Episode 19

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam kick off a three-part conversation with Dr. Cali Morrison, Senior Director of Workforce Education and Strategy at EdAssist by Bright Horizons.

Calli shares how a rural sociology class—and one infamous challenge involving cow urine—helped spark her unexpected entry into higher education. She reflects on the power of engaged learning, the importance of clear learning objectives, and why she walked away from a major when a professor couldn’t explain the purpose of an assignment.

Most importantly, Cali reveals her personal “why”: to help adults keep learning throughout their lives without giving up the parts of life that matter most. Inspired by her parents and mentors, she has built a career committed to making education more flexible, accessible, and meaningful.

• How Cali “fell into” higher education through the Montana State University Extension Service
• The rural sociology professor whose teaching style left a lasting impression
• The infamous “cow urine for an A” story and what it says about engaged learning
• Why unclear learning objectives once led Cali to change her career path
• Cali’s personal “why” and how family experiences shaped her mission in education

Where in your courses, programs, or trainings do you need to clarify the learning objectives so learners know exactly why it matters?

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook

Episode 18

In part two of our conversation, Dr. Jennifer Brock discusses program innovation, credit for prior learning, and how AI is reshaping course design and student success at scale.

In this second episode with Dr. Jennifer Brock, we explore her leadership in designing stackable credentials, building credit for prior learning pathways, and leading groundbreaking grant-funded projects like Rio Compass. She shares insights into scaling student success through technology and human connection, her experience presenting to Bill Gates, and how AI is helping accelerate course development without sacrificing quality. Jennifer’s career illustrates how innovation in education requires both passion and persistence — whether in the classroom, in program design, or in rethinking how technology supports learners.

Reflection Question: How can your institution better recognize the learning that students bring with them—whether from work, life experience, or prior education?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 17

Dr. Jennifer Brock shares her journey from theater to sciences, her path into teaching, and the transformative power of dual enrollment in shaping student identity and confidence.

In this episode of the Engaged by Design Podcast, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam welcome Dr. Jennifer Brock, Executive Vice President of Online Education, Academics, and Services at the Academy of Art University. Jennifer reflects on her journey from musical theater to biology, her passion for teaching, and her pioneering role in dual enrollment. She shares how early opportunities shaped her confidence and how dual enrollment empowers students to see themselves as college-ready.

We also hear about her transition into higher education leadership and her early innovations in program design.

Reflection Question:
How has a teacher, mentor, or early opportunity shaped your confidence and career path?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 16

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College, we shift from Calbright’s mission to the challenges and lessons of leading innovation.

Shannon shares candidly about her leadership journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the values she carries into her role. She reflects on how authenticity, feedback, and even humor create stronger teams, and why being open and vulnerable is key for leaders navigating change.

Highlights from this episode include:

• How to stay authentic and resilient while leading disruptive innovation.
• The cultural values that guide Calbright’s “small but mighty” team.
• The role of AI in course design, assessment, and tutoring — and why it’s about the right tech at the right time.
• Rethinking general education around “durable skills” such as communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
• Shannon’s vision for the future includes three-year degree models and integrating AI literacy across programs.

Shannon leaves us with a challenge question: to know your purpose and let it guide your innovation and leadership.

Affiliate Links:

Books referenced in this episode

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robins: https://amzn.to/42hgidJ

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 15

In part 1 of this conversation, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam reconnect with their longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College.

Shannon shares her journey from faculty at Rio Salado College to leadership roles at National University and Bay Path University, and now to her work at Calbright — California’s 116th and newest community college. Together, they explore:

• How Calbright’s startup culture is challenging the status quo in higher education.
• Calbright's mission to expand equity and access through free, competency-based programs.
• The role of human-centered design and employer partnerships in creating relevant learning.
• Real-world success stories of micro-internships with companies like HubSpot that led directly to jobs.
• How Calbright is rethinking assessment and demonstration of skills to prepare students for the workforce.

Shannon reminds us that meaningful innovation isn’t about adding more technology — it’s about designing around student needs, fostering equity, and keeping the focus on outcomes.

Reflection Question for Listeners:
What lessons can you beg, borrow, or steal from Calbright that might apply to your context and your institution?

Next Episode Teaser:
In part two of our conversation, we’ll go deeper into Calbright’s team culture, the challenges of building something new, and the role of AI in shaping the future of higher education.

Episode 14

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, we delve into the Four Path Journey, the conscious habits of thriving, and the “flock logic” that transforms individuals into leaderful teams.

Show Notes:

In this follow-up to Part 1, we dive deeper into the leadership lessons inspired by nature’s most graceful display of collective intelligence, murmuration. Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature, share practical stories and tools for building leaderful cultures in any organization.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the Four Path Journey moves leaders and teams from “me” to “we” to “us.”
• What it means to embrace an evolutionary mindset and envision murmuration in your workplace.
• The power of the conscious habits of thriving: Step Up, Step Back, and Step Together.
• Why “flock logic” favors small, connected groups—and how to apply this principle in your team.
• How TD Industries built a century-long culture of leaderful leadership.

Reflection Questions:

1. Which idea from the Four Path Journey resonates most with your current leadership context?
2. How can you embrace an evolutionary mindset as you lead your team?
3. Where could stepping back create more space for others to lead?

Resources & Links:

• The ABCs of Murmuration book on Amazon
• Learn more at https://www.abcsofmurmuration.com
• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Engaged by Design Podcast: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design

Episode 13

In this first of a two-part conversation, we explore the wisdom of nature with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration. Discover how the synchronized flight of starlings offers profound lessons for leadership, teamwork, and thriving organizations.

Show Notes

What can leaders learn from the mesmerizing dance of starlings? In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature, we explore how the patterns in nature can guide us toward more harmonious, effective leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “murmuration” is and why it matters for leaders and teams.

• The ABCs framework—Awareness, Beliefs, and Connect—and how it moves individuals from “me” to “we” to “us.”

• How Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—shapes leaderful cultures.

• Stories from the field, including how Kathy brought together disconnected organizations to solve complex workforce challenges.

• How to spot and foster murmuration in your own teams.

• Kathy and Robin share practical tools, inspiring stories, and a call to embrace nature’s collective wisdom in our leadership practice.

Reflection questions:

1. Where have you seen harmonious “murmuration” in your organization?

2. What happens when that harmony doesn’t emerge?

3. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply murmuration to your leadership?

Resources & Links:

• The ABCs of Murmuration book on Amazon
• Learn more at Robin's website: https://inneractivebeliefs.com/
• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb
• Engaged by Design Podcast: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design

Episode 12

In this episode, Michael and Vernon talk with longtime friend and colleague Jarred Truschke—designer, instructional leader, and the creator of MyPurpose, a journal and AI-powered app that helps people align goals with their identity and values.

Jarred shares the personal journey that led to the creation of the MyPurpose framework, which guides users through defining their purpose in eight life areas, clarifying core values, setting identity-based goals, and translating those into meaningful daily actions.

The conversation also explores how AI can support personal growth (without replacing your job), and how tools like MyPurpose empower both individuals and leaders to make progress with intention. Whether you're leading a team, mentoring students, or just trying to figure out your next steps, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and prioritize with purpose.

Affiliate Links:

Books referenced in this episode

• MyPurpose, by Jarred Truschke on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4oAfF8S
• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb