The Steward of Momentum: Dr. Laurel Bongiorno and the Leadership of Continuity
About this episode
Dr. Laurel Bongiorno discusses her leadership journey and philosophy as the new president of Hartwick College.
What does it mean to lead an institution forward without feeling compelled to reinvent it? In this latest episode, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson sitsdown with Dr. Laurel Bongiorno, the newly appointed president of Hartwick College, to explore a leadership journey shaped by mentorship, appreciative inquiry, collaboration, and a deep commitment to institutional stewardship. Laurel's path to the presidency began in early childhood education and evolved through roles as faculty member, dean, provost, and now president. Along the way, she developed a leadership philosophy grounded in the beliefthat "words make worlds" and that the strongest solutions emerge when people are invited into meaningful conversations about the future. In this thoughtful conversation, Laurel discusses: • The mentor who helped shape her career path at age seventeen• How her background in education and business prepared her for leadership• The influence of appreciative inquiry on her decision-making and leadership style• Why relationships, trust, and collaboration are at the center of effective leadership• Lessons learned from working with nine different college presidents• The opportunities and…
More episodes of IngenioUs
- The University Is a Unique Organization | David J. Staley
- She Leads the Way, Essay Three: Identity — Reclaim, Not Reinvent
- She Leads the Way | Essay Two: The Path: Composed, Not Climbed
- IngenioUs Reflections: What Clay Has Taught Me About Leadership
- The Shoulder Tap: Dr. Isabelle Cherney on Seeing Possibility in Others
- Brooke Barnett: Leading with Curiosity, Connection, and Courage at Rollins College
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the IngenioUs podcast page.