Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership

Feeling stuck on a “linear” path you never chose? Discover how Andrew turned zigzags, immigrant grit, and curiosity into a purpose-driven career at the helm of Vermont College of Fine Arts. In this episode, Kevin and Andrew Ramsammy discuss: Early artistic journey and immigrant family background Nonlinear career paths in the arts and leadership Trusting the process and navigating uncertainty Curio...

In this episode, Kevin and Christian MM Brady discuss: Patience, empathy, and the “superpower” of leadership Mentorship, feedback, and StrengthsFinder in leadership development Discernment of calling vs. chasing titles and positions Scripture interpretation, rabbinic literature, and ethical decision-making The future of higher education, training vs. education, and student calling Key Takeaways: P...

In this episode, Kevin and Kenny Stoddart discuss: IronMind mentality and leadership Adversity, cancer, and using hardship as a building block Burnout, overachievement, and mental health Personal transformation and career pivot Practical pathways to an iron mind for everyday people Key Takeaways: Adversity can become fuel for growth. Hard experiences—like illness, addiction, or major setbacks—can...

In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Mohamed Abousalem discuss: End-to-end leadership: from vision to execution and delivery Building connected, non-siloed teams (especially post-COVID) Intentionally shaping organizational culture Putting the right people in the right roles (fit vs. “best person”) Navigating new leadership roles and career paths Key Takeaways: Leadership isn’t just big-picture vision or...

About Steven Weiner: Steven Weiner is the 11th President of Menlo College, where he leads a small, highly diverse business school in the heart of Silicon Valley. He brings a distinctive blend of experience from higher education, healthcare consulting, and entrepreneurship, having held senior roles at the University of Chicago, Science Applications International, and First Consulting Group, and co-...

About Elías Ortega: Dr. Elías Ortega is committed to building organizational systems in which people, especially those underrepresented in our society, can thrive. He uses the lenses of religious ethics, spirituality, and theological reflection to foster change in higher education, non-profit organizations, and religious institutions. His academic and community work is shaped by the aspiration tha...

About Ted Sun: Dr. Ted Sun holds two doctorates—one in psychology and one in business—equipping him to develop transformational leaders and innovative organizations worldwide. A global speaker and educator, he has taught at institutions such as the University of Liverpool, The Ohio State University, and UIBE in China, and has addressed audiences of thousands across Asia while advising government l...

About Yolanda W. Page: Yolanda W. Page, Ph. D., is the eighth president of Stillman College, West Alabama's only four-year HBCU, a role she has held since July 2023. With more than 30 years of higher education experience, she brings transformational leadership focused on growth, innovation, and student success. Under her leadership, Stillman has increased enrollment and fundraising, improved stude...

About Phillip Bogolub: Phillip Bogolub is the originator of The Mindfully Immersive Communication System of "AJANOI"(Ahjha-noy). As a one-man powerhouse with an engineering degree and an MBA, Phillip has developed a unique mindful imaging technique that empowers individuals to find answers within themselves. Ideal for companies invested in their people's well-being, Phillip incorporates music, sou...

About Bradley Barrick: Dr. Bradley Barrick is the seventh president of Montcalm Community College, where he leads with a commitment to access, excellence, and community impact. But his leadership doesn’t stop at the campus gates. He also serves as an Army National Guard officer, bringing a disciplined, mission-driven mindset shaped by service to something bigger than himself. In addition to that,...

About Lisa Burgess: Lisa Burgess is the Dean of STEM at Bucks County Community College with over 25 years of experience in STEM pedagogy, curriculum development, program assessment, faculty development, student success initiatives, and strategic leadership. Previously, she served in multiple roles at Broward College, including professor of biological and physical sciences and Coordinator of Facult...

About Natasha Skolny: Natasha Skolny is the founder of The Leadership Cabin, a coaching and development practice dedicated to empowering women leaders to lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose. Drawing from her diverse background as a competitive figure skater, NCCP-certified skating coach, corporate leadership trainer, and certified wellness coach, Natasha combines emotional intelligence, p...

About Greg Hedgepeth: Greg Hedgepeth is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the NC State University Graduate School and President & CEO of Substantial Media, an award-winning platform amplifying the voices and stories of Black and Brown communities. With over 16 years of experience in higher education marketing and communications, Greg is also a certified digital marketing profess...

About Dr. Andy Scarpelli: Dr. Andrew Scarpelli is a Chicago science and art professor whose training is in microbiology and synthetic biology. He is a 2020 Global Community Biosummit fellow and SciArt Resident in “The Bridge” program. He is cofounder and president of the community biolab ChiTownBio. He is greatly interested in expanding the utility of biotechnology into fields such as art and soci...

About Polina Kratova: Polina Kratova is the Founder of Rising Stars, an organization focused on reimagining K–12 education through innovation, AI, and experiential learning. She leads a multidisciplinary team building future-ready programs and products designed to prepare students for the evolving world of work, creativity, and human potential. Through Rising Stars, Polina helps empower the next g...

About Stephanie Olson: Stephanie Olson is a speaker, author, and CEO of The Set Me Free Project®. With a BA in Psychology, an MA in Strategic Communication, and an honorary doctorate, Stephanie's expertise spans leadership, trauma, and resilience. A survivor of domestic and sexual violence, she brings lived experience and research to her work, inspiring audiences across the U.S. Her mission focuse...

About Andy Posner: Andy Posner is the founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund. He’s a leader redefining what financial stewardship looks like—proving that effective leadership is not just about vision, but about using that vision to lift people out of poverty. Andy’s work blends purpose, courage, and action, making him a model for leaders who want to create real, measurable impact. In this episode, K...

About Jonathan Shively: Jonathan has over 35 years of experience as a pastor, educator, fundraiser, and church and nonprofit executive. He is currently the Executive Director of Fox Valley Hands of Hope, a nonprofit providing no-cost grief care following a death loss. Additionally, he is a leadership and organizational companion through ArtistryLeads. Jonathan’s personal mission is to increase ind...

About Lisa Goldenthal: Lisa Goldenthal is a Top 15 Executive Coach, bestselling author, and host of WholeCEO with Lisa G. Known for her signature BOSS Method, she helps high-performing CEOs and leaders master energy, emotional intelligence, and execution to lead powerfully in disruptive times. With decades of experience coaching elite executives and teams, Lisa blends mindset, accountability, and...

About Ari Rastegar: Ari Rastegar is the Founder and CEO of Rastegar Capital, a vertically integrated real estate investment firm with a diversified portfolio spanning multifamily, industrial, and mixed-use properties across the United States and abroad. Dubbed “The Oracle of Austin” by Forbes, Ari has built a billion-dollar platform grounded in innovation, data-driven strategy, and disciplined exe...

About Bob Campana: Robert “Bob” Campana is a California builder, landscape designer, real estate developer, restaurateur, and all-around serial entrepreneur. Born in San Francisco, he grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills. At age twenty, he quit his job on a backwoods survey crew to travel the world, a journey that changed his life. Returning to California, he started a small business manufacturi...

About Michael Ryer: Michael E. Ryer serves as President and CEO of Amigos Internacionales, bringing nearly five decades of ministry and nonprofit leadership to the organization. His calling began in Bonham, Texas, where he first served as a Music and Youth Minister at Boyd Baptist Church before leading in various youth, education, and administrative roles across North and East Texas. An educator a...

In this episode, Kevin discusses: Why self-leadership is the hardest form of leadership The importance of feedback as a mirror for growth How perception shapes influence and connection The role of humility and self-awareness in building credibility Moving from positional authority to authentic influence Key Takeaways: The toughest person to lead is yourself. Leaders often give themselves grace the...

About Jack Corby: Jack Corby is the Vice President of Stevens Strategy, LLC. Jack leads the firm’s day-to-day operations, business development, and relationship management, and supports the team of consultants in their work with our clients. Jack holds a B.A. in Policy Studies from Elon University. In this episode, Kevin and Jack Corby discuss: Challenges in higher education Adapting to student ne...

About Colleen Perry Keith: Colleen Perry Keith, Ph. D., is the 14th and first female president in the 140-year history of Goldey-Beacom College, assuming the role on July 1, 2019. With nearly 40 years of experience in higher education, she previously served as president of Pfeiffer University and Spartanburg Methodist College. Dr. Keith serves on multiple boards, including the Partnership (educati...