take action. (“...”) But the more I do this work, the more I am scaling back and just keep coming back to the awareness piece, because I can't make you take an action, can't make you do anything, but once you become aware, and like I said, you have that alignment, that intentionality, that accountability for wanting to do something, (“…”) you're going to do what is right because you see it. Once you see it, you can't unsee it.”

Stacey A. Gordon, MBA

As an Executive Advisor and Inclusive Workplace Culture Consultant, Stacey Gordon anchors action using change management principles while facilitating mindset shifts. She combines concepts of recruiting, career development, diversity, and workplace culture to focus on reworking how companies work, including how they inclusively recruit, hire, and engage employees, effectively creating inclusion and belonging for all. Through her company, Rework Work, she has worked with executive leaders and people managers from companies such as American Express, Kia Motors, Hewlett Packard, GE, Roku, The Obama Foundation, and many others to deliver education, coaching, and consulting that supports organizational change and leadership development in furtherance of creating inclusive workplace cultures.

Stacey’s book, UNBIAS: Addressing Unconscious Bias at Work, debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hot New Release list, while her unconscious bias course on the LinkedIn learning platform was the #1 most watched course of 2021 and has been translated into several languages. Her audience is quickly approaching 2 million unique learners, and Stacey has been recognized as a passionate supporter of DEI by Forbes, the Los Angeles Times, Pepperdine University, and LinkedIn. She earned her MBA from Pepperdine University Business School, her SHRM-SCP certification, and the SHRM Inclusive Workplace Culture Credential. To learn more, visit learn.reworkwork.com

Resources:

Unbias: Addressing Unconcious Bias at Work (2021) by Stacey A. Gordon

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In this episode, Nana Kofi Nti and Mashama Thompson, co-founders of 510 Media, discuss the challenges facing colleges and universities in the attention economy. They note that institutions of higher education must work to distinguish themselves from the ubiquity of crowdsourced online learning.

Kofi Nti and Thompson challenge us to reflect critically on whether higher education is truly developing quality minds. They suggest that education is not a finite destination, but rather a continual process of growth and learning.

Nana Kofi Nti

Nana Kofi Nti is known for his commitment to Black Excellence in business, and dedication to Black Entrepreneurship in his local community and beyond. As co-founder of 510media, Nana is responsible for the strategic vision of the business. Under his leadership, 510media has grown from a photography studio to a brand strategy and management agency focused on finding creative solutions that move audiences to action. Honed over nearly 15 years, Nana has authored an unconventional approach to creativity anchored in human connection through deep listening, storytelling, and shared experiences. This approach has earned Nana and 510media a reputation for creating brands and stories that build connections and change the way clients show up to their audience. Active in his community, Nana Kofi Nti created and led free editorial photography courses for several years before handing the reins over to a group of hand-selected photographers that apprenticed directly with him. For the past four years through 510media HOPE, Nana has actively coached more than aspiring and existing Black entrepreneurs. A modern blueprint for nonprofits serving Black communities, HOPE draws on Black creativity, culture, and entrepreneurial spirit to address the dynamic challenges faced by aspiring business owners and leaders of color.  “I want to see Oakland become a thriving hub of Black entrepreneurship.”

Mashama Thompson

Mashama is a co-founder and Creative Director at 510media, distinguished by nearly two decades of expertise in pioneering brand and creative strategies across various sectors, including health and technology. Over the past 17 years, he has led both creative and strategic teams in the physical and digital spaces, spanning lifestyle, education, entertainment, and technology industries. His work ethos strives for simplicity, elegance, and human-centered design that cuts through the noise, delivering messages that resonate deeply and drive meaningful engagement. 

Beyond leading projects for significant entities like the San Francisco Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control, Mashama's commitment to education shines through in his development of the ‘PLAY Sessions’ course and his role as a panelist on the Adobe Design Awards, nurturing the next generation of brand and design leaders.

Resources

Kumar, M. J. (2024). The Imperative of Critical Thinking in Higher Education. IETE Technical Review, 41(5), 509–510

Burnett, D.G., Loh, A. & Schmidt, P. (2023). Powerful Forces Are Fracking Our Attention. We Can Fight Back. New York Times.
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/24/opinion/attention-economy-education.html

Argyris, C. (1993). Knowledge for Action. A Guide to Overcoming Barriers to Organizational Change.