Description:
Project management isn’t just for boardrooms or classrooms—it shows up in art studios, Renaissance fairs, and even around the gaming table. In part two of our conversation with Bridget Davis, PMP, CSM, DASM, we dive into how project management skills translate beyond formal work.

Bridget shares her entrepreneurial journey with Heathen Works, her woodburning art business, where planning, budgeting, and production all rely on project management principles. She also reveals the uncanny parallels between Agile project management and Dungeons & Dragons. From Dungeon Masters acting like Scrum Masters to players learning trust, teamwork, and risk-taking, the lessons are as practical as they are fun.

We also reflect on how risks—whether in a game or in higher education leadership—can be reframed as opportunities. From critical dice rolls gone wrong to institutional enrollment declines, Bridget and the hosts share stories of turning setbacks into innovations.

What You’ll Learn:

• How project management supports entrepreneurship and creative businesses.

• Why Dungeons & Dragons provides a surprising but effective model for team leadership.

• The power of games in executive training and experiential learning.

• How to reframe risks and failures into opportunities for growth.

• Why curiosity is the key to engaging learners and building trust.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Heathen Works: Heathen Works

• Ravenwood Renaissance Festival, Winchester, VA

• How to Be More D&D: Face Your Dragons, Be More Adventurous, and Live Your Best Geeky Life: https://amzn.to/4gBMM8q

• Dungeons & Dragons Starter Sets: https://amzn.to/4pAYcO9

• Rio Salado College “Rio Way” experiential training and team games

Reflection Question:
How can you apply your professional skills to the most important passions in your life?

Subscribe & Connect:
🎙️ Subscribe to the Engaged By Design Podcast for more insights.
🌐 Learn more about MACRO Leadership coaching and workshops at https://engagedbydesign.com .
👍 Like, comment, and share to support our work.

Description:
Higher education is a world of committees, governance, and constant change. How can project management thrive in this environment? In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, hosts Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam sit down with Bridget Davis, PMP, CSM, DASM, to explore how both Agile and predictive project management frameworks can help leaders succeed in academic settings.

Bridget brings a unique background—religion, Viking Studies, and a passion for music—that shaped her approach to leading projects. She shares lessons on trust, planning, and accountability, along with candid stories of pitfalls and wins from her career.

Whether you’re a leader in higher ed, a project manager in another sector, or simply someone who wants to see teams work better together, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice in this episode.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why higher education requires blending Agile and predictive project management.

• How to create flexible frameworks tailored to specific projects and teams.

• The importance of planning, documenting, and clarifying roles early.

• How Scrum builds trust and consistency through small, iterative cycles.

• Why CliftonStrengths is a valuable tool for building stronger, more collaborative teams.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• MACRO Leadership book: https://amzn.to/3IAp2VG

• The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey: https://amzn.to/3KkvUHh

• CliftonStrengths® assessments & coaching: Engage with us for your personal and professional leadership growth

• The American College of Financial Services: The American College of Financial Services

• Scrum framework overview: Scrum.org

Reflection Question:
How might you bring more predictable structure—or more agility—into your current projects?

Subscribe & Connect:
🌐 Learn more about MACRO Leadership coaching and workshops at https://engagedbydesign.com .
👍 Like, comment, and share to support our work.

Episode 22

What if your academic background could become your greatest leadership strength?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dr. Michelle Loyet—known as the “Shenanigans Wrangler” in the book MACRO Leadership—joins Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith to share how anthropology became her leadership superpower. As interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Webster University, Michelle has spent nearly two decades helping the institution innovate, adapt, and serve learners around the globe.

In this episode, Michelle reveals how anthropology’s tools—cultural observation, data analysis, and adaptability—translate into practical leadership skills. She also takes us inside the launch of Agile sprints at Webster University, where quick wins, visible progress, and language shifts helped overcome skepticism and accelerate change.

- How anthropology prepares leaders to understand and adapt to organizational culture
- Why data analysis and meaning-making are vital leadership skills
- The story of Webster University’s first Agile sprints and their impact on student success
- How quick wins and visible accountability built momentum for change
- The role of language in shaping culture ('impediments,' 'how might we,' and no 'devil’s advocate')

00:00 – Welcome and introductions
02:00 – Michelle’s journey from anthropology to administration
06:00 – Anthropology as a corporate superpower
10:00 – Launching Agile sprints at Webster University
15:00 – The power of quick wins and visible accountability
20:00 – Overcoming naysayers and skeptics
30:00 – Building coalitions across academics and IT
35:00 – Visualizing progress with sprint boards
45:00 – Language shifts that changed the culture
48:00 – Outro & reflection question

How might you apply your own disciplinary superpowers—whether anthropology, linguistics, biology, or statistics—to your leadership practice this week?

📖 MACRO Leadership book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IAp2VG
📘 Free MACRO Leadership Workbook: https://engagedbydesign.com