OCTOBER 2023
JACQUELINE GUSTAFSON GUST
Educate. Empower. Elevate. Inspire. Lead.
Dearreaders,
Educationleadersworldwidefaceuniquechallengesandopportunitiesinthese tumultuoustimes.Thedisruptiveforcesofourera,includingthepersistentCOVID-19 pandemic,theloomingclimatecrisis,andrapidtechnologicaladvancements,demand thoughtfulnavigation.Yet,withintheseformidablechallengesliesanextraordinary opportunitytoshapeafuturewhereeverystudenthasaccesstohigh-qualityeducation.
TheenduringimpactofCOVID-19onglobaleducationsystemshasraisedconcerns aboutlearninggapsandtheimperativeofequitableaccesstoeducation.Simultaneously, theclimatecrisisunderscorestheneedforresilientschoolsandcomprehensiveeducation onitsimplications.Therapidpaceoftechnologicalevolutionpresentsitsownsetof challenges,fromensuringuniversalaccesstosafeguardingstudentsfromitsrisks. Nonetheless,amidthesetrials,educationleadershaveauniquechancetoharness technologyforpersonalizedlearning,preparestudentsfortheever-changingjob landscape,andchampioninclusivityandequityineducation.
Wearedelightedtointroduceourlatestmagazineissue,“The10InspiringEducation Leaders,2023.”Inaworldmarkedbytheongoingpandemic,climatecrisis,and technologicalevolution,theseleadersstandasbeaconsofinnovationandresilience.
OurcoverspotlightsJacquelineN.Gustafson,anexceptionaleducatorwhoembarkedon heracademicjourneyattheageof16,attendingcollegewhilecompletinghighschool. HerremarkablejourneyledhertobecometheDeanofCaliforniaBaptistUniversity’s CollegeofBehavioralandSocialSciences,atestamenttoherfirmbeliefinthe transformativepowerofeducation.
Additionally,weshinealightonJacquelineLeary-Warsaw,ArvindRaman,Dr.Timothy Mottet,andVictorAluise—leaderswhoarespearheadinginnovation,championing technologyadoption,fosteringstudentsuccess,andadvancinginclusivityineducation. Together,theyareforgingafuturecharacterizedbyexcellenceandboundless possibilities.
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Pioneering Holistic Education for a Changing World
JacquelineGustafson
Dean College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
JacquelineGustafson,adedicatededucator,has undertakenaremarkablejourneythroughtherealms ofacademiawithaferventpassionforlearning, research,andglobalengagement.Jacquelineembarkedona uniquepathattheageof16whensheattendedcollege concurrentlywithherfinaltwoyearsofhighschool.Bythe timeshewas17,Jacquelinehadnotonlygraduatedfrom highschoolbutalsoearnedanAssociateofArtsdegree—an impressivefeatthathighlightedherdriveforacademic excellence.
Tofurtherpursueherintellectualaspirations,Jacqueline venturedintothehallowedhallsofNorthwestCollege,a smallprivateuniversity,wheresheexploredthestudyof psychology.Duringthisphase,heraffinityforeducation, research,andglobalexplorationbegantotakeroot.She seizedopportunitiestoimmerseherselfindiverse experiences,participatinginethnographicresearchprojects inBrazilandstudyingarchaeologyinIsrael.These experiencesfueledherpassionforglobaleducationand research,shapingheracademicjourney.
Jacqueline’strajectorywithinacademiawasoneof resoundingsuccessandcontinuousgrowth.Shebeganher thrivingcareerinanacademicenvironmentwithagraduate assistantshipinCounselingPsychologyatNorthwest University.Herdedicationandexpertisesoonearnedhera full-timeroleasaProgramDirector,layingthefoundation forimpactfulcontributionsinthefieldofeducation.Her thirstforknowledgeremainedunquenched,motivating JacquelinetopursueadoctoraldegreeinEducational LeadershipandGlobalStudiesatSeattleUniversity This pivotalperiodallowedhertointegrateherinterestsin behavioralsciences,education,andresearch,settingthe stageforfutureendeavors.
Overthesubsequentdecade,Jacqueline’sinfluencewithin academiaextendedfarandwide.Shefulfilledmultipleroles asaneducator,teachingadiversearrayofcoursesacross differentacademiclevels.Herleadershipmanifestedinher rolesasthedirectorofdoctoraldissertations,the coordinatorofresearchlabsandcenters,andadrivingforce behindglobalstudytoursandfieldplacements.Progressing throughpositionssuchasProgramDirector,Directorof
“ We are at our best as leaders when we are courageous enough to surround ourselves with others who have different experiences and perspectives
Curriculum,andAssociateDean,Jacquelinedemonstrated herabilitytoinspireandshapeeducationalprogramsat everylevel.
In2014,Jacqueline’sreputationasavisionaryleaderled hertobecometheDeanofCaliforniaBaptistUniversity’s SchoolofBehavioralSciences,adivisionthatnowoperates asthe (CBSS) CollegeofBehavioralandSocialSciences underherguidance.Herlegacyepitomizesunwavering beliefinthetransformativepotentialofeducationforboth individualsandcommunities.Jacqueline’scommitmentto learning,aprofoundinfluenceonacademia,anddedication tofosteringpositivechangethrougheducationcontinueto shapeherjourneyandinspirethosearoundher
TransformativeLeadershipandAcademicExcellence
AtthehelmoftheCollegeofBehavioralandSocial Sciences,Jacquelineholdsarolethatmarksitsstrategic significanceandvisibility.Sheservesasaseniorleaderwho overseestheeffectivefunctioningofallprogramswithin thecollege,includingguidingstrategicplanninginitiatives andemphasizinghervisionaryapproachtoshapethe college'sfuture.Jacquelinealsotakesonthecrucialroleof thecollege'schiefpersonnelofficer,demandingdeft managementoffacultyandstaffresources.
Jacquelinemakesanimpactintheclassroomaswell, assumingtheroleofaprofessorinheracademicdiscipline. Herdedicationtoteachingemphasizeshercommitmentto nurturethenextgenerationofprofessionalsandher continualpursuittoadvanceherfieldofexpertise.
Withanimpressiveportfoliotomanage,Jacqueline oversees16programs,threeresearchcenters,andaclinic withinthecollege.Guidingthesevariousentitiesrequiresa holisticapproachtoeducationaldevelopmentand leadership,andJacqueline’seffortsplayakeyrolein maintainingthecollege’shighstandards.
Jacqueline’srolecoversbothlocalandglobalengagement. Sheactivelyforgesrelationshipswithbehavioralscience professionalsatbothlocalandnationallevels, demonstratinghercommitmenttofosteringawider networkofcollaborationandlearning.Thedevelopmentof globalpartnershipsandtrainingsitesshowcasesher dedicationtoprovidingdiverseandenrichingeducational opportunitiesforstudents.
Jacqueline’sadeptnessinresourcemanagementisclearin herresponsibilityforfundraising,budgetplanning,and assessment.Thesefunctionsplayapivotalroleinensuring thecollege'ssustainedgrowthandsuccess.
ThroughouthertenureatCaliforniaBaptistUniversity, Jacqueline’sleadershipacumenwasevidentinthe expansionofthecollege’sofferingswhichnowinclude master'sanddoctoralprograms,researchcenters,anda communityclinic.Herrolewasinstrumentalinsecuringthe highestexternalaccreditationfornumerousprogramswithin thecollege,atestamenttohercommitmenttomaintaining academicexcellence.
UnderJacqueline'sguidance,thecollege’sfacultyhas experiencedsubstantialgrowth,from20to80members, contributingtoanenrichedlearningenvironment.Her effortsalsohaveledtoanearlythreefoldincreasein enrollment,reflectingherdedicationtoexpanding educationalaccess.
OneofJacqueline’sproudestachievementsisfosteringa diverseandinclusivelearningcommunitythatmirrorsthe demographicsofthesurroundingcommunity This accomplishmentunderscoreshercommitmenttoequityand ensuringaccessibleeducationalopportunitiesforall.
DiverseProgramsandComprehensiveEducationat CBSS
TheCollegeofBehavioralandSocialSciences(CBSS)at CaliforniaBaptistUniversitystandsasadynamicand pioneeringinstitutethathasevolvedovertime,nurturinga richlegacyofacademicexcellenceandcomprehensive education.Rootedinhistory,CBSSoriginatedastheSchool ofBehavioralSciencesandlaterattainedtheesteemedstatus ofacollegein2017,affirmingitsenduringcommitmentto advancingknowledgeandservingthecommunity
AttheCBSS,adiversearrayofundergraduate,master’s, anddoctoralprogramsofferstudentsacomprehensive educationinvariousdisciplines.Undergraduatestudentscan explorefieldssuchasAnthropology,BehavioralSciences, ChristianBehavioralSciences,HumanServices, Psychology,SocialWork,Sociology,andSportsand PerformancePsychology Thespectrumofmaster’s programsencompassesCounselingPsychology,Counseling Ministry,ForensicPsychology,Industrial-Organizational Psychology,SportandPerformancePsychology,andSocial Work.Forthosepursuingthehighestlevelofexpertise,the CBSSprovidesdoctoraldegreesinClinicalPsychology
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(PsyD)andSocialWork(DSW).
Thecollege’scommitmenttoholisticeducation extendsbeyondtraditionalclassrooms.TheCBSS comprisesthreeprominentresearchcenters—the CenterforCommunityEngagementandSocial Innovation,theCenterfortheStudyofHuman Behavior,andtheCenterforSportandPerformance Psychology—eachdevotedtoaddressing contemporarysocietalchallengesthroughrigorous researchandinnovativepractices.Additionally, PsychologicalServicesofRiverside,aclinicwithinthe CBSS,functionsasavaluableresourceforthe community,offeringawiderangeofpsychological services.
CBSS’influenceisnotconfinedtoitsimmediate surroundings.Thecollege’svisionreachesacrossthe globethroughitsdiversearrayofprograms.Field placementsspanSouthernCaliforniaaswellas nationalandinternationallocations,offeringstudents real-worldexperiencesthatbroadentheirperspectives. Thecollege’scommitmenttoglobalengagementis furtherunderscoredthroughinternationalstudytours andculturalimmersiontripsthatspantheglobe.
TheimpactoftheCBSSalsoextendsfarbeyondthe classroom,asseeninitsalumni.Equippedwitha strongacademicfoundationandasenseofpurpose, CBSSgraduatesarepreparedtoexcelintheir professionalendeavors.Morethanthat,theyare instilledwithasenseofresponsibilitytobringabout positivechangewithintheirlocalandglobal communities.Thiscommitmenttoserviceandjustice isdeeplywovenintotheirspiritualdedication, embodyingthevaluesofaChrist-centerededucation.
NurturingHolisticStudentWell-beingandSuccess
Today’sstudentsfaceadynamic,fast-pacedsociety withevolvingchallengesthatstemfromacombination offactorsincludingincreasedanxietyandmental healthconcerns,financialconstraints,diverse responsibilitieslikeworkandfamilycommitments, andtherapidintegrationoftechnological advancementslikeartificialintelligence.Asthe educationallandscapeshifts,institutionsmustadaptto meetthesechangingneedsandtobestservetheir studentpopulations.
Collaboration drives innovation
Jacqueline’sapproachtoremainnimblestandsasboth strategicandempathetic.Sherecognizesthattheunique setofchallengesdemandsinnovativesolutions.Her commitmenttoservingstudentswheretheyareisevident inherproactiveresponsetotheseshiftingrequirements.
Addressingtherisinglevelsofanxietyandmentalhealth challenges,Jacquelinetakesstepstoimplement comprehensivestudentsupportservicesthatprioritize mentalandemotionalwell-being.Shecreatessupportive spaces,collaborateswithcounselingservices,and promotesacultureofopencommunicationtohelp alleviatechallengesandcreateamorenurturing environment.
Thefinancialburdensmanystudentsfacealsorequire creativeapproaches.Jacquelineexploresavenuesfor financialaid,scholarships,andgrantstoreducethe economicstrainonstudentswhileworkingtoconnect themwithflexiblepaymentplansandpart-time employmentopportunitiestohelpeasefinancial pressures.
Thedemandsofmodernlifeoftenmeanstudentsare jugglingmultiplecommitments.Jacquelineencouragesteam memberstoimplementflexiblelearningoptions,suchas onlinecoursesorhybridmodels,toaccommodatestudents' workandfamilyschedules–allwhilemaintainingthe academicrigoroftheprogram.Thesealternativesempower studentstopursueeducationwithoutcompromisingtheir otherresponsibilities.
InnovativeStrategiesAddressingEducationChallenges
Thecurrenteducationsystemisfacingwhatexpertshave calledthe“enrollmentcliff,”wheredecliningnumbersof studentsarepursuinghighereducation,aswellasagrowing collegedebtcrisisasstudentsgrapplewithmountingstudent loandebts.Theseissueshavepromptedtheneedfor innovativesolutionsandproactivemeasurestoensurethe accessibility,relevance,andsustainabilityofeducation.
Jacquelinerecognizestheurgencyofaddressingtheseissues tosafeguardthefutureofeducationandismakingefforts markedbyacombinationofstrategicplanning, collaboration,andinnovationtorespondtothesechallenges.
Totackletheenrollmentcliff,Jacquelineemploysa diligentapproachthroughfeasibilitystudies.These studiesassesstheviabilityofcurrentandnew programs,ensuringtheyalignwiththedemandsof thejobmarketandareattractivetostudents.By creatingofferingsthatarebothrelevantand innovativeintheirdeliverymodalities,Jacqueline seekstodrawinstudentswhomightotherwisebe deterredbytraditionaleducationalmodels.
Acknowledgingthesignificanceofthecollegedebt crisis,Jacqueline’sfocusonsustainableemployment pipelinesisparamount.Bydevelopingprograms thatalignwithindustriesexperiencinggrowth,she ensuresstudentsareequippedwithskillsthatleadto meaningfulemploymentopportunitiesupon graduation.Collaboratingwithcommunitypartners furtherenhancestheseopportunities,bridgingthe gapbetweeneducationandthejobmarket.
Jacqueline’sengagementwiththecampusCareer Centerunderscoreshercommitmenttoproducing graduateswhoarewell-preparedfortheworkforce.
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Ensuringstudentsare“employerready,”shebridgesthedividebetween academiaandindustry,fosteringa seamlesstransitionfromeducationto employment.
ABalancedApproachtoLifeand Work
JacquelineGustafsonintegratesher personalandprofessionalspheresto characterizeherapproachtowork-life balance.Sherecognizesthevalueof embodyingherauthenticselfinthe workplace,leveraginghermultifaceted rolesasawife,mother,community advocate,andmoretoenrichherrole asDean.
Byembracingherpersonalstoryand diverseexperiences,Jacqueline harmoniouslyblendshervariousroles. Herinvolvementinhercommunity, non-profitorganizations,andchurch boardsshowcaseshercommitmentto effectingpositivechangebeyondher professionalrealm.Her accomplishmentsasapublishedauthor andnationalspeaker,coupledwithher passionforethicalfashionanddesign, revealhermultifacetedintereststhat contributetoherholisticself.
Jacqueline’sabilitytomanageworklifebalancewhilefulfillingthe demandingroleofDeanfindsits foundationinpurposefulintegration. Herdedicationtoherfamily, community,andpersonalpassions remainssteadfast,illustratingher commitmenttoawell-roundedlife.As thefounderandCEOofasocial impactbrand,theAbebaCollection,
shefurtherdemonstrateshercapacity tohandlemultipleresponsibilities withoutcompromisinghervaluesand aspirations.
GuidingPrinciplesforEffective EducationalLeadership
Jacquelineoffersinsightfuland practicalguidanceforemerging educationalleaders.Shehighlights severalkeyattributesthatare essentialformakingameaningful impactinthefield.Jacqueline underscoresthesignificanceof fosteringaclearvisionthatgoes beyondacademicexcellenceto encompassholisticstudent developmentandsocietalrelevance. Sheupholdsintegrityasa fundamentalpillar,promotingtrust andethicalleadership.
Sheadvocatesforaninnovative mindsetthatembracesnewideas, technologies,andapproaches, ensuringeducationremainsadaptive andeffective.Strivingforexcellence inallendeavorsmaintainshigh standardsandconsistentquality Notably,sheencouragesleadersto stepoutoftheircomfortzonesand takecalculatedrisks,whichcanlead totransformativesolutions.
Inarapidlyevolvingeducational landscape,Jacqueline’sadvice emphasizestheneedforleaderswho arenotonlyequippedwithpractical skillsbutwhoalsoembodyvalues thatresonatewiththeever-changing needsofstudents,institutions,andthe broadercommunity
Arvind R aman
Empowering Future Engineers for a Better Tomorrow
Thefieldofeducationiswherethe
journeybeginstodevelopoutstanding individualswhocanshapeabetter future.Andtonurturesuchindividuals, weneedgreatteachers.Werecentlyhad thechancetointerviewonesuchteacher,Arvind Raman,theDeanofPurdueUniversity’sCollegeof Engineering.Heisaremarkableeducatorwitha visionforabrighterfuture.Moreover,heisskilledat bringingpeopletogetherandguidingthemtodotheir best.Whatmotivateshimthemostisthepositive impactleaderscanmake,andheisdedicatedto makingthatimpactathisownalmamatertohelp improvesociety.
Arvind’sCareerTrajectoryfromIndiatotheUSA
Arvind’sjourneyimpresses.HestartedwithaBS degreefromtheIndianInstituteofTechnology (IIT) DelhiandthenpursuedanMSinmechanical engineeringatPurdue.Thisjourneybeganalmost threedecadesago.Furtheringhiseducation,heearned aPh.D.fromtheUniversityofCalifornia.Between 2000and2014,heactivelytaught,conductedresearch, andengagedwithstudentsatPurdue’sCollegeof Engineering.Unexpectedly,Arvind’scareershiftedto leadership.Hetookonrolesinglobalengineering, academicaffairs,andbothundergraduateandgraduate education.Ultimately,onApril1,2023,hebecame dean,arolethatallowedhimtosignificantlybroaden thecollege’simpact.Additionally,Arvindnotes, “I remain the Robert V Adams Professor in Mechanical Engineering and, by courtesy, Professor of Materials Engineering.”
Whenaskedabouthisinspirationandrolemodel, Arvindunquestionablycitesittohismother.Hesays, “My mother has been my greatest and earliest role model. As a chemistry teacher, she sparked my childhood interest in STEM. Her intelligence, confidence, and curiosity remain major influences.”
FoundationofPurdueUniversity:An
Instituteof ExcellenceandInnovation
JohnPurdueestablishedPurdueUniversityin1869in WestLafayette,Indiana,asarenownedpublicresearch institution.Initiallyfoundedasapubliccollegefocusedon science,technology,andagriculture,theuniversityachieved significantexcellence.
TheCollegeofEngineering,datingbackto1874,standsas Purdue’slargestacademicunit.In1874,theuniversity presidentintroducedfour-yearcoursesinciviland mechanicalengineering,startinginthespringof1875. Currently,thecollegeoffersacomprehensiverangeof academicprograms,includingBS,MS,andPh.D.degrees across14disciplines.Thesedisciplinesincludeaeronautics andastronautics,agriculturalandbiologicalengineering, biomedicalengineering,chemicalengineering,civil engineering,constructionengineeringandmanagement, electricalandcomputerengineering,engineeringeducation, environmentalandecologicalengineering,industrial engineering,materialsengineering,mechanical engineering,andnuclearengineering.
Thecollegehostspioneeringprogramssuchas Semiconductors@Purdue,EngineeringHonorsProgram, VerticallyIntegratedProjects(VIP),First-YearEngineering (FYE),EngineeringProjectsinCommunityService (EPICS),SummerUndergraduateResearchFellowship Program(SURF),GlobalEngineeringProgramsand Partnerships(GEPP),MinorityEngineeringProgram (MEP),ProfessionalPractice(co-op)Program,andWomen inEngineering(WiE)Program.
PromotingaFlexibleandInclusiveEducationSystem
WhencomparingPurdueUniversity’sengineeringcollege withothers,itdistinguishesitselfinseveralways.Itholds thedistinctionofbeingthelargestengineeringcollegeever rankedinthetop4ofU.S.News&WorldReport, benefitingfromitssubstantialscale.Withundergraduate
enrollmentexceedingthecombined figuresofthethreetopengineering colleges,itpresentsarespected, affordable,andhighlyrankedoption. Notably,flexibilityisadefining feature.Theconceptof“yearto choose”enablesundergraduatesto exploredifferentpathwaysduring theirfirstyear,preventingthemfrom feelinglockedintoanunsuitable major.Purdue’sengineeringcollegeis nationallyrankedat#7forco-opsand internships,underscoringitsemphasis onpracticalreadiness.
Theinstitution’sapproachto experientiallearningsetsitapart.
Embracingthephilosophyof“Learn byDoing,”Purdueintegrates undergraduateresearch,global experiences,EPICS(aservicelearningdesignprogram),VIP (VerticallyIntegratedProjects),and studentorganizationstofoster practicallearning.Speakingaboutthe institution’sinclusivity,Arvind highlights, “We offer a safe, welcoming, diverse community Regarding research, what’s special about our college is our highly collaborative environment, with great facilities and top-notch faculty, including 37 past and present NAE members and 14 National Academy of Inventors fellows; a dozen $10 million+ research centers; and worldclass alumni.”
LeadershipAnchoredinSupport forExcellinginPracticalSkill Development
Whenaskedabouthiscore responsibilitiesasaDean,Arvind clarified, “The dean of Purdue’s College of Engineering is responsible for envisioning, motivating, removing roadblocks, and enabling the success of others. He focuses on assisting faculty with significant funding opportunities, facilitating experiential
learning for students, promoting student health and well-being, and developing cutting-edge concentrations and minors.”
Furthermore,headdressedthe changingeducationlandscapeand evolvingstudentneeds.Heremarked, “To address the needs of a diverse range of learners, including working professionals, we have established a variety of highly ranked online opportunities that are both affordable and convenient. Our offerings range from degree programs to professional courses and certificates.”
Theinstitutionplacessignificant
“
Anidealeducational leaderbringspeople togetherundera commontentwitha
commonvision.
importanceonexperientiallearningto meetthedemandforpracticalskills.
Theinstitutiontooktheleadin introducingthefirstcomprehensive semiconductordegreeprograminthe UnitedStates.Additionally,it spearheadstheScalableAsymmetric LifecycleEngagement(SCALE) workforcedevelopmentprogram, fundedbytheDOD,whichsupports thegrowthofthenation’s microelectronicsindustrytoaddress thecreationof50,000newjobs.
Thecollegeprovidesrobustsupportto students,aligningwiththeirgrowing interestinentrepreneurship.TheJohn MartinsonEntrepreneurialCenterand
theSiliconValleyBusinessInnovation Group(SVBIG)standastwovaluable resources.Arvindhighlighted pioneeringprograms,stating, “Our college is committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We initiated the Women in Engineering (WiE) Program and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and we continuously forge new pathways for all to excel.”
Additionally,collaborationssuchas thepartnershipwiththehistorically BlackuniversityMorganState underscoreadedicationtobroader inclusivity.
AddressingIssuesintheEducation System
Arvindpossessesasignificantvision andforecastschallengesthehigher educationsystemwillconfrontinthe nearfuture.Heasserts, “Academia is having to deal with the demographic phenomenon called the ‘enrollment cliff,’meaning the college-age population will shrink beginning in 2025. This is a time when we as a nation need many more engineers, not fewer.”
LivingLifebeyondWork
Maintainingabalancedlifecanbe challenging,especiallywhenholding aprominentcareerrole.Nonetheless, itremainsessentialtonurturespecific hobbiesandtakeregularbreaksto adapttotheevolvingenvironment. Arvindholdsapositionthatinvolves monitoringmultipledemanding factorsthatcanleadtoexhaustion. Yet,heconsistentlydiscovers strategiestoalleviatethisand dedicatestimetorelishingmoments. Whenheseekssolaceawayfromthe bustlingsurroundings,heoptsfor hiking.Additionally,heintegrates jogging,cooking,andgardeninginto hisroutinetoinvigoratehismind.
HOW TO TALK ANYONE TO
EFFECTIVE TIPS FOR HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP
“You’ll not only break the ice, you’ll melt it away with your new skills.” –LarryKing.Inaworldbuzzingwithsocial interactionsreducedtomeretextonscreensandemojis,the profoundimpactofagenuineface-to-faceconversation oftenfeelslikealong-losttreasure.Butwhatiftherewerea guidethatcouldrekindletheflamesofmeaningful communication,offeringacompendiumoftechniquesto notjustconverse,buttodeeplyconnect?LeilLowndes’ book,“HowtoTalktoanyone:92LittleTricksforBig SuccessinRelationships,”appearstoholdthekeytothis revitalization.
AbouttheBookandAuthor
Diveintothecaptivatingguide,“HowtoTalktoAnyone: 92LittleTricksforBigSuccessinRelationships,”authored byrenownedcommunicationexpertLeilLowndes.Witha prolificcareerspanningwriting,speaking,andcoaching, Lowndesbringsawealthofexperiencetothetable.Unveil themysteriesofeffectivecommunicationthroughpractical strategiesandpsychologicalinsightsshehascarefully curatedovertheyears.Whetheryou’reanintrovertrefining yourconversationalfinesseoranextrovertshapingyour communicationstyle,thisbookequipsyouwithactionable adviceformemorableinteractions,makingitan indispensabletoolforpersonalandprofessionalgrowth.
Thisbookisdividedintosectionsmentionedbelow:
● 9waystomakeadynamitefirstimpression
● 14waystomastersmalltalk,"bigtalk,"andbody language
● 14waystowalkandtalklikeaVIPorcelebrity
● 6waystosoundlikeaninsiderinanycrowd
● 7waystoestablishdeepsubliminalrapportwith anyone
● 9waystofeedsomeone’sego(andknowwhen NOTto!)
● 11waystomakeyourphoneapowerful communicationstool
● 15waystoworkapartylikeapoliticianworksa room
● 7waystotalkwithtigersandnotgeteatenalive
Joinusonajourneytouncoverthesecretswithinitspages –secretswiththepowertotransformhowweconnectina worldhungryforauthenticcommunication.
1. 9WaystoMakeaDynamiteFirstImpression
Craftinglastingpositivefirstimpressionshingesonkey strategiesthatprofoundlyshapeinterpersonaldynamics. Amongthese,the“FloodingSmile”standsout—agenuine, welcomingexpressionthatgoesbeyondfleetingsmiles. “StickyEyes,”orprolongedeyecontact,conveysdeep interestandunderstanding.Physicaltouch,likearespectful handshake,forgesimmediatewarmththrough“ThePower ofTouch.”
Psychologicalmirroring—subtlymimickingbodylanguage andspeechpatterns—createscomfort.“TheKiller Compliment,”asincere,specificpraise,boostsself-esteem. Activelistening,withfocusedattentionandthoughtful questions,showsgenuinecuriosity.Maintainingpositivity andhighlightingstrengthsfostersharmony,whilenonverbalcuesenhanceyourroleasaconfident conversationalist.Approachinginteractionsjoyfullyand embracingfungeneratesinfectiouspositivity,leadingto sharedenjoyment.
Masteringthesetechniquesempowersimpactfulinitial impressions,pavingthewayforlastingrelationshipsbuilt onrespectandauthenticity
2. 14WaystoMasterSmallTalk,“BigTalk,”and BodyLanguage
Masteringeffectivesmalltalkinvolveskeyprinciples. Activelisteningisparamount;peoplelovediscussing themselves,sogenuinequestionsandinterestsarecrucial. Maintainpositivitywithsmiles,eyecontact,and enthusiasmforenjoyableinteractions.Findingcommon ground,whetherinbackgroundsorhobbies,buildsrapport. Authenticitymatters—beingtruetoyourselfprevents insincerity.
Respectisvital,especiallywhenopinionsdiffer Avoid interruptionsorbelittling.Ifconversationstalls,seek assistance;othersmightredirect.Humorlightensthemood, butavoidsoffense.Skillfulstorytellingaddsinterest,if relevant.
Nonverbalcuesmatter.Properposture,eyecontact,anda smilehelp.Whilesharingisimportant,don’tmonopolize. Exploretheotherperson’sexperiences.Endpositivelyby
expressinggratitude.Followingtheseguidelines enhancessmalltalkskillsandstrengthens connections.
3. 14WaystoWalkandTalkLikeaVIPor Celebrity
VIPsandcelebritiesemanateacaptivatingaura definedbyself-assuranceandgenuineness.Their poiseddemeanorismarkedbypurposefulpoise, directeyecontact,andareadysmilethatexudes approachability
Conversationswiththemarecharacterizedbyopen, friendlygesturesandattentivelistening,showcasing theirauthenticengagement.Theyexudeinfectious passionfortheirpursuitsandpersonallives, underpinnedbyapositiveperspectiveandboundless enthusiasm.Thisauthenticityextendstotheirattire, strikingabalancebetweenstyleandappropriateness, reflectingtheirkeeneyefordetail.Theircommitment towell-beingshinesthroughself-careroutines encompassingnutrition,exercise,andamplesleep.
Notably,theirexceptionalcommunicationskills, characterizedbyclarityandreceptivity,setthem apart.Theyarticulatethoughtswiththoughtfulness andcomprehendothersadeptly,solidifyingtheirrolemodelstatus.VIPsandcelebritiesilluminatethepath toexudingconfidence,authenticity,optimism,and polishedcommunication,establishingaremarkable standardforpoisedandimpactfulinteractions.
4.
6WaystoSoundLikeanInsiderinAny Crowd
Toeffectivelyconnectwithothers,it’scrucialto integrateinsiderjargonintoyourconversations, displayingaclearunderstandingoftheirworldand fosteringrelatability.Keepabreastofcurrentevents, asdiscussingthelatestnewsdemonstratesyour engagementwiththeworldandcontributesto meaningfuldialogues.Capitalizeonpeople’s inclinationtotalkaboutthemselvesbyasking questionsthatdelveintotheirinterestsand experiences,revealingyourgenuineinterestin learningmoreaboutthem.
Injectinghumorintoconversationscanserveasa powerfultoolforbuildingrapport,thoughit’s importanttostrikeabalancesoasnottoappear
overlyforced.Apositiveandupbeatdemeanorismagnetic, makingothersmoreinclinedtoengagewithyou.By focusingonthepositiveaspectsoflifeandsidestepping complaintsorgossip,you’llnaturallyattractpeople.
Ultimately,authenticityreignssupreme.Attemptingtobe someoneyou’renotiseasilydetectable,sostayingtrueto yourselfisparamount.Embracethesestrategiestoensure youleaveapositiveandlastingimpressiononthoseyou encounter
5. 7Ways
toEstablishDeepSubliminalRapport withAnyone
Masteringtheartofbuildingrapportandforgingstrong connectionsencompassesseveralpivotaltechniques.One suchtechniqueismirroring–thepracticeofimitating anotherindividual’sbodylanguageandexpressions, fosteringasenseofeaseandrapport.Likewise, synchronizingbreathingpatternsgeneratesaprofound feelingofconnectionandbolstersinterpersonalties. Employingidenticalwordsandphrasesastheotherperson furthersolidifiesmutualunderstandingandshared encounters.
Unearthingcommongroundthroughsharedinterestsor experiencesservestocementtheseconnectionsevenmore deeply.Skillfullyincorporatingaperson’snameshowcases activelisteningandgenuinecuriosity.Insuitablecultural contexts,physicaltouchcanalsointensifytheseconnections. Ultimately,aheartfeltsmiletranscendslinguisticbarriers, radiatingwarmthandreliability.Byadroitlyapplyingthese techniques,individualscanelevatetheirinteractions,giving risetorelationshipsimbuedwithsignificance.
6. 9WaystoFeedSomeone’sEgo(AndKnow WhenNotTo!)
Toenhanceself-esteemandcultivatepositiveconnections, severaleffectivestrategiescomeintoplay.Offeringgenuine, specificcomplimentscansignificantlybolsterfeelingsof valueandrecognition.Showingsincereinterestintheir accomplishmentsbyinquiringabouttheirpassionsand achievementsdemonstratesadmirationfortheirendeavors. Grantingleadershiproles,seekingtheirinputoncrucial matters,orprovidingundividedattentioncanmakethemfeel trulysignificant.
Utilizingtheirnameduringconversationsunderscoresyour attentivenessandunderscorestheirimportance.Subtly mirroringtheirbodylanguageenhancesthesenseof
connection.Alight,respectfultouchonthearmor shouldercommunicatesaffectionwithout oversteppingboundaries.Injectinghumorinto interactionsfostersarelaxedatmosphereand elevatestheirmood.
Attentivelisteningandrespectfortheirviewpoint arepivotalinreinforcingtheirself-worth.Active participationindiscussionsshowcasesyour authenticcuriosity.Lastly,freelyexpressingpraise andgratitudewhenwarrantednurturesconfidence andfortifiespositiveemotions.Integratingthese techniqueseffectivelycontributestobolstering someone’sself-esteemandoverallwell-being.
7. 11WaystoMakeYourPhonea PowerfulCommunicationsTool
Intoday’sfast-pacedworld,yoursmartphoneisa vitaltoolforeffectivecommunicationand meaningfulconnections.Itsimplifiesarranging meetingswithconcisemessagesproposingtopics, times,andlocations,expeditingresponses,and allowingmessagerefinement.Afterproductive meetings,expressgratitudethroughshorttextsor emails,reinforcingtakeawaysandshowing appreciation.Stayeffortlesslyconnectedby updatingviatext,email,orsocialmedia,keeping othersinformed,andnurturingfutureinteractions.
Yourphoneaidspreparationtoo,asquickonline searchesprovideconversationmaterialbefore meetingnewpeople.Duringdiscussions,it’sa reliablenote-takingtool,capturingkeypoints. Recordingaudioduringpresentationshonesskills, whilefilmingyourselfenhancesnonverbal communication.However,remembertotake breaksforbalance.Setcommunicationboundaries foruninterruptedfocus.Yourphonecanalsomake apositiveimpactbystrengtheningbonds, volunteering,oraidingcharitablecauses, extendingfulfillmentbeyondyourself.Inthis dynamiclandscape,yoursmartphoneisabridgeto efficiency,connection,andpersonalgrowth.
8. 15WaystoWorkaPartyLikea PoliticianWorksaRoom
Navigatingsocialsituationsandbuilding connectionsatpartiesrequireseffectivestrategies. Assessroomdynamicsuponarrivaltoidentify
partnersandavoidawkwardness.Proactivelyintroduce yourselftointerestingindividualsforengagingdiscussions. Nonverbalcueslikeopenbodylanguagecommunicate approachability Activelisteningandrememberingdetails demonstrategenuineinterest.Carryingbusinesscards simplifiescontactexchange,maintainingeyecontactenhances engagement.Preparationiskey,consideringtheguestlist, goals,andconnections.
Choosingbetweenminglingandeatingdependsonpriorities. Politelyexcuseyourselffromunenjoyableconversationsfor betterinteractions.Skillfulintroductionshighlightingshared interestsencourageconnections.Engagingconversationsrely onopen-endedquestions,curiosity,andhumor.Post-party, follow-upsexpressappreciationandinterest.Handling awkwardmomentsgracefullyinvolvesconfidentresponses. Implementthesestrategiestoexcelsocially,optimizeparty experiences,andfosterconnections.
9. 7
WaystoTalkWithTigersandNotGetEaten Alive
Whendealingwithdifficultpeople,it’shelpfultoadoptseveral strategiestomaintainpositiveinteraction.First,mimictheir bodylanguageandtoneofvoicetoestablishrapportandcreate acomfortableatmosphere.Additionally,agreeingwiththeir points,evenifyoudon’tfullyagree,demonstratesattentive listeningandrespectfortheirperspective.Avoidingarguments iscrucial,astheycanescalatetensions;instead,seekcommon groundtofosterunderstanding.Whilepolitenessandrespect shouldbemaintainedregardlessoftheirbehavior,it’s importantnottoengageinconfrontationaleyecontactthat couldprovokeachallenge.
Understandingthathurtfulcommentsfromdifficultindividuals arenotpersonalandrefrainingfromtakingoffensecanhelpin maintainingemotionalcomposure.However,ifaconversation becomesoverlyhostileorunsafe,it’sacceptabletowithdraw fromthesituationtoensurepersonalsafety.Bycombining thesestrategies,individualscannavigateinteractionswith difficultpeopleeffectivelyandmaintainabalancedapproachto communication.
Intheclosingchaptersofthisamazingbook,wegraspthetools towieldconversationasanart.Thisbookunderscoresthat communicationisthevitalthreadconnectinghumanity.With theseinsights,weadvancetowardmasteringsociallandscapes, leavingmeaningfulimprints.Letthiswisdompropelyouintoa realmwhereeveryinteractionisachancetoradiate.Embrace thelanguageofconnection,andwitnessitstransformative abilitytocaptivate,inspire,andforgeenduringbonds.
Dr. Timothy Mottet
Epitomizing Visionary Leadership to Design Innovative Educational Curriculum
Clearvisionplaysacatalytic roleintheeducationalsector
Visionaryeducationalleaders inspireandinfluencestudentsto harnesstheirstrengthsandskills.They alsohelpdevelopavisionforthe educationalinstitutionsandsupportthe staffinaccomplishingit.Theyalways possessaclearpictureofwhatthey seekfortheirinstitutionsandstudents. Theyhelppaintaninfluential environmentforstudentstoseek innovativeandcreativeacademic goals.
Emphasizingthenecessityof upholdingaclearvisioninthecurrent generation,Dr.TimothyMottet (PresidentatColoradoState University,Pueblo)hashelped developaboldvisionfortheuniversity andhaspropelledittotheheightsof success.Asahighereducationleader, Dr.Mottetisrecognizedfordesigning innovativelearningsystemswhich enablestudentstoachievesuccess.
SagaofPursuingMeaningfulCareer
Dr.Mottet’sjourneycommencedwith adecade-longcareerintheairline industry.Hewasanoperations managerandopenedandmanaged flightattendantdomiciles.Although
Dr.Mottetwasveryfondofhiscareer, itreachedaturningpointwhenhewas askedbyafellowfriendwhetherhis workwasstillmeaningful.
Withinafewmonths,heleftalucrative careerandenrolledingraduateschool atBostonUniversity,andfundedapart ofhiseducationthroughagraduate teachingassistantship.Afteradayof teaching,Dr.Mottetrealizedthathe wouldbecomeaprofessor.Currently, heisthe15thpresidentofColorado StateUniversityPueblo.
ServingCommunityandResponding toNeeds
ColoradoStateUniversityPueblohasa longhistoryofservingthecommunity andrespondingtothegrowingneedsof highereducationinitsregion.The universitywasestablishedin1933and officiallybecameafour-yearuniversity in1975.Itwasofficiallynamed ‘ColoradoStateUniversityPueblo’in 2003.
Throughoutitsjourney,CSUPueblo hasevolvedintoaninnovativeand responsiveregionalpublicuniversity. Itoffers26baccalaureateandsix master’sdegreeprograms.Thisyearit launcheditsfirstdoctoralprogramin
Nursing.Theuniversityservesnearly 4,000studentsfromvariousstatesand countries.Overthepast75years,CSU hasgraduatedmorethan40,000 studentsfromaroundtheworld.
ExperientialLearningModel
Theuniversityhasforalongtime, emphasizedexperientiallearningand work-relatedcomponentsasan importantelementofitseducational strategy Thework-relatedcomponents includeseveralbenefactorssuchas internshipsandpracticumswhich immersesstudentsinexternalreal-life experiences.Moreover,italsoincludes practical,capstone,andresearch projectsinspiredbyindustryneedsand students’futurecareers.
Studentsareexposedtoexpertsfrom thefieldthroughseminars,guest lectures,companyvisits,andutilizes practitionersfromrespectivefieldsas facultymembers.CSUPueblo’s programsofferarichexperiencethat betterpreparesstudentsforwork.The universitystrivestocontinue enhancingthework-related componentsasawaytogetstudents readyfortherapidlychanging industriallandscape.
Dr.TimothyMottet President ColoradoStateUniversity,Pueblo
A VISIONARY LEADER
RewardingAcademic Experience
Dr.Mottet’sprofuseexperience andextraordinaryvisionhave earnedCSUPuebloseveral accoladesandrecognition.CSU Puebloisthefirstuniversityinthe stateofColoradoandoneofthe firstintheUStoattainanet-zero electricityefficiencywith renewableenergyona23-acre solararray Theuniversityhas beennationallyrecognizedforits COVID-19managementandhas beenprofiledin Forbes magazine. Ithasalsoearnedimmense recognitionforlaunchingaunique setofstudentexperientiallearning opportunitiesthatwilldifferentiate theuniversityamidstthecrowded highereducationmarketplaceand mapsittobeingaHispanic ServingInstitution.
WhileProvostatNorthwest MissouriStateUniversity,priorto hispresidencyatCSUPueblo,Dr Mottethelpedtheuniversity
Being at the helm of the university, Dr. Mottet is entrusted with several roles and responsibilities.Heprovidesacleardirectionfortheuniversityandhelpsremoveobstacles. He also provides necessary resources and helps students inspire and recognize opportunities.
AteveryinstitutionwhereDr.Mottethasserved,hehasinvestedtremendouseffortstokeep thefocusonstudentlearning.Hebelieves,“Thefocusmakesallthedifference.”Dr.Mottet hasalwaysworkedtodeveloppolicies,processes,andpracticeswhicharecompatiblewith student learning. He has a record of success in developing high-performing educators, aligning people and processes to enhance organizational sustainability, facilitating and implementingstrategicplanningprocesses,andbuildingconsensusamongadiversegroup ofindividuals.
Dr.Mottethasvastexperienceinundertakinghigherexecutiverolesatvariouseducational institutes. In his tenure as a dean, he planned and opened new performing arts centers, including raising building funds, managing donor relations, staffing new positions, and manymore.Asadepartmentchair,hehelpedreduceadvisingerrorsbyimplementinganew advisingprogramandcreatingandstaffinganewOfficeofUndergraduateAdvising.
achieveseveralremarkable achievements.Theseinclude
• Maintainedenrollmentgrowth despitea2.6%declineincollege enrollmentsthroughoutthe Midwest,increaseddomestic underrepresentedstudentsby14%, andincreasedinternationalstudent enrollmentsby23%overtwo years;
• Receivedthe2017Top30 Technologists,Transformersand TrailblazersAwardfromthe CenterforDigitalEducation;and
• Facilitateddesign,development, andopeningofanInnovation Campusinitiativecommittedto reducingcostandtimetodegree throughaneducational consortium.
EvaluatingStrengthsamidst Challenges
TheCOVID-19pandemichadasevere impactontheeducation
sector—especiallyonthefunctioning ofseveraluniversitiesandcolleges.It causedapunctuatedevolutiononCSU Pueblo’scampusintermsofcourse modalitiesandtheprofessional developmentoftheuniversity’s faculty
CSUPueblo’sinitiativeofenabling mostofitscoursesonlineordelivering themusingablendedmodalityallowed theuniversitytobettermeetthe students’needs.RemarkingonCSU Pueblo’spandemicmanagement, Dr Mottetasserts, “We need to carefully monitor remote learning to ensure we have the right learning and support systems in place to ensure student success.”
RemodelingVision
Dr.Mottetisrecognizedasa distinguishededucationleaderwitha pristinevisionforacademicsand education.Hisvisionhashelped changethedynamicsofCSUPueblo.
Note to Students
“You must have a clear vision for your leadership and a “relentless” determination and discipline to ensure that it comes to fruition through engaged listening and adaptation.”
Hisvisionaryleadershiphasalso contributedtothereformationof curriculumandacademicservicesat theuniversity.Heassertsthathe wouldensureallemployeesin highereducationhaveamore thoroughunderstandingoflearning andhowtoteachanddevelop variouswayswhicharemore compatiblewithhowstudents processinformation.
Dr.Mottetremarksthatthecurrent generationleadersmustpossessa clearvisionfortheirrespective universitieswitharelentless determinationanddisciplineto ensurethatitcomestofruition. Seniorleadersneedtorecruit,invest, develop,andretainaleadership teamcomposedoftalented individualswhocandriveresults whilecultivatingmeaningful relationships. “It’s easy for learning to get lost if we don’t continuously remind people that we are learning organizations,” mentionsDr.Mottet.
7 Life Lessons to Learn from
THE MONK WHO SOLD HIS FERRARI
“The best leaders are the most dedicate learners. Read great books daily,” saysRobinSharma. Readingbooksis oneofthebestpracticestofeedyourmind.Thestoryor informationinsertedinthebookrevealsthesecretsto achievingourgoals.Ifyouareoneofthoseregular readers,thenyouhaveexperiencedthemagicofreadinga book.However,inthebusyscheduleofourdailylife,it becomesdifficulttogetyourheadsintotheoceanof knowledgeandcalmness.Thus,aquicksummarycould helpyouunderstandthewholebook.
Inthisarticle,wewilltakeyouthroughoneofthefinest booksyouwishhadreadearlier Asmentionedinthetitle, welistsevenlifelessonsfromRobinSharma’s “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.”
AbouttheAuthorRobinSharma
InternationallyrenownedhumanistRobinSharmahas dedicatedmorethan25yearstoassistingothersin realizingtheirinnatetalents.Heconsultsorganizations, includingNASA,Nike,Microsoft,Unilever,GE,FedEx, HP,Starbucks,YaleUniversity,PwC,IBMWatson,and theYoungPresidents’Organization.Heisoneofthe world’sleadingleadershipandpersonalmastery authorities.Heisoneofthemostwidelyreadauthorsalive thankstohis#1internationalblockbusters,includingThe 5AMClub,TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrari,The GreatnessGuide,andWhoWillCryWhenYouDie? whichhavesoldmillionsofcopiesinmorethanninetytwolanguagesanddialects.
AbouttheBook
“TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrari”isacompellingfable thatrevolvesaroundthelifeofJulianMantle,ahighly successfullawyerwhofacesapivotalmomentwhenhe experiencesaheartattackattheageof53.Thislifealteringeventservesasaprofoundwake-upcall, promptingJuliantomakesignificantchangesinhislife.In response,hetakesamomentousdecisiontopartwayswith hisluxuriousFerrari,mansion,andmaterialpossessions. Withanewfoundsenseofpurposeandathirstfor knowledge,heembarksonatransformativejourneytothe sereneHimalayas.
TheSevenKeyVirtuestoLearn
TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrariintroducesreaderstothe profoundteachingsofthesevenvirtues,eachholdingthe keytounlockingamoreenlightenedandfulfillinglife:
1. MasterYourMind:TheKeytoHappiness
Tounlocklastinghappiness,onemustembracea straightforwardyetprofoundtruth:discoveringtheir truepassionandwholeheartedlypursuingit. Individualscanchannelboundlessenergytoward theirpursuitsbymasteringtheirmindsandfocusing onwhatgenuinelyignitestheirpassion.Thisselfawarenessanddedicationleadtogenuinefulfillment andjoyinlife.Embracingthisprincipleempowers individualstoleadpurpose-drivenliveswhere happinessbecomesanattainableandsustainable reality.
2. FollowYourPurpose:EmbraceExhilaration
Inpursuingafulfillinglife,followingyourpurposeis aguidinglighthouse.Embraceyourtruecalling,for thereinliesthepathtogenuinehappinessand contentment.Moreover,neverunderestimatethe significanceoflivingwithunbridledexhilaration. Infuseeachmomentwithpassionandexcitement, cherishingthejourneyasmuchasthedestination.By intertwiningpurposeandexhilaration,lifebecomesa vibranttapestryofpurposefuljoy,wherefulfillmentis notjustadestinationbutanever-presentcompanion onthejourneyofself-discoveryandgrowth.
3. PracticeKaizen:ThePowerofEmbracing ContinuousImprovement
IncorporatingtheJapaneseprincipleofKaizeninto lifeopensdoorstotransformativegrowth.Kaizen representsthecommitmenttoperpetualadvancement throughcontinuousimprovement.Embracethis philosophyandcultivateamindsetofconstant learningandprogress.Small,incrementalchanges leadtosignificantresultsovertime,enhancingskills, productivity,andoverallwell-being.Embracing Kaizeninstillsresilience,adaptability,anda willingnesstoembracechallengesasopportunities. Byfosteringacultureofcontinuousimprovement, individualscanunlocktheirtruepotentialand navigatethepathofself-improvementwithpurpose anddetermination.
4. LivewithDiscipline:TheArtofSmallHabitsand LastingImpact
Incorporatingdisciplineintodailylifeunveilsa powerfulforcethatmoldsourcharacter.Embracethe
notionthatdisciplineisnotagrandgesturebuta collectionofsmall,consistenthabits.Eachday,commit tothesehabitsthatshapewhoweareandwhoweaspire tobecome.Byapproachinglifewiththislevelofselfcontrol,wecreateasolidfoundationforsuccessand personalgrowth.Embracedisciplineasatransformative tool,enablingustoovercomeobstacles,stayfocusedon ourgoals,andlivealifeofpurposeandfulfillment.
5. RespectTime:YourMostPreciousResource
Recognizingthevalueoftimeisparamountin leadingapurposefullife.Embracethe significanceofrespectingthispreciousresource bestoweduponus.Eachmomentisatreasure waitingtobeutilizedwisely.Bemindfulof howyouinvestyourtime,makingconscious choicesthatalignwithyourgoalsand priorities.Avoidunnecessarydistractionsand investinactivitiesthatnurturepersonalgrowth andhappiness.Byhonoringtime,weunlock thepotentialtolivemorefulfilling,productive, andmeaningfullives,profoundlyimpactingour journeytowardsuccessandcontentment.
6. SelflesslyServeOthers:EmbraceKindness
Embracingselflessservicecancreatea powerfulrippleeffect,leavingalastingimpact onbothourselvesandthosearoundus. Kindness,likeacontagiousforce,spreads positivityandcompassionineveryinteraction. Byselflesslyservingothers,wecultivate empathy,forgemeaningfulconnections,and contributetoaharmoniouscommunity.Giving withoutexpectationupliftsthespiritsofthose wetouchandbringsprofoundjoyand fulfillmenttoourhearts.Embracethebeautyof kindness,andwitnesshowthesmallestgestures canigniteachainofpositivity,shapingaworld filledwithloveandunderstanding.
7. EmbracethePresent:LiveLifeJoyfully
RobinSharmaremindsusoftheprofound significanceofembracingthepresentmoment. Byimmersingourselvesfullyinthenow,we unlockthekeytolivingalifeofjoyand purpose.Sheddingworriesaboutthepastand anxietiesaboutthefuture,wefindtranquility andcontentmentinthepresent.Thisintentional
wayoflivingfostersadeeperappreciation forlife’sblessingsandallowsustomake consciouschoicesalignedwithourtrue desires.Embracethegiftofthepresent,and discovertheimmensepoweritholdsto enrichourjourneyandinfuseourdayswith genuinehappinessandfulfillment.
Afterexploringthisbook,readersareleftwitha profoundrealizationthattruefulfillmentliesin nurturingthevirtueswithinthemselves.Integrating thesevirtuesintodailylifefosterspersonalgrowth, happiness,andadeeperunderstandingofoneselfand theworldaroundthem.Thisenlighteningtalewill serveasaninspirationforyoutoseekamore meaningfulandpurpose-drivenexistence.
QuickTakeawaysfromtheBook
● Allofusarecapableofgreatthings.Weonly needtoidentifyourcallingandhaveastrong workethic.
● It’scrucialtobeinthenowandappreciate thejourneyasitunfolds.Avoidlingeringon thepastorbeingconcernedwiththefuture.
● Weshouldallbemorefocused,disciplined, andempathetic.Thesecharacteristicswill enableustoleadmoresatisfyinglives.
● Beinghappyisadecision.Evenunder difficultcircumstances,wehavethechoiceto bejoyful.
● Eachofusisapartofsomethingbiggerthan ourselves.Weshouldallmakeaneffortto leadspirituallives.
“TheMonkWhoSoldHisFerrari”captivatesand inspires,offeringapowerfulguidetoliveahappier andmorefulfillinglife.Ihighlyrecommenditforits profoundimpact.Thisliterarygemtransformslives withitsinsightsandmotivationalstorytelling. Embraceitswisdom,reflectonpriorities,seekinner balance,andembarkonapurpose-drivenjourney Empoweredbytheprotagonist’stransformativetale, unleashyourtruepotential,discoveryourself,and savorthejoysofacontentedexistence.Letthisbook bethecatalysttoyourlifeofhappiness,purpose,and profoundfulfillment.
JACQUELINE LEARY-WARSAW
Inspiring Educational Leaders Worldwide
JacquelineLeary-Warsawholdstheesteemed
positionofDeanatTheBenjaminT.Rome SchoolofMusic,Drama,andArtatThe CatholicUniversityofAmerica.Her illustriousjourneyinhighereducation commencedinthe1980satamodest communitycollegeinSouthernMaryland.Asshepursued herdoctoralstudiesattherenownedPeabodyInstituteof JohnsHopkinsUniversity,aprofoundpassionforcultivating advancedlearninginothersbegantotakeroot.Startingfrom humblebeginnings,shesteadilyadvancedthroughtheranks, eventuallybecominganaccomplishedtenuredprofessor.
Throughouthertransformativejourney,Jacqueline wholeheartedlyembracedadministrativeroles,ultimately assumingthepivotalpositionofChairoftheMusic Departmentataliberalartscollegeinthesouth.Itwasin thiscapacitythatshediscoveredhertruecalling:adeepseatedcommitmenttohighereducationadministration. Presently,asDean,shecontinuestoembodyanunwavering commitmenttoexcellence.Jacquelineinspiresher colleaguestostriveforteachingexcellenceandempowers studentstoreachtheirutmostpotential.Intherealmof highereducation,JacquelineLeary-Warsawshinesasa beaconofinspiration.
MultifacetedResponsibilitiesandVisionaryLeadership
InherroleasthefoundingDeanoftheSchoolofMusic, Drama,andArtatTheCatholicUniversityofAmerica,
Jacquelineassumesapivotalandmultifacetedposition. Sheservesastheschool’schiefexecutiveandacademic officer,overseeingawiderangeofresponsibilities.Her purviewencompassesallaspectsofschooloperations, includingmanagingacademicprograms,student enrollment,budgetaryoversight,fundraisingefforts, facilitiesmanagement,personnelmatters,andcultivating crucialrelationshipswiththeBoardofVisitorsand governmententities.
Jacqueline’srolecarriessignificantresponsibility, reportingdirectlytotheprovostandbearingtheweightof ensuringtheschool’seducational,financial,and administrativeaffairsrunsmoothly.Underhervisionary leadership,shedevelopsstrategicacademicbusiness plansandidentifiesfutureinitiativestoadvancethe school’smissionandgoals.Herdedicationextends beyondgrowth;itencompassesthecreationofapositive workandlearningenvironment.Sheprioritizesthewellbeinganddevelopmentoffaculty,staff,andstudents alike,underscoringhercommitmenttothecomprehensive successofTheBenjaminT.RomeSchoolofMusic, Drama,andArt.
Jacqueline’sVisionofIdealEducationalLeadership
Jacquelinebelievesthattheessenceofanideal educationalleaderliesintheirembodimentofservant leadershipprinciples.Inherview,thisleadership philosophyplacesastrongemphasisonservingthe
The Benjamin T. Rome School of Music, Drama, and Art at
communityratherthanassertingauthority.Suchaleader prioritizesthegrowthandwell-beingofotherswithinthe educationalinstitution.
AtthecoreofJacqueline’svisionofidealleadershipis humility Aneducationalleadershouldnotwieldauthority foritsownsakebutshouldapproachtheirrolewith humility,understandingthattheirprimarymissionisto supportandempowerothers.Theyshouldnotseekthe spotlightbutinstead,workdiligentlybehindthescenesto ensurethesuccessoftheentirecommunity.
EffectivecommunicationisakeyqualityinJacqueline’s view.Sheemphasizestheimportanceofestablishingopen andtransparentlinesofcommunicationwithinthe institution.Asuccessfulleaderactivelylistenstothe concernsandideasofothers,fosteringacultureofdialogue andcollaboration.Througheffectivecommunication,they addressmanagementmattersandpersonnelissueswith empathyandunderstanding.
FromInceptiontoInnovation:TheEvolutionofthe RomeSchool
TheBenjaminT.RomeSchoolofMusic,Drama,andArt, establishedinJune2018,representstransformativechange withinTheCatholicUniversityofAmerica’svisualand performingartslandscape.Itscreationmarkedahistoric momentasitmergedthepreviouslydistinctdepartmentsof DramaandArtwiththeSchoolofMusic,usheringinanew eraofcollaborationandunityacrossallaspectsofthearts.
AtthecoreofTheRomeSchool’sofferingsare diversearraysofundergraduateandgraduatedegree programs,complementedbyinterdisciplinary experiencesspanningtheartsspectrum. Undergraduateandgraduatemusicdegreescovera rangeofdisciplines,includingvoice,piano,orchestral instruments,musicaltheatre,sacredmusic,and composition.Anintriguingdualdegreeprogramin musicandbusinesspreparesundergraduatesfora futureinmusicadministration,blendingartistic passionwithpracticalacumen.
IntherealmofDrama,studentscanpursueahighly sought-afterBFAinActingforTheatre,Film,and Television,showcasingtheschool’scommitmentto fosteringtalentacrossvariousperformanceplatforms. Meanwhile,theArtdepartmentoffersaBAinArtand Design,allowingstudentstoselectfromdiverse concentrations,including3DAnimationandCharacter Design,GraphicDesignandIllustration,SacredArt andSocialPractice,andDrawingandPainting.
AdaptingtoChangingStudentNeeds
Intheever-evolvinglandscapeofhighereducation,the admissionsprocesshaswitnessedsignificant transformationsinstudentrequirements.Jacqueline,a forward-thinkingeducationalleader,acknowledges thesechangesandhasrespondedwithstrategic adjustmentstomeettheevolvingneedsofprospective students.
“
Servant leadership is one in which the focus remains on the growth and well-being of others, not on the authority gure
Onenotableshiftisintherealmofinterpersonal communication.Studentsnowseekpersonalizedand meaningfulinteractionswithinstitutions.Theyvalue genuineconnectionsthataddresstheirunique aspirationsandconcerns.Thisdemandfor personalizedengagementplacesapremiumon institutionsthatexcelinbuildingtheserelationships.
Financialconsiderationshavealsotakencenter stage.Scholarshipsandfinancialaidpackageshave becomepivotalfactorsinastudent'sdecisionmakingprocess.Offeringcompetitivescholarship awardscanbeadecisivefactorinattractingand retainingtoptalent.
Inthedigitalage,informationaccessibilityis paramount.Prospectivestudentsexpectreadyaccess tocomprehensiveinformationaboutprograms, faculty,campuslife,andmore.Meetingthis expectationthrougheasilyavailableonlineresources hasbecomeacornerstoneofsuccessfulrecruitment efforts.
Inresponsetotheseshiftingrequirements, Jacquelinehasmadestrategicchangeswithinthe institute.ByredefiningtheroleoftheStudent EngagementSpecialisttofocusonbothrecruiting newstudentsandensuringtheretentionofenrolled studentsthroughouttheiracademicjourney,shehas equippedtheinstitutiontoeffectivelyaddressthe dynamiclandscapeofstudentrecruitment.
ThePowerofFamilyandProfessionalSuccess
Jacqueline’sapproachtomaintainingwork-lifebalance servesasacommendablemodelforpersonalwell-being andprofessionalsuccess.Sheplacessignificantemphasis onthisbalance,recognizingitsparamountimportancefor bothphysicalandmentalhealth.
ForJacqueline,thecornerstoneofherwork-lifebalanceis hercommitmenttofamily.Shetakesonmultiplerolesasa wife,mother,grandmother,sister,daughter,aunt,and friend.Theserelationshipsformthebedrockofherpersonal life,infusingitwithessentialelementssuchasjoy,humor, faith,andunwaveringsupport.Byactivelynurturingand cherishingtheseconnections,shecreatesaharmonious synergybetweenherprofessionalandpersonalspheres.
Byprioritizingherfamilyalongsidehercareer,Jacqueline underscoresthesignificanceofmaintainingaholisticand fulfillinglife.Herabilitytostrikethisbalancenotonly servesasasourceofpersonalhappinessbutalsoenhances hereffectivenessandresilienceinherroleastheDeanof theinstitute.
GuidingPrinciplesforAspiringEducationalLeaders
Jacquelineimpartsinvaluableadvicetoaspiringeducational leaderswhoaimtomakeameaningfulimpactinthefield. Herwisdomcentersaroundseveralfundamentalprinciples.
Firstandforemostistheconceptofservantleadership. Jacquelineunderscorestheimportanceofshiftingthefocus awayfromone’sowninterestsandfirmlyplacingitonthe needsofothers.Thisapproachinvolvesbuildingstrong, cohesiveteamsofprofessionallysatisfiedemployees.It fostersapositiveworkenvironmentandencourageshighquality,efficientcontributionsfromteammembers.
Effectivecommunicationisanothercornerstoneof Jacqueline’sguidance.Newleadersshoulddeveloptheir communicationskills,particularlywhenaddressing challengingpersonnelmatters.Theabilitytohavecandid yetempatheticconversationsisessentialforresolving issuesandnurturingaharmoniousworkenvironment. Jacqueline’semphasisonopendialogueandconstructive feedbackcanpavethewayforsuccessfulleadership.
Byembracingthesequalities,emergingleaderscan navigatethecomplexitiesofeducationalleadershipand createalastingpositiveimpactontheirinstitutionsandthe individualstheylead.
VictorA ctorAluise Victo
(Vice President and Dean, WGU’s College of Business)
A Customer Obsessed Executive Vitalizing Digital Learning
Greateducationalleadersarestudentandemployer-
obsessed.Theyfocusonwhatisbestfortheir studentssothattheycaneffectivelyadvancealong theircareerpathway.Moreover,withadataandinsightsdrivenapproach,theseeducationleaderscompletely understandtheirlearners,circumstances,andaspirations. Overcomingobstaclesinstudents’educationaljourneys, suchleadersamplifythestudentlearningexperience. VictorAluise(VicePresidentandDean,WGU’sCollege ofBusiness)isonesuchmindfulleaderenliveningthe educationallivesofmillionsofstudents.
InspirationalJourney
HisjourneyofasanundergraduatestudentatCarnegie MellonUniversityinspiredVictortoembarkonapathway toleadership.Whilefocusingonhisseniorthesis,Victor workedwithlow-literateadultsintheMilitarywhoneeded toimprovetheirreadingcomprehensionskillsoftechnical material.There,hedesignedanddevelopedaninteractive onlinelearningprogramsolution.Theselearningmodules offeredlearnersreal-worldpracticeopportunitiesto improvereadingfluencythroughaseriesofproblems directlyrelatedtotheirwork.Seeinghowadultswere engagedwithreal-worldmaterialinfluencedVictor's decisiontodevotehiscareertothedevelopmentof customer-obsesseddigitallearningproducts.
Later,heenrolledinColumbiaUniversity'sdoctoral programinlearningscienceandeducationaltechnology whileworkingfull-timeinonlineproductdevelopmentwith institutionssuchasScholastic,McGraw-HillEducation, andETS.StartingasaproductmanageratScholastic,he eventuallyservedasVicePresidentandGeneralManager ofDigitalTeachingandLearningforK-12digitalproducts. HetransitionedintotheHigherEducationspaceand
Aluise ctorAluise
workedincollegepublishing.Later,heservedasthe DivisionalVicePresidentofDigitalTeachingandLearning OperationsacrosstheUS,LatinAmerica,Europe,andAsia whenhejoinedLaureateInternationalUniversities.
BoostingOnlineLearning
Workingonvariouseducationalcampuseswithacademic andbusinessleaders,Victorandhisteamreached1.2 millionstudentsandsupportedover70,000faculty membersacrossmanyinternationalregions.Moreover, cateringtotheincreaseintheonlinelearningdemand,he grewonlineenrollmentsby25%within4years.This experiencehelpedhimseethediversityofstudentsand facultymembersacrosstheglobe,thestrugglingissuesof learners,andhowawell-designedstudent-centric experienceisessentialforstudentsuccess.
Additionally,Victorledproductmanagementandhigher educationprogramsatAmazon(AWS)education.Serving asHeadofLearningSystemsatAmazon,hereacheda globalaudience,partneringwithlargeK-12anduniversity systemsacrosstheUnitedStates,Europe,LATAM,and Asia.Withthegoaltoupskillandreskilllearnersofall ages—intentonpursuingcareersinCloud,digitalbusiness, andAI-drivensystems—hefocusedonpersonalized learningreachingmillionsofstudents.Forthat,he partneredwithIvyLeagueinstitution,publicstate universitysystems,communitycolleges,militaryeducation institutions,andemployerconsortia.
“Amplifying”Tenets
OneofVictor's professionalrolemodelswasthelateDick Robinson,formerCEOandChairmanofScholastic,the
world'slargestchildren'spublisher.Victorrecallsworking withDickonScholastic'sdigitalteachingandlearning strategy.Dicktaughthimtoalwaysthinkoftheneedsof studentsandteachersfirstandtooffertimesavingsolutions thathelpamplifygreatteachingandlearning.Dickalways remindedhisteamthatsolutionsshouldboth develop and delight studentsandinstructorsandultimatelybuildtrust withcustomers.Currently,VictorisservingastheVice PresidentandDeanwithintheCollegeofBusinessat WesternGovernorsAssociation(WGU).
TheInceptionofWGU
WesternGovernorsAssociation(WGU)isanon-profit, onlineorganizationfounded25yearsagoby19U.S. governorswiththebeliefineducation'stransformative powerandcommitmenttoimprovingitsquality, accessibility,andoutcomes.WGUischaracterizedby flexiblelearningarchitectureandmulti-dimensional delivery Thisallowsforbetter-personalizedlearning, adaptingtochangingworkforceneeds,andproviding relevantpathwaysforanindividual'sfirstandnext opportunity.Moreover,theorganizationpioneered competency-basededucationandcreatedamodelthatother collegesanduniversitieswishtoreplicate.The competency-basededucationmeasuresskillsandlearning ratherthantimespentinaclassroom.24/7accesstoonline learningaswellaspersonalized,one-on-onelearning supportfromfacultymembershelpstudentsembarkon theireducationaljourney.
ExcitingAcademicPrograms
WGUishometothelargestonlinecollegeof businesswithyearlyenrollmentsexceeding 40,000students.Thecollegeoffersaccredited undergraduateandgraduatedegreesin management,marketing,humanresource management,accounting,leadership,technology management,andhealthcareadministration. Moreover,itisplanningtolaunchnewexciting programsattheintersectionofbusiness,digital transformation,andsocialimpact.Allstudents arepairedwithmentorsandinstructorswho supportthemthroughouttheirlearning experience.Theflat-feelearningmodelallows studentstotakeasmanycoursesastheywantin oneterm;thattooforminimalfees.
ALeadercommittedtoExcellence
VictorservesasVicePresidentandDeanof WGU'sCollegeofBusiness.Beinganinnovative andvisionaryleader,heiscommittedto excellenceinonlinelearnersuccessand employability.Hisworkisfocusedoninnovating competency-baseddigitalprogramsandproducts withhighqualityandefficacy.Healsofocuseson
evolvingthefacultymodelandinstructional effectivenessforalllearners.Underhisguidance, histeamfocusesonhelpingstrandedlearners pivottohigh-resiliencycareers.Heworkswith themissiontohelpthesestudentsbyofferingthe bestprogramexperiencessothattheycan increasetheirearningpotentialandimprovetheir lives.Moreover,heistheowneroftheportfolio reviewteamforacademicdegrees,professional learning,certificates,andmicro-degreesthatdeal withoperationalsuccessandleadingstudents.
NewMindsetandApproach
Therapidintegrationoftechnologyinindustry boostedinnovationinbusiness,workflows,and processes.Moreover,employerandjobmarket skillsrequirementsarechangingrapidlyandthe pandemichasonlyacceleratedthesechanges.As aresult,peoplefindthattheyneedto acquire newskillsthroughouttheirprofessionalcareers. Withanewmindsetandapproachtolearning, WGUhelpsstudentsandemployeesnavigatethe changingworkforcelandscapeandquickly acquirethesenewmarketskills.
Additionally,WGUprovidesflexiblelearning solutionsthatdeliveranROI.Inthis,students demandtoseethepayoffinincreasedearning potentialasaresultoftheirdegreecompletion. WGUkeepsatrackrecordofstudentswho increasetheirearningsbyaconsiderableamount. The Wall Street Journal rankedtheWGUMBA programasthetopintermsofROIforstudents.
Competency-basedAssessment
AccordingtoVictor,thecurrenteducationsystem largelyembracesalearningmodelthattracksand reportsonlearningbasedon“seattime”which includesrewardingstudentsonthebasisofhours accrued.However,WGUtakesadifferent approachandawardsstudentscompetencyunits basedonstudentdemonstrationofproficiencyof competencythroughassessments.Thisis advantageousforstudentsasassessmentscanbe takenatanytimewhenstudentsfeelthatthey
havemasteredthelearning.
Victorappreciatesthelearningmodelandadds, “I am dedicated to the competency-based learning model and have further evolved learning experiences to include real-world industry application and connections within programs.” Withthismethod,studentsapplytheories, concepts,andmodelstoreal-workchallengesthat employersface.Victorhasco-createdacoaching modelthathelpsstudentsactualizetheir professionallearningplan.Coachesworkwith studentstospotbarrierstoachievingtheirgoals anddevelopaviableactionplantoputsolutions intheplace.Moreover,headdsthatthenew model, job-embedded leadership coaching,is basedonthereal-timeneedsoftheleaderaswell asdesignedtobuildashared,supportive,and interactiverelationshipbetweenleadersandtheir teams.
ChangingPerspective
AlongwiththerelentlessworkVictordoesfor WGU,hebelievesinwork-lifebalancetoo.For that,heprioritizesqualitytimewithfamilyand friendsinteractingwithhisspouse,siblings, friends,andworkcolleagues.Headmitsthatthis interactionrefresheshimandchangeshis perspectivestoacceptnewchallengesand opportunities.Victorisanavidtravelerand languagelearner.Heoftentravelsinternationally toexploreandappreciatesvariouscultures.
“Follow your passion and the rest will fall into place. I have found it useful to always go toward opportunities that “light your fire” and let go of things that don't.”
