In this inspiring and practical episode, hosts Chris and Candice explore the powerful idea that anyone, regardless of their title or formal position, can be a leader. Drawing on the famous line from Ratatouille—"Everyone can cook"—they pivot to the belief that "Everyone can lead." Leadership, as they define it, isn’t about authority or hierarchy, but about influencing others toward a common goal. Through personal anecdotes and examples from their professional and community experiences, the conversation underscores how initiative, energy, and relationship-building are at the heart of true leadership.
Candice shares her experience launching a peer coaching and mentorship program through the Women in Technology group—a grassroots effort that continues to thrive each fall. This example illustrates how seeing a gap and choosing to act is often all it takes to lead. Chris adds a compelling story about stepping into the role of Cubmaster for a local scouting troop despite initial insecurities, ultimately discovering a rewarding opportunity for personal growth and community impact. Other examples include forming communities of practice, spearheading campus-wide technology transitions, and leading by example—even in the simple act of picking up litter to inspire others.
The episode also delves into “kinetic leadership,” a concept that celebrates the ability to get things moving and model the energy and behavior you want to see in others. Both hosts discuss the importance of soft skills like storytelling, listening, and the “presumption of yes” when working toward solutions in sometimes risk-averse environments. They candidly reflect on their own challenges—Candice working to become a better listener and Chris pushing himself to initiate new relationships—highlighting that leadership is a continuous learning process.
Chris introduces a useful framework for building trust and influence: the Four I’s—Initiate, Inquire, Invest, and Influence. These elements, they explain, are foundational for gaining the credibility and trust needed to lead effectively. The episode concludes on a high note with a recent example of collaborative leadership during the global CrowdStrike incident. Across their campus, individuals stepped up, leaned in, and worked together without complaint to restore essential IT services—an unforgettable real-world example of leading from where you are.
Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Senior Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.
