Bridget Burns, Executive Director of the University Innovation Alliance, and Doug Lederman, Editor and Co-Founder of Inside Higher Ed, speak with Dr. Michael Sorrell, President of Paul Quinn College. He talks about adapting to the long haul of the pandemic, best practices for focusing on and pursuing what truly matters to an institution and the ed sector at large, and identifying the path forward that will benefit the most people. Topics include:

• Finding a North Star to guide his institution through ongoing challenge

• How a crisis can shape decision-making for both administrators and students

• What it means for an institution to "win" in higher education
• Words of faith and encouragement that can be applied at many levels

Bridget Burns, Executive Director of the University Innovation Alliance, and Doug Lederman, Editor and Co-Founder of Inside Higher Ed, speak with Dr. Becky Johnson, Interim President of Oregon State University. She talks about effectively assuming a leadership role during a pandemic, not being driven by worst-case scenarios, and keeping an eye on the future while handling the current situation. Topics include:

• The value of staying calm and thinking instead of instantly reacting
• Assessing situations and concerns to better address the realities of the moment
• Projecting confidence and ensuring continuity
• Staying focused on the push for equity in higher ed
• Building an effective team and guiding future leaders toward their ideal roles

Bridget Burns, Executive Director of the University Innovation Alliance, and Doug Lederman, Editor and Co-Founder of Inside Higher Ed, speak with Dr. Joseph Castro, Chancellor of the California State University System. Join us to hear his thoughts about listening to the people who depend on his leadership, the do's and don'ts of decision-making during a crisis, and the need to stay focused on the ongoing issues outside of any crisis. Topics include:

• Balancing the system's needs with the autonomy of individual campuses

• Being responsive to students' concerns and safety during the pandemic

• Factoring in flexibility and compassion while responding to a crisis

• Understanding the need to rethink and pivot based on current data

• The ongoing work of addressing equity gaps in higher ed

• The value of persistence, authenticity, transparency, and a good night's sleep