In part two, Kelvin Thompson shifts the conversation from strategy to practice—exploring what it really takes to engage learners in today’s complex educational landscape. From rethinking faculty roles as “door openers” to scaling impact across institutions, Kelvin highlights the power of human connection as the foundation of effective teaching.

We also unpack lessons from 200+ podcast episodes, the lasting effects of pandemic learning, and why humanizing education is both a moral imperative and a competitive advantage.

Key Takeaways:

• Why faculty should move from gatekeepers to facilitators of access
• The importance of students feeling “seen” in the learning experience
• How to scale teaching and learning support beyond the “usual suspects”
• Why technology works best as an amplifier of human connection

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

We also dive into how online learning makes teaching more visible—and therefore more improvable—and what that means for faculty, institutions, and the future of learning. Along the way, we tackle the growing influence of generative AI and why human connection still sits at the center of meaningful education.

Key Takeaways:

• Why teaching is one of the most powerful levers for student success
• How online learning reveals what’s really happening in course design
• The evolving role of AI as a “thought partner” in education
• Why human engagement matters more—not less—in a digital world

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith continue their conversation with Heather Pelkie, who leads AI initiatives at West Coast University and serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication.

Heather explains how her institution is building an AI walled garden to create a safe, governed space for experimentation, innovation, and productivity gains. She also shares why governance, policy, human oversight, and intentional design are essential if colleges and universities want to use AI responsibly.

The conversation explores the future of AI in teaching and learning, the limits of AI detection tools, the importance of AI fluency, and what it really means to keep humans at the center of educational innovation.

This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation on AI, learning design, and the future of higher education.

Key Topics Discussed

• Academic integrity in an AI-driven world
• Why institutions need an AI governance structure
• The purpose of an AI walled garden
• Human-in-the-loop design for higher-risk AI workflows
• Managing permissions, risk, and responsible experimentation
• Why AI detection tools are still unreliable
• Reframing assessment design for an AI-rich future
• AI as part of the future architecture of education
• How to engage learners more effectively in times of rapid change

Heather Pelkie -  https://heatherpelkie.com  

West Coast University - https://www.westcoastuniversity.edu

Engaged By Design - https://www.engagedbydesign.com

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith talk with Heather Pelkie, who leads AI initiatives at West Coast University and serves as an Assistant Professor of Communication.

Heather shares how her work sits at the intersection of AI innovation, learning design, and organizational strategy. She discusses how institutions can move beyond reactive experimentation toward thoughtful implementation that prepares students to work alongside AI systems.

The conversation explores the rapid pace of technological change, the importance of keeping humans at the center of AI use, and new ways educators can design experiential learning using AI-powered simulations and interactive tools.

This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation exploring how higher education can lead the AI transformation rather than lag behind it.

Key Topics Discussed

• The intersection of AI, higher education, and workforce readiness
• Why higher education is at an inflection point with AI
• Moving from reactive AI experimentation to intentional strategy
• The accelerating pace of AI change and how leaders stay informed
• Keeping the human in the loop when using AI tools
• Using the “How Might We” innovation question to unlock new possibilities
• Designing experiential learning with AI simulations and agents
• Preparing graduates for an AI-integrated workforce

West Coast University - https://www.westcoastuniversity.edu

Engaged By Design - https://www.engagedbydesign.com

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Kate begins by sharing personal background about her family, her children’s Jewish upbringing, and the way these issues became very real through her son’s experiences as a student. She recounts troubling incidents of antisemitism at the University of Vermont and reflects on the role that advocacy organizations, student organizing, and federal Title VI complaints have played in pushing institutions to respond.

The conversation then moves into a larger leadership discussion. Kate argues that many higher education leaders are not adequately prepared for the complexity of the institutions they are asked to lead. She raises important questions about leadership pipelines, institutional memory, and the loss of knowledge continuity in higher education.

Vernon and Michael invite Kate to reflect on what gives her hope in the face of these challenges. Her answer points not to grand systems alone, but to the everyday work of raising thoughtful children, mentoring emerging leaders, continuing to learn, and choosing to keep going even after setbacks.

The episode closes with a fitting reflection on Kate’s legacy: not only the thousands of students whose diplomas bear her signature, but the many leaders she has encouraged, mentored, and helped prepare for the work ahead.

This final conversation is both sobering and hopeful—a reminder that higher education leadership requires courage, memory, compassion, and a deep commitment to people.

Key Topics Covered

• Kate Zatz’s family story and Jewish identity
• Antisemitism on college campuses
• Student advocacy and Title VI complaints
• The role of the Brandeis Center and Jewish on Campus
• Leadership responsibility in moments of crisis
• Why institutional policies and practices matter
• Knowledge continuity and institutional memory in higher education
• Concerns about leadership preparation and presidential pipelines
• The importance of history, learning, and moral awareness
• Mentorship, hope, and legacy in a life of service

Key Resources for this Episode

Brandeis Center - https://brandeiscenter.com

Jewish on Campus - https://www.jewishoncampus.org

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

The discussion also explores how educators can respond by designing meaningful learning experiences that emphasize collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

She also discusses her decades of work with the Girl Scouts and why leadership development and community support matter more than ever for young people today.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael Cottam and Vernon Smith continue their conversation with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature.

Building on the concept of Flock Logic, the conversation explores how leaders and organizations can adapt, move together, and learn from the rhythms of nature.

Kathy and Robin introduce the idea of “walking in a new way” — shifting how we think about leadership, collaboration, and innovation. Through stories, research, and practical insights, they show how collective movement, shared rhythm, and distributed leadership can help organizations navigate complexity and change.

If you work in education, leadership, or organizational development, this episode will challenge you to rethink how groups move, learn, and evolve together.

Extended Show Notes

Nature offers powerful lessons for leadership — especially when we observe how complex systems move and adapt together.

In this episode, Michael and Vernon welcome back Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature. Their work explores how patterns found in nature — particularly bird murmurations — reveal powerful insights about collaboration, adaptability, and collective intelligence.

During the conversation, they explore:

• What murmuration can teach us about collective leadership
• The concept of Flock Logic and shared rhythm in organizations
• Why leadership today requires movement rather than control
• How organizations can adapt by “walking in a new way”
• The power of distributed leadership and emergent collaboration
• Lessons from nature that apply to education, innovation, and change

Rather than relying on rigid hierarchies, effective organizations learn to move like living systems — sensing, adapting, and responding together.

For leaders navigating uncertainty, these ideas provide a fresh lens for understanding how people and organizations can thrive in complex environments.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

While technology and processes matter, Ira argues that lasting innovation ultimately comes down to people and the environments in which they work and learn.

The conversation highlights how leadership, culture, and care for students shape meaningful progress in higher education.

Show Notes

In this episode we discuss:

• The Human element of innovation
• Why leadership and relationships matter in change
• Creating environments where innovation can grow
• How educators can better engage today’s students
• Why effective leadership begins with heart and soul

This episode concludes our two-part conversation with Dr. Ira Lovitch.

Dr. Ira Lovitch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iralovitch557
Mount St. Mary’s University: https://www.msmu.edu/

Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com

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• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Ira introduces his Five M’s framework for innovation, a model that helps leaders understand how change happens inside organizations. In this first part of the conversation, the discussion focuses on the first three elements of the model:

• Measurement
• Methods
• Machines

Together, they explore how institutions evaluate progress, improve processes, and leverage technology to support meaningful innovation in education.

This conversation is especially valuable for leaders and educators working to navigate change in complex institutions.

Show Notes

In this episode we discuss:

• Ira Lovitch’s Five M’s framework for innovation
• Why measurement matters when evaluating change
• How methods and processes shape innovation
• The role of technology and tools (“machines”) in education
• Lessons from years of teaching and leading in online higher education

This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

In the next episode, we explore the final two elements of Ira’s framework: Humans and Environment.

Dr. Ira Lovitch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@iralovitch557
Mount St. Mary’s University: https://www.msmu.edu/

Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In Part 2 of this conversation on the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Michael Cottam continues his discussion with Andrea Dunn, focusing on the evolving landscape of Open Educational Resources, generative AI, and change leadership in higher education.

Andrea reflects on how institutions are responding to rising costs, emerging technologies, and shifting learner expectations—and why successful change requires more than new tools. From AI-supported workflows to small but meaningful design decisions, this episode highlights the deeply human side of innovation.

Leaders will gain practical insights into navigating resistance, identity, and trust while guiding teams through continuous change.

In this episode, we explore:

• How OER has evolved across states and institutions
• What generative AI is changing—and what still requires human judgment
• Why small design and language choices can shape learner belonging
• How listening and empathy strengthen leadership during disruption

This episode is ideal for leaders, faculty, and professionals seeking thoughtful, learner-centered approaches to innovation in higher education.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Michael Cottam is joined by Andrea Dunn, a strategic technology and operations leader with more than 20 years of experience driving large-scale initiatives in higher education.

Andrea shares behind-the-scenes insights from her work leading enterprise course materials and Open Educational Resource (OER) initiatives at scale—impacting tens of thousands of learners. Together, we explore what it really takes to implement meaningful change across complex systems while keeping students, faculty, and staff at the center.

This conversation is especially valuable for leaders working from the middle—those navigating priorities, resistance, and execution across institutional boundaries.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How OER and digital course materials can reduce cost while improving access and learning outcomes
• What large-scale change looks like behind the scenes in higher education
• How agile and product-focused leadership supports sustainable innovation
• Why listening, iteration, and empathy matter as much as strategy

Whether you work in academic leadership, instructional design, IT, or student support, this episode offers practical lessons for leading change thoughtfully and effectively.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

What does it really take to lead change from the middle of an institution?

In Part 2 of this conversation, Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Christina Dryden explore leadership, trust-building, and the realities of managing change across complex higher education organizations. The discussion then turns to AI—how instructional design, assessment, and faculty roles are evolving, and why keeping humans in the loop matters more than ever.

This episode offers practical wisdom for academic leaders navigating constant change with clarity, authenticity, and hope.

Key Topics

• Leading change without positional authority
• Trust, transparency, and authenticity in leadership
• Learning from mentors and leadership experiences
• Using AI responsibly in instructional design and assessment
• Preparing institutions and faculty for the AI-enabled future

Guest

Christina Dryden
Vice Provost, American College of Financial Services

Explore the AI Course Design Accelerator at www.engagedbydesign.com

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

How do students really choose a college—and what do families often overlook?

In Part 1 of this conversation, Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Christina Dryden explore how students make college decisions, what criteria matter most to them, and why the true value of higher education goes far beyond rankings and prestige.

Drawing from Christina’s experience as a Vice Provost, assessment leader, and parent, this episode examines college choice through a human lens—focusing on formation, learning how to learn, relationships, and preparing students for a lifetime of change.

Key Topics

• How students evaluate colleges differently than parents expect
• Graduation rates, fit, and hands-on learning
• Why rankings often matter more to institutions than students
• The deeper return on investment of higher education
• Education as preparation for the eighth job, not the first

Guest

Christina Dryden
Vice Provost, American College of Financial Services

Explore the AI Course Design Accelerator at www.engagedbydesign.com

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kate Smith, we turn our focus to the future of learning, workforce development, and artificial intelligence in higher education.

Kate shares how Rio Salado College is partnering with national employers, emerging industries, and workforce organizations to create flexible, skills-based pathways for learners across the country. We explore partnerships with Guild Education, Walgreens, and a 3D concrete-printing company reshaping construction careers.

The conversation then dives deeply into AI literacy, ethics, and the responsibility of colleges to prepare learners for an AI-accelerated world—while preserving critical thinking, questioning, and human judgment.

This episode offers a hopeful, pragmatic vision of lifelong learning designed around access, adaptability, and real-world relevance.

Key Topics / Show Notes

• Rio Salado’s national workforce partnerships
• Working with Guild Education and employer-driven program design
• Pharmacy, nursing, and career-start pathways
• 3D-printed housing and future construction careers
• Preparing learners for emerging industries
• Serving adult learners, incarcerated learners, and ESL students
• On-ramps, off-ramps, and stackable credentials
• Microcredentials and durable skills
• AI literacy as a core educational responsibility
• Ethical and responsible use of AI in learning
• Redesigning teaching and assessment in the age of AI
• The future of digital learning environments
• Reducing friction and barriers to postsecondary access
• How leaders can engage more learners more effectively

Reflection Question

What can you do right now to embed AI literacy and ethical use into your learners’ pathways?

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kate Smith, we turn our focus to the future of learning, workforce development, and artificial intelligence in higher education.

Kate shares how Rio Salado College is partnering with national employers, emerging industries, and workforce organizations to create flexible, skills-based pathways for learners across the country. We explore partnerships with Guild Education, Walgreens, and a 3D concrete-printing company reshaping construction careers.

The conversation then dives deeply into AI literacy, ethics, and the responsibility of colleges to prepare learners for an AI-accelerated world—while preserving critical thinking, questioning, and human judgment.

This episode offers a hopeful, pragmatic vision of lifelong learning designed around access, adaptability, and real-world relevance.

Key Topics / Show Notes

• Rio Salado’s national workforce partnerships
• Working with Guild Education and employer-driven program design
• Pharmacy, nursing, and career-start pathways
• 3D-printed housing and future construction careers
• Preparing learners for emerging industries
• Serving adult learners, incarcerated learners, and ESL students
• On-ramps, off-ramps, and stackable credentials
• Microcredentials and durable skills
• AI literacy as a core educational responsibility
• Ethical and responsible use of AI in learning
• Redesigning teaching and assessment in the age of AI
• The future of digital learning environments
• Reducing friction and barriers to postsecondary access
• How leaders can engage more learners more effectively

Reflection Question

What can you do right now to embed AI literacy and ethical use into your learners’ pathways?

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In Part 1 of our conversation, we sit down with Dr. Kate Smith, President of Rio Salado College, to explore how culture, empathy, and innovation shape sustainable leadership in higher education.

Kate shares her personal leadership journey—from completing an Ironman to stepping into the presidency at a pivotal moment—and reflects on what it takes to intentionally steward culture over time. We discuss Rio Salado’s long-standing commitment to innovation, the Four Practices of Engagement (mindfulness, empathy, happiness, and resilience), and how those practices helped guide the institution through periods of rapid change.

This episode offers a masterclass in values-driven leadership, showing how culture doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through daily, intentional choices.

Key Topics / Show Notes

• Kate Smith’s leadership journey and Ironman story
• Stepping into the presidency during a moment of change
• Why culture must be intentionally shaped by leaders
• Rio Salado’s history of innovation and continuous improvement
• The Four Practices of Engagement:
• Mindfulness
• Empathy
• Happiness
• Resilience
• Building connection and belonging in a distributed, online institution
• All-employee engagement during COVID
• Launching Rio Salado’s first Alumni Hall of Fame
• Empowering students as partners in innovation
• Learning from other industries to fuel higher-ed innovation
• Creating space for experimentation and “productive messiness”

Reflection Question

Where in your leadership are you letting culture happen instead of intentionally shaping it?

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In Part 1 of our conversation, we sit down with Dr. Kate Smith, President of Rio Salado College, to explore how culture, empathy, and innovation shape sustainable leadership in higher education.

Kate shares her personal leadership journey—from completing an Ironman to stepping into the presidency at a pivotal moment—and reflects on what it takes to intentionally steward culture over time. We discuss Rio Salado’s long-standing commitment to innovation, the Four Practices of Engagement (mindfulness, empathy, happiness, and resilience), and how those practices helped guide the institution through periods of rapid change.

This episode offers a masterclass in values-driven leadership, showing how culture doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through daily, intentional choices.

Key Topics / Show Notes

• Kate Smith’s leadership journey and Ironman story
• Stepping into the presidency during a moment of change
• Why culture must be intentionally shaped by leaders
• Rio Salado’s history of innovation and continuous improvement
• The Four Practices of Engagement:
  • Mindfulness
  • Empathy
  • Happiness
  • Resilience
• Building connection and belonging in a distributed, online institution
• All-employee engagement during COVID
• Launching Rio Salado’s first Alumni Hall of Fame
• Empowering students as partners in innovation
• Learning from other industries to fuel higher-ed innovation
• Creating space for experimentation and “productive messiness”

Reflection Question

Where in your leadership are you letting culture happen instead of intentionally shaping it?

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Find Dr. Lombardo's work on his website at: https://centerforfutureconsciousness.com/ 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Find Dr. Lombardo's work on his website at: https://centerforfutureconsciousness.com/ 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Find Dr. Lombardo's work on his website at: https://centerforfutureconsciousness.com/ 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Find Dr. Lombardo's work on his website at: https://centerforfutureconsciousness.com/ 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Together, we explore Flock Logic—a powerful nature-inspired framework drawn from the mesmerizing behavior of starlings—and how it applies to leadership, teamwork, and learning organizations.

You’ll discover:

• Why high-functioning groups don’t need a single leader to move together
• The three natural principles behind murmuration: alignment, separation, and cohesion
• How those principles translate into human leadership behaviors: step up, step back, and step together
• Why trust, awareness, and connection matter more than control
• Simple practices leaders and educators can use immediately to create rhythm, flow, and shared responsibility

If you’re navigating uncertainty, change, or collaboration fatigue, this conversation offers a hopeful and practical path forward—one grounded in nature, humanity, and collective wisdom.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Episode Summary

In this powerful final chapter of her story, Dr. Sylvia Nemmers discusses what it means to truly know yourself, especially after life has shaken the identity you’ve relied on. She describes the quiet courage of rebuilding life after an abusive marriage, the freedom and grounding she found living alone by the ocean, and the transformative experience of training with a guide dog—a moment that marked her return to visibility, agency, and authenticity.

Sylvia shares what “Happy Now” really means: not perfection, not the absence of struggle, but a steady alignment between truth and peace. She reflects on fearlessness—its strengths and its risks—and how she learned the difference between courage and recklessness. Her story reminds listeners that healing isn’t a single breakthrough. It’s a lifelong practice of listening inward, choosing authenticity, and allowing yourself to be seen.

Key Topics

• Reclaiming Identity After Trauma
  – Leaving an abusive marriage
  – Discovering safety, solitude, and inner listening
  – Unlearning fear-based habits
• Training with a Guide Dog
  – Choosing visibility after years of “not acting blind”
  – The emotional work of becoming independent again
  – Learning to trust herself as much as the dog
• Fearlessness vs Recklessness
  – Being named one of Iowa’s “Fearless Women”
  – The shadow side of fearlessness: pushing too hard, too far
  – Learning discernment and emotional boundaries
• Defining “Happy Now”
  – Happiness as alignment, not accomplishment
  – Peace as a practice
  – Choosing joy without ignoring pain
• Identity, Truth, and Leadership
  – What authenticity looks like in adulthood
  – Saying “no” to roles that shrink your voice
  – Using your story to empower others

Quotes

• “Spending time with myself, I realized: that doesn’t define who I am.”
• “If I'm everybody’s favorite flavor, am I my own favorite flavor anymore?”
• “I can’t do it the way everyone else does it — but I can figure out my own way, and that’s okay.”
• “Everything is possible — if you have the desire, the time, and the commitment.”

Reflection Question

Where in your life are you being invited to choose authenticity over expectation?

Resources

• Book: Happy Now — Shattering the Myth of Happily Ever After (Amazon - https://amzn.to/49PHHYZ).
• Sylvia’s speaking & consulting: BeyondLimits.cc.
• Engaged By Design: MACRO Leadership resources.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Episode Summary

In this second installment of our three-part conversation, Dr. Sylvia Nemmers takes us around the globe—Pakistan, Jordan, Greece, and beyond—to explore what happens when identity, faith, disability, and culture intersect.

She shares how falling in love with a Pakistani student reshaped her worldview, how a spiritual moment in St. Peter’s Basilica led to an unexpected conversion to Islam, and how living across cultures forced her to confront assumptions she didn’t know she held. Sylvia speaks openly about learning Arabic through immersion with children, navigating strict gender norms, raising her own children across borders, and discovering humility as a transformative leadership tool.

This episode illuminates what it means to be a cultural learner, not just a cultural observer. It shows that empathy can only flourish when we stop assuming our own lens is universal.

Key Topics

• Falling in love across cultures
  – Meeting international students
  – Recognizing shared identity as “outsiders” in academic settings
  – Navigating family expectations and early marriage
  – Beginning life in Pakistan
• Conversion to Islam
  – The pivotal moment in St. Peter’s Basilica
  – Faith as recognition rather than instruction
  – Joy, continuity, and spiritual belonging
• Life in Pakistan
  – NGO work in the Northwest Territory
  – Navigating conservative norms (“Don’t act blind; no one will respect you”)
  – Learning agency and self-advocacy in unfamiliar systems
• Jordan: Lessons in Humility
  – Raising children in multilingual, multigenerational households
  – Misunderstandings with in-laws and the power of listening
  – Learning Arabic through play and daily life
  – Major cultural adjustment: food, family, and rhythm of life
• Greece: A different kind of freedom
  – Experiences outside extended family structure
  – Observing different models of happiness and social life
  – Gaining a more global understanding of “normal”
• Universal Lesson: Unlearning Assumptions
  – Recognizing that each culture has internal logic and dignity
  – Learning to ask questions instead of drawing conclusions
  – Seeing disability differently in each country
  – Realizing humility is the beginning of wisdom

Quotes

• “When you live in another culture, you stop assuming the way you see the world is the only way.”
• “People have grabbed me on the street, and I’ve said, ‘I’ve been blind a long time. I’m very good at it.’”
• “As educators, we have expertise and resources—but the person we’re working with is the expert on themselves.”
• “Humility is what keeps curiosity alive.”

Reflection Question

What assumptions about people or cultures might you need to unlearn in order to see more clearly?

Resources

• Book: Happy Now — Shattering the Myth of Happily Ever After (Amazon - https://amzn.to/49PHHYZ).
• Sylvia’s speaking & consulting: BeyondLimits.cc.
• Engaged By Design: MACRO Leadership resources.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Episode Summary

From childhood blindness to becoming a scientist and department chair, Sylvia traces how authenticity, curiosity, and courageous mentors shaped her leadership. She shares her early life in an institution for the blind, the hard pivot to a mainstream Catholic school, and the creative lab workaround a professor designed that unlocked independence and confidence.

Key Moments

• Opening, Sylvia’s reveal (born blind; limited sight after age-4 surgery); framing authenticity and strength.
•  “Happily ever after” myth vs reality; first vision (sunlight hurts; learning to adapt).
• Institution years: separation, “authentic me,” and the fire-escape slide (bare feet in the Iowa snow!).
• Transition to Catholic school: social codes, learning hurdles, stubborn hope.
• Father’s influence: math on car rides, love of chemistry, finding equal footing in science.
• Barriers & resolve: counselor skepticism; “evaluate my ability, the job is mine to find.”
• Mentor moment: Dr. Larry Davis’ notched-syringe hack enabling precise dilutions; lab independence.
• Universal design & the social model of disability; partnering with learners to remove barriers.

Quotes

• “At that school, I was authentically me… No one expected you to be normal, and that was a blessing.”
• “There are some things you can’t change… and then figure out ways to make it work.”
• “Words are powerful. What you say to your students can change their whole future.”

Reflection Question

How have you overcome your own limitations—or the labels that others have given you?

Resources & Links

• Book: Happy Now — Shattering the Myth of Happily Ever After (Amazon - https://amzn.to/49PHHYZ).
• Sylvia’s speaking & consulting: BeyondLimits.cc.
• Engaged By Design: MACRO Leadership resources.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Drawing on her background in documentary filmmaking, copyright, and publishing, Rachel explains why the scholarly record is so difficult to define—and why generative AI poses such a profound challenge to it. Together, we explore fair use, authors’ rights, AI hallucinations, fabricated citations, predatory journals, data scraping, and the market impact on creators and scholars across disciplines.

Rachel also shares practical guidance for faculty, librarians, students, and researchers who want to use AI responsibly while protecting the integrity of their work.

This is a timely and essential conversation for anyone navigating the pressures and promises of AI in higher education.

Key Topics Covered

• Rachel’s nontraditional path from filmmaking to scholarly communications
• What the “scholarly record” is—and why defining it is so complex
• How generative AI companies have used copyrighted materials in training
• The explosion of AI-generated content and its impact on academic publishing
• Why recursive AI training produces “AI slop”
• How attribution breaks down when AI scrapes content without citing it
• Copyright fundamentals and the limits of fair use
• Real-world examples from Hollywood, journalism, and academia
• The rise of fabricated citations and nonexistent DOIs
• Class action lawsuits involving monographs and AI scraping
• How scholars and students can verify sources and protect their work
• Why ORCID, DOIs, and Google Scholar profiles matter more than ever
• Ethical considerations for using AI in teaching and learning
• The market impact on early-career professionals and creative workers
• Practical tips for responsible, thoughtful, academically honest AI use

Reflection Question for Listeners

How can faculty, librarians, and students use AI more thoughtfully, ethically, and responsibly at your institution?

We invite you to reflect on this question with your colleagues and teams and consider how these insights can shape your academic and organizational practices.

Featured Guest

Rachel Sweeney
Scholarly Communications Librarian
Bucknell University

Mid-Roll Promotion

ABCs of Murmuration with Kathy Hagler & Robin Graham
Helping leaders create healthy, adaptive, connected organizations.
Learn more at: abcsofmurmuration.com

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this special conference edition of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Michael and Vernon bring listeners directly into the heart of the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) conference exhibit hall. This episode blends thoughtful narration with real, unedited booth-floor audio conversations between the Engaged By Design team.

You’ll hear Michael and Vernon reflect on conference attendance, the uncertainty of today’s VUCA higher education climate, and the overwhelming presence of AI in sessions and vendor halls. They share reactions from Course Design Accelerator demos — especially the moment attendees gasped when a complete Canvas course was exported live in seconds.

Jarred joins to reflect on the challenges institutions are facing around AI, innovation, and course development. He explains why solution-first thinking is leading campuses down homogenizing paths, and why the real innovation lives within people, not tools.

Vernon and Michael discuss new learning research, including the study showing how students learn more when they draft first and use AI second. They talk openly about academic integrity, learning theory, and the role of faculty in shaping responsible, discipline-specific AI use.

The episode closes with a story from Jarred about a meaningful human connection he made at the booth — a reminder that, even amid technological change, the heart of education is still people.

Key Topics Covered

• What we observed at the 2025 Online Learning Consortium conference
• Why attendance felt different this year (budget constraints, cancellations, VUCA realities)
• How AI dominated the conversations — and why nobody fully understands its implications yet
• Demo reactions to the Course Design Accelerator and Canvas export
• Solution-first vs. problem-first thinking in edtech
• The role of design thinking, backward design, and intentionality in course development
• New research on learning and AI (FMRI essay-writing study)
• The future of student learning & time-on-task
• Faculty-in-the-loop AI and preventing “AI slop”
• The difference between shiny tools and practical innovation
• Jarred’s reflections on human connection in crowded spaces
• Why authentic interactions matter even more than technology

Notable Quotes

“Technology should lighten the load without replacing the creativity or humanity.” – Vernon

“AI isn’t the solution. The solution is already inside the institution — in the people and the processes.” – Jarred

“You still need time on task. You still need cognitive effort. AI can’t do the learning for you.” – Michael

“The future of education isn’t AI alone. It’s human. It’s faculty in the loop.” – Michael

Links

Engaged By Design AI Tools: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/course-design-ai-tools 

OLC Conference: https://onlinelearningconsortium.org/events/ 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam welcome back Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, authors of The ABCs of Murmuration.

They unpack the “ME” in their leadership framework—showing how awareness, beliefs, and connection create the foundation for authentic collaboration.

Kathy and Robin share powerful metaphors about starlings, symphonies, and marching bands, as well as the story of Mozart’s Starling.

Robin also shares a moving personal reflection from Durango, illustrating how awareness and connection transform grief into leadership presence.

Key Topics

• Why leadership begins with “ME” before “WE” or “US”
• The ABCs of ME: Awareness, Beliefs, Connection
• Lessons from starlings, symphonies, and marching bands
• Robin’s Durango story: grief, awareness, and connection
• The dance steps of leaderful collaboration: step up, step back, step together
• The ABCs of Murmuration (available on Amazon)
• Manifesting Murmuration Workshop — ABCsOfMurmuration.com
• Viktor Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning (inspiration on choice and awareness)

Reflection Question

Here is your reflection question for this week:

What small step can you take today to connect more authentically with yourself and others?

Call to Action

👉 Visit EngagedByDesign.com to learn more, explore coaching opportunities, and download resources from MACRO Leadership.

💬 Comment on the YouTube episode, share your reflection, and subscribe for more leadership insights.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Guieswende introduces us to Bob and George — two characters who illustrate resilience, resistance, and the power of leading without a title. Together, they discuss how story helps us make meaning, navigate change, and see ourselves in the leadership journey.

A must-listen for instructional designers, educators, and anyone who leads from the middle.

Highlights:

• Why Guieswende wrote the second half of his book as a story.
• Lessons from Bob and George on leadership and resistance.
• Why resistance is normal in change management.
• How to lead without authority.
• The role of empathy and storytelling in building trust.
• How project management principles translate into everyday leadership.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Instructional Designer’s Guide to Project Management by Dr. Guieswende Rouamba
• MACRO Leadership by Dr. Michael Cottam
• EngagedByDesign.com – Free MACRO Leadership Workbook

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Guieswende shares how project management helps instructional designers navigate complex collaborations and reduce burnout. He introduces his “Three Ps” — People, Process, and Pedagogy — and explains why relationships are at the heart of every successful project.

Whether you lead design teams, teach online, or manage academic innovation, this conversation will remind you that the key to great outcomes starts with great people.

Highlights:

• Guieswende’s journey from Burkina Faso to Illinois.
• How project management skills elevate instructional design.
• The “domain dispute” between faculty and designers — and how empathy resolves it.
• The Three Ps framework: People, Process, and Pedagogy.
• Positive psychology in project management.
• How project management helps instructional designers prevent burnout.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Instructional Designer’s Guide to Project Management by Dr. Guieswende Rouamba
• MACRO Leadership by Dr. Michael Cottam
• EngagedByDesign.com – Free leadership tools and downloads

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Bridget shares her entrepreneurial journey with Heathen Works, her woodburning art business, where planning, budgeting, and production all rely on project management principles. She also reveals the uncanny parallels between Agile project management and Dungeons & Dragons. From Dungeon Masters acting like Scrum Masters to players learning trust, teamwork, and risk-taking, the lessons are as practical as they are fun.

We also reflect on how risks—whether in a game or in higher education leadership—can be reframed as opportunities. From critical dice rolls gone wrong to institutional enrollment declines, Bridget and the hosts share stories of turning setbacks into innovations.

What You’ll Learn:

• How project management supports entrepreneurship and creative businesses.

• Why Dungeons & Dragons provides a surprising but effective model for team leadership.

• The power of games in executive training and experiential learning.

• How to reframe risks and failures into opportunities for growth.

• Why curiosity is the key to engaging learners and building trust.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Heathen Works: Heathen Works 

• Ravenwood Renaissance Festival, Winchester, VA

• How to Be More D&D: Face Your Dragons, Be More Adventurous, and Live Your Best Geeky Life: https://amzn.to/4gBMM8q 

• Dungeons & Dragons Starter Sets:  https://amzn.to/4pAYcO9 

• Rio Salado College “Rio Way” experiential training and team games

Reflection Question:
How can you apply your professional skills to the most important passions in your life?

Subscribe & Connect:
🎙️ Subscribe to the Engaged By Design Podcast for more insights.
🌐 Learn more about MACRO Leadership coaching and workshops at https://engagedbydesign.com .
👍 Like, comment, and share to support our work.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Bridget brings a unique background—religion, Viking Studies, and a passion for music—that shaped her approach to leading projects. She shares lessons on trust, planning, and accountability, along with candid stories of pitfalls and wins from her career.

Whether you’re a leader in higher ed, a project manager in another sector, or simply someone who wants to see teams work better together, you’ll find inspiration and practical advice in this episode.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why higher education requires blending Agile and predictive project management.

• How to create flexible frameworks tailored to specific projects and teams.

• The importance of planning, documenting, and clarifying roles early.

• How Scrum builds trust and consistency through small, iterative cycles.

• Why CliftonStrengths is a valuable tool for building stronger, more collaborative teams.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• MACRO Leadership book: https://amzn.to/3IAp2VG

• The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey: https://amzn.to/3KkvUHh 

• CliftonStrengths® assessments & coaching: Engage with us for your personal and professional leadership growth

• The American College of Financial Services: The American College of Financial Services

• Scrum framework overview: Scrum.org

Reflection Question:
How might you bring more predictable structure—or more agility—into your current projects?

Subscribe & Connect:
🌐 Learn more about MACRO Leadership coaching and workshops at https://engagedbydesign.com .
👍 Like, comment, and share to support our work.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Leadership often happens in the middle—not at the very top. In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Michelle Loyet, we explore how to lead effectively without relying on positional authority. Michelle shares her experiences at Webster University, where she learned to build coalitions, invite people into change, and balance responsibilities up, down, and across the institution.

Michelle also opens up about her unexpected background in roller derby and the leadership lessons it taught her—resilience, persistence, and teamwork. We also discuss Webster’s long history of serving military students, and how strategies like tuition alignment and transfer credit help meet their needs. This episode is full of practical insights for anyone managing from the middle of an organization and looking to create lasting impact.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How to manage up, down, and across with authenticity

- Why inviting people into innovation works better than coercion

- The power of complementary strengths in leadership partnerships

- How roller derby shaped Michelle’s perspective on persistence and teamwork - Practical strategies for supporting military students in higher education

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and introductions

02:00 – Managing from the middle: strategies for success

06:00 – The importance of invitation vs. coercion

12:00 – Complementary strengths in leadership partnerships

14:00 – Resilience and persistence: lessons from roller derby

20:00 – Role models, coaching, and team-building with Yelp Roulette

28:00 – Supporting military students through tuition alignment and transfer credit

32:00 – Reflections on leadership impact

33:00 – Outro & reflection question

Reflection Question for Viewers:

What can you do this week to build coalitions of support—up, down, and across your organization—to move an important initiative forward?

Links & Resources:

📖 MACRO Leadership – https://amzn.to/3IAp2VG 

📘 Free MACRO Leadership Workbook – https://engagedbydesign.com 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

What if your academic background could become your greatest leadership strength?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dr. Michelle Loyet—known as the “Shenanigans Wrangler” in the book MACRO Leadership—joins Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith to share how anthropology became her leadership superpower. As interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Webster University, Michelle has spent nearly two decades helping the institution innovate, adapt, and serve learners around the globe.

In this episode, Michelle reveals how anthropology’s tools—cultural observation, data analysis, and adaptability—translate into practical leadership skills. She also takes us inside the launch of Agile sprints at Webster University, where quick wins, visible progress, and language shifts helped overcome skepticism and accelerate change.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How anthropology prepares leaders to understand and adapt to organizational culture
- Why data analysis and meaning-making are vital leadership skills
- The story of Webster University’s first Agile sprints and their impact on student success
- How quick wins and visible accountability built momentum for change
- The role of language in shaping culture ('impediments,' 'how might we,' and no 'devil’s advocate')

Timestamps:

00:00 – Welcome and introductions
02:00 – Michelle’s journey from anthropology to administration
06:00 – Anthropology as a corporate superpower
10:00 – Launching Agile sprints at Webster University
15:00 – The power of quick wins and visible accountability
20:00 – Overcoming naysayers and skeptics
30:00 – Building coalitions across academics and IT
35:00 – Visualizing progress with sprint boards
45:00 – Language shifts that changed the culture
48:00 – Outro & reflection question

Reflection Question for Viewers:

How might you apply your own disciplinary superpowers—whether anthropology, linguistics, biology, or statistics—to your leadership practice this week?

Links & Resources:

📖 MACRO Leadership book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IAp2VG 
📘 Free MACRO Leadership Workbook: https://engagedbydesign.com

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Episode Title

Competency-Based Learning and the Future of Work — with Dr. Calli Morrison (Part 3 of 3)

Episode Summary

In the final part of our three-part series, Dr. Cali Morrison dives into the world of competency-based education (CBE), micro-credentials, and the future of learning and work. She shares how she helped build direct assessment CBE programs at American Public University System, explains the value of micro-credentials and NanoCerts, and discusses how digital badges give learners visibility and ownership of their skills.

Calli also reflects on her current work at EdAssist, where she helps healthcare organizations build career pathways that grow talent from within. Along the way, she offers leadership lessons for innovators—especially women—about embracing failure, taking risks, and engaging learners through authentic assessment.

This episode highlights how education and workforce development are converging, and how innovation can serve real learners.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Calli became involved in competency-based education (CBE)
• The difference between direct assessment and credit-hour CBE models
• Why micro-credentials and NanoCerts give learners valuable milestones
• How digital badges empower learners to own and share their achievements
• Calli’s current work with EdAssist building healthcare career pathways
• Leadership lessons on innovation, risk, and supporting women leaders
• Why authentic assessment and co-learning engage more learners effectively

Reflection Question

How can you build in authentic assessment to make learning more visible and relevant?

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Explore coaching services: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/store
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook
• Get the book: MACRO Leadership on Amazon: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Episode Summary

In this second part of our three-part series, Dr. Cali Morrison takes us inside two major projects that shaped the future of higher education: Transparency by Design and the Predictive Analytics Reporting (PAR) Framework. These efforts paved the way for program-level transparency, skills-based hiring, and data-driven student success strategies.

Calli shares how Transparency by Design helped adult learners make informed decisions by comparing program-level outcomes, and how the PAR Framework demonstrated the power of shared data to predict student persistence and drive interventions. Along the way, she tells the unforgettable story of her daughter Bryce—the 'PAR baby'—born on the very day a Gates Foundation grant proposal was due.

This conversation highlights the importance of transparency, collaboration, and the human side of innovation in education.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• The origins and goals of Transparency by Design
• Why program-level data is vital for adult learners making college choices
• How accreditors and even the Department of Defense adopted metrics from the initiative
• The creation and impact of the Predictive Analytics Reporting (PAR) Framework
• The unforgettable story of the 'PAR baby' and the human side of innovation

Reflection Question

How could your team use data not just to measure, but to intervene early and change student outcomes?

Resources & Links

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Get the book: MACRO Leadership on Amazon: https://amzn.to/476zHRP
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook 

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam kick off a three-part conversation with Dr. Cali Morrison, Senior Director of Workforce Education and Strategy at EdAssist by Bright Horizons.

Calli shares how a rural sociology class—and one infamous challenge involving cow urine—helped spark her unexpected entry into higher education. She reflects on the power of engaged learning, the importance of clear learning objectives, and why she walked away from a major when a professor couldn’t explain the purpose of an assignment.

Most importantly, Cali reveals her personal “why”: to help adults keep learning throughout their lives without giving up the parts of life that matter most. Inspired by her parents and mentors, she has built a career committed to making education more flexible, accessible, and meaningful.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE

• How Cali “fell into” higher education through the Montana State University Extension Service
• The rural sociology professor whose teaching style left a lasting impression
• The infamous “cow urine for an A” story and what it says about engaged learning
• Why unclear learning objectives once led Cali to change her career path
• Cali’s personal “why” and how family experiences shaped her mission in education

REFLECTION QUESTION

Where in your courses, programs, or trainings do you need to clarify the learning objectives so learners know exactly why it matters?

RESOURCES & LINKS

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In part two of our conversation, Dr. Jennifer Brock discusses program innovation, credit for prior learning, and how AI is reshaping course design and student success at scale. 

In this second episode with Dr. Jennifer Brock, we explore her leadership in designing stackable credentials, building credit for prior learning pathways, and leading groundbreaking grant-funded projects like Rio Compass. She shares insights into scaling student success through technology and human connection, her experience presenting to Bill Gates, and how AI is helping accelerate course development without sacrificing quality. Jennifer’s career illustrates how innovation in education requires both passion and persistence — whether in the classroom, in program design, or in rethinking how technology supports learners.

Reflection Question: How can your institution better recognize the learning that students bring with them—whether from work, life experience, or prior education?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC 
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Dr. Jennifer Brock shares her journey from theater to sciences, her path into teaching, and the transformative power of dual enrollment in shaping student identity and confidence.

In this episode of the Engaged by Design Podcast, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam welcome Dr. Jennifer Brock, Executive Vice President of Online Education, Academics, and Services at the Academy of Art University. Jennifer reflects on her journey from musical theater to biology, her passion for teaching, and her pioneering role in dual enrollment. She shares how early opportunities shaped her confidence and how dual enrollment empowers students to see themselves as college-ready.

We also hear about her transition into higher education leadership and her early innovations in program design.

Reflection Question:
How has a teacher, mentor, or early opportunity shaped your confidence and career path?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC 
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College, we shift from Calbright’s mission to the challenges and lessons of leading innovation.

Shannon shares candidly about her leadership journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the values she carries into her role. She reflects on how authenticity, feedback, and even humor create stronger teams, and why being open and vulnerable is key for leaders navigating change.

Highlights from this episode include:

• How to stay authentic and resilient while leading disruptive innovation.
• The cultural values that guide Calbright’s “small but mighty” team.
• The role of AI in course design, assessment, and tutoring — and why it’s about the right tech at the right time.
• Rethinking general education around “durable skills” such as communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
• Shannon’s vision for the future includes three-year degree models and integrating AI literacy across programs.

Shannon leaves us with a challenge question: to know your purpose and let it guide your innovation and leadership.

Affiliate Links: 

Books referenced in this episode 

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robins: https://amzn.to/42hgidJ 

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In part 1 of this conversation, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam reconnect with their longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College.

Shannon shares her journey from faculty at Rio Salado College to leadership roles at National University and Bay Path University, and now to her work at Calbright — California’s 116th and newest community college. Together, they explore:

• How Calbright’s startup culture is challenging the status quo in higher education.
• Calbright's mission to expand equity and access through free, competency-based programs.
• The role of human-centered design and employer partnerships in creating relevant learning.
• Real-world success stories of micro-internships with companies like HubSpot that led directly to jobs.
• How Calbright is rethinking assessment and demonstration of skills to prepare students for the workforce.

Shannon reminds us that meaningful innovation isn’t about adding more technology — it’s about designing around student needs, fostering equity, and keeping the focus on outcomes.

Reflection Question for Listeners:
What lessons can you beg, borrow, or steal from Calbright that might apply to your context and your institution?

Next Episode Teaser:
In part two of our conversation, we’ll go deeper into Calbright’s team culture, the challenges of building something new, and the role of AI in shaping the future of higher education.

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, we delve into the Four Path Journey, the conscious habits of thriving, and the “flock logic” that transforms individuals into leaderful teams.

Show Notes:

In this follow-up to Part 1, we dive deeper into the leadership lessons inspired by nature’s most graceful display of collective intelligence, murmuration. Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature, share practical stories and tools for building leaderful cultures in any organization.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How the Four Path Journey moves leaders and teams from “me” to “we” to “us.”
• What it means to embrace an evolutionary mindset and envision murmuration in your workplace.
• The power of the conscious habits of thriving: Step Up, Step Back, and Step Together.
• Why “flock logic” favors small, connected groups—and how to apply this principle in your team.
• How TD Industries built a century-long culture of leaderful leadership.

Reflection Questions:

1. Which idea from the Four Path Journey resonates most with your current leadership context?
2. How can you embrace an evolutionary mindset as you lead your team?
3. Where could stepping back create more space for others to lead?

Resources & Links:

• The ABCs of Murmuration book on Amazon
• Learn more at https://www.abcsofmurmuration.com 
• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC 
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Engaged by Design Podcast: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this first of a two-part conversation, we explore the wisdom of nature with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration. Discover how the synchronized flight of starlings offers profound lessons for leadership, teamwork, and thriving organizations.

Show Notes

What can leaders learn from the mesmerizing dance of starlings? In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Kathy Hagler and Robin Graham, co-authors of The ABCs of Murmuration: Collective Wisdom of Nature, we explore how the patterns in nature can guide us toward more harmonious, effective leadership.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What “murmuration” is and why it matters for leaders and teams.

• The ABCs framework—Awareness, Beliefs, and Connect—and how it moves individuals from “me” to “we” to “us.”

• How Ubuntu—“I am because you are”—shapes leaderful cultures.

• Stories from the field, including how Kathy brought together disconnected organizations to solve complex workforce challenges.

• How to spot and foster murmuration in your own teams.

• Kathy and Robin share practical tools, inspiring stories, and a call to embrace nature’s collective wisdom in our leadership practice.

Reflection questions:

1. Where have you seen harmonious “murmuration” in your organization?

2. What happens when that harmony doesn’t emerge?

3. What’s one thing you can do this week to apply murmuration to your leadership?

Resources & Links:

• The ABCs of Murmuration book on Amazon
• Learn more at Robin's website: https://inneractivebeliefs.com/ 
• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC 
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 
• Engaged by Design Podcast: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/podcasts/engaged-by-design 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this episode, Michael and Vernon talk with longtime friend and colleague Jarred Truschke—designer, instructional leader, and the creator of MyPurpose, a journal and AI-powered app that helps people align goals with their identity and values.

Jarred shares the personal journey that led to the creation of the MyPurpose framework, which guides users through defining their purpose in eight life areas, clarifying core values, setting identity-based goals, and translating those into meaningful daily actions.

The conversation also explores how AI can support personal growth (without replacing your job), and how tools like MyPurpose empower both individuals and leaders to make progress with intention. Whether you're leading a team, mentoring students, or just trying to figure out your next steps, this episode will help you pause, reflect, and prioritize with purpose.

Affiliate Links: 

Books referenced in this episode 

• MyPurpose, by Jarred Truschke on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/4oAfF8S 
• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Storytelling is a leadership superpower—but too often, we don’t use it well. In this episode, Michael and Vernon dive into why stories matter, especially in leadership roles where influence matters more than control.

They share three of the essential story types every leader should have in their toolbox—value, founder, and purpose stories—inspired by Kindra Hall’s book Stories That Stick. You’ll hear: How Kindra Hall’s Normal–Explosion–New Normal model compares to the Hero’s Journey and the MACRO PPP (Problem–Path–Payoff) structure.

Real leadership stories told live on the podcast—with feedback from AI voices Sarah and Imogene!

Tips on how to craft your own leadership stories that connect with your team and inspire meaningful change. Whether you're a mid-level manager or a senior leader, this episode will challenge you to reflect, connect, and tell your own story better.

Storytelling Challenge: This week, record a short version of one of your own leadership stories—value, founder, or purpose. Then share it with a colleague, your team, or even a voice memo to yourself. Not sure how to begin? Visit engagedbydesign.com to download our free storytelling prompts or reach out for a coaching session.

Affiliate Links:

Books referenced in this episode

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 
• Stories That Stick, by Kindra Hall: https://amzn.to/4lZ9Ksk
• Building a StoryBrand 2.0, by Donald Miller: https://amzn.to/4ocHGmG
• Storyworthy, by Matthew Dicks: https://amzn.to/4fbCxqN 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC 
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

In this second episode of our two-part series, Michael and Vernon explore what happens after unbundling: how faculty and other academic professionals are adapting, defending, and rebundling their roles in an AI-powered world. This episode outlines four irreducibly human responsibilities, three common defense strategies of professions under threat, and four emerging faculty archetypes for the AI era. Whether you're a professor, designer, advisor, or leader, this conversation will challenge your assumptions and offer a hopeful path forward. Stick around for a set of reflection questions you can bring back to your team.

These are the sources mentioned inside the episode’s dialogue as well as some helpful links.  

• Smith, V. C. (2008). The Unbundling and Rebundling of the Faculty Role in E-Learning Community College Courses. University of Arizona dissertation. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/194795 

• Associated Press (2023). “Automated Earnings Stories Multiply.” https://www.ap.org/the-definitive-source/speaker-spotlights/applying-automation-in-the-newsroom/ 

• American Federation of Teachers (2024). “Resolution on Artificial Intelligence.” https://www.aft.org/resolution/artificial-intelligence 

• American Federation of Teachers (2024). “AFT Launches National Academy for AI in Instruction.” https://www.aft.org/press-release/aft-launch-national-academy-ai-instruction-microsoft-openai-anthropic-and-united 

• American Association of University Professors (2023). “Artificial Intelligence, Academic Freedom, and the Evolving Debate over Forgery and Truth in the Twenty-First Century.” Journal of Academic Freedom, 15. https://www.aaup.org/JAF15/artificial-intelligence-academic-freedom-and-evolving-debate-over-forgery-and-truth-twenty 

• Freidson, E. (2001). Professionalism: The Third Logic. University of Chicago Press. https://books.google.com/books/about/Professionalism_the_Third_Logic.html?id=Tgn3sThG8QEC 

• Abbott, A. (1988). The System of Professions. University of Chicago Press. https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/S/bo5965590.html 

• World Economic Forum. (2023). The Future of Jobs Report 2023.  https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023 

Affiliate Links: 

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP  

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Welcome to a new season of the Engaged by Design podcast! In this episode, Dr. Michael Cottam interviews his co-host Dr. Vernon Smith—this time in the role of featured guest—to explore how artificial intelligence, economic pressures, and platformization are driving the unbundling of professional roles in higher education.

Drawing from Vernon's dissertation research and recent policy shifts, this episode dives deep into what’s happening behind the scenes of your course shell, syllabus, or advising software.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• What “unbundling” means and how it applies to the faculty role
• Examples from other industries (like restaurants and healthcare) that mirror higher ed’s transformation
• The difference between Craft, Collegial, and Virtual Assembly Line course models
• How AI and automation are accelerating labor and capital substitutions
• What roles and tasks are most likely to remain “bundled”—and which will be offloaded or outsourced

Reflective Questions:

1. Is your role being unbundled as we speak?
2. Where do you see unbundling happening in your institution or department?
3. What parts of your professional bundle feel irreplaceable—and what could be supported or restructured?

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Vernon's dissertation on course production models in community college e-learning
• The rise of OPMs (Online Program Managers) and revenue-share outsourcing
• William Baumol’s theory of cost disease and its relevance to education
• Real-world analogies from restaurants, healthcare, and gig-based platforms

Next Up:

In Episode 2, we’ll explore how to rebundle intentionally—focusing on human-centered leadership, MACRO strategies, and what should never be outsourced in the student experience.

Share your thoughts or questions with us at EngagedByDesign.com and join the conversation on LinkedIn or your favorite podcast platform.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share this episode with colleagues navigating the future of learning and leadership!

Affiliate Links: 

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 8 - How might you?

In this final episode of the MACRO Leadership podcast series, Michael and Vernon take listeners on a practical journey through applying all five elements of the MACRO framework—Match, Assign, Coach, Reflect, and Ovation—to a high-impact institutional initiative: redesigning the First-Year Experience (FYE).

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why the FYE is a strategic project that demands cross-functional leadership
• How to match the right team members based on passion and perspective
• How to assign clear roles and responsibilities for momentum
• How coaching—not just supervision—helps people grow through complexity
• Why reflection is essential to course-correct in real time
• How meaningful ovation builds trust, recognition, and a culture of care

Listener Challenge:

Choose one initiative you’re leading or supporting right now. Ask yourself: Where am I strong in MACRO? Where might I be skipping a step? Then use the worksheet to lead with intention.

Affiliate Links: 

Books referenced in this episode 

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 7 - Ovation

In the final episode of the MACRO Leadership podcast series, Vernon and Michael explore the “O” in MACRO: Ovation—the practice of authentic, values-aligned recognition. They dig into Gallup research showing that only 27% of employees feel regularly recognized at work, despite the fact that frequent praise correlates with dramatically higher engagement.

Michael shares real stories from his leadership experience, like writing weekly handwritten thank-you notes, and explores how recognition practices can foster connection, morale, and momentum in higher education and beyond.

Whether you're managing from the middle or guiding change from the top, this episode will help you give recognition that sticks.

Timestamps

• 00:00 – Welcome and final stop on the MACRO Leadership journey
• 02:00 – Why Ovation brings closure and builds momentum
• 03:30 – Gallup Q12 insights: Only 27% feel regularly recognized
• 05:30 – How recognition affects retention and the bottom line
• 07:00 – Leadership behaviors that create a culture of gratitude
• 08:30 – Michael’s story: Friday handwritten thank-you notes
• 11:00 – Why specific, timely, and values-based praise works best
• 15:30 – Avoiding generic praise and tailoring Ovation to personality
• 18:00 – Peer recognition, CliftonStrengths, and 'catching people doing something right'
• 20:00 – Three ways to build better Ovation habits
• 24:00 – Reflection questions and next steps for leaders

Key Takeaways

• Recognition isn’t a luxury—it’s a leadership responsibility.
• Specific, values-aligned Ovation builds meaning and momentum.
• Handwritten notes can have a lasting impact and inspire others to do the same.
• Public vs. private recognition should be tailored to individuals.
• Peer-to-peer Ovation strengthens team culture and trust.
• Systems don’t have to be big—they just need to be intentional.

Reflection Questions

1. When was the last time you were recognized for your work? What impact did that have?
2. When was the last time you recognized someone else? What happened as a result?
3. What one Ovation habit will you build into your leadership this week?

Resources & Mentions

• Gallup Q12 Survey: https://www.gallup.com/394373/indicator-employee-engagement.aspx 
• MACRO Leadership Book: engagedbydesign.org/macro-leadership
• Engaged By Design Consulting: engagedbydesign.com/consulting 

Is your recognition strategy helping or hurting your team culture? We’d love to help you design an Ovation system that works. Visit https://engagedbydesign.com to schedule a consultation.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share the Engaged By Design podcast. And tag us with your own Ovation practices—we’d love to celebrate with you.

Affiliate Links: 

Books referenced in this episode 

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 6 - Reflect

In this episode, Vernon and Michael explore the fourth principle of the MACRO Leadership model: Reflect.

• Why reflection is a leadership imperative—not a luxury
• Michael’s story of using Agile SCRUM and reflection cycles to improve student success and team alignment
• Understanding the Diffusion of Innovation curve and its role in leading change
• Creating a psychologically safe space for team reflection
• Ground rules for effective team dialogue
• Tools and frameworks including Plus/Delta and the Sailboat Exercise
• How to embed reflection into your leadership rhythm

Reflection Questions:

1. What reflection tools and cadences might you use to reflect on your own leadership?
2. What would it take to introduce a Plus/Delta or a Sailboat activity into your next team meeting?
3. How do you create a culture where it's safe to reflect candidly and constructively?

Note: For a limited time, podcast listeners can get a free copy of the MACRO Leadership e-book by submitting a request at the website: engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook

Music: The Buccaneer's Haul by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

Affiliate Links

Books referenced in this episode 

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP   

The technology we used 

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC  

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 5: Coach

In this episode of the Engaged By Design podcast, Michael and Vernon unpack the “Coach” step of the MACRO Leadership framework. They share personal stories of transformative coaching, explore the difference between coaching and mentoring, and introduce the practical FRIES method for performance coaching.

Whether you lead a team, manage projects, or want to support your people more intentionally, this conversation will help you coach with clarity and confidence. Download the free FRIES Coaching Tool and start coaching better conversations today.

🎧 Highlights:

• The difference between coaching, mentoring, supervising, and teaching
• How to coach people through projects
• Why coaching is essential for strategic success
• How to use the FRIES model in any 15-minute check-in

Affiliate Links:

Books referenced in this episode

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC 
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 4: Assign

In this episode of the Engaged By Design podcast, Michael and Vernon explore the second step in the MACRO Leadership model: Assign. Even the best match can struggle if the assignment isn’t clear. Learn how clarity, structure, and purpose in your assignments can unlock momentum and prevent project drift.

We share cautionary tales from Boeing and Google, introduce the PPP model (Problem, Path, Payoff), and explain how AMP (Autonomy, Mastery, Purpose) and the 5 Elements of a Strong Assignment work together to help teams thrive.

Plus, we offer tools and templates you can start using right away to assign with clarity, not control.

KEY TOPICS

Theme: Clear delegation and assignment design
MACRO Leadership Step A: Assign
Featured Models: PPP, AMP, 5 Elements
Real-World Examples: Boeing 737 MAX, Google’s no-manager experiment, Pixar Braintrust

Mentioned Book: Creativity Inc. by Ed Catmull

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What project are you assigning this week?
     2. How could you apply the PPP brief?
     3. How can you “AMP up” your assignment?
     4. Have you defined the five elements for clarity?

🔗 AFFILIATE LINKS 

Books referenced in this episode

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC 
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb 

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 3: Match

In this episode of Engaged By Design, Vernon interviews Michael about the first step in the MACRO Leadership framework: Match. Drawing from a personal story of an international student exchange early in his career, Michael illustrates what it really means to match people to projects in a way that builds confidence, accelerates team growth, and reduces risk. Learn how to assess strengths, understand motivation, and design teams that thrive. Whether you're leading a college initiative, an academic department, or a cross-functional design team, this episode offers practical insights and tools—like CliftonStrengths—to help you make better matching decisions.

TOPICS COVERED

• Why matching is foundational to agility and innovation
• The story of “Hands Across the Border” and leadership growth
• How to assess transferable skills and passions
• Using tools like MBTI and CliftonStrengths for effective matching*
• Avoiding common pitfalls: assumptions, oversizing, misalignment
• How to form effective project teams with diverse strengths

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Are your team members matched to work that energizes them?
2. What clues might you be missing about misalignment?
3. How do your own strengths and preferences influence your matching choices?

SUBSCRIBE & SHARE

Think of one team member and one project that may be misaligned. What small adjustment could you make today? Then share this episode with a colleague who’s building a team.

*Gallup, CliftonStrengths, StrengthsFinder, and the CliftonStrengths 34 Themes of Talent are trademarks of Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved. This publication also includes copyrighted content owned by Gallup, Inc. All Gallup intellectual property is used herein under a licensing agreement. The non-Gallup information you are receiving has not been approved and is not sanctioned or endorsed by Gallup in any way. Opinions, views, and interpretations of CliftonStrengths are solely the beliefs of Michael Cottam, the author of this publication.

🔗 AFFILIATE LINKS 

Books referenced in this episode

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP 

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxn

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education
Chapter 2 Prioritize

Ever feel like you’re drowning in tasks with no clear way out? In this episode, Michael and Vernon unpack what it really means to prioritize strategically as a leader. From Covey’s famous “rocks in a jar” to the chaos of Lucy and Ethel in the chocolate factory, they explore how planning, transparency, and agility can rescue your organization from overload. Discover practical tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and learn how to make prioritization a shared habit—not just a yearly report.

In this episode of the Engaged By Design podcast, Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith explore how mid-level leaders can transform chaos into clarity through intentional prioritization. Using memorable metaphors like Stephen Covey’s “Big Rocks” and the “I Love Lucy” chocolate factory sketch, they address the hidden costs of poor prioritization: burnout, missed deadlines, and mission drift. They break down: 

• The illusion of doing it all—and why “should” is not a strategy 
• The role of organizational culture and budgeting in setting (or derailing) priorities 
• Why strategic plans fail, and how to make them living documents 
• How tools like the Eisenhower Matrix and value-based filters can restore focus 
• What the chocolate factory sketch teaches us about pacing and capacity.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

• What are your top 5 priorities right now—and how were they selected?
• How aligned are those priorities with your mission, values, and capacity?
• What are you calling a “big rock” that might actually be polished gravel?

RESOURCES MENTIONED

• Download all Resources on the Blog Resources Page on the Engaged By Design Site.
• Covey’s Big Rocks
• YouTube Video from FranklinCovey
• I Love Lucy
• YouTube Video from Paramount+

SUBSCRIBE & SHARE

Like what you heard? Share this episode with a colleague. Subscribe to the show for more MACRO Leadership strategies—and start leading with clarity, not chaos.

[1] Stephen R. Covey, 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Revised and Updated: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change (Lo

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education

Introducing Engaged By Design — Leading Through VUCA With Innovation and Purpose

Welcome to the first episode of the Engaged By Design podcast! Your co-hosts, Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith, kick off the series with a conversation about who we are, why we started this podcast, and how we plan to help leaders thrive in the middle of change. In this premiere episode, you'll hear:

• How we used (and corrected) ChatGPT to write our intros
• The meaning and implications of the VUCA environment (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, Ambiguity)
• A preview of the MACRO Leadership model — an agile framework for leading change in higher education
• Our mission is to help organizations engage more learners, more effectively, for sustainable growth
• How real innovation must go beyond committees and tweaks—it must transform systems
• The purpose of this podcast is to give practical, leadership-level insight you can apply immediately

We share stories from decades of leadership experience in community colleges, private universities, online institutions, and national-scale innovation initiatives. Whether you're a department chair, director, faculty leader, or senior administrator, we know what it’s like to lead from the middle — and that’s who this podcast is for.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• VUCA is real — and it’s reshaping higher ed. Strong leadership embraces, not avoids, complexity.
• MACRO is your anti-micromanagement approach: Match → Assign → Coach → Reflect → Ovation.
• Radical innovation is possible — and necessary — even in risk-averse institutions.
• We built Engaged By Design to help people like you lead, innovate, and engage with purpose

MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

• MACRO Leadership: Leading Agile Change and Innovation in Higher Education – available now on Amazon
• Claim a free copy of the book (first 10 podcast listeners only): visit the site and use the contact form
• Learn more about us at: www.engagedbydesign.com

Thank you for joining us on this journey. There are so many podcasts you could be listening to — we're honored you chose ours.

SUBSCRIBE & SHARE

If this episode sparked a new idea or helped you reframe a challenge, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with your network. Future episodes will feature expert guests, live coaching moments, and real-world strategies to drive innovation and engagement in higher education.

🔗 AFFILIATE LINKS

• MACRO Leadership, by Michae

Join us at www.engagedbydesign.com to learn more about

• The Course Design Accelerator 
• Faculty-in-the-Loop AI in Higher Education