In this conversation, Nicole Poff interviews Slava Yurchenkov, the manager of Instructional Design at University of Massachusetts Amherst. Slava shares his journey from Russia to the U.S. and discusses the significant changes he has implemented in his role. He emphasizes the importance of strategy, collaboration, and building trust within his team and with faculty. Slava outlines the various projects and initiatives his team has developed to support faculty and enhance the learning experience for students. He also provides valuable insights for new leaders on how to navigate change and foster a positive team culture.