Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, and Doug Lederman, Editor and Co-Founder of Inside Higher Ed, speak with Dr. Mark Milliron, president of National University. As someone who's served at a variety of higher education institutions and nonprofits, as well as on corporate boards, President Milliron joins the Weekly Wisdom Podcast to share his broad experience in leadership positions, the workings and role of a board of trustees no matter what the institution, and the ups and downs of leading actual people, the backbone of any organization. Topics include:


• The role of serendipity, curiosity, and service in shaping his career trajectory
• Lessons learned from serving on at least 30 boards
• How the human factor can be the greatest challenge and greatest reward in any organization
• Six nuggets of leadership wisdom, from big strategies to daily mindfulness
• Recommended reading for leaders

Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, and Doug Lederman, Editor and Co-Founder of Inside Higher Ed, speak with Dr. Cindy Larive, chancellor at University of California, Santa Cruz. As the leader of a campus world-renowned for its progressive values and unconventional approaches, Chancellor Larive visits the Weekly Wisdom Podcast to talk about how she went from avoiding to embracing administrative leadership, the pandemic's lessons about collaboration and community, and her view of what it will take to reenergize higher ed. Topics include:

• Distilling the essence of "leadership" from the baggage of "administration"
• Becoming a more agile and effective institution during the pandemic
• Bringing purpose, inspiration, and community back to the education sector
• Career advice for rising and future higher ed leaders

Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance, and Doug Lederman, Editor and Co-Founder of Inside Higher Ed, speak with Dr. Daria J. Willis, president at Howard Community College. Since President Willis' last visit to the Weekly Wisdom Podcast, she's changed institutions and has a lot to share about her growth and insights. This time, she talks about common mistakes in a new presidency, challenges for presidents of color, ensuring the board of trustees' support, contract negotiation tips, and cultural resonances and responsibilities of higher ed leadership. Topics include:

• Practical advice for new higher ed leaders
• A different set of expectations that women and people of color might face
• The politics of higher ed leadership
• Must-haves and nice-to-haves for new presidents
• Book and program recommendations