In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, Dan and Lauren wrap up Season 11 by reflecting on the innovative tools and themes explored throughout the series. They explore how reflection, healthy competition, storytelling, gamification, and online simulations are transforming leadership education. Guests from the season share insights on designing meaningful learning experiences, using digital tools with purpose, and creating emotionally resonant leadership development environments. The conversation offers practical strategies and key reflections for leadership educators and practitioners seeking to level up their impact.

In this episode, Dan and Lauren go behind the scenes of the 2025 International Leadership Association’s Leadership Education Academy with co-founder and co-chair Dr. Corey Seemiller and co-chair Dr. Nathan Eva. They talk about what’s new in the evolving curriculum, the energy and fun that make the experience unforgettable, and how LEA continues to foster a strong, inclusive community of leadership educators. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- From a Diner to the Academy with Dr. Corey Seemiller What to Expect When Attending the 2022 Leadership Education Academy with Dr. Kerry Priest and Rian Satterwhite Rian Satterwhite Impact Stipend – Apply Now and Read more about this opportunity and Rian Satterwhite’s work here

In this episode, hosts Dan and Lauren speak with Gary Lloyd, founder of The Leadership Skills Lab and author of Gardeners Not Mechanics: How to Cultivate Change at Work. With decades of experience leading change in financial markets and banking, Gary shares how his interactive, web-based platform leverages coaching, role play, and AI to support leadership growth. He challenges traditional approaches to change management, advocating for adaptive, organic leadership development. Gary also reflects on his recent keynote conversation at the ILA’s AI in Leadership Summit, offering insights into the evolving role of AI in leader learning and performance.

In this episode, Dan and Lauren speak with the co-editors of New Directions for Student Leadership #184, Drs. Jonathan R. Kroll, Cameron C. Beatty, and Amber Manning-Ouellette. They explore Facilitating Leadership Development in Training Contexts, released in Winter 2024. This special issue centers on student leadership training and emphasizes the need for leadership educators to both understand the theories, history, and complexities of the field and to model healthy leadership habits that help individuals thrive and organizations flourish. The editors share their collaborative process and underscore the importance of self-reflective practice, authentic identity development, and the creation of belonging in leadership spaces. The issue highlights facilitation strategies that move beyond lecture-style delivery to support meaningful leadership learning and application.

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts Dan and Lauren connect with Drs. Lisa Kuron and Kris Gerhardt from Wilfrid Laurier University, where they teach in the Leadership Program within the Department of Human & Social Sciences. Active in ILA, ALE, and MOBTS, both are closely involved with the Collegiate Leadership Competition (CLC), a global initiative that turns leadership into a high-impact, team-based learning experience. Lisa and Kris share how they use competition and team building in their leadership courses, offering evidence-based strategies and real-world examples to support student growth and engagement.

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts  Dan and Lauren sit down with Dr. Lacey Grey Hunter and Lori Throupe from Christopher Newport University. Lacey serves as Director of the President’s Leadership Program and adjunct faculty, while Lori is the Faculty Director of Academic Success and a leadership faculty member. Together, they explore the concepts of team building and team becoming as powerful strategies in leadership education. They discuss evidence-based practices, the role of followership, and how feedback supports the development of strong, collaborative teams across curricular and co-curricular settings.

In this episode, Dan and Lauren discuss the latest issue of New Directions for Student Leadership with special issue co-editors Drs. Brittany Devies and Ana C. Maia. They explore NDSL #183: Applying the Leadership Learning Framework in Practice, released in Fall 2024. Brittany and Ana share insights on how the Leadership Learning Framework can be applied to enhance student leadership development, improve organizational effectiveness, and create more intentional learning experiences.   Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- The Role of Leadership Educators: Transforming Learning book New Directions for Student Leadership: Volume 2024, Issue 183 -- Applying the Leadership Learning Framework in Practice Graduate Certificate in Professional Leadership Education at the University of Southern Maine LOS 626 - Leadership Education: Assessment & Evaluation LOS 627 - Leadership Education: Design & Delivery The National Leadership Education Research Agenda (NLERA) 2020–2025: Advancing the State of Leadership Education Scholarship

In this episode of The Leadership Educator Podcast, hosts Dan and Lauren sit down with Dr. Shannon Cleverley-Thompson, President of Cleverly Consulting and Dissertation-in-Practice Chair at Creighton University. With over 15 years of experience teaching in executive leadership programs, Shannon shares how storytelling can be a transformative tool in leadership education. She dives into evidence-based practices, real-world applications, and practical strategies that educators and leaders can use to enhance engagement and impact. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- •The Storytelling Leader by David Hutchins - The Storytelling Leader & Free Resources - The Storytelling Leader  •The Story Factor: Secrets Of Influence From The Art Of Storytelling •The chapter is free for download here: Chapter 1. The Six Stories You Need to Know How to Tell

In this episode of The Leadership Educator, hosts Dan and Lauren talk with Dr. Paige Haber-Curran about creating engaging teaching activities for leadership education. Drawing from her experiences as both an educator and a parent, she reveals how inspiration for innovative classroom techniques can emerge from everyday life. Dr. Haber-Curran shares insights into the origins of the Great Ideas Teach & Share session at the International Leadership Association (ILA) conference and offers practical strategies for designing activities that motivate and inspire students.

In this episode, Dan and Lauren discuss integrating reflection into leadership classes and programs with Dr. Jillian Volpe White. Jillian shares things to consider when adding reflection to your teaching and workshop plans. All share ways they have used it in the classroom or trainings. Resources mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- Journal Keeping: Journal Keeping: How to Use Reflective Writing for Learning, Teaching, Professional Insight, and Positive Change Leadership development and reflection: what is the connection?  Thinking to Transform: Reflection in Leadership Learning Thinking to Transform Companion Manual: Facilitating Reflection in Leadership Learning

In this episode, Dan and Lauren speak with Dr. Joe Lasley, an educator and scholar who integrates gaming into leadership courses and training. Together, they discuss their experiences incorporating games into classrooms and workshops. Joe also shares valuable resources for those looking to get started.

In this episode, Dan speaks with Drs. Corey Seemiller and Jessica Hill about adding improv exercises to leadership courses and workshops.  Resources mentioned include: ----more---- Professors at Play: https://professorsatplay.org/ Yes, and Higher Education Network: https://eastsideinstitute.org/yes-and-higher-education-network/ Applied Improvisation Network: https://www.appliedimprovisationnetwork.org/ Tucson Improv Movement: https://www.tucsonimprov.com/ The “Yes, and” book on Jess's desk was this one: Leonard, K. & Yorton, T. (2015). Yes, and: How improvisation reverses “no, but” thinking and improves creativity and collaboration. Harper Business (it’s from the folks that run the Second City training program).

In this episode, Dan and Lauren preview the theme for this season, focusing on teaching activities within leadership classrooms and programs. They begin with a few professional updates before exploring the topics that will be discussed throughout the season.  Other updates mentioned in this episode include: ----more---- Journal of Leadership Studies Special Symposia on AI & Leadership Call for Proposals Association of Leadership Educators 2025 Conference Call for Proposals International Leadership Association 2025 Global Conference Call for Proposals

In the final episode of season 10, Dan and Lauren  reflect on their experiences from the season. They revisit conversations with faculty members about their innovative courses and explore the diverse approaches to teaching leadership. The duo shares key takeaways and lessons learned from various episodes, discussing classroom strategies and the challenges faced by educators.   Some resources from the episode include:  Followership Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-28v6r-175d0c4 Creativity and Innovation Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-dp9jy-17143f3 Athletics, Coaching and Leadership Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-nqeue-16fb7a0 Creating a Class for a Conference Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-4wxnp-16e712a Stop Hazing Episode - https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-49u9a-1714084 Leadership and AI Virtual Summit website - https://ilaglobalnetwork.org/events/2024-ai-amp-leadership-virtual-summit/ ILA Women and Leadership Conference website - https://ilaglobalnetwork.org/7th-women-and-leadership-conference/ Global Followership Conference website - https://www.followershipconference.com/

In this episode, Dan and Lauren dive into a masterclass on teaching followership with Drs. Mark Rennaker and Mike Linville from Indiana Wesleyan University's Division of Leadership & Followership Studies. They explore how followership education enhances leadership development, sharing insights from their undergraduate and graduate courses. The conversation delves into assignments, like charting leadership systems, and impactful readings, such as works by Kellerman and Chaleff, to help students reframe their understanding of roles, responsibilities, and hierarchies. Mark and Mike also discuss how personal beliefs and societal factors shape their teaching, providing leadership educators with tools to foster meaningful discussions and student engagement.

In this episode, Dan and Lauren dive into a conversation with Dr. Donnette Noble and Jesse New about their approach to teaching a civic leadership course. They discuss how leadership educators can foster civility and constructive debate in a polarized society by integrating critical thinking assignments, impactful texts, and reflective learning. All share practical strategies to help create meaningful classroom discussions and inspire students to engage with challenging topics.

Join Lauren and Dan as they delve into The Inclusive Organization with Dr. Kimberly Walker, a leader in DEI education. Learn about the course's unique structure, which blends practical assignments like action plans with DEI history and culture explorations. Dr. Walker discusses how she empowers students—ranging from explorers to seasoned leaders—to push boundaries and drive organizational change. Tune in for actionable advice on fostering respect, engagement, and critical thinking in leadership education.

In this episode,  Lauren and Dan welcome Dr. Tony Middlebrooks, Clinical Full Professor of Leadership at the University of Florida, and Matthew Creasy, Associate Director of Leadership Development at the University of Delaware. Together, they explore their experiences teaching LEAD 300: Leadership, Creativity, and Innovation. Listeners will hear insights on how creativity and leadership intersect in the classroom, focusing on engaging students through hands-on activities and fostering an innovative mindset. The conversation delves into how students can overcome self-imposed limits on creativity and how leadership educators can inspire students to think divergently, innovate, and address complex challenges. Tony and Matt also discuss their own teaching philosophies and memorable moments from the course, providing valuable takeaways for leadership educators.

In this episode, Dan and Lauren explore the critical topic of hazing prevention with experts from StopHazing, Jennifer Desmond, and Dr. Elizabeth Allan. They discuss the "10 Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Groups" workshop, designed to help leaders and educators foster safer, more positive group environments. Jenny and Elizabeth explain key concepts like defining hazing, recognizing behaviors along the Spectrum of Hazing™, and identifying the signs of healthy and unhealthy groups. They also explore how unhealthy group dynamics and hazing are interconnected and the broader impact on individuals and communities. Through interactive scenarios and group discussions, they share strategies to create and maintain positive group cultures while addressing unhealthy behaviors. A key takeaway from the episode is the importance of empowering leaders to intervene and build supportive, inclusive environments. Click here to ask your legislators to Vote YES on the Stop Campus Hazing Act

In this episode, Lauren and Dan discuss the most recent issue of New Directions for Student Leadership with special issue co-editors Drs. Linnette Werner and John Weng. They discuss the issue released in Spring 2024, titled "NDSL #181: Intentional Emergence: Addressing 21st Century Learner Needs." ----more---- Resources mentioned in this episode include: Intentional Emergence: Addressing 21st Century Learner Needs: New Directions for Student Leadership: Vol 2024, No 181 NDSL #172: Leadership Education through Complex Transitions (Part I) with Dr. Darren Pierre and John Weng Leadership Can Be Taught, by Sharon Daloz Parks