Imagining Bridges to Better Leadership

In a time when colleges are closing and careers are constantly evolving, this conversation dives into what leadership in higher education must become: deeply human, radically student-centered, and courageously adaptive. Discover how aligning passion, purpose, and curriculum can transform both institutions and individual lives. In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Benjamin Rifkin discuss: Leadership as l...

A department chair who never planned on academic leadership becomes a VP, shaping how an entire college defines success, belonging, and legacy. In this conversation, she opens up about leading with empathy, elevating students beyond the metrics, and why curiosity and kindness might be a leader’s greatest tools. In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Loretta Ovueraye discuss: Defining moments in an academi...

In a world obsessed with talent and polished résumés, this conversation dives into why tenacity and authenticity are what actually move lives, teams, and organizations forward. Discover how leaders who are real, resilient, and people-focused go farther than those who rely on ability alone. In this episode, Kevin and Phillip Bogolub discuss: Talent vs. tenacity in real-world success Ability as comp...

Talent might get you in the room, but only tenacity keeps you there when everything falls apart. In this episode, Kevin Neal and Phillip Bogolub unpack the tension between natural gifting and relentless persistence—and what that means for purpose-driven leadership. In this episode, Kevin and Phillip Bogolub discuss: Defining talent as natural, God-given gifting How leaders choose what to do with t...

A former US Army Special Forces commander unpacks why character, clarity, and real connection—not titles—separate average managers from transformational leaders. This conversation dives into self-leadership, hard feedback, and what it really takes to build high-trust, high-performance teams in a changing world. In this episode, Kevin and Sean Patton discuss: Superpower of listening and aligning pe...

Stepping into your true voice often requires letting old versions of yourself die. In this episode, leadership coach Maximos Lih unpacks how identity, culture, and courage intersect so leaders can stop playing small in rooms where they were meant to lead. In this episode, Kevin and Maximos Lih discuss: Navigating multiple identities and cultures as a leader Transitions as “resurrection moments” in...

From classroom simulations to real-world risk, explore a practical blueprint for building resilient, agile leaders who thrive on uncertainty. In this episode, Kevin and Todd Inouye discuss: Nonlinear journey into business and higher education Critical thinking is the core leadership skill Curiosity, risk-taking, and dealing with uncertainty Applying classroom learning to real-world business challe...

When leadership is rooted in faith, authenticity, and a clear sense of boundaries, it doesn’t just build careers—it changes lives. In this episode, you’ll hear how one leader moved from corporate to higher ed, learned to say no, and now champions students who never thought college was possible. In this episode, Kevin and Adria Chea discuss: Superpower of authenticity and self-awareness Corporate v...

What happens when you stop “selling” college and start telling real stories instead? In this episode, we explore how authenticity, people-first leadership, and intentional communication can transform higher education marketing and the lives it touches. In this episode, Kevin and Lisha Dunlap discuss: Authenticity, self-awareness, and personal growth Storytelling vs. traditional advertising in educ...

What if fear isn’t your enemy as a leader, but your greatest teacher? In this episode, we explore how to transform fear from a paralyzing force into a powerful guide that protects you, sharpens your decisions, and fuels courageous leadership. In this episode, Kevin and Phillip Bogolub discuss: Fear as protective instinct vs. paralyzing force Using fear as constructive energy in leadership and busi...

In a world obsessed with transactions and quick wins, what would happen if we rebuilt our networks around trust, generosity, and imagination? In this episode, discover a radically human approach to connection that turns relationships into lasting community, opportunity, and impact. In this episode, Kevin and David Homan discuss: Superpower of being a “super connector.” Curiosity, vulnerability, an...

What happens when leadership is grounded in 10,000 years of Indigenous knowledge and lived experience? In this episode, you’ll hear how one tribal college president uses curiosity, culture, and community to redefine what it means to lead for both people and place. In this episode, Kevin and Chris Caldwell discuss: Curiosity and seeking context as a leadership “superpower.” Leadership rooted in ind...

In this episode, Kevin and Rob Haynie discuss: Life settlements and how they work Why most life insurance policies never pay a death claim Life insurance as a flexible, controllable asset Using life settlements for retirement, philanthropy, and legacy When and how leaders should prioritize life insurance planning Key Takeaways: Life insurance is not just a death benefit; it is a financial asset yo...

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...