In this special mini-episode, Dr. Melissa Morriss-Olson takes listeners inside Chapter 6 of her book, IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education.
Through short, powerful audio clips from interviews with some of higher education’s most visionary leaders, Melissa illustrates seven leadership practices that unleash true innovation in today's dynamic and demanding environment.
These leaders are not only creative—they are disciplined, strategic, and deeply values-driven in how they innovate. Tune in for inspiring stories, practical insights, and bold reminders that innovation is a practice, a mindset, and a way of leading with purpose.
🛠️ Featured Themes & Voices:💬
🔹 Rethinking the Rules: Innovation as Reinvention
Richard Miller, Founding President, Olin College of Engineering
How radically reimagining assumptions can lead to transformational change.
🔹 Leveraging Assets: Turning What You Have into What You Need
Michael Sorrell, President, Paul Quinn College
Seeing overlooked resources as springboards for innovation.
🔹 Relentlessly Futuristic: Seeing Around Corners
Elizabeth Meade, President Emerita, Cedar Crest College
Designing strategic plans that anticipate the future rather than react to it.
🔹 Cutting Through Clutter to Find Your Focus
Annette Parker, President, South Central College
Leading with clarity and aligning decisions with mission and impact.
🔹 Being Inspiration-Ready: Staying Open to Spark
Nicholas Covino, President, William James College
Listening for opportunities and taking courageous action when inspiration strikes.
🔹 Reinvention as a Steady State
Barbara Mistick, President, NAICU
Building a culture where change is not episodic but continuous and proactive.
🔹 Innovation Rooted in Values
Tracy Hartzler, President, Central New Mexico Community College
Leading with ethics, connection, and care—and why mission-centered innovation endures.
Reflection Questions:📚
Where might you be clinging to outdated rules?
What hidden assets could you leverage for innovation?
How can you lead more intentionally with vision and values today?
Learn More:🎧 Listen, Reflect, and Lead Boldly.
Dive deeper by reading the latest IngenioUs Leadership blog post
Get your copy of IngenioUs Leadership: Creating Solutions to Wicked Problems in Higher Education
Stay bold. Stay curious. Stay IngenioUs.