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In this episode, Katie Herschede talks about demystifying governance. " Higher education is best when we all know each other. When we all work together. When we all are engaged in the governance process. When we all engaged in the life and the rhythms of the campus."

Katie Herschede, EdD

Katie is the Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and Chief of Staff at Widener University. She previously served in senior roles at Northern Kentucky University. Connect with Katie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/katieherschede

Resources:

Becoming Great Universities: Small Steps for Sustained Excellence by Richard J. Light and Allison Jegla (2022)

An Anatomy of Good Board Governance in Higher Education by Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (2018)

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In this episode, Sangeeta Lamba talks about inclusive leadership. "Equity minded means that you have to be mindful that each person's experience is very different. So you so if you can be intentional and equity-minded and be committed to almost every step, every decision you make, I think that's probably the way that the dial will move."

Sangeeta (Gita) Lamba, MD, MS-HPEd

Sangeeta Lamba is the Vice President for Faculty Development and Diversity within University Equity and Inclusion at Rutgers University. She leads the Faculty Diversity Collaborative, which integrates diversity and inclusion into the institutional pursuit of academic excellence, guiding the institutional investment in the retention and success of a diverse faculty. Dr. Lamba also serves as the Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion at Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences (RBHS). Her primary responsibility is to champion, lead, and implement a fully integrated strategy for diversity, inclusion, and health equity initiatives that nurtures a supportive and inclusive culture across RBHS. She leads and coordinates RBHS efforts to foster opportunities for diversity and inclusion with special emphasis on academic and faculty advancement.

Resources:

Unleashed: The Unapologetic Leader's Guide to Empowering Everyone Around You (2020) by Frances Frei and Anne Morriss

The Conversation: How Seeking and Speaking the Truth About Racism Can Radically Transform Individuals and Organizations (2021) by Robert Livingston

Diversity's Promise for Higher Education: Making it Work (Third edition) by Daryl G. Smith

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In this episode, Dr. Eleanor Fleming talks about the first 90 days in a new role. Dr. Fleming offers the following thought about taking on a new role, "encouraging your audience to trust everything that they've done. Whether it's epidemiology or law or whatever, bring that to bear and see and be open to applying your lens in these new spaces."

Dr. Eleanor Fleming (she/her/hers) Ph.D., DDS, MPH, FICD, Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Public Health.

Dr. Fleming is an unapologetic Black and intentionally antiracist public health dentist. For the first nine years of her career, she focused on advancing health equity through public health surveillance and epidemiology at national, state, and local levels. Her work has transitioned to center health justice in both her scholarship and activism. In her day job, she is the Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry and an Associate Clinical Professor in the Department of Dental Public Health. In her professional work, she is the Chair-Elect of the American Public Health Association Oral Health Section. Inspired by James Baldwin, because she chose to be a dentist and respects the profession, she offers critique to hold it and ourselves accountable and inspires liberation to realize an antiracist future.

Resources:

The First 90 Days: Critical Success Strategies for New Leaders at All Levels by Michael D. Watkins (2003)

How to Start Off Right in Your New Job by Manya Whitaker, Chronicle of Higher Ed (2019)

What to do when I start a new job? by Dave Eng, Job Hakr (2021)

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In this episode, Christine Goldthwaite talks about when coaching is needed. Dr. Goldthwaite shares that "a coaching engagement is hopefully designed to help the person enhance their self-awareness; become more reflective. That's the foundation of leadership development."

Christine Goldthwaite, PhD

Christine is the associate director of the Rutgers Center for Organizational Leadership. In this role she coordinates the Center’s organizational development portfolio in the areas of planning and priority setting, organizational assessment, workplace culture/climate, and retreat design and facilitation. As an organizational communication scholar, her research and consulting interests explore the intersection of organization design and communication design in relation to interdisciplinary and interprofessional collaboration. She is a member of the core faculty of the Rutgers Leadership Academy, RBHS-Academic Leadership Program, and the PreDoctoral Leadership Development Program.

Christine is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), holds a certification in coaching for Emotional and Social Competency through Korn Ferry International, and a certification in Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance through Rutgers University. She is also a part-time lecturer in Rutgers School of Communication and Information where she teaches Organizational Leadership.

Resources:

Leadership in Digital Contexts by Christine Goldthwaite, Ralph A. Gigliotti, and Sara Spear (Kendall Hunt, 2023)

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

Leadership: Communication and Social Influence in Personal and Professional Contexts by Ralph A. Gigliotti, Brent D. Ruben, and Christine Goldthwaite (2017)

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In this first episode, Denise and Herminio explore the importance of having a friend in the workplace and how friends can make a difference in your professional and personal life.

Denise Nelson Nash, MFA, EdD

Denise is vice president, secretary of the Board of Trustees, convener of the IDEA Initiative, Scripps College. Denise joined Scripps College in 2013 as vice president and secretary of the board of trustees. With over 25 years of experience in higher education, she works directly with the president and board on a wide array of strategic initiatives, including the implementation of the college’s strategic plan, equity and justice initiatives, and effective board governance. Nelson Nash serves on AGB’s Council of Board Professionals and is the past chair of the Board Professionals Leadership Group. Her community service includes the board of Polytechnic School, ESL teacher and advocate, and past service as a member of the Pasadena Educational Foundation Advisory Committee and past president and board member of the Tournament of Roses Foundation. Nelson Nash earned her BA from Scripps College, MFA from the University of Michigan, and EdD from New York University.

Herminio L. Perez, DMD, MBA, EdD

Herminio is assistant dean of student affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Herminio Perez received his DMD degree from RSDM and his MBA in Healthcare Systems from the Silberman College of Business, Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Perez, who is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Restorative Dentistry, joined RSDM as an instructor in 2008. In addition to his academic and administrative responsibilities, he is a member of the Diversity Leadership Council at RBHS and co-chairs sections of the Antiracist Taskforce and the RBHS University-wide Diversity Strategic Planning Process.

Resources:

Book: Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Episode Recommendations:

Denise offers 10 steps to making friends on campus:

1. Introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Starting with those you will work most closely with, followed by those you share an affinity with, and followed by those who seem so unlike you – you may find surprises in this category.
2. Learn people’s names, how to pronounce them, and use them.
3. Ask questions – not of a personal probing nature – but work-related and if offered more personal information, such as family or hobbies, display interest.
4. Bring food, share food. Who doesn’t like to eat? I always ask if anyone wants anything when I make a Trader Joe’s run or I bring in snacks on just because days and always celebrate milestones.
5. Be positive. No one wants to be around negativity. You’ll attract more friends if you approach situations with honesty and find the silver linings – there is always at least one.
6. Eat lunch with or schedule coffee time with co-workers and not just those in comparable roles – go lateral, go deep.
7. Share information, that is not confidential, but information that would be helpful to others. In doing this, you’ll often find reciprocal gestures.
8. Attend work events – welcome receptions, farewell receptions, celebrations, etc. Work the room, greeting those you have met before and introducing yourself to unfamiliar faces.
9. Plan get-togethers outside of work, if appropriate.
10. Always be you – genuine and authentic.

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In this episode, Kai Swanson talks about evolutionary biology and the sabre-toothed tigers of office politics. "You cannot control the weather but there are things you can and if you focus on the things you can you can address or attenuate the negative impacts of those things."

Kai Swanson

Kai Swanson is special assistant to Augustana College’s president, a position he’s held since 2005, though he's been on the staff of the college since his graduation in 1986.

He grew up in Rock Island, just across Lincoln Park from campus. His past positions at Augustana include news editor for WVIK-Augustana Public Radio, public relations director for the college, and editor of the Augustana College Magazine. In 2011, he served as interim general manager of WVIK, then in 2014 was interim director of the Augustana Teaching Museum of Art.

Kai serves on the Rock Island County Board, is president of the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission, and chairs the board of Visit Quad Cities. He is a board member and past chair of the National Association of Presidential Assistants in Higher Education and serves on the Board Professionals Leadership Group of the Association of Governing Boards.

Resources:

Making Relationships Work at Work: A toolkit for getting more done with less stress (2020) by Richard Fox and Anneliese Guerin-Letendre

5steps to remove yourself from drama at work (TED Talks) with Anatasha Penright
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYpmewVFACM

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In this episode, Aristide Collins talks about the value of and relationship between mentors and mentees. "Mentorship is foundational. It's something that we all should hopefully seek. And I think it would really make all of us better, stronger professionals and leaders."

Aristide Collins, BA, MPA, EdD

Aristide J. Collins Jr., vice president, chief of staff, and secretary of the university at The George Washington University, will be leaving his role in July 2023 to become the executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and chief of staff at Strada Education Foundation, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit that supports programs, policies, and organizations that strengthen connections between post-secondary education and opportunity.

His expertise includes executive leadership in university governance, institutional advancement, facilitating and managing the implementation of the Board of Trustees, and presidential and university-wide initiatives to advance organizational priorities. These include strategic planning, administrative operations, executive search and transition, government and community engagement and relations, crisis communication strategy, leadership development, and organizational assessment and evaluation.

Respected as a credible voice in finding strategic solutions to often competing interests, establishing partnerships, and creating and nurturing relationships, Dr. Collins is also a champion for the next generation of thought leaders. As such, he speaks and coaches regularly on philanthropy, leadership, and governance for a variety of organizations.

Resources:

Workforce Coaching, Mentoring, and Counseling: Emerging Research and Opportunities (2019) by Jayaranjani Sutha

The Talent Code: Greatness isn't born. It's grown. (2020) by Daniel Coyle

The Mentor's Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships 3rd Edition (2022) by Lois J. Zacahry and Lisa Z. Fahn

The Mentee's Guide: Making Mentoring Work for You 1st Edition (2009) by Lois J. Zachary and Lory A. Fischler

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In this episode, NYU Steinhardt EDLI alumni, Drs. Trish Beck and Michael Miller, talk about professional renewal and reinvention, "It begins with your connection to purpose. Your connection to your personal and professional purpose. And oftentimes there is significant overlap."

Trish Beck, EdD, MS, RN, NE-BC, FACHE

Dr. Trish Beck is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Education Leadership and Policy Studies in the Department of Administration, Leadership, and Technology at NYU and the Program Director for the Ed.D. in Leadership and Innovation. Trish obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary College, her Master of Science in Leadership and Health Care Management from Northeastern University, and her Doctor of Education, Leadership, and Innovation from New York University. Additionally, she is a Board-Certified Nurse Executive, a Board-Certified Healthcare Executive, and a fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Dr. Beck’s research centers on leadership theory and development. She has extensive leadership experience within the non-profit and private sectors and has had numerous leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer, Associate Chief Nursing Officer, and Assistant Vice President. With empathy and empowerment, she has been successful in engaging and motivating teams and subsequently driving innovation and improvement. As a steadfast servant leader, Trish has a strong belief in the power of relationships. A large component of each of her roles has been serving as a mentor and coach to the members of her teams, committed to sharing the knowledge and skills she has been fortunate to have earned throughout her career.

Michael J. Miller, Ed.D, M.P.A., B.F.A.

Dr. Michael J. Miller is Associate Dean at the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York - New York City’s flagship public school of architecture, and one of the most diverse architecture schools in the country. He is an experienced administrator and leader with over 20 years of experience in the arts and higher education at both public and private institutions. His work centers around organizational change, thought leadership, and holistically serving faculty, staff, and student needs, through a focus on mission-driven strategies, support, and alignment of systems. He is deeply committed to the delivery and expansion of student services that promote academic, physical, and mental wellness.

Dr. Miller’s portfolio includes accreditation and assessment, student success,
advisement, study abroad, and professional development for his students. He currently chairs the Spitzer JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) Committee. At the college level, serves on the CCNY Commencement, Valedictorian, Sustainability, and Student Success committees. He also chairs the CCNY Staff Council Formation committee, whose work is in alignment with his doctoral studies and research.


Resources:

Reinventing You: Define Your Brand, Imagine Your Future (2013) by Dorrie Clark

More Than Enough: Claiming Space for Who You Are (No Matter What They Say) (2019) by Elaine Welteroth

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Revised and Updated: 30th Anniversary Edition (2020) by Stephen R. Covey