Your Strategist Is In with Dr. Loren M. Hill

The people who always step up aren’t lazy and they aren’t confused. They see the cost — and they keep carrying it anyway. Why? Because over-functioning is paying them something. In this episode, Dr. Loren M. Hill walks through the four hidden payoffs — relevance, control, certainty, and protection — and the quiet trade that turns your greatest strength into the thing that keeps you stuck. You’ll s...

In this episode of The Strategist Is In , Dr. Loren M. Hill explores a quieter form of workplace adaptation—how environments slowly shape who we become in order to survive inside them. Not every change is growth. Some changes are adaptation that became so familiar, we stopped questioning it. This episode examines: The difference between strategic adaptation and self-contraction How workplace envir...

In this episode of The Strategist Is In , Dr. Loren M. Hill explains why many highly qualified directors and department chairs are not being selected for dean roles—even when they are already doing work at that level. The issue is not capability. It’s positioning. Most leaders focus on credibility inside their current scope. But hiring decisions for senior roles are shaped by how you are perceived...

You can be crystal clear about what matters and still find yourself struggling to execute it well. In this episode of The Strategist Is In , Dr. Loren M. Hill shares a powerful observation from a recent strategic planning session: a room full of thoughtful, capable, aligned leaders came to one honest conclusion—they were severely under-resourced. And that insight doesn’t just apply to organization...

In this episode of The Strategist Is In , Dr. Loren M. Hill explores what it means to be highly visible without always having power. Drawing from a recent experience presenting at an international conference in Argentina, she reflects on how leadership often shows up in moments of confusion, tension, and structural gaps — especially for those who are expected to hold rooms together that they did n...

We often assume that achievement brings relief. A higher title. Greater influence. More authority. Surely, at some point, the pressure eases. But what if that assumption is wrong? In this episode of The Strategist Is In , Dr. Loren M. Hill explores what she calls “the boulder at the top” the quiet emotional weight experienced by leaders, executives, and high-achievers whose influence continues to...

January is often framed as a reset. But clarity doesn’t automatically create momentum. This episode completes a three-part arc from Season 5: November: noticing what still counts December: choosing what to carry forward January: committing to what you’re willing to build next This is not a productivity episode. It’s about building under real conditions. You’ll hear stories of faculty and leaders n...

In this episode of Your Strategist Is In , Dr. Loren M. Hill continues the three-part end-of-year arc by naming December’s quiet but critical leadership work: discernment. As higher education remains unstable and expectations continue to shift, this episode invites you to slow down and ask a single guiding question: What am I choosing to carry forward? Through reflection, metaphor, and real-world...

In a year marked by shifting metrics, institutional turbulence, and the evolving landscape of higher education, resilient leadership requires something far deeper than steadiness — it calls for clarity, groundedness, and self-honesty. In this reflective November episode, Dr. Loren M. Hill guides you through the quiet work of noticing: noticing what’s fading, what’s evolving, and what no longer bel...

In this episode, I share a reflection on what it means to lead with courage, care, and clarity in higher education today. As founder of Acclivity and proud speaker at The Gathering 2025 , I explore how resilient leadership isn’t about being unshakable—it’s about being honest, grounded, and transparent, especially when systems are under pressure. Through my Healing-Centered Leadership Compass , I i...

We often talk about the weight of failure—but not the weight of praise. Sometimes, the very things we’re celebrated for become the ghosts that follow us. We get known for what we once did well, and slowly, excellence becomes a performance rather than a joy. In this episode, I explore three emotional seasons every high-achiever eventually faces: Haunted by Achievement: When past success becomes a c...

If you’ve ever felt abandoned by leadership on your campus, you’re not alone. Disruption isn’t the only challenge in higher education — it’s the lack of leadership that follows. In this episode of Your Strategist Is In, Dr. Loren Hill shares how to fill the leadership gap with clarity, courage, and capacity — no matter your role. You’ll hear:  Why trust in leadership is wavering across campuses. H...

This special mini episode marks a new chapter for The Acclivity.  Dr. Loren M. Hill shares exciting updates, including a new podcast name ( The Strategist Is In ), a refreshed newsletter ( Your Next Move ), the introduction of Quick Clarity Sessions , and the launch of the Search Partnership Track (SPT) for higher ed leaders and institutions.  Each step reflects Acclivity’s commitment to deliverin...

Higher education has always faced change — but today’s disruption is different: faster, more political, and more interconnected than ever. Political intervention, demographic shifts, AI-driven transformation, and cultural divides are converging all at once, reshaping how we teach, lead, and learn. In this episode of Your Strategist Is In With Dr. Loren M. Hill , she explores how faculty, administr...

Welcome to the annual Summer Yay episode! 🌞 In this special reflection, Dr. Loren M. Hill explores the emotional cost of excellence and invites high-achieving scholars and professionals—especially BIPOC first-gen leaders—to pause, breathe, and reclaim joy. You’ll hear: Why rest is not a luxury but a necessity How burnout hides behind words like “innovation” and “resilience” The hidden grief of be...

In this heartfelt and deeply personal episode of Advancing Your Career in Higher Ed , Dr. Loren M. Hill sits down with Dr. Emily Yeager —assistant professor at East Carolina University and interim director of the Miller School of Entrepreneurship's Small Business Resource Center. Together, they explore what it really looks like to balance family, career advancement, and mental health while na...

How do high achievers manage when success becomes exhausting?  In this powerful second episode of Season 5, Dr. Loren Hill discusses “The Emotional Cost of Excellence.” Drawing from her experience as faculty, department chair, and coach, she unpacks the pressure to be “always on” in academic spaces — and the toll it takes on health, identity, and leadership.  Whether you're leading, teaching,...

Welcome to Season 5 of The Acclivity Podcast with Dr. Loren Hill! In this milestone episode, Loren reflects on her journey through higher education — from promotion and department leadership to a bold institutional transition — and shares the hard-won lessons no one talks about. 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲: - Stories from Loren’s academic career crossroads - What nobody told her about promotion, leadership, a...

During Women’s History Month, Zora Neale Hurston remains a pivotal figure whose work continues to shape discussions on Black womanhood, cultural identity, and resilience. Dr. Michelle Cowin Gibbs explores Hurston’s legacy as an educator, writer, anthropologist, and folklorist, highlighting how her interdisciplinary contributions exemplify the power of cross-disciplinary research and amplify margin...

Today’s episode delves into the concept of "Acclivity" and the significance behind my choice of this term. Career growth is like climbing a hill, and the "Acclivity" mindset involves a continuous pursuit of upward movement and personal development. The metaphor of an incline is compelling in representing a career, as it conveys the notion that progress often involves effort, pe...

Today's episode, "Embrace the Sky," is inspired by my visit to the Albuquerque International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta. The colorful balloons encouraged me to reflect on approaching the new year with intention. As the balloon rose at dawn, I felt excitement and nerves, helping me clarify my priorities and recognize new opportunities. As we enter the new year, let's take a moment t...

How many stories have you read about holiday menu planning? This year, let’s focus on holiday mental health planning. While many people look forward to celebrating with friends, family, and loved ones, the holiday season can also bring stress. Take time to assess your commitments to yourself and others, and remember that it’s okay not to try to please everyone. Be flexible with your plans. Conside...

Tiffany Langston is a storyteller and communications strategist with over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She has led communication efforts for organizations like Good+ Foundation and Climate Nexus. Tiffany holds a Master's in Communication from the University of Memphis and a Bachelor's in Communication from the University of Miami, focusing on Motion Picture Production...

Dr. Williams is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Consulting & Research Group. Dr. Williams is an enthusiastic leader who enjoys helping individuals and organizations thrive. Dr. Williams has experience in assessment, consulting, research, and speaking. His research interests include multicultural competence, emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership. Dr. Williams work...

Dr. Tenika Jackson is a licensed clinical psychologist, professor, community activist, and consultant specializing in multicultural community clinical issues with over 25 years of experience. She has expertise in multicultural community psychology, children and adolescents, and progressive management and has worked in New Orleans, Louisiana, Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California. Dr. Jack...