The Leadership Educator Podcast

Inside the Classroom: Followership Courses

In this episode, Dan and Lauren dive into a masterclass on teaching followership with Drs. Mark Rennaker and Mike Linville from Indiana Wesleyan University's Division of Leadership & Followership Studies. They explore how followership education enhances leadership development, sharing insights from their undergraduate and graduate courses. The conversation delves into assignments, like charting leadership systems, and impactful readings, such as works by Kellerman and Chaleff, to help students reframe their understanding of roles, responsibilities, and hierarchies. Mark and Mike also discuss how personal beliefs and societal factors shape their teaching, providing leadership educators with tools to foster meaningful discussions and student engagement.

Inside the Classroom: Teaching Civility and Constructive Debate in Leadership

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.

Inside the Classroom: The Inclusive Organization

Join Lauren and Dan as they delve into The Inclusive Organization with Dr. Kimberly Walker, a leader in DEI education. Learn about the course's unique structure, which blends practical assignments like action plans with DEI history and culture explorations. Dr. Walker discusses how she empowers students—ranging from explorers to seasoned leaders—to push boundaries and drive organizational change. Tune in for actionable advice on fostering respect, engagement, and critical thinking in leadership education.

Inside the Classroom: Sparking Leadership through Creative Teaching

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.

Building Healthy Cultures: How StopHazing Uses Group Dynamics for Hazing Prevention

In this episode, Dan and Lauren explore the critical topic of hazing prevention with experts from StopHazing, Jennifer Desmond, and Dr. Elizabeth Allan. They discuss the "10 Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Groups" workshop, designed to help leaders and educators foster safer, more positive group environments. Jenny and Elizabeth explain key concepts like defining hazing, recognizing behaviors along the Spectrum of Hazing™, and identifying the signs of healthy and unhealthy groups. They also explore how unhealthy group dynamics and hazing are interconnected and the broader impact on individuals and communities. Through interactive scenarios and group discussions, they share strategies to create and maintain positive group cultures while addressing unhealthy behaviors. A key takeaway from the episode is the importance of empowering leaders to intervene and build supportive, inclusive environments.

Click here to ask your legislators to Vote YES on the Stop Campus Hazing Act

NDSL #181: Intentional Emergence: Addressing 21st Century Learner Needs

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."

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Inside Leadership Classrooms: Athletic Coaching with Dr. Ron Siers

In this episode, Dan and Lauren are joined by Dr. Ron Siers from Salisbury University. He shares his approach to blending leadership principles with sports performance theories in his Athletic Coaching course. Ron offers valuable resources for developing leadership-focused courses, noting that "Good teaching is good coaching." His work grew from his observations of leadership in sports and his desire to teach coaches good practices. Ron emphasizes the importance of teamwork and developing exemplary teammates. A national championship-winning associate head baseball coach, Ron also leads programs at Ascendant Global Leadership.

Inside Leadership Classrooms: Immersing Students in Global Leadership Conferences and Scholarly Communities

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:

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Inside Leadership Classrooms: Teaching Leadership through the Lens of the 2024 Elections

In this episode, Lauren interviews Dan about his approach to teaching a "Leadership and the 2024 Elections" course. The course delves into leadership and organizational theory and how these concepts intersect with U.S. politics. Students critically evaluate political campaigns and respond in real time to speeches, debates, and breaking news. Dan remains neutral, using intentional questions and resources to encourage thoughtful discussion. He creates a safe space for students to explore how leadership styles shape their political behavior.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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Inside Leadership Classrooms: Leading Diverse Teams with Dr. Lauren Bullock

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:

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Teaching During Turbulent Times: Exploring a Leadership Educator's Experience During COvid-19

In this episode, Lauren takes on the role of interviewer and sits down with Dan to dive into his experiences teaching during the global health pandemic. Drawing from the questions in her dissertation, Lauren explores Dan's unique challenges in the digital classroom and the reflections that shaped his teaching approach during such an unprecedented time. Together, they offer fresh insights on adapting to new circumstances and lessons learned along the way.

Welcome to Season 10: Teaching Leadership Classes

In this episode, Dan and Lauren preview the 10th season of The Leadership Educator Podcast. The pair focus on how faculty members and course instructors teach leadership courses. They preview the season's theme by answering a few questions about their classes.

VOLUNTEER AI-Infused Leadership Education, Training, & Development

Leadership Educator Podcast co-host Dan Jenkins will be an ILA Fellow during his Fall 2024 sabbatical and would love for you to get involved in the development of an ILA, AI-Infused Leadership Education, Training, & Development resource hub and AI virtual summit taking place in early 2025. 
Want to join the team? Sign up (ILA Members Only) for an interest meeting on 9 September from 1:00-2:00 PM EDT (UTC-4). Not a good time for you?  Sign up anyway, and Dan will contact you afterward to follow up: Sign Up Here

NDSL #180: Applying Theories and Models in Leadership Program and Curricular Design

In this special summer episode, Dan and Lauren discuss the Winter 2023 New Directions for Student Leadership issue, "Applying Theories and Models in Leadership Program and Curricular Design," with co-editors Drs. Melissa Rocco and Darren Pierre. 

Season 9 Outro: Generative Learning for Leadership Educators

In the final episode of the ninth season, Dan and Lauren recap two semesters of episodes focused on how higher education faculty, administrators, faculty developers, leaders, and others are navigating life post-pandemic. Dan and Lauren share their key takeaways from the second part of the season. They also share their plans for the summer.  

The Road to Minneapolis: Dr. Kaley Klaus and the 2024 ALE Conference

In this episode, Dan and Lauren chat with Dr. Kaley Klaus, Assistant Professor of Leadership at Fort Hays State University. Klaus is currently the Vice President and 2024 Conference Chair for the Association of Leadership Educators. She explains her initial involvement at the 2015 ALE conference in Washington, D.C., and her subsequent rise to leadership within the organization. She highlights the significance of hosting this year’s conference in Minneapolis and details her responsibilities in leading the team that is organizing the professional event. Klaus provides insight into the logistics of organizing the conference, set to be held at The Graduate Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, from Sunday, July 14, through Wednesday, July 17. Listen to uncover the behind-the-scenes efforts that go into creating a successful leadership conference.

From Virtual to Venue: Sustaining MOBTS Conferences Post-Pandemic with Dr. Kevin Lo

In this episode, Dan and Lauren host Dr. Kevin Lo, Professor of Management at the University of San Francisco and President of the Management and Organizational Behavior Teaching Society (MOBTS). They explore Kevin’s journey to USF, his ascent to the MOBTS presidency, and his experiences spearheading the dynamic organization. The conference environment is welcoming and unique. Attendees of the MOBTS conferences enjoy living on campus, engaging directly with peers, and integrating social activities into their learning experience. The 51st Annual Conference of MOBTS will be hosted at Salem State University in Salem, Massachusetts, from June 11 to June 14, 2024. Future conferences will take place this year in New Zealand and Singapore.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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Cultivating Ethical Leadership: Insights and Information with Dr. Jennifer Eury

In this episode, Dan and Lauren welcome Dr. Jennifer Eury to the show. She opens with her journey from a student in the public relations program to teaching business ethics and management. She reflects on her role in shaping integrity initiatives, connecting alumni, and enhancing risk management at Penn State. The discussion delves into her research interests, particularly around ethical leadership and building communities of practice, offering listeners valuable insights into creating strong organizational cultures. Through her metaphor of "tending the garden," Dr. Eury illustrates the importance of nurturing and maintaining thriving communities in the field of leadership education. The episode also explores her strategies as the former honor and integrity director in a business school, emphasizing the impact of role modeling, value alignment, and community collaboration in fostering ethical environments.

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NDSL #179: Teaching Sustainability in Leadership Education with Rian Satterwhite, Kate Sheridan, and Dr. Whitney McIntyre Miller

In this episode, Dan and Lauren discuss the latest issue of New Directions for Student Leadership with special issue co-editors Rian Satterwhite, Director of the Office of Service Learning & Leadership at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and teaching faculty at Claremont University, Kate Sheridan, Associate Director of Alumni and Employer Networks in the Center for Career Development at Duquesne University and Dr. Whitney McIntyre Miller, associate professor of leadership studies in the Attallah College of Educational Studies at Chapman University. The trio recently edited NDSL issue #179, released in the Fall of 2023, and titled “Teaching Sustainability in Leadership Education.” The group discusses the push for both research and action in sustainability utilizing the UN Sustainability Development Goals as a framework.

Planning a Global Conference with Dr. Scott Allen

In this episode, Dan and Lauren invite Dr. Scott Allen to join them to discuss planning the 2024 ILA Global Conference in Chicago. Get insights into Dr. Allen's journey within the association, his evolving experiences as a conference attendee, and his fresh and innovative vision for this year's event. 

Online Teaching Essentials and Student-Centered Learning: Insights from Dr. Morris Thomas

In this episode, Dan and Lauren welcome Dr. Morris Thomas, Assistant Provost for Digital and Online Learning and Director for the Center for Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Assessment at Howard University. He shares his perspective on teaching and learning during and through the pandemic, emphasizing the increased importance of faculty readiness for online teaching. The group explores the changes educators are facing, and where to find resources to address them. The conversation helps provide insights for leadership educators seeking to navigate the changing educational landscape.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:

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