In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Candice and Chris welcome Josh Henry, the newly appointed Assistant Director of Research Collaborative Services in the Office of the CIO at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With a rich career that began in 1999 and spanned over two decades within the College of ACES, Josh shares an inspiring journey marked by personal growth, meaningful mentorship, and a deep commitment to supporting research through IT. Josh recounts how early experiences—from fixing printers in faculty offices to listening in on groundbreaking research conversations—fostered a profound connection to the university’s mission and ignited a passion for collaborative support in research.

Josh offers an insightful reflection on how leadership opportunities emerged from acts of curiosity and service rather than ambition. He discusses how mentors like Paul Hixson modeled a people-first approach that continues to shape his own leadership style—one grounded in empathy, trust, and a belief in empowering others. He emphasizes the importance of helping IT professionals see the broader impact of their work and encourages them to engage with the research community through events and lectures to foster this understanding. Josh also speaks candidly about moments when he felt overlooked, using those experiences to shape a leadership value centered on generously sharing credit.

Delving into his current role, Josh describes the exciting challenge of uniting a decentralized research IT community. He’s especially proud of emerging cross-campus collaborations that bring together technologists, librarians, and data experts to collectively elevate research support. Despite the current uncertainty in federal research funding, Josh sees a growing culture of empathy and mutual support among campus researchers and staff. His vision for the future includes more inclusive governance and sustained conversations that allow diverse voices to influence strategy and direction.

Beyond the professional, listeners get a glimpse into Josh’s personal routines and passions, including daily coffee with his wife, an insatiable love for books—particularly science fiction—and his surprising side gig as a certified National Weather Service storm spotter. As the conversation wraps, Josh encourages listeners to either seek or offer kindness in their professional communities, reinforcing the idea that leadership is as much about creating space for others as it is about taking initiative. This candid, heartfelt conversation is a testament to the quiet power of collaboration, curiosity, and care in shaping a meaningful career in IT leadership.

In this episode of Candid Conversations, Chris and Candice sit down with Tekita Bankhead, a global DEI strategist, writer, speaker, and educational consultant who currently serves as the Director of Access and Community at the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Tekita brings a multidimensional background in nursing, student affairs, mental health advocacy, and educational leadership to the conversation, sharing insights from her decade-long journey at Illinois and beyond. Her path into higher education was unplanned but deeply meaningful, revealing how moments of failure can lead to unexpected transformation and purpose.

Tekita recounts her pivot from nursing to higher education, sparked by a semester setback and the guidance of a mentor. This moment catalyzed a lifelong passion for helping others recognize and develop their leadership potential—especially those who may not traditionally see themselves as leaders. She discusses pivotal roles, such as her tenure at the Bruce D. Nesbitt African American Cultural Center and the Counseling Center’s ACE IT program, that honed her skills in community building, large-scale programming, and crisis management during the pandemic. These experiences, coupled with her lived identity, have deeply shaped her people-centered, grace-first leadership philosophy.

Throughout the conversation, Tekita reflects on how her background in nursing and advocacy has fostered a trauma-informed, human-centered approach to leadership. She challenges conventional workplace norms, advocating for authenticity, trust-giving, and a redefinition of belonging as a default rather than something to be earned. Her metaphorical insights—like comparing DEI to elevators in a penthouse—help illuminate the universal benefits of inclusive design and the importance of access for all. She also dives into the complex dual role of education as both an oppressive and liberating force, calling for greater transparency, diverse narratives, and early exposure to multiple perspectives.

In more personal moments, Tekita opens up about her deep commitment to therapy, her spiritual grounding, and her creative passion for writing. She shares the origin of her initiative, The Pedestal Project, which uplifts Black women through writing and communal healing, born from a powerful counseling session that inspired her to reimagine self-worth. Her reflections on feedback, particularly learning to "speak less and listen more," serve as practical wisdom for emerging leaders. The episode closes with a resonant message inspired by Toni Morrison—that true freedom and power are best used to help liberate and empower others.

In this insightful episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, hosts Candice and Chris welcome Jamelle Sharpe, Dean, Professor, and Guy Raymond Jones Faculty Scholar at the University of Illinois College of Law. Dean Sharpe shares a captivating account of his winding path to academic leadership, from his early days as an undergraduate student of literature, through the high-stakes world of investment banking at Morgan Stanley, to his distinguished career in legal academia. With wit, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, Dean Sharpe reflects on how each phase of his life shaped his views on leadership, collaboration, and public service.Dean Sharpe opens up about the transformative lessons he learned during his time on Wall Street—where 100-hour work weeks and lean teams fostered a culture of intense collaboration and accountability. He recalls powerful mentorship moments, including the mantra, “Nobody owns a monopoly on good ideas,” which has informed his leadership style ever since. His upbringing as a first-generation American from a West Indian family instilled in him a tireless work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility—values he now brings to the College of Law as its first African-American dean.The conversation takes a deep dive into his academic focus on federal administrative law, a field he passionately describes as central to human flourishing and societal collaboration. He explains how this often-overlooked area of law influences every aspect of American life, including higher education. Dean Sharpe also explores the current political climate’s impact on the federal administrative state and outlines how the College of Law is responding to challenges and opportunities in legal education, including the rise of legal technology and access to justice through potential non-JD legal practitioners.In the final segment, Dean Sharpe shares personal habits that keep him grounded, including a commitment to optimism and daily routines like making his bed. He even reveals a lifelong love of single-player RPG video games—culminating in his enthusiastic defense of Mass Effect 3 as the pinnacle of storytelling in gaming. He closes with powerful reflections on principled leadership, the courage to speak truth, and measuring success through the empowerment of others. Whether you're considering a career in law or simply want to become a better leader, this conversation is brimming with inspiration and practical wisdom.

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of Candid Conversations, we welcome Dr. Robert Baird. Robert is the Senior Associate Director of Educational Partnerships at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) and an adjunct lecturer in the College of Media at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With a background that bridges English, cinema, and cognition, Robert’s career has spanned Hollywood film editing, academic publishing, and over three decades of work in teaching and learning technologies. Known for his storytelling, curiosity, and deep commitment to mentorship and community, Robert brings both wisdom and warmth to the leadership table.

A long-time friend and campus colleague, Robert reflects on his unconventional academic journey from Oklahoma to Hollywood and ultimately to higher education, where he has spent over 30 years shaping educational partnerships and mentoring leaders at the University of Illinois. His stories, often infused with humility and humor, highlight the power of surprise and mentorship in helping people realize their potential.

Robert shares the pivotal influence of mentors who opened his eyes to the possibilities of academia and pushed him to evolve as a scholar and leader. From wrestling with dissertation advice to pivoting away from a tenure-track path, Robert offers honest insights into the values that guided his decisions. His leadership style—rooted in empathy, curiosity, and support—mirrors his years as a youth soccer coach and educational facilitator. He discusses how these personal experiences helped him coach emerging IT leaders on campus through the IT Leadership Workshop (ITLW), where his creative use of props—like pigeon books and redwood clippings—sparks unconventional thinking and analogies for leadership.

The conversation also delves into the evolution of educational technology, from the advent of email and learning management systems to the current wave of artificial intelligence. Robert speaks passionately about how AI challenges us to rethink what it means to be human and how students today are already engaging with it in complex and thoughtful ways. He highlights the value of writing, the importance of meaningful assignments, and how AI has exposed pedagogical practices that need to evolve.

Toward the end, Robert shares personal reflections on family, self-care, and the lessons learned from a career spent navigating change with compassion and creativity. From his philosophy on life balance—“family is the earth, and my career is a moon orbiting it”—to a candid admission of being afraid of heights, Robert remains as grounded as he is intellectually adventurous. His parting message is simple but powerful: if you’re grounded in empathy and love, you’ll be okay.

You can learn more about Robert Baird at https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbaird3/

Hosts Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Senior Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.

In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, Dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Cheryl has become a powerful advocate and leader in the fields of rehabilitation and disability services. A triple alumna of the University of Illinois, Cheryl also spent 26 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in various leadership roles. Her passion for inclusion, equity, and helping others thrive has shaped both her career and her leadership style.Cheryl shares how her path to leadership wasn’t something she planned, but rather something she stepped into out of necessity and conviction. From her initial reluctance to take on administrative roles to her realization during a sabbatical cancer diagnosis that her true strength lies in helping others succeed, Cheryl paints a vivid picture of what it means to lead with purpose. She speaks candidly about pivotal moments, such as becoming department chair amid complex dynamics, and how those experiences deepened her understanding of collaborative leadership.The conversation touches on Cheryl’s foundational values—doing no harm, recognizing the dignity in everyone, and always prioritizing listening. She discusses her advocacy roots, shaped during the civil rights era, and how her passion for justice and inclusion led her to special education and, eventually, academic leadership. Cheryl also opens up about the balance she strives for in her personal life, including how exercise and reading fiction, especially satirical mysteries, help her decompress from the demands of leadership.Looking ahead, Cheryl reflects on the future of health sciences education, emphasizing its growth post-COVID, particularly in areas like aging and public health. She underscores the importance of building strong teams and empowering others, reminding aspiring leaders to be self-aware, value-driven, and cautious not to barrel forward without considering those around them. Her wisdom offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on leadership as a tool for collective progress rather than personal ambition.You can view all episodes of Candid Conversations on Leadership at https://candidconversations.link/

In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Jean Driscoll, an eight-time winner of the Boston Marathon in the women’s wheelchair division and the Assistant Dean for Advancement at the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jean shares her remarkable journey from overcoming the challenges of spina bifida to becoming one of the world’s most decorated wheelchair athletes. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of leadership in all aspects of life.

Jean opens up about the pivotal moments in her life, from the difficult transition to using a wheelchair as a teenager to her recruitment to the University of Illinois. She reflects on how her competitive nature and rigorous training shaped her understanding of leadership, discipline, and teamwork. Her experiences as an elite athlete taught her the importance of structure, commitment, and respect—qualities that she has carried into her professional career. As she transitioned from athletics into fundraising and advancement, Jean faced imposter syndrome and the challenges of cold-calling potential donors. Through persistence and learning to embrace rejection as part of growth, she developed into a confident and effective leader.

Beyond her professional achievements, Jean’s passion for philanthropy and mentorship shines through in her work, particularly her efforts in Ghana to support individuals with disabilities. She shares how witnessing people with disabilities living in extreme conditions ignited a mission in her to uplift others, both literally and figuratively. Her leadership philosophy centers on investing in people, fostering a culture of respect, and making every experience count. Whether through coaching her advancement team, engaging with alumni, or leading community initiatives, Jean exemplifies the impact of caring and service-driven leadership.

Jean leaves listeners with powerful advice: leadership is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Whether leading from the front, middle, or behind, everyone has the ability to make a difference. She encourages aspiring leaders to dream big, work hard, and embrace both successes and failures as valuable learning experiences. This conversation is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ways in which leadership manifests in everyday moments, from athletic competitions to acts of kindness in a second-grade classroom.

In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Dr. Danita Brown Young, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She shares her journey from aspiring mathematics teacher to a nationally recognized leader in student affairs. She discusses the evolving landscape of higher education, the importance of student well-being, and the role of integrity, flexibility, and collaboration in leadership.

Our conversation covers a wide variety of topics, including:

• Dr. Brown-Young’s Leadership Journey: From her first leadership role as a fifth-grade safety patrol captain to leading major student affairs divisions.

• The Importance of People-Centered Leadership: How her career has been shaped by a deep commitment to student success and holistic support.

• Work-Life Integration vs. Work-Life Balance: Viewing life like a diversified portfolio and the importance of grace in leadership.

• The Challenges of Leading in Higher Ed: Managing budgets, political headwinds, and student needs while maintaining institutional integrity.

• The Role of AI and Technology in Higher Education: The opportunities and concerns surrounding artificial intelligence in student affairs and learning.

• Mental Health and Student Well-Being: How the university is supporting students holistically, reducing stigma, and providing resources for mental wellness.

• Crisis Management and Leadership Under Pressure: Navigating challenges such as student protests, strikes, and pandemic-related disruptions.

• Building Strong Teams and Organizational Culture: The importance of relationships, collaboration, and community-building in large organizations.

• Engaging with Students Effectively: Strategies for meeting students where they are and ensuring their voices are heard in decision-making.

• • Advice for Aspiring Student Affairs Professionals: The rewards and challenges of the field and the importance of passion, dedication, and resilience.

  
  

  You can learn more about Dr. Brown Young at https://studentaffairs.illinois.edu/brown-young

In this episode, we welcome Dean Brooke Elliott of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke shares her leadership journey, lessons learned, and the values that define her as a leader. From transparency and boldness to the importance of empathy, Brooke discusses how her leadership style has evolved over the years. She also opens up about the challenges of leading through change, balancing innovation with team readiness, and the impact of building diverse and inclusive teams. We dive into: - Brooke’s leadership philosophy and how it has evolved over time - The importance of transparency, boldness, and empathy in leadership - Lessons from transitioning into administrative roles and building consensus - Strategies for fostering inclusion and authenticity in leadership - How higher education leaders can embrace change and rethink the learner experience - The impact of mentorship and feedback on leadership growth - Maintaining focus, balance, and resilience in a demanding role - The personal and professional challenges that shaped her perspective, including overcoming health obstacles You can learning more about Dean Brooke Elliott at https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/profile/w-brooke-elliott