I Trust You To Give Me Those Hard Truths | Leadership LevelUp Podcast Episode 5
I Trust You To Give Me Those Hard Truths
“We had this code – and if he would get out of line I would say, I need you buy you some tacos, and that code for we need to go to lunch, and I am going to give you a hard truth.”
Our hosts, Dr. Jeff Williamson, CEO & Founder of Converge, and Brian Prairie, the Chief Creative Officer of Pathfinder, are joined by Dr. Michael Boyd, President of Kankakee Community College. Their conversations hit on stepping into leadership roles as a GenXer, how and why to observe leaders around you, mentors don’t always show up in the way you think they will, being flexible in leadership to create favorable results, getting out of the office and a routine, building a team with diverse strengths, knowing when to lean into your strengths and when to reign them in, and more.
Dr. Michael Boyd was named KCC’s seventh president in 2019. Firmly committed to community service, Boyd is engaged with numerous efforts including the United Way, the Kankakee Area Regional Vocational Education System and the Kankakee Grundy Livingston Workforce Board. Boyd has served as a peer reviewer for the Higher Learning Commission, chairperson of the Manteno Chamber of Commerce, president of the Illinois Council of Chief Academic Officers, and president of the Illinois Council of Community College Administrators.
Dr. Boyd joined KCC’s staff in 2014 as vice president for instructional and student success, the college’s chief academic officer. Before KCC, he worked at Illinois Central College, most recently as associate dean of English, humanities, and language studies. He has three degrees from Illinois State University: a bachelor’s degree in English education, a master’s degree in English studies and a doctorate in English studies.
About the Leadership LevelUp Podcast
Being a boss and a leader are very different. A boss tells you what to do and a leader partners with you in the process. Jeff, being a leader of leaders, has a vast knowledge of best practices and exercises to discover leadership traits. Brian shares stories with Jeff about the ups and downs of his leadership quest while talking to business and community leaders to discuss their personal leadership journey. Who influenced them? What do they do when they have a bad day? What gives them inspiration? Do french fries or tacos or ice cream make them feel better after a bad day? Through laughter and casual conversation, Brian and Jeff explore all aspects of good leadership.
Meet Your Hosts
Jeff Williamson
Brian Prairie
Show Sponsor
Pathfinder: A full-service creative & marketing agency with a mission to provide strategic storytelling to our clients. There is no greater impact in this world than a story. Storytelling is how we learn, remember, and feel. The world has used storytelling since the beginning of time to entertain, teach, inspire, and innovate. Pathfinder’s mission is to provide strategic storytelling for our clients. How? Through inventive business services and pioneering campaigns that help organizations find their own path and carry out their vision.
