In Part 2 of the AV/IT Amplifier’s 100th episode celebration, Ryan is joined by an expanding cast of brilliant and chaotic friends from higher ed and beyond—including Robyn Bryce, Jon Hamilton, Tom Aldridge, Lyle Waldron, and Britt Yenser.
What starts as a continuation of gratitude and reflection quickly evolves into a deeply honest conversation about amplifying unheard voices, leading through constant change, and finding resilience in uncertain times. Along the way, listeners are treated to improvised wisdom, pro-wrestling aspirations, and the occasional philosophical detour into the ethics of chicken-based fundraising.
Whether you’re navigating the rapids of higher ed or just looking for people who speak their truth with humor and heart, this episode delivers. Expect real talk, a few laughs, and plenty of reminders that sometimes the best leadership strategy is simply listening.
- 🔈 How do we amplify the right voices—especially the ones not heard enough?
- 🎤 Tips for helping reluctant speakers feel safe and confident on panels or podcasts
- 🧠 Lyle drops wisdom on chaos, change, and post-colonial election cycles—no big deal
- 🔄 Tom reflects on shifting from “my way” to “the agreed upon way” in team culture
- 🌊 Robyn and Ryan explore the “rapids, not lakes” metaphor for constant change in higher ed
- 🛶 Building resilient boats in a world with no more calm water
- 💬 Chaos isn’t the enemy—it’s the new default. So how do we lead within it?
- 🤼♀️ Britt Yanser arrives just in time for Lyle’s impromptu wrestling promo
- “Chaos is scarier than change.” – Lyle Waldron
- “I like breaking stuff. But not everybody wants to break stuff with you.” – Robyn Bryce
- “If you’re waiting for the lake, you’re in the wrong boat.” – Ryan Gray
- “Just come on and answer honestly.” – Jon Hamilton
- “It’s not my way, it’s not your way—it’s the agreed upon way.” – Tom Aldridge
Connect with the Guests:
Jon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hamilton-37056124/
Robyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robynbryce/
Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-aldridge-ms-cts-b34663b/
Lisle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lislew/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-yenser/
Connect with Ryan:
https://twitter.com/Ryan_A_Gray
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanagray/
ryan@higheredav.com
Follow the Show:
http://higheredav.com/ryangray
Voiceovers by Chris Dechter:
https://twitter.com/cdechter
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cdechter/
Please rate and review the show wherever you get your podcasts, feedback is very welcome and we look forward to hearing from you!
