The Leadership Educator Podcast

In this episode, Dan and Lauren go behind the scenes of the 2025 International Leadership Association’s Leadership Education Academy with co-founder and co-chair Dr. Corey Seemiller and co-chair Dr. Nathan Eva. They talk about what’s new in the evolving curriculum, the energy and fun that make the experience unforgettable, and how LEA continues to foster a strong, inclusive community of leadership educators. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- From a Diner to the Academy with Dr. Corey Seemiller What to Expect When Attending the 2022 Leadership Education Academy with Dr. Kerry Priest and Rian Satterwhite Rian Satterwhite Impact Stipend – Apply Now and Read more about this opportunity and Rian Satterwhite’s work here

In this episode, Dan and Lauren speak with the co-editors of New Directions for Student Leadership #184, Drs. Jonathan R. Kroll, Cameron C. Beatty, and Amber Manning-Ouellette. They explore Facilitating Leadership Development in Training Contexts, released in Winter 2024. This special issue centers on student leadership training and emphasizes the need for leadership educators to both understand the theories, history, and complexities of the field and to model healthy leadership habits that help individuals thrive and organizations flourish. The editors share their collaborative process and underscore the importance of self-reflective practice, authentic identity development, and the creation of belonging in leadership spaces. The issue highlights facilitation strategies that move beyond lecture-style delivery to support meaningful leadership learning and application.

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts Dan and Lauren sit down with Dr. Lacey Grey Hunter and Lori Throupe from Christopher Newport University. Lacey serves as Director of the President’s Leadership Program and adjunct faculty, while Lori is the Faculty Director of Academic Success and a leadership faculty member. Together, they explore the concepts of team building and team becoming as powerful strategies in leadership education. They discuss evidence-based practices, the role of followership, and how feedback supports the development of strong, collaborative teams across curricular and co-curricular settings.

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts Dan and Lauren sit down with Dr. Shannon Cleverley-Thompson, President of Cleverly Consulting and Dissertation-in-Practice Chair at Creighton University. With over 15 years of experience teaching in executive leadership programs, Shannon shares how storytelling can be a transformative tool in leadership education. She dives into evidence-based practices, real-world applications, and practical strategies that educators and leaders can use to enhance engagement and impact. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- •The Storytelling Leader by David Hutchins - The Storytelling Leader & Free Resources - The Storytelling Leader •The Story Factor: Secrets Of Influence From The Art Of Storytelling •The chapter is free for download here: Chapter 1. The Six Stories You Need to Know How to Tell

In this episode, Dan and Lauren discuss integrating reflection into leadership classes and programs with Dr. Jillian Volpe White. Jillian shares things to consider when adding reflection to your teaching and workshop plans. All share ways they have used it in the classroom or trainings. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- Journal Keeping: Journal Keeping: How to Use Reflective Writing for Learning, Teaching, Professional Insight, and Positive Change Leadership development and reflection: what is the connection? Thinking to Transform: Reflection in Leadership Learning Thinking to Transform Companion Manual: Facilitating Reflection in Leadership Learning

In this episode, Dan speaks with Drs. Corey Seemiller and Jessica Hill about adding improv exercises to leadership courses and workshops. Resources mentioned include: ----more---- Professors at Play: https://professorsatplay.org/ Yes, and Higher Education Network: https://eastsideinstitute.org/yes-and-higher-education-network/ Applied Improvisation Network: https://www.appliedimprovisationnetwork.org/ Tucson Improv Movement: https://www.tucsonimprov.com/ The “Yes, and” book on Jess's desk was this one: Leonard, K. & Yorton, T. (2015). Yes, and: How improvisation reverses “no, but” thinking and improves creativity and collaboration. Harper Business (it’s from the folks that run the Second City training program).

In the final episode of season 10, Dan and Lauren reflect on their experiences from the season. They revisit conversations with faculty members about their innovative courses and explore the diverse approaches to teaching leadership. The duo shares key takeaways and lessons learned from various episodes, discussing classroom strategies and the challenges faced by educators. Some resources from the episode include: ----more---- Followership Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-28v6r-175d0c4 Creativity and Innovation Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-dp9jy-17143f3 Athletics, Coaching and Leadership Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-nqeue-16fb7a0 Creating a Class for a Conference Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-4wxnp-16e712a Stop Hazing Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-49u9a-1714084 Leadership and AI Virtual Summit website - https://ilaglobalnetwork.org/events/2024-ai-amp-leadership-virtual-summit/ ILA Women and Leadership Conference website - https://ilaglobalnetwork.org/7th-women-and-leadership-conference/ Global Followership Conference website - https://www.followershipconference.com/

In this episode, Dan and Lauren dive into a conversation with Dr. Donnette Noble and Jesse New about their approach to teaching a civic leadership course. They discuss how leadership educators can foster civility and constructive debate in a polarized society by integrating critical thinking assignments, impactful texts, and reflective learning. All share practical strategies to help create meaningful classroom discussions and inspire students to engage with challenging topics.

In this episode, Lauren and Dan welcome Dr. Tony Middlebrooks, Clinical Full Professor of Leadership at the University of Florida, and Matthew Creasy, Associate Director of Leadership Development at the University of Delaware. Together, they explore their experiences teaching LEAD 300: Leadership, Creativity, and Innovation. Listeners will hear insights on how creativity and leadership intersect in the classroom, focusing on engaging students through hands-on activities and fostering an innovative mindset. The conversation delves into how students can overcome self-imposed limits on creativity and how leadership educators can inspire students to think divergently, innovate, and address complex challenges. Tony and Matt also discuss their own teaching philosophies and memorable moments from the course, providing valuable takeaways for leadership educators.

In this episode, Lauren and Dan discuss the most recent issue of New Directions for Student Leadership with special issue co-editors Drs. Linnette Werner and John Weng. They discuss the issue released in Spring 2024, titled "NDSL #181: Intentional Emergence: Addressing 21st Century Learner Needs." ----more---- Resources mentioned in this episode include: Intentional Emergence: Addressing 21st Century Learner Needs: New Directions for Student Leadership: Vol 2024, No 181 NDSL #172: Leadership Education through Complex Transitions (Part I) with Dr. Darren Pierre and John Weng Leadership Can Be Taught, by Sharon Daloz Parks

In this episode, Lauren and Dan speak with Dr. Cheryl Getz from the University of San Diego about her course that prepares students for the International Leadership Association Global conferences. Getz explains how the course immerses graduate students, and occasionally undergraduate students, in a professional leadership association experience. She balances rotating assigned readings based on the conference's annual theme and highlights speakers with student-chosen resources related to their interests. This approach helps students engage meaningfully with leadership content that matters to them in pursuit of finding their scholarly voice. The episode offers inspiration for incorporating real-world experiences into leadership courses. Resources shared in this episode include: ----more---- Educating Graduate Leadership Students to Become Active Participants in Their Discourse Communities Dan's 2024 ILA course syllabus Cheryl's 2015 ILA course syllabus

In this episode, Dan interviews Lauren about her graduate leadership course, Leading Diverse Teams. As part of the season's focus on individual leadership courses, they explore how Lauren structures her course, starting with diversity frameworks on the first day to set a strong foundation for inclusive leadership. She emphasizes the balance between scholarship and practical application throughout the course, helping students connect theory with real-world leadership practices. This conversation highlights Lauren's approach to creating a thoughtful, engaging learning environment that integrates DEI principles from the start. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- Creating Significant Learning Experiences with Dr. Dee Fink Diversity Wheel Inclusive Behaviors Inventory Bopaiah, M. (2021). Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives. Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Gundling, E. & Williams, C. (2019). Inclusive Leadership: From Awareness to Action. Aperion Global. Roberts, L.M., Mayo, A.J. & Thomas, D.A. (2020). Race, Work & Leadership: New Perspectives on the Black Experience. Harvard Business Review Press. Wergin, J. (2020). Deep Learning in a Disorienting World. Cambridge. Cambridge University Press. Equity: How to Design Organizations Where Everyone Thrives Inclusive Leadership: From Awareness to Action The Routledge Companion to Inclusive Leadership