In 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 trio contrasts servant leadership with more traditional, hierarchical models, noting how generational shifts changed how people want to be led. They surface a core tension leaders must navigate: balancing autonomy and agency with organizational clarity and speed. Chris shares how his team uses “disagree and commit” to invite inclusive debate before moving decisively—and how accountability is not at odds with compassion. James pushes back on the misconception that servant leadership is “soft,” arguing it often means serving people best by holding them to clear standards, and by prioritizing the whole organization over a one-to-one dynamic.

Personal origin stories come through: Candice’s grounding in Alpha Phi Omega’s service ethos; James’ upbringing with educator parents and long-time involvement in Rotary and Scouting; and Chris recognizing service in his own leadership through feedback from his team. They explore how to cultivate the “heart” of a servant leader—through active listening reps, identity-based habits, and service outside of work. Mentorship and coaching emerge as essential—trusted partners who “won’t let you believe your own BS” and help you check ego, motivation, and perception.

Finally, they get candid about the hard parts: resisting the urge to rush to solutions, getting out of your own head, and truly listening (especially when you love to talk). They offer practical moves: ask “What serves the organization?” on big calls; celebrate team contributions so success is shared; treat ego as a potential tailwind—not a headwind; and use accountability to remove barriers to others’ growth. Chris closes with a story where stepping back let the team find a better answer—proof that servant leadership can drive both stronger culture and stronger results.

Season 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 even senior leaders are fully human—gamers, parents, and everything in between. This theme of authenticity continues as Candice opens up about her experiences with workplace harassment, sharing the profound leadership lessons it taught her about boundaries, vulnerability, and the power of speaking up. Chris responds with transparency of his own, discussing the growing pains that come with rapid institutional expansion, the underestimation of management needs, and how interpersonal dynamics change as teams scale.

The conversation takes a nuanced look at the difference between leadership and management, introducing the framework of "why, what, and how" to help listeners identify their strengths and growth areas. Candice and Chris both reflect on how they’ve evolved from managing to leading and how surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial—both for getting the work done and for making work a place you want to be.

Bob also pulls out insightful questions around leading from anywhere, dealing with criticism, and maintaining composure in a climate of uncertainty across higher education. Personal stories—from a student group project to an internal promotion sparked by stepping up—underscore the idea that leadership isn't about title, but action. The episode wraps with advice for early-career professionals, underscoring the value of filling gaps, building trust, and finding a workplace culture that energizes you. And yes—Candice and Chris would both choose skydiving over scuba diving.

This episode marks a fitting return for Candid Conversations, reminding us that leadership is as much about listening and evolving as it is about strategy and vision.

In 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.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Jackson reflects on the nature of calling versus career, noting that his progression into leadership has often been spurred by others recognizing qualities in him before he recognized them in himself. He discusses the transition from faculty life to administration and how his missional approach to higher education led him to embrace roles that aligned more closely with his values, even when self-promotion and ambition were not part of the equation. His reflections on the challenges of balancing transparency with professional discretion offer a nuanced look at the ethical complexities of leadership in higher ed.

Listeners will be moved by Dr. Jackson’s emphasis on relational leadership—his belief in leading through empathy, listening, and care for the well-being of others. He offers heartfelt insights into maintaining work-life balance, the importance of boundaries, and redefining discipline as the ability to step away and be present for what matters most. Personal stories, such as his church fellowship group and his newfound passion for birding, offer glimpses into the rhythms that keep him grounded.

As the episode closes, Dr. Jackson speaks directly to aspiring leaders, encouraging them to lead with a clear sense of purpose and mission. Whether reluctant or ambitious, he asserts, effective leadership begins with knowing what you hope to accomplish and staying true to your values. His candid reflections and unwavering focus on the human side of higher education will resonate with educators, students, and leaders alike.