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  • Andrew Ramsammy: Trusting the Process and Leading with Imagination

    Andrew Ramsammy: Trusting the Process and Leading with Imagination
    2026/04/09

    Feeling stuck on a “linear” path you never chose? Discover how Andrew turned zigzags, immigrant grit, and curiosity into a purpose-driven career at the helm of Vermont College of Fine Arts.


    In this episode, Kevin and Andrew Ramsammy discuss:

    • Early artistic journey and immigrant family background
    • Nonlinear career paths in the arts and leadership
    • Trusting the process and navigating uncertainty
    • Curiosity, imagination, and problem-solving in leadership
    • Servant leadership, community, and transparency in higher education

    Key Takeaways:

    • Complex career and life journeys are rarely linear; progress often looks like a series of zigs and zags that only make sense when you look back.
    • Trusting the process—especially when you feel lost—can open doors you don’t yet see, as long as you stay engaged, curious, and willing to keep moving.
    • Building a “tribe” of like-minded, additive people is essential; the right collaborators amplify creativity, resilience, and the ability to solve hard problems.
    • Servant leadership, rooted in genuine curiosity about others and a willingness to advance them, can transform both institutions and individuals.
    • Leaders must constantly balance transparency with discernment, recognizing that their words carry weight and can easily be taken out of context.


    “The world needs problem solvers, and the only way that you can solve a problem is by approaching it with curiosity.” – Andrew Ramsammy


    About Andrew Ramsammy:

    Andrew Ramsammy is a highly accomplished creative professional and advocate with a longstanding commitment to the mission of Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA), where he has served on the board since 2021. A multiple Emmy Award winner, Andrew brings over 25 years of global industry experience to his work, with a deep focus on transformation and sustainability.


    Prior to his role as VCFA’s President, Andrew led Word In Black, a pioneering digital collaboration among the nation’s leading Black news publishers, and directed the Knight x LMA BloomLab, a sustainability initiative supporting a free and independent Black press. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to democracy, education, and social justice.


    A graduate of NYC’s LaGuardia High School for Drama and the School of Visual Arts for Film, Andrew was also a 2022 Sulzberger Fellow at the Columbia Journalism School.


    Connect with Andrew Ramsammy:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewramsammy

    Podcast: https://live-vcfa.pantheonsite.io/about/unapologetically-creative-podcast/



    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    47 分
  • Christian MM Brady: Calling, Courage, and the Future of Higher Education

    Christian MM Brady: Calling, Courage, and the Future of Higher Education
    2026/04/02
    In this episode, Kevin and Christian MM Brady discuss:Patience, empathy, and the “superpower” of leadershipMentorship, feedback, and StrengthsFinder in leadership developmentDiscernment of calling vs. chasing titles and positionsScripture interpretation, rabbinic literature, and ethical decision-makingThe future of higher education, training vs. education, and student callingKey Takeaways:Patience formed through hardship can become a powerful leadership asset, especially when balancing institutional demands with real human struggles like grief, illness, and immigration challenges.Leadership is often discovered gradually through community discernment and mentorship rather than by aggressively pursuing titles or positions.Strong mentors help people identify and cultivate their strengths instead of obsessing over weaknesses, while also being honest about limitations that need to be acknowledged or minimally improved.Distinguishing between education and training is critical: not everyone needs a four‑year degree, and true student success comes from aligning strengths, passions, and callings with the needs of the world.To lead well and avoid burnout, it’s essential not to take every criticism personally, but to discern what truly belongs to your role and remain grounded in your responsibilities and values.“Your calling is where your deep passion meets the world's deep needs.” – Christian MM BradyAbout Christian MM Brady:Dr. Christian M. M. Brady is a transformational administrator, scholar, and author who became Wittenberg University’s 16th president on June 1, 2025. In his first months, he launched a strategic planning process, forged new recruitment pipelines, secured leadership-level gifts, and helped renew a sense of hope across the Wittenberg community. In his Opening Convocation address, “Hope,” he argued that hope “is not simply a belief or an attitude; it is the first action we must take in any endeavor.”Before Wittenberg, he founded and led the Lewis Honors College at the University of Kentucky as the T. W. Lewis Dean, growing it to more than 2,400 students and leading a $50 million campaign. He also served as interim dean of the UK’s College of Arts & Sciences, managing an $81 million budget, 440 faculty, 19 departments, and nearly 7,500 students. Previously, he transformed Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College into a national model for excellence, tripling applications, increasing selectivity, and raising more than $80 million.An expert in ancient Hebrew and Jewish literature, Dr. Brady has published widely and held leadership roles in organizations including the Society of Biblical Literature and the International Organization for Targumic Studies. He holds degrees from Cornell University, Wheaton College Graduate School, and the University of Oxford, and serves as an Episcopal priest and Canon Theologian in the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington.Connect with Christian MM Brady:Website: https://www.wittenberg.edu/administration/president | http://christianbrady.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christianbrady/ Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: coachkd63@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63
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    33 分
  • Kenny Stoddart: Building an Iron Mind to Turn Adversity into Leadership Strength

    Kenny Stoddart: Building an Iron Mind to Turn Adversity into Leadership Strength
    2026/03/26

    In this episode, Kevin and Kenny Stoddart discuss:

    • IronMind mentality and leadership
    • Adversity, cancer, and using hardship as a building block
    • Burnout, overachievement, and mental health
    • Personal transformation and career pivot
    • Practical pathways to an iron mind for everyday people

    Key Takeaways:
    • Adversity can become fuel for growth. Hard experiences—like illness, addiction, or major setbacks—can be reframed as building blocks that deepen resilience and strengthen leadership, rather than life-ending events.
    • An “iron mind” is built, not born. Mental toughness isn’t just for elite performers; it’s a learnable mindset rooted in grit, preparation, and facing challenges head‑on instead of avoiding them.
    • Ignoring burnout has real costs. Continually pushing through stress without addressing root issues leads to slow, silent decay in health, performance, and relationships; leaders must recognize and respond to early warning signs.
    • Real transformation often begins when you stop relentless self-criticism, acknowledge your struggles honestly, and choose to treat yourself with compassion while you do the hard work of change.


    "If we want to start somewhere, how about a little grace – whether it's in the mirror or whoever, give yourself a pat on the back for the things that you are doing right." – Kenny Stoddart


    About Kenny Stoddart:

    Ken is the founder of IronMind Advisors and the creator of the IronMind Mentality—a transformational framework for mastering mental resilience, strategic clarity, and performance under pressure. After decades of working with high-performing professionals across business, sport, and leadership, Ken distilled the most powerful tools for psychological strength into one adaptive mindset: the IronMind Mentality.

    Through consulting, executive coaching, and confidential advisory work, Ken equips leaders to turn chaos into clarity and stress into strategy. Known for blending neuroscience with actionable insight, he helps decision-makers access calm under fire, focus under fatigue, and conviction during volatility.

    At the heart of Ken’s work is the belief that mental fitness is the final frontier of sustainable leadership—and the IronMind Mentality is the blueprint.


    Connect with Kenny Stoddart:

    Website: www.ironmindadvisors.com

    LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kenstoddart



    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    41 分
  • Dr. Mohamed Abousalem: Leading From Vision to Delivery

    Dr. Mohamed Abousalem: Leading From Vision to Delivery
    2026/03/19
    In this episode, Kevin and Dr. Mohamed Abousalem discuss:End-to-end leadership: from vision to execution and deliveryBuilding connected, non-siloed teams (especially post-COVID)Intentionally shaping organizational culturePutting the right people in the right roles (fit vs. “best person”)Navigating new leadership roles and career pathsKey Takeaways:Leadership isn’t just big-picture vision or day-to-day execution; it’s carrying responsibility for both, building accountable teams, and focusing relentlessly on delivering outcomes together.Culture doesn’t happen by accident; leaders shape it on purpose. Values, norms, and behaviors must be intentionally designed, revisited, and reinforced—otherwise, a default culture may form that does not support the organization’s goals.The “best” person is the one who fits the context, not just the top performer. Connection is the antidote to silos and misaligned expectations. Whether stepping into a new leadership role or developing team members, intentional human connection—listening, understanding people’s motivations, and being transparent about expectations is essential for trust and performance."As a leader, as a successful leader, you have to invest in connecting with your team. And I'm not saying you need to be friends with them, not at all, not at all, but you need to know them as people." – Dr. Mohamed AbousalemAbout Dr. Mohamed Abousalem:Dr. Mohamed Abousalem (/æ-bu-SÆL-əm/) is the third president of Keck Graduate Institute, beginning his tenure on July 1, 2024. He brings decades of executive experience across nonprofits, private industry, and academia, all centered on advancing research, innovation, and technology-driven solutions.Before KGI, he served as the inaugural Vice President for Research and Innovation at San José State University, where he grew the research enterprise from $47M to $84M in five years and launched a comprehensive innovation strategy supporting student, faculty, and alumni entrepreneurs. He previously led UC Santa Cruz’s technology transfer and entrepreneurship efforts, doubling annual invention disclosures and helping launch incubators and startup accelerators. Earlier, as the founding CEO of TECTERRA, he oversaw more than $40M invested into startups and applied research, generating over $325M in economic impact.Trained as an engineer, President Abousalem’s early scholarship focused on GPS-based satellite positioning and navigation. He holds a BS in civil engineering (Alexandria University, Egypt), MS and PhD in geomatics engineering (University of Calgary, Canada), and an MBA from Santa Clara University.Connect with Dr. Mohamed Abousalem:Website: https://www.kgi.edu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedabousalem Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keckgradpres Expanding career pathways for community college students directly into the doctorate of Pharmacy program to become retail, clinical, or industry pharmacists - an impactful social mobility pathway for community college students:https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7404233522917466112 https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7375923325325234177 Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: coachkd63@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63
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    40 分
  • Steven Weiner: Leading with Creativity, Culture, and Courage

    Steven Weiner: Leading with Creativity, Culture, and Courage
    2026/03/12

    About Steven Weiner:

    Steven Weiner is the 11th President of Menlo College, where he leads a small, highly diverse business school in the heart of Silicon Valley. He brings a distinctive blend of experience from higher education, healthcare consulting, and entrepreneurship, having held senior roles at the University of Chicago, Science Applications International, and First Consulting Group, and co-founding an open-source medical software startup.

    Since joining Menlo College in 2013, President Weiner has overseen a period of significant growth and recognition, including rankings in the top 16% of colleges nationwide (Forbes), “Best in the West” (Princeton Review), and among the most diverse colleges in America. Under his leadership, Menlo has launched its first graduate programs, transitioned to NCAA Division II, expanded student success and communication initiatives, and embarked on a $100M centennial capital campaign. He holds a B.S. from Northeastern University and an M.B.A. from the University of Chicago.


    In this episode, Kevin and Steven Weiner discuss:

    • Navigating leadership in a diverse and evolving environment
    • Why career paths are rarely linear
    • Preparing students for the AI-driven future
    • Bridging leadership between corporate and nonprofit sectors
    • The role of passion and purpose in long-term leadership success

    Key Takeaways:

    • Leadership rarely follows a perfectly planned path. Careers often evolve through unexpected opportunities, and the willingness to adapt can turn uncertainty into growth.
    • Technology may transform industries, but the most valuable skills remain deeply human—creativity, collaboration, and the ability to bring people together around shared goals.
    • A meaningful leadership role isn’t defined by prestige or title. What matters far more is the opportunity to contribute, learn continuously, and help others grow along the way.
    • Passion fuels leadership. Without genuine enthusiasm for the work, even the strongest leadership skills will struggle to create lasting impact.


    "For me, it, it it really is the combination of realizing where I could contribute and what I could learn from it, where I could grow, that motivates me to be in leadership roles." – Steven Weiner


    Connect with Steven Weiner:

    Website: https://www.menlo.edu/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-weiner-7a20378/


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    41 分
  • Elías Ortega: Listening, Purpose, and Building Communities Through Theological Leadership

    Elías Ortega: Listening, Purpose, and Building Communities Through Theological Leadership
    2026/03/05

    About Elías Ortega:

    Dr. Elías Ortega is committed to building organizational systems in which people, especially those underrepresented in our society, can thrive. He uses the lenses of religious ethics, spirituality, and theological reflection to foster change in higher education, non-profit organizations, and religious institutions. His academic and community work is shaped by the aspiration that centering the lives of those most impacted by systems of oppression is necessary for liberation. Dr. Ortega believes that lifting the Universalist heritage can inspire us to do the necessary work to realize a better tomorrow. Currently, he serves as the president of Meadville Lombard Theological School in Chicago and Professor of Religion, Ethics, and Leadership.


    In this episode, Kevin and Elías Ortega discuss:

    • Listening as a leadership superpower
    • The role of mentorship in shaping character and career
    • Leading institutions through crisis and cultural change
    • Stewardship, fundraising, and ethical responsibility
    • Rehumanizing relationships in a digital age

    Key Takeaways:

    • Listening is more than a communication skill—it’s a discipline that allows leaders to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting impulsively.
    • Purpose is often discovered gradually; transferable skills and curiosity can guide a leader across different roles without losing their core identity.
    • Mentorship doesn’t just open doors—it shapes character, teaches professional ethics, and prepares leaders for environments they haven’t yet entered.
    • Social change moves at the speed of relationships, not urgency, and sustainable transformation requires patience, trust, and generational thinking.
    • Institutions carry both a justice-centered mission and an ethical obligation to steward the trust and resources placed in their care.


    "Social change is generational. It takes time, and social change happens really at the speed of our relationships." – Elías Ortega


    Connect with Elías Ortega:

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elias-ortega-phd/


    Connect with Kevin Neal:

    Website: https://drkdneal.com

    Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS

    https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNS

    Email: coachkd63@gmail.com

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63

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    52 分
  • Ted Sun: Reengineering Leadership Education for Real-World Impact

    Ted Sun: Reengineering Leadership Education for Real-World Impact
    2026/02/26
    About Ted Sun:Dr. Ted Sun holds two doctorates—one in psychology and one in business—equipping him to develop transformational leaders and innovative organizations worldwide. A global speaker and educator, he has taught at institutions such as the University of Liverpool, The Ohio State University, and UIBE in China, and has addressed audiences of thousands across Asia while advising government leaders in Africa, the EU, and Asia.Known for spotting systemic flaws and designing new models of human development, Dr. Sun has been featured by major media in the U.S. and Ghana and was highlighted by Forbes in 2021 as a leadership expert. His recent work focuses on building systems for high-growth companies (including IPO readiness), creating individualized, impact-driven leadership programs, and transforming HR—spanning learning and development, onboarding, and skills-based organization design.In this episode, Kevin and Ted Sun discuss:Systems thinking vs. band-aid leadership solutionsWhy higher education resists innovation and accountabilityMeasuring ROI in “soft skills” like leadership and emotional intelligenceAI’s impact on organizations and the dangers of poor dataBreaking down silos to create integrated, future-ready institutionsKey Takeaways:Many organizations fix symptoms instead of root causes. True leadership requires systems thinking—designing preventative structures that reduce recurring problems, rather than reacting with short-term “band-aid” solutions.Education without accountability produces low retention and shallow impact. When learning is directly applied to real-world challenges and measured for outcomes, knowledge becomes practical, retained, and transformative.“Soft skills” must be tied to hard metrics. Leadership, active listening, and emotional intelligence can—and should—be quantified through indicators like conflict reduction, idea generation, early problem detection, and improved performance.AI is only as powerful as the data behind it. Without comprehensive, multi-dimensional organizational data (including people and systems), AI can hallucinate, reinforce flawed assumptions, and misdirect strategic decisions.Innovation dies in silos. Sustainable change demands cross-department integration, systemic awareness, and leaders who think beyond isolated functions—whether in universities, corporations, or AI initiatives."AI will never tell you I don't have the data to make this decision. AI will never tell you that. That's the huge danger." – Ted SunConnect with Ted Sun:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr2tedsun/ Website: https://tc-university.org/about-transcontinental-university/faculty/ted-sun/ Schedule an Appointment: https://tc-university.org/schedule-an-appointment/ Promotional Links: https://tc-university.org/endless-organizational-problems/ For more articles: https://tc-university.org/articles/ Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: coachkd63@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63
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    38 分
  • Yolanda W. Page: Leading Institutions With Vision, Resilience, and Purpose

    Yolanda W. Page: Leading Institutions With Vision, Resilience, and Purpose
    2026/02/19
    About Yolanda W. Page:Yolanda W. Page, Ph.D., is the eighth president of Stillman College, West Alabama's only four-year HBCU, a role she has held since July 2023. With more than 30 years of higher education experience, she brings transformational leadership focused on growth, innovation, and student success.Under her leadership, Stillman has increased enrollment and fundraising, improved student retention, and earned designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. Dr. Page has forged strategic partnerships with organizations including Google, the United Way of West Alabama, Getty Images, and SodexoMagic, and launched initiatives such as AI certification for students and the first charter school hosted by an Alabama HBCU. She has also helped bring major HBCU athletic tournaments and workforce and community programs to West Tuscaloosa.Previously, Dr. Page served as Provost at Savannah State University and as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Dillard University, where she helped secure more than $40 million in grants, guided new graduate programs, and led successful accreditation efforts. She holds a Ph.D. in English Literature from Louisiana State University and serves on several boards, including the UNCF Board of Directors and the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority. She is married to David D. Page and is the mother of two children, William and Brooke.In this episode, Kevin and Yolanda W. Page discuss:Leadership challenges and opportunities in today’s higher education landscapeThe vital role of HBCUs in serving first-generation and first-in-family college studentsHow resilient institutions navigate uncertainty, funding pressures, and changeCreating flexible, non-linear pathways to student success beyond traditional timelinesLeading with trust, accountability, and servant leadershipKey Takeaways:Resilient institutions are built on purpose, not circumstance. Organizations that endure through decades of change do so because their mission remains clear and deeply connected to the people they serve, even in seasons of uncertainty and disruption.Leadership in higher education requires seeing students as individuals, not timelines. When institutions recognize that each student’s path may be direct or indirect, access and persistence increase without lowering expectations or standards.Strong leadership depends on humility and ownership. Acknowledging mistakes, addressing gaps in information, and being willing to pivot builds trust within teams and models accountability across the organization.Sustainable impact comes from shared leadership. Inviting diverse perspectives into decision-making strengthens outcomes, reduces blind spots, and keeps institutions aligned with both their mission and community needs.“You look for a diversity of personalities at the table with you. Because when you are thinking through a problem or a scenario, you want people who are going to see it from different angles, from different aspects of it.” – Yolanda W. PageConnect with Yolanda W. Page:Website: https://stillman.edu/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-w-page-7ab5a74b/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yolanda.w.page Connect with Kevin Neal:Website: https://drkdneal.com Book: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C47RZDSS https://www.amazon.com/Guided-Greatness-Mentorship-Developing-professionals-ebook/dp/B0FGBH1VNSEmail: coachkd63@gmail.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachkd63
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    27 分