
Weekly Wisdom with DeAngela Burns-Wallace: Why Being Underestimated Can Become Your Greatest Strength
From The Innovating Together Podcast by University Innovation Alliance
March 11, 2026 · 31 min · Season 1 · Episode 202
About this episode
Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace discusses how being underestimated can fuel leadership and personal growth.
What does it really take to lead with purpose, rise through multiple sectors, and keep going when people underestimate you? In this inspiring episode of Start the Week With Wisdom, Bridget Burns and Sarah Custer sit down with Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace to talk about leadership, service, resilience, career growth, and the journey behind her new book Made for This. From higher education leadership to state government, diplomacy, philanthropy, and national impact, Dr. Burns-Wallace shares the values, lessons, and personal experiences that shaped her path. This conversation is for anyone interested in leadership development, women in leadership, higher education, personal growth, career advancement, overcoming adversity, and building a legacy of service. If you’ve ever wondered how to stay grounded while stepping into bigger opportunities, how to turn being underestimated into fuel, or how to lead people with empathy, intention, and courage, this episode is for you. Packed with wisdom on mentorship, purpose-driven leadership, storytelling, career transitions, and the power of sharing your journey, this is a motivating conversation for leaders at every stage. You’ll Hear: → Dr…
People in this episode
Hosts: Bridget Burns, Sarah Custer
Guest: DeAngela Burns-Wallace
Topics covered
- leadership
- resilience
- career growth
- women in leadership
- personal development
- overcoming adversity
Keywords
- leadership
- service
- mentorship
- career transitions
- empathy
- intention
- courage
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Made for This
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