Shows
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.09: Grief, Growth, and Brotherhood with Steve ReiterIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Steve Reiter—broadcast veteran, podcast co-founder, and nonprofit founder—for a conversation that spans professional reinvention, devastating loss, and the quiet power of loving well. Steve, whose career has included leading production for internationally syndicated programs and helping launch what became the largest rollout in radio history, begins by sharing the three words that anchor his life: create, connect, and grow. Those words, shaped in part by the influence of his late wife Elizabeth, have become a compass guiding his work, relationships, and personal evolution.Stev...
2026-02-251h 10
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 2.03 Leading Through Our FracturesIn this episode, Chris and Candice go one-on-one for a candid conversation sparked by Chris’s recent Substack post, “Leading Through Our Fractures.” They open by grounding the moment in Black History Month, with Candice noting its significance and encouraging listeners to keep learning because Black history is American history. From there, the episode settles into a reflective, personal discussion about leadership, identity, and the real stories that shape how we show up at work.Chris introduces the core idea behind “leading through our fractures”: the belief that leaders don’t become credible by appearing fl...
2026-02-2231 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.08: Authenticity, Honor, and Service with Jonathon JacomeIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Jonathon Jacome, a college undergraduate who operates at the intersection of business, engineering, and community impact. Despite his young age, Jonathon brings a depth of reflection shaped by family, mentorship, and lived experience. From the very beginning, he makes it clear that his motivation is rooted not in conventional success, but in legacy—opening doors for others, creating access to education, and helping people believe that opportunity is within reach, especially for those who are too often left out of the conversation. Jonathon shares his pe...
2026-02-1258 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.07: Raising Boys with Empathy, Courage, and HopeFour mothers share honest reflections on guiding boys through identity, emotion, and manhood in a complex world.In this special episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick widens the lens on masculinity by inviting mothers into the conversation. Joined by Frida Daniels, Dayspring Fowler, Sarah Leino, and Nicole Rhea, Chris explores how boys experience growing into men long before they can articulate it—and how mothers uniquely witness, shape, and protect that development. Rather than assigning blame or responsibility, this episode centers on listening, learning, and honoring the lived experience of raising boys in partnership with families, fathers, an...
2026-01-231h 02
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.06 Finding Joy, Gratitude, and Purpose with Howard MiltonIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Howard Milton, Chief Development Officer for Fighting Illini Athletics, to explore a life shaped by gratitude, generosity, and deep reflection. With more than 26 years in philanthropy and over $500 million raised in support of higher ed athletics, Howard shares how his personal journey—from growing up in a working-class, single-parent household to becoming a leader in fundraising—has informed his sense of purpose and his desire to bring joy to others.Howard opens up about the mentors and moments that changed the trajectory of his life, including the profound impa...
2026-01-1443 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.05: Faith, Family, and Serving Others with Rich ExcellRich Excell spent three decades in investment banking and hedge funds, living and working in five countries across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. before “settling down” as a finance professor at the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. In this conversation with host Chris Tidrick, Rich traces how his early motivations were driven by classic pursuits—money, power, prestige—and how he slowly came to realize that his deepest sense of happiness and purpose comes from helping others. Now in his seventh year of teaching and leading multiple academies, he sees his work in the clas...
2025-12-1854 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.04: Mental Health, Masculinity, and Vulnerability with James BurkeIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris welcomes Melbourne-based digital creative and storyteller James Burke, who shares a deeply honest exploration of mental health, masculinity, and the pursuit of an authentic life. James opens up about growing up feeling like an outsider, wrestling with societal expectations of what a “successful life” should look like, and the profound shift that happened when he and his wife began openly discussing their mental health struggles long before it was common or comfortable. Realizing that vulnerability could be a doorway to connection—not isolation—became a driving force in James’s work and personal philosophy...
2025-12-1152 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.03 Moral Clarity in a Chaotic World with ItsLukeIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with ItsLuke—digital creator, co-host of the Find Out podcast, and self-described “internet’s anger translator.” Luke shares how he went from software engineer and farm kid in the middle of nowhere to building a massive audience online, driven not by clout, but by a deep sense of moral obligation and a seriously overdeveloped compass for right and wrong. He talks about the moment a viral video about his dad and free school lunches convinced him to go “all in” on content that mixes humor, profanity, and pointed political clarity.Luke opens...
2025-12-0136 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 2.02 Servant Leadership with James QuisenberryIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Chris and Candice welcome guest James Quisenberry, who leads IT for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and co-founded the campus IT Leadership Workshop. Together they unpack servant leadership—rooted in Robert Greenleaf’s 1970 essay “The Servant as Leader”—as a philosophy where a leader’s primary goal is to serve the people and the organization. Candice walks through hallmark traits like empathy, deep listening, community-building, self- and organizational awareness, stewardship, commitment to growth, and humility—framing how these build trust, morale, innovation, retention, and ethical cultures.The...
2025-11-0932 min
The Many Futures of Work: Rethinking Expectations - Breaking MoldsAI in the Workplace: Lessons from the University of Illinois SystemBeginning in 2025, our podcasts will feature first-person stories about how work and opportunities are shifting due to technological, business, and social upheavals. You will hear from people who are finding ways to make sense of these chaotic times and the lessons they learn along the way.The podcasts will be organized into separate series that reflect the Institute's interests and activities. Today’s conversation marks the first installment in our series on artificial intelligence in the workplace.The adoption of AI differs from other new technologies. In the past, new technologies demanded substantial in...
2025-10-3038 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.02: Finding Purpose, Empathy, and Community with Tim FullertonIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris Tidrick sits down with Tim Fullerton—digital strategist, entrepreneur, and co-host of the Find Out podcast—for a conversation that moves beyond politics and into the heart of purpose, identity, and masculinity. Tim shares how his lifelong drive to “leave things better than he found them” has guided him through careers in politics, advocacy, and digital media—from Oxfam and the Obama campaign to creating viral movements that challenge the cultural narrative around men. What unfolds is a portrait of a man motivated by mission, empathy, and the pursuit of growth....
2025-10-231h 04
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 2.01: Season 2 KickoffSeason 2 of Candid Conversations opens with a twist—hosts Candice and Chris step out of their usual roles and into the hot seat, interviewed by their longtime producer and behind-the-scenes champion, Bob Dignan. Bob, Associate Director for Instructional Media Resources at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, brings thoughtful questions submitted by listeners (and a few of his own) to get the conversation rolling with candor, insight, and vulnerability.The episode kicks off with reflections from Season 1, including a powerful takeaway from guest Tekita Bankhead about the cost of code-switching, and a reminder from Dean Jamelle Sharpe that ev...
2025-09-2844 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 2.01: Curiosity, Vulnerability, and Connection with Chris TidrickIn the premier episode of Season 2 of ILLUMENATE, the guest is the host himself, Chris Tidrick. Known for his thoughtful approach to male vulnerability, leadership, and purpose, Chris launched this podcast to explore what it means to be a good man in today’s world. His work—on the mic and on the page—continues to resonate with listeners navigating their own journeys of growth, connection, and authenticity.Chris steps into the spotlight for a rare and revealing conversation. Answering the most frequently asked question from Season One—“When will you do an episode about your...
2025-09-181h 27
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.18: Risk, Authenticity, and Legacy with Mel FennerIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Dr. Mel Fenner, an HBCU leader, technologist, and community builder whose journey from small-town Mississippi to the heights of higher education leadership is rooted in purpose, authenticity, and service. With over 20 years of experience in IT and a deep belief in mentoring and legacy-building, Mel brings a heartfelt and thoughtful perspective.Mel shares how his drive stems from seeing others grow—whether his own children, younger colleagues, or student employees. He reflects on his early exposure to science and technology, nurtured by supportive parents and ra...
2025-07-1542 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.17: Rewriting Masculinity with Joy and Purpose with Ryan RuckerIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with the multi-talented Ryan Rucker—a devoted father, children’s book author, game show champion, ice cream entrepreneur, and host of the Courtside Forever podcast. From growing up in small-town upstate New York to building a multifaceted life in California, Ryan shares his remarkable journey of personal growth, identity, and resilience. With warmth and honesty, he reflects on the winding road that brought him to where he is today, embracing every unexpected turn with curiosity and heart.Ryan opens up about how his childhood, shaped by a devoted single mother and a ti...
2025-06-251h 01
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.20: A Mission-Focused Approach to Leadership with Kevin JacksonIn this episode of Candid Conversations, Chris and Candice welcome Dr. Kevin Jackson, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With an extensive background in accounting and academic leadership, including his tenure as Associate Dean at Gies College of Business, Dr. Jackson shares an authentic and deeply personal exploration of his journey into educational leadership. From his humble beginnings to his current role overseeing the undergraduate experience for tens of thousands of students, Dr. Jackson speaks candidly about what motivates him and how his faith, values, and relationships shape his leadership style.
2025-06-1641 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.16: Moving from Ally to Accomplice with Mike BIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Mike B, a Central Illinois resident, nonprofit executive, flight instructor, and passionate advocate for social justice. Mike shares a deeply personal and reflective journey of growth, shaped by a conservative religious upbringing, transformative educational experiences, and, most profoundly, the influence of his wife. His story is one of deconstruction—of faith, masculinity, and societal norms—and reconstruction into a life defined by intentional activism, vulnerability, and integrity.Mike’s activism took root in 2020 after George Floyd’s murder, when his wife encouraged him to attend an anti...
2025-06-1151 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.19: Leadership Transformation and Self-Growth with Sparkle SandersIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Chris and Candice welcome Sparkle Sanders, a certified leadership consultant, speaker, and coach with Maxwell Leadership. With over 20 years of experience in business and marketing, Sparkle now leads AddSpark Consulting and partners with organizations ranging from Parkland College to the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and the University of Illinois. She's also the founder of Full Truth LLC, a global ministry centered on encouragement and spiritual growth, and the author of 180 Days of Beautiful Truth.Sparkle shares the deeply personal journey behind her unique name and...
2025-06-0240 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.15: Redemption, Resilience, and Redefining Purpose with Prince RobertsonIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with Rev. Dr. Prince Robertson, Dean of Students for Inclusion and Advocacy at Illinois Wesleyan University. A minister, educator, author, and father, Dr. Robertson shares an intimate look into the personal and professional journey that has shaped his life. From Harlem to Saginaw to Champaign-Urbana, he weaves a story of grit, growth, and giving back, drawing from his experiences in faith, family, and the academy.Prince’s “why” is firmly rooted in family, faith, and service. He opens up about the cultural shift of moving from the vibrancy of Harlem to the in...
2025-05-281h 02
Grief Is Not A Dirty WordGrief, Therapy, and Breaking Generational Silence: Transforming Pain into Purpose with Chris Tidrick - Episode 51WHO THIS EPISODE HELPS: Anyone processing grief after losing a parent, struggling with complicated family relationships, or carrying unprocessed anger and trauma.WHAT LISTENERS WILL GET: Tools for navigating grief, insights into forgiveness and therapy, and perspective on building healing spaces for honest conversations about loss.DESCRIPTION: In this powerful conversation, host Nick Gaylord steps into the guest chair for a feature on ILLUMENATE with Chris Tidrick. Nick reflects on the grief that followed his father’s death, the anger that therapy helped him release, and th...
2025-05-271h 06
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.18: Leading with Kindness and Curiosity with Josh HenryIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Candice and Chris welcome Josh Henry, the newly appointed Assistant Director of Research Collaborative Services in the Office of the CIO at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With a rich career that began in 1999 and spanned over two decades within the College of ACES, Josh shares an inspiring journey marked by personal growth, meaningful mentorship, and a deep commitment to supporting research through IT. Josh recounts how early experiences—from fixing printers in faculty offices to listening in on groundbreaking research conversations—fostered a profound connection to the university’s mission and ig...
2025-05-1928 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.14: Lift While You Climb with R Wayne MartinIn this episode of ILLUMENATE, Chris sits down with R. Wayne Martin, a platinum-selling music executive, podcast host, and mindset coach whose story is as transformative as the artists he’s helped rise to stardom. Known for mentoring musicians while championing mental wellness, Wayne shares his life journey from a conservative evangelical upbringing in the South during the Civil Rights era to the red carpets of the global music industry. His story is grounded in a powerful personal mission: to lift others as he climbs.Wayne opens up about the seismic moments that reshaped hi...
2025-05-1459 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.17: 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 1.13: 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 1.16: 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 1.12: 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 1.15: 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 1.11: Growth, Purpose, and Radical Responsibility with Brent A. DiggsIn this heartfelt and intellectually rich episode of ILLUMENATE, host Chris Tidrick sits down with Brent A. 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 fa...
2025-04-0246 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.14: 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 1.10: 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 1.09: 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 1.13: 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 1.08: 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 1.07: 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 1.06: 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 1.12: Higher Ed Leadership, Student Affairs, and Well-Being with Danita Brown YoungIn this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Danita Brown Young, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, shares the story of her leadership journey from a childhood of community service to becoming a nationally recognized student affairs leader. With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Dr. Brown Young offers a deeply personal and practical perspective on what it means to lead with purpose, compassion, and a deep commitment to student success. Her leadership has been shaped by her early roots in community involvement, a desire to support students beyond the classroom, and...
2025-02-1731 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.05: 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 TidrickChris 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 TidrickWebsite: 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 te...
2025-02-0634 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.04: 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 1.11: Being a Bold, Transparent, and Empathetic Leader with Brooke ElliottIn this episode of Candid Conversations, Chris and Candice welcome Dean Brooke Elliott of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke, who has served in a variety of influential academic leadership roles, shares her deeply personal and professional journey—one marked by bold decisions, strategic vision, and a growing emphasis on empathy. As the first female dean of Gies, Brooke provides thoughtful insight into how her leadership has evolved and how she continues to shape the future of higher education.Brooke opens up about her leadership philosophy, describing herself as transparent, bold, an...
2025-02-0332 min
ILLUMENATEEpisode 1.03: 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: Master AI. Master yourself. Build what matters.Graymatter: 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 1.02: 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 10Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.10: Accountability in Ourselves and Our TeamsChris 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 1.01: Building Empathy at Scale with Bill KirstIn 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 1.09: 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 1.00: 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 1.08: Building a Culture of FeedbackChris 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 1.07: Ask Us Anything Live at the IT Pro ForumCandice 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 1.06: The Art of InterviewingChris 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 1.05: Leading from Where You AreIn 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 c...
2024-10-1431 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.04: The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)In this powerful and deeply personal episode, hosts Chris and Candice engage in a heartfelt discussion on the true meaning and impact of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in both professional and personal settings. Sparked by recent news about DEI team layoffs at a major tech company, the conversation unfolds as a necessary reminder that DEI is more than a corporate buzzword—it is a practice, a responsibility, and a cultural shift that must be actively cultivated and protected.Candice, a DEI advocate and member of a Women in Technology leadership group, offers clear and compelling definitions of...
2024-09-1635 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.03 - Taking Care of Ourselves as LeadersIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, co-hosts Candice and Chris delve into a deeply resonant and often overlooked topic in leadership: self-care. With humor, vulnerability, and practical insights, they unpack how taking care of oneself is not a luxury but a leadership necessity. Candice introduces her unique self-care framework, DERPAT—a mnemonic for Diet, Exercise, Relaxation, People, Attitude, and Time—and walks listeners through how each component supports her well-being, both personally and professionally.Candice shares how her physical health journey, especially with a partial lung, has shaped her intentional commitment to practices like Taekwondo, stru...
2024-08-1927 minCandid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.02: Letting the Right Things GoIn this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, co-hosts Chris and Candice dive into the ever-relevant topic of prioritization, offering an honest and insightful look at how leaders can—and should—learn to let go of the right things. Drawing from personal experiences and organizational challenges, they unpack the delicate art of managing commitments, saying no with intention, and aligning daily actions with both personal values and strategic goals.Candice, who shares that she has recently been on jury duty, frames the conversation with a refreshing perspective on how unexpected interruptions can become a gift—a moment to pau...
2024-07-2227 min
Candid Conversations on LeadershipEpisode 1.01 - Our Top Leadership LessonsIn the debut episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, co-hosts Candice Solomon-Strutz and Chris Tidrick introduce themselves and reflect on the personal and professional journeys that shaped their leadership philosophies. Both long-standing leaders at the University of Illinois, they bring decades of experience in IT and higher education to the table, aiming to create an authentic, insightful podcast that pushes beyond formulaic leadership content.Candice shares three deeply personal leadership lessons drawn from transformative life events. From surviving a collapsed lung and undergoing major surgery during her freshman year to facing isolation and stereotyping as one of...
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