Shows
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 17: Building Human-Centered Spaces in Higher Education with Tekita BankheadIn this episode of Candid Conversations, Chris and Candice sit down with Tekita Bankhead, a global DEI strategist, writer, speaker, and educational consultant who currently serves as the Director of Access and Community at the Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Tekita brings a multidimensional background in nursing, student affairs, mental health advocacy, and educational leadership to the conversation, sharing insights from her decade-long journey at Illinois and beyond. Her path into higher education was unplanned but deeply meaningful, revealing how moments of failure can lead to unexpected transformation and purpose.Tekita...2025-05-0537 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 013: Holding Space for Grief with Nick GaylordIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Nick Gaylord, founder and host of the Our Dead Dads podcast. With nearly 30 years in the pharmaceutical industry focused on quality assurance and compliance, Nick spent much of his professional life ensuring the integrity of life-saving medications. Yet, a more personal calling tugged at him—one rooted in pain, introspection, and a desire to connect with others on a human level. After the loss of his father and a period of unemployment, Nick launched a podcast that would give voice to the unspoken and create a sa...2025-04-301h 02
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 16: Principles, Purpose, and Radical Honesty with Jamelle SharpeIn this insightful episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, hosts Candice and Chris welcome Jamelle Sharpe, Dean, Professor, and Guy Raymond Jones Faculty Scholar at the University of Illinois College of Law. Dean Sharpe shares a captivating account of his winding path to academic leadership, from his early days as an undergraduate student of literature, through the high-stakes world of investment banking at Morgan Stanley, to his distinguished career in legal academia. With wit, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, Dean Sharpe reflects on how each phase of his life shaped his views on leadership, collaboration, and public...2025-04-2152 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 012: Unmasking the Inner Work with Bobby KalinowskyIn this deeply introspective episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick welcomes Bobby Kalinowsky, co-founder of The Emergeré and the creator of Good Grief Men, a transformative platform aimed at encouraging emotional connection among men. Bobby opens up about his personal journey through depression, divorce, and identity deconstruction, leading to a calling that redefines traditional male roles and creates spaces where vulnerability and authenticity are not only welcomed but necessary for growth.Bobby traces the roots of his "why" to the emotionally taxing years of his first marriage—balancing high-stress work as a defense contractor, rai...2025-04-1650 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 15: Empathy, Curiosity, and Support with Robert BairdIn this heartfelt and wide-ranging episode of Candid Conversations, we welcome Dr. Robert Baird. Robert is the Senior Associate Director of Educational Partnerships at the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (CITL) and an adjunct lecturer in the College of Media at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. With a background that bridges English, cinema, and cognition, Robert’s career has spanned Hollywood film editing, academic publishing, and over three decades of work in teaching and learning technologies. Known for his storytelling, curiosity, and deep commitment to mentorship and community, Robert brings both wisdom and warmth to the le...2025-04-0737 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 011: Growth, Purpose, and Radical Responsibility with Brent DiggsIn this heartfelt and intellectually rich episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Brent Diggs for an expansive conversation about purpose, transformation, and the power of taking ownership of your life. Brent is a former Marine turned personal growth advocate, podcaster, and storyteller. Known for his sharp wit, extensive book knowledge, and habit of quoting movies when excited, Brent co-hosts Full Mental Bracket, a story-driven podcast that explores the psychology of personal development. Brent opens up with humor and depth, sharing his early introduction to responsibility—learning he would be a father wh...2025-04-0246 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 14: Advocating and Leading with Purpose with Cheryl Hanley-MaxwellIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, Dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Cheryl has become a powerful advocate and leader in the fields of rehabilitation and disability services. A triple alumna of the University of Illinois, Cheryl also spent 26 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in various leadership roles. Her passion for inclusion, equity, and helping others thrive has shaped both her career and her leadership style.Cheryl shares how her path to leadership wasn’t something she pl...2025-03-2421 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 010: Leading and Growing Through Service with Brian BrauerIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Brian Brauer, a lifelong public servant with over three decades of experience as an EMT, firefighter, instructor, and nurse. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Emergency Management at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Brian shares his journey from aspiring nuclear engineer to a career dedicated to protecting and serving communities. His deep commitment to service, leadership, and personal growth shines through as he recounts the pivotal moments that have shaped his path.Brian opens up about his early motivations, tracing his passion for helping...2025-03-1955 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 009: Service and the Human Capacity for Change with Sean DaughertyIn this episode of ILLUMENATE , host Chris Tidrick sits down with Sean Daugherty, a man who describes himself as a "somewhat grumpy old man" but whose life is anything but ordinary. Sean shares his journey from a small-town upbringing in Central Illinois to his deeply rewarding work at a school for troubled and traumatized youth. With a career path that has taken him from landscaping to truck driving to working in education, Sean's story is one of growth, change, and a commitment to making the world a better place.Sean reflects on the profound impact of his...2025-03-1259 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 13: Resilience, Determination and the Power of Leadership with Jean DriscollIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Jean Driscoll, an eight-time winner of the Boston Marathon in the women’s wheelchair division and the Assistant Dean for Advancement at the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Jean shares her remarkable journey from overcoming the challenges of spina bifida to becoming one of the world’s most decorated wheelchair athletes. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and the power of leadership in all aspects of life.Jean opens up about the pivotal moments in her...2025-03-1039 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 008: The Power of Men's Work and Belonging with Jason LangeIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick welcomes Jason Lange, a men's embodiment coach, group facilitator, and certified No More Mr. Nice Guy coach. Jason’s work centers around helping men wake up to deeper clarity in their lives and relationships, emphasizing the crucial role of men’s groups in fostering growth, accountability, and healing. Jason shares his personal journey, recounting his upbringing in a Midwestern household that lacked emotional connection and the transformative impact that men’s groups had on his ability to heal past wounds and step into his purpose.Jaso...2025-03-0547 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 007: Leadership, Service, and Personal Growth with James QuisenberryIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with his longtime friend, James Quisenberry, to explore leadership, mentorship, and the journey of personal and professional growth. James, a devoted husband, father, and community leader, shares his unique perspective on how his career in education technology, his upbringing in an academic household, and his deep commitment to service have shaped his philosophy on leadership. With a passion for mentorship and a belief in lifelong learning, James provides invaluable insights on the importance of adaptability and embracing change.James recounts his early aspirations of...2025-02-2641 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 006: Finding Purpose Through Fitness, Fatherhood, and Personal Growth with Anthony DelgadoIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Anthony Delgado, a dedicated father, fitness coach, and martial arts enthusiast who has transformed his life through self-discipline, perseverance, and personal growth. Anthony shares his inspiring journey from working in the oil and gas industry to finding a deeper sense of fulfillment through coaching and combat sports. He speaks candidly about the challenges of balancing work, family, and self-improvement, and how fatherhood has been a defining motivation in his life.Anthony opens up about his early years, moving out at 18 and building a life from the ground up...2025-02-1942 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 12: Higher Ed Leadership, Student Affairs, and Well-Being with Danita Brown YoungIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Dr. Danita Brown Young, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She shares her journey from aspiring mathematics teacher to a nationally recognized leader in student affairs. She discusses the evolving landscape of higher education, the importance of student well-being, and the role of integrity, flexibility, and collaboration in leadership.Our conversation covers a wide variety of topics, including:Dr. Brown-Young’s Leadership Journey: From her first leadership role as a fifth-grade safety patrol captain to...2025-02-1731 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 005: Holding onto Faith through Transitions with Brett GeistIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Brett Geist—a graphic designer, substitute teacher, stay-at-home dad, and talented musician. Brett shares his personal journey of faith, growth, and transformation—from his roots in a Southern Baptist upbringing to navigating church transitions, deconstructing long-held beliefs, and ultimately finding belonging in a new faith community.
Brett opens up about the challenges of questioning deeply ingrained beliefs and how he and his wife, Rachel, supported each other through this period of spiritual deconstruction. He candidly reflects on the doubts, fears, and uncertainties they faced while expl...2025-02-1244 min
For Our Edification058 | Thinking, Feeling, and Leading with Christopher TidrickChristopher Tidrick is on a mission to create a world where people think and feel so that they can lead better, especially men. That is why he started hosting the "ILLUMENATE" podcast. Chris joined "For Our Edification" to chat about his podcast, his "Think. Feel. Lead." mantra, and the "a-ha" moments that have helped him become a better leader.
About Christopher Tidrick
Website: https://christophertidrick.link/
When he is not hosting "ILLUMENATE" or co-hosting "Candid Conversations on Leadership" with Candice Solomon-Strutz, Chris Tidrick is doing his day job as a seasoned technology leader. He...2025-02-0634 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 004: Ethical Leadership and Embracing Joy with Eddie FrancisIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris welcomes Eddie Francis—brand strategist, speaker, award-winning broadcaster, and host of the personal leadership podcast “For Your Edification”, the employer branding podcast “I Want to Work There!” and the talk show The Way Forward on WBOK Radio in New Orleans.
Eddie shares his mission to promote ethical leadership and how his upbringing in New Orleans—a city that celebrates the human spirit—shaped his worldview. From attending an all-boys, African-American Catholic high school that instilled self-confidence and excellence to navigating toxic workplaces and eventually earning a master’s degree at 50, Eddie reflects on the...2025-02-0552 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 11: Being a Bold, Transparent, and Empathetic Leader with Brooke ElliottIn this episode, we welcome Dean Brooke Elliott of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke shares her leadership journey, lessons learned, and the values that define her as a leader. From transparency and boldness to the importance of empathy, Brooke discusses how her leadership style has evolved over the years. She also opens up about the challenges of leading through change, balancing innovation with team readiness, and the impact of building diverse and inclusive teams.
We dive into:
- Brooke’s leadership philosophy and how it has evolved over time
- The importance of...2025-02-0332 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 003: Embracing Integrity and Joy with Steve WalkerIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris Tidrick sits down with Steve Walker—certified transformational life coach, meditation teacher, and host of the Integrity and Joy podcast. A former U.S. diplomat, activist, and educator, Steve shares his journey from international diplomacy to teaching and, ultimately, to coaching. He discusses the values that drive him, the importance of mindfulness, and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection.
Steve reflects on pivotal moments in his life—from serving in the State Department during historic global events to navigating personal challenges and career transitions—and offers insights into b...2025-01-2953 min
Graymatter — The catalyst of what's nextGraymatter: Leadership in IT with Chris TidrickSummaryIn this episode of the Graymatter podcast, James Gray interviews Chris Tidrick, CIO at Gies College of Business, discussing the critical aspects of leadership in IT. Chris emphasizes the importance of understanding the people side of technology leadership, the significance of hiring individuals with strong interpersonal skills, and the need for leaders to support and uplift their teams. The conversation explores how to select leaders, the cultural norms that foster effective leadership, and the balance between technical expertise and management skills. Chris shares insights on promoting growth within teams and the importance of candid...2025-01-271h 12ILLUMENATEEpisode 002: Finding Balance in Life’s Highs and Lows with Jason KolaczkowskiIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris Tidrick talks with Jason Kolaczkowski—an analytics leader, high-altitude climber, and father to twin boys—about navigating vulnerability, resilience, and personal growth. Jason shares how two defining moments shaped his outlook on life: surviving a violent attack as a teenager and later being diagnosed with chronic leukemia.
Through these experiences, Jason reflects on the importance of balancing risk, embracing vulnerability, and finding purpose in both family and adventure. He discusses how climbing has taught him trust, focus, and perseverance, while his health challenges have deepened his perspective on rela...2025-01-221h 10
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 10: Accountability in Ourselves and Our Teams
Chris and Candice dive into the complex topic of accountability and how they motivate themselves and their teams to be accountable. Working in an environment that doesn’t have a significant amount of extrinsic motivation, they work to build team cultures where people are intrinsically motivated to achieve success.
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...2025-01-2023 minILLUMENATEEpisode 001: Building Empathy at Scale with Bill Kirst
In this episode of Illuminate, Chris Tidrick welcomes Bill Kirst—an author, poet, podcast host, and thought leader focused on navigating change in the era of AI.
Bill shares his journey as a global citizen, military veteran, and advocate for empathy at scale. From growing up in revolution-torn Iran and behind the Iron Curtain to serving as a closeted gay man under Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Bill’s life story reveals the power of resilience, identity, and personal reinvention. He opens up about the challenges of balancing personal authenticity with societal expectations, the importance of therapy...2025-01-1557 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 9: EDUCAUSE 2024 Annual Conference Feedback and Lessons LearnedChris and Candice discuss the benefits of attending professional conferences with a focus on the most recent EDUCAUSE Annual Conference. We dive into Brené Brown's keynote chat, the top issues facing higher ed, how to get the most out of a conference experience, and the importance of engaging with your professional community.
EDUCAUSE (https://www.educause.edu/) is a nonprofit association and the largest community of technology, academic, industry, and campus leaders advancing higher education through the use of IT.
Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively ha...2025-01-0623 minILLUMENATEEpisode 000: Why ILLUMENATE?
ILLUMENATE host Chris Tidrick explores the why behind the podcast and shares clips from the first five guests.
2025-01-0515 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 8: Building a Culture of Feedback
Chris and Candice dive into the concept of feedback and how it’s a critical ingredient in healthy teams and organizations. Feedback is a gift to give and to receive when it is specific, timely, and delivered and received through a lens of growth and improvement. We talk about this feedback framework and model it in action.
Available on other podcast platforms at https://candidconversations.link/episode-8-building-a-culture-of-feedback/
Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience wo...2024-12-0926 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 7: Ask Us Anything Live at the IT Pro Forum
Candice and Chris take Candid Conversations on Leadership on the road with a live event at the University of Illinois IT Pro Forum on November 12, 2024. They answer a variety of questions from the UofI IT Community focused on leadership, resilience, stakeholder management, professional growth, mentorship, and coaching.
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 Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer...2024-12-0243 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 6: The Art of Interviewing
Chris and Candice discuss the art of interviewing. We share our own experiences interviewing for jobs as well as what we look for when hiring. The conversation also includes a number of tips you can use during the interview process.
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 Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT...2024-11-1824 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 5: Leading from Where You AreCandice and Chris discuss the core concept that leadership can occur at all levels of an organization or community, regardless of title or authority. Leadership at its essence is the ability to influence people to take action toward a common goal. We provide example from our own careers where we’ve demonstrated leadership and highlight the leadership of others that we’ve witnessed. We also share ideas for how to build leadership opportunities by building relationships, performing at a high level, and cultivating the art of storytelling.
Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urba...2024-10-1431 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 4: The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Candice and Chris discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their professional and personal lives. When diversity, equity, and inclusion are combined well, they allow communities and organizations to unlock their full productive potential and allow all members to be seen, heard, and valued. We dive into some of the pitfalls that lead to failure in DEI efforts, and reveal some of the ways that we continue to struggle with DEI issues in our own lives.
Note: Near the end of the podcast, Chris brings up the concept of intersectionality. For more information on this important...2024-09-1635 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 3 - Taking Care of Ourselves as Leaders
Candice and Chris discuss the leadership topic of self-care. Self care is important for leaders to improve productivity and avoid burnout or mental and physical health challenges. Candice introduces the mnemonic concept of DERPAT (Diet, Exercise, Rest, People, Attitude, and Time) to explain her self-care strategy. Chris talks about not making work-life a binary decision, compartmentalization, keeping stress appropriately scaled, taking care of his physical self, and being creative outdoors.
Candice Solomon-Strutz and Chris Tidrick are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of...2024-08-1927 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 2: Letting the Right Things Go
Candice and Chris discuss the leadership topic of prioritization through the lens of learning to let the right things go. There are times when we think we’re superheroes and can do more things than are humanly possible. We have our jobs, our families and friends, our passions, and ourselves to serve and it can be overwhelming to look at the unending list of things to do and emotions to manage. The only way to focus on the most important things is to let the right things go. Chris shares the concepts of 1) speaking truth to po...2024-07-2227 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1 - Our Top Leadership LessonsChris Tidrick and Candice Solomon-Strutz discuss the top leadership lessons from their lives.
Links:
The Power of Vulnerability
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCvmsMzlF7o
Clifton Strengths
https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/252137/home.aspx
Candice Solomon-Strutz and Chris Tidrick 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 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...2024-07-0123 min
Empower TuscThe Dangers for Parents Who Host Underage DrinkingWelcome to another episode of the podcast. Spring has sprung, and with the nice weather comes opportunities for youth to get together outdoors and enjoy time together. However, if you're hosting underage drinking at your home, you are putting yourself at risk in a number of ways.Jodi Salvo is joined by Chris Lane and Lindsey Tidrick to discuss the dangers of underage alcohol consumption both on the youth and the parents who allow it to happen. With large events, like proms, coming in the near future, the Anti-Drug Coalition is launching the Parents Who Host Lose...2021-04-1225 min