In this episode, we welcome Dean Brooke Elliott of the Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke shares her leadership journey, lessons learned, and the values that define her as a leader. From transparency and boldness to the importance of empathy, Brooke discusses how her leadership style has evolved over the years. She also opens up about the challenges of leading through change, balancing innovation with team readiness, and the impact of building diverse and inclusive teams. We dive into: - Brooke’s leadership philosophy and how it has evolved over time - The importance of transparency, boldness, and empathy in leadership - Lessons from transitioning into administrative roles and building consensus - Strategies for fostering inclusion and authenticity in leadership - How higher education leaders can embrace change and rethink the learner experience - The impact of mentorship and feedback on leadership growth - Maintaining focus, balance, and resilience in a demanding role - The personal and professional challenges that shaped her perspective, including overcoming health obstacles You can learning more about Dean Brooke Elliott at https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/profile/w-brooke-elliott