When I first envisioned the , it was during a time of significant upheaval, as the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many in higher education, I was searching for new ways to navigate the volatility and uncertainty that had become our new reality. What started as an experiment—an idea sparked by my deep curiosity to explore how leaders were driving change—quickly became a journey full of unexpected insights and surprising discoveries, much like the process of innovation itself.
Today, I want to share the top three lessons I’ve learned from this experience, which has not only deepened my understanding of ingenious leadership but also transformed the way I think about storytelling and the power of this medium.
1. The Process of Innovation Is Full of Surprises
One of the most powerful lessons I’ve learned from hosting the IngenioUs podcast is that the process of innovation is rarely straightforward. It’s full of twists, turns, and, most importantly, surprises. I remember a conversation with , then-President of 91快播 University, during the very first episode of the podcast. Dr. Leary was on the brink of retirement after a transformative 25-year tenure. As we talked, what struck me was her ability to anticipate and leverage change rather than just respond to it. Her mantra of transforming “What now?” into “What if?” was a simple yet profound mindset that clearly defined her leadership, resulting in innovative changes that many wouldn’t have expected.
This conversation set the tone for the podcast and taught me that true innovation requires a willingness to embrace uncertainty and remain open to where the process might lead. Just like in that first episode, many of the most insightful moments on the podcast have emerged in completely unplanned ways. For example, in an interview with , President of Nazareth University, she recounted how she never saw herself as a leader growing up. Coming from a traditional New England family where the boys were expected to lead, Beth never imagined that leadership was in her future. It wasn’t until a colleague pointed out her leadership potential, and then later when she was unexpectedly asked to step into a senior leadership role with just two weeks’ notice, that she realized her capacity to lead. These pivotal, unanticipated moments shaped her career trajectory in profound ways.
These experiences have reinforced the idea that ingenuity often lies in these moments of surprise—when we allow the conversation, and even our careers, to unfold naturally and remain curious about what might emerge.
2. The Power of Storytelling in Leadership
Another profound lesson I’ve learned is the immense power of storytelling, particularly in the context of leadership. Storytelling is not just a way to communicate ideas; it’s a tool for connecting with others on a deeper level. Through the podcast, I’ve had the privilege of hearing leaders like , President of Spelman College, share stories that were not only informative but deeply moving. In our conversation, she recounted a pivotal moment when she realized that her work in public health had the potential to influence policy at the highest levels. This realization fueled her commitment to leadership in higher education, where she continues to advocate for social justice and equity.
These stories are more than just anecdotes; they are blueprints for ingenious leadership. They provide a window into the values, decisions, and experiences that shape how leaders navigate their roles. For emerging leaders, mastering the art of storytelling is crucial—it’s how you connect with your community, convey your vision, and inspire action. , President of DePauw University, shared a particularly poignant story about leading with vulnerability. During a difficult moment on her campus, she chose to share her own experiences of feeling isolated and uncertain as a leader. Her honesty resonated deeply with her community, fostering a culture of openness and trust.
These stories have taught me that leadership transcends strategies and tactics; it’s about inspiring and motivating people through the stories we share and the values we live by.
3. Podcasting as a Platform for Innovation and Storytelling
What has been most surprising about this journey is the realization that podcasting itself is a powerful platform for both innovation and storytelling. When I launched IngenioUs, I saw it as a way to explore and share leadership insights, but I didn’t fully grasp how this medium would enable such rich, authentic conversations. The informal and conversational nature of podcasting has allowed me to engage with leaders in a way that is both deep and spontaneous, often leading to unexpected insights.
For instance, during an episode with , President of Saybrook University, we began by talking about how the pandemic affected his leadership and the institution. The conversation took an unexpected turn when Nathan shared how his own podcasting journey, which also began during the pandemic, became a powerful way to connect with students and faculty. He described how podcasting not only allowed him to explore topics like grief, social justice, and resilience but also strengthened bonds within the Saybrook community. What started as an experiment became a transformative tool for fostering engagement and sharing stories that had a profound impact on listeners.
This realization reinforced my belief that podcasting, as a medium, offers a unique way to connect with others in a way that feels both personal and far-reaching. By embracing this platform and letting conversations unfold naturally, I’ve discovered how stories emerge in powerful and often surprising ways. It’s a testament to the power of innovation—that by experimenting with new formats and embracing the unexpected, we can uncover new ways to connect, learn, and lead.
Hosting the IngenioUs podcast has been a journey of innovation—full of surprises, powerful stories, and the deepening of my understanding of what it means to lead ingeniously. The lessons I’ve learned about the process of innovation, the power of storytelling, and the unique value of podcasting have not only transformed my understanding of leadership but have also inspired me to continue exploring these themes in my work. As I look ahead, I’m excited to keep uncovering the unexpected insights that emerge from these conversations and to share them with all of you as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of higher education together.
