Leadership & Learning w/Dr. JBT

Today's conversation is part 2 with Sharon Ayala, a leader who doesn't shy away from the real work of leading change. Sharon has stepped into complex environments where expectations are high, priorities are competing, and the pace is relentless. And she's honest about what that actually feels like. In this conversation, Sharon shares openly about the challenges leaders face when everything feels urgent, and everyone needs something. She talks about how she thinks through priorities, how she makes tough decisions without losing sight of the people doing the work, and how she stays grounded when change is constant. What stood out most to me is this: no matter how intense the pressure, Sharon refuses to sacrifice psychological safety. She believes trust isn't a "nice to have" during change; it's the foundation that makes change possible. If you're leading in a season change, this conversation offers grounded insight into how to move forward without losing your people.

Leading Change Through Listening: Building Trust, Buy-In, and Collaboration Special Guest: Sharon Ayala, Vice President for Marketing, Abilene Christian University Change rarely fails because of strategy. It fails because of misalignment, lack of trust, and leaders moving too fast without truly listening. In this episode of Leadership & Learning, Dr. JBT sits down with Sharon Ayala, Vice President for Marketing at Abilene Christian University, to explore what it really takes to lead meaningful change, especially when that change extends beyond your own department. Sharon brings deep experience leading teams through disruption and transformation, reimagining marketing not simply as a service function, but as a driver of institutional momentum, influence, and growth. Throughout the conversation, she shares how clarity of vision, intentional listening, and cross-functional collaboration become essential leadership tools when the path forward is still emerging. Together, they unpack what it looks like to: Gain buy-in from stakeholders outside your direct authority by building shared understanding rather than pushing agendas Create a collaborative mindset across departments with competing priorities Build trust with your own team by listening deeply both to what is said and what remains unspoken Identify the root problem before jumping to solutions, especially in moments of tension or resistance Lead change with confidence, even when outcomes are not yet fully defined This episode is a powerful reminder that listening is not passive; it is one of the most strategic acts of leadership. When leaders slow down to listen well, they create clarity, alignment, and the conditions for others to move forward with confidence. Whether you are leading a department, stepping into a new role, or navigating institutional change that requires influence across boundaries, this conversation offers practical insight and grounded wisdom for leading change that lasts. 🎧 Listen in and reflect: How often do you pause to truly listen before you lead?

Book Recommendation: What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, I explore key insights from What Got You Here Won't Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith—a powerful reminder that the behaviors that helped us rise as leaders can quietly limit our impact at the next level. Rather than focusing on competence or credentials, this conversation centers on behavioral awareness, relational impact, and the discipline of leadership growth. A Few Behaviors That Often Hold Leaders Back Below highlights a few of the 20 behaviors that frequently surface at senior levels: Winning too much – when collaboration turns into competition Adding too much value – unintentionally shutting down others by always jumping in first Failing to listen – listening to respond instead of listening to understand Withholding recognition – assuming appreciation is implied rather than expressed Refusing to apologize – protecting ego at the expense of trust These behaviors are rarely intentional—and often invisible to the leader—but they have a cumulative effect on culture, engagement, and trust. A Simple Framework for Reflection and Growth Awareness alone is not enough. In this episode, I introduce a practical framework leaders can use to move from insight to action: Notice the pattern – identify when and where the behavior shows up Understand the cost – shift from intent to impact Choose one behavior to work on – focus creates momentum Replace, don't just remove – intentionally practice a new behavior Leadership growth at this level is not about adding more skills; it's about letting go of habits that no longer serve. Reflection Question What is one behavior that once helped you succeed but may now be limiting your leadership impact?

As leaders, we often measure growth by outcomes - titles, achievements, and wins we can point to. But real leadership growth rarely feels linear. More often, it happens in the uncomfortable space between who we were and who we are becoming. In this reflective year-end episode, Dr. JBT introduces the practice of reflecting forward—looking back with honesty, not to dwell, but to learn and lead with greater intention. Drawing from a year shaped by personal loss, professional headwinds, and meaningful leadership lessons, she explores how vulnerability, trust, and discomfort can become catalysts for growth rather than signs of failure. This episode invites you to pause, reflect, and consider how the experiences of the past year are shaping the leader you are becoming next. Reflecting Forward: A Leadership Framework Use these questions to guide your own year-end reflection or to prompt conversation with your team: Who was I as a leader at the beginning of this year? What strengths did I rely on the most? What moments stretched me the most—and what did they reveal about my leadership? Where did discomfort signal growth rather than failure? What leadership habits or instincts no longer serve me? Who am I becoming as a leader—and what behaviors must align with that future? Whether you're closing out a challenging year or preparing for a season of change ahead, this episode will help you reflect with purpose and move forward with clarity. Reflection Question: Who are you becoming as a leader and are your daily choices aligned with that future?

In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, we unpack one of the four "I's" of transformational leadership: Intellectual Stimulation. This practice isn't about proving you're the smartest person in the room; it's about creating the environment where the best thinking can emerge. When leaders dominate conversations or rush to provide answers, teams quickly retreat. Ideas fade. Innovation slows. And people stop taking ownership because they assume the leader already has the "right" solution. But when leaders shift from "I must know" to "We will figure this out together," everything changes: engagement rises, confidence grows, and teams begin to think more boldly. In this episode, we explore what it looks like to cultivate curiosity, welcome experimentation, and normalize learning through trial and error. You'll hear real stories of team members developing their own solutions, discovering better processes, and gaining clarity not because they were told what to do but because they were empowered to think. We discuss how leaders can: Ask better questions that unlock deeper thinking Invite ideas early, rather than after decisions are made Celebrate effort and experimentation, not just perfect outcomes Model curiosity by admitting you don't have all the answers Respond to new ideas in ways that encourage more of them These small shifts create psychological safety and help build a culture where people are willing to try, refine, and grow. Intellectual Stimulation isn't about expertise — it's about empowerment. It's about strengthening the thinkers on your team, not just the doers. Reflection Question: When was the last time you said, "That's a great idea — let's try it"? If it's been a while, this episode will help you reignite curiosity and multiply the intelligence around you. If today's message resonated, share the episode with a colleague or someone you mentor. Let's keep building leaders who create environments where curiosity thrives and excellence follows. Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT 

In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, we explore one of the most powerful frameworks for elevating leadership beyond task management — The Four I's of Transformational Leadership: Idealized Influence, Inspirational Motivation, Intellectual Stimulation, and Individualized Consideration. If you've ever wondered how to inspire deeper commitment, strengthen culture, or fuel real change, these Four I's offer a practical roadmap for doing just that. What We Cover How Idealized Influence helps leaders model the behaviors they want to see Why Inspirational Motivation connects everyday work to purpose, hope, and shared vision How Intellectual Stimulation builds a culture of curiosity, innovation, and safe experimentation Why Individualized Consideration is essential for coaching, developing, and caring for people as individuals Key Takeaway Transformational leadership isn't about doing more; it's about leading with intention. When leaders model their values, share the "why," encourage new ideas, and invest in people, they create meaningful culture shifts that last. Your Leadership Challenge This Week Choose one of the Four I's to intentionally practice: Model → Inspire → Stretch → Care If this episode resonated with you, share it with a colleague or someone you mentor. Let's keep growing leaders who lead with purpose and create impact that endures. Subscribe, review, and stay connected — Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT.

Legacy Isn't an Event; It's a Daily Choice In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, we explore a question every leader should ask: What legacy am I building...today? Inspired by the retirement celebration of John, a colleague and friend whose leadership has exemplified humility, consistency, and deeply lived values, this episode examines how the small choices we make each day shape the way people experience us, and ultimately, how they will remember us.   Legacy isn't formed at the end of a career. Legacy is created in real time. And whether we recognize it or not, we're writing our legacy in every meeting, every decision, every conversation, every moment of pressure, and every act of grace. In this episode, we cover: How retirement celebrations reveal the true legacy a leader leaves behind Why daily decisions matter more than major accomplishments The difference between claiming values and living values A powerful reflection question: If your retirement party were today, what would you want people to say about you? A takeaway to sit with: You don't build a legacy at the end. You build it every day. In the quiet choices no one sees, and in the consistent behaviors everyone feels. Call to Action: Take five minutes today to reflect on the legacy you want to leave, and one step you can take right now to move toward the leader you want to become.

In this episode, Dr. JBT explores one of the most overlooked and most powerful dimensions of leadership: lateral influence. New leaders often focus on leading their direct reports. But as you rise through the organization, your success depends less on positional authority and more on your ability to collaborate, align, and build trust with your peers. Dr. JBT unpacks why leading across is just as important as leading down, and how strong peer relationships shape decision-making, culture, and overall organizational health. Through personal stories, practical insights, and a real example from her own leadership team, she illustrates how lateral leadership transforms competition into collaboration and silos into synergy. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why your first team isn't the one you lead; it's the peers you lead alongside. How rising in leadership increases your reliance on cross-departmental relationships. What happens when peers align around shared priorities instead of competing ones. Why lateral influence is essential when you have no authority, only trust and credibility. The subtle but powerful ways silos create friction, and how relationships dissolve them. Practical Strategies to Build Peer Influence: Be Curious, Not Competitive Learn your peers' goals, challenges, and pressures before pushing your own priorities. Assume Positive Intent Most peers aren't resisting you; they're advocating for their teams. Start from trust. Share Credit Generously Celebrate collaboration. Name contributions. Build partnership over rivalry. Create Space to Connect Leadership happens in hallway conversations, coffee chats, and real friendships. Closing Thought: Your peers are not obstacles to navigate; they are partners in achieving the mission. When you strengthen those relationships, you strengthen your influence, your leadership, and your entire organization.  

Episode: The Gratitude Gap — Why Leaders Forget to Express It & How We Close It In this Thanksgiving-week episode of Leadership & Learning, Dr. Jamie Brownlee-Turgeon explores what she calls the Gratitude Gap—the distance between what leaders feel and what they actually express. As the holiday season fills our schedules and drains our emotional bandwidth, even the most appreciative leaders can unintentionally slip into "gratitude silence," assuming people know they're valued while racing from meeting to meeting and goal to goal. Jamie unpacks why this happens, how silence from a leader can be misinterpreted as indifference, and the real cost of unexpressed gratitude—lower engagement, increased burnout, and the slow erosion of trust. She also shares honest reflections from her own leadership journey and highlights what changes when leaders intentionally acknowledge the work and heart of their teams: belonging grows, motivation rises, and trust deepens. The episode closes with simple, sustainable practices to close the Gratitude Gap, from micro-moments of appreciation to weekly habits that take less than ten minutes. Jamie challenges listeners to choose just one gratitude action this month, reminding us that "gratitude unspoken is gratitude wasted," and that the people we lead deserve to know they matter.

When Words Cross a Line In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, Jamie shares two powerful leadership stories — one she wishes she could redo and one she's proud of — both centered around how to handle moments when someone says something inappropriate, rude, or disrespectful in the workplace. These moments can catch any leader off guard. Do you address it immediately? Do you let it go? What's the right balance between confidence and composure? Through her honest storytelling, Jamie invites listeners to reflect on their own leadership reactions and discover how humility, curiosity, and calmness can turn tense interactions into opportunities for growth and understanding. 🔑 Key Takeaways You're not alone. Every leader faces difficult or disrespectful moments, even experienced ones. Pause before reacting. You don't have to "win" the moment. Sometimes, ending a meeting or taking a break is the most powerful move you can make. Be comfortable with awkward. Growth and respect often start in uncomfortable conversations. Stay calm and curious. When emotions run high, choose to listen first. Curiosity disarms defensiveness. It's not always about you. People's frustration often stems from something deeper — loss, change, or misalignment — not necessarily your leadership. Ask, "Could it be me?" Humility opens the door to understanding. 🪞 Reflection Questions When was the last time someone said something disrespectful or hurtful to you at work? How did you respond? How comfortable are you with awkward silence or resistance in meetings? What might change if, instead of reacting, you paused to ask, "What's really going on here?" "You can't control what someone else says or does, but you can control your composure. Sometimes, what sounds like defiance is really disappointment, and what feels like conflict might just be a cry for clarity." — Dr. Jamie J. Brownlee-Turgeon If you've ever been caught off guard by a team member's words, this episode will remind you that leadership isn't about being perfect, it's about being prepared to learn.

Snorkel and Goggles — Learning to Lead When You're Underwater In this episode, Dr. JBT shares a deeply personal leadership story about a season in her career when she felt completely underwater. The story begins with a moment in her office — a team member sighs, "I need a snorkel." That simple statement sparks a memory from over a decade ago, when Jamie herself was newly promoted into a role that felt like moving from a step stool to a 20-foot ladder. Everything was new. Everything was hard. And every day, she felt like she needed a snorkel just to breathe. Through this story, Jamie unpacks two powerful leadership metaphors — the snorkel and the goggles — and how they shaped her growth and perspective as a leader. The Snorkel: Why feeling underwater isn't failure — it's where resilience, grit, and growth are built. The Goggles: How narrowing your focus helps you see clearly amid distractions and competing priorities. The Reality of Growth: Leadership isn't about always being in control. It's about learning to breathe and see clearly even when the water feels rough. "Great leaders aren't the ones who never struggle; they're the ones who learn how to breathe and see clearly while they do." Growth rarely happens in calm, shallow waters. It happens when you're stretched, uncertain, and learning to stay afloat. So if you're in deep water right now — breathe, focus, and keep going. You're becoming the kind of leader who thrives in the deep end.  

Have you ever worked hard, looked around, and thought, "Wait… this doesn't feel fair"? That reaction is more than frustration; it's a human response rooted in Equity Theory. In this episode of Leadership & Learning with Dr. JBT, we dig into why fairness matters so deeply and what leaders can do about it. I unpack the ways employees respond when work feels inequitable — from pulling back effort to negotiating for better outcomes, reframing their mindset, finding new comparisons, or even quitting altogether. You'll learn: What equity theory is and why it matters for engagement and retention. Five common ways people respond when they feel work isn't fair. How leaders can communicate decisions clearly and head off frustration. Practical tips for showing appreciation and inviting honest dialogue about fairness. Whether you're leading a team or reflecting on your own work, this episode will help you spot inequity early and restore balance before great talent walks away. 🎧 Listen now and join me in building a culture of trust, transparency, and motivation.

🎙️ Episode Title: Caring Leadership: Casting More Light Than Shadows – A Conversation with Dr. Ian Slater In this episode of Leadership & Learning, Dr. Ian Slater shares his perspective on caring leadership—a style of leading that is deeply relational, self-aware, and committed to the growth of others. He reminds us that leadership is not static; it is dynamic, evolving, and episodic, shaped by seasons of life and the contexts in which we serve. Dr. Slater emphasizes the importance of inner leadership, knowing both our strengths and our challenge areas—so that we can lead authentically and bring others to the table. As he puts it, "our leadership should cast more light than shadows," a reminder that while all leaders influence in both directions, the goal is to shine light that helps others thrive. At its core, leadership is about inviting others into the journey: recognizing their giftedness, creating space for their contributions, and helping them learn and grow. Titles may provide authority, but true leadership is earned through care, humility, and the ability to help others flourish. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why leadership is dynamic, evolving, and shaped by context The role of inner leadership in knowing your strengths and growth areas How to cast more light than shadows through authentic influence Why caring leadership is about bringing others along, not leading from title alone About Dr. Ian Slater Dr. Ian Slater is a thoughtful leader, educator, and mentor with deep experience in guiding individuals and organizations through growth and transformation. His insights challenge us to lead with care, authenticity, and a commitment to helping others thrive.

🎙️ Episode Title: Leading Change is About the People – A Conversation with Dr. Ava Jones (Part 2) Episode Summary In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Ava Jones, we dive deep into the heart of leading change. Dr. Jones reminds us that effective change leadership isn't about systems, strategies, or checklists first; it's about people. At the foundation of it all is trust: leaders must genuinely care for their people if they expect them to step into change with confidence and commitment. Dr. Jones challenges us to consider three critical practices that make change not only possible but sustainable: Highlighting What is Not Changing – Amid uncertainty, teams need anchors. Dr. Jones calls this focusing on "what endures." By naming the values, mission, or cultural commitments that remain steady, leaders create security and stability during transitions. Inviting Co-Creation – Change is most successful when it is not dictated to people but developed with them. Dr. Jones shares how leaders can invite their teams to become co-creators of the change process, sparking ownership, innovation, and shared accountability. Building Trust through Care – Trust isn't built in a single conversation; it's earned through consistent actions that show people they are valued. Dr. Jones emphasizes that when leaders demonstrate care, they create the conditions where teams will follow them, even through uncertainty. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why clarity about "what endures" provides stability during times of change Practical ways to communicate both continuity and transformation How to move from top-down mandates to shared co-creation with your team Why trust and genuine care are non-negotiable for lasting change About Dr. Ava Jones Dr. Ava Jones is a respected leader and voice in organizational transformation. With years of experience guiding institutions through growth and transition, she offers practical wisdom for leaders navigating complexity while keeping people at the core.

🎙️ Episode 23: Authentic Leadership with Dr. Ava Jones (Part 1) Welcome back to Leadership and Learning with Dr. JBT. In today's episode, I sit down with Dr. Ava Jones, a Senior Workforce Transformation Consultant whose career spans over 25 years of leading large-scale change across healthcare, higher education, banking, non-profits, and federal systems—including the Department of Defense, Navy Medicine, and the Veterans Health Administration. Dr. Jones holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, along with deep expertise in culture, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. She is widely recognized for her ability to translate workforce data into decisions that drive performance and long-term transformation. She designs and facilitates executive workshops, authors thought leadership, and delivers keynote presentations that define best practices in leadership and employee experience. In this first part of our conversation, Dr. Jones shares powerful insights on authentic leadership, with a focus on: Moral Courage — making decisions based on values, not convenience. People First Leadership — why caring for people is the cornerstone of authentic leadership. Authenticity in Action — how leaders can align values, behavior, and culture to create trust and transformation. Her perspective is both practical and inspiring, reminding us that leadership is less about position and more about character and consistency. 🔗 Tune in now to hear Part 1 of this conversation with Dr. Jones, and discover what it means to lead with courage, authenticity, and a people-first mindset. 💭 Question for you: How do you ensure your leadership decisions are driven by values rather than convenience?

In this episode of Leadership and Learning with Dr. JBT, we dig into one of the trickiest skills for leaders to master: delegation. Handing off tasks isn't enough. True delegation is about empowering people with clarity, structure, and trust. But as I learned the hard way, how we provide feedback after delegating can make or break the process. I share a personal story about what one of my team members called my "seagull effect," swooping in on a project mid-flight, leaving untimely feedback, and flying away. It was a wake-up call that shifted how I approach delegation. We'll unpack three key practices to avoid the seagull effect and delegate with impact: Give Clear Direction Upfront – Define the "why," clarify expectations, and outline decision-making authority. Agree on Checkpoints – Build intentional touchpoints that provide support without micromanaging. Provide Confidence-Building Feedback – Refine work with encouragement that strengthens trust and ownership. Key Takeaway: Great leaders don't swoop in to critique; they delegate with clarity, support, and feedback that empowers their teams to soar. 🎧 Listen in to learn how you can turn delegation into a tool for growth, not frustration.

In this episode of Leadership and Learning with Dr. JBT, we explore one of the most overlooked but critical parts of leadership: how to manage participation in meetings. Too often, leaders walk away from meetings wondering: Why did only a few people speak? Were others disengaged? Did the louder voices dominate while others stayed silent? Here's the truth: people want to participate. But not everyone knows how, and it's the leader's role to create the conditions where every voice can be heard. In this episode, Dr. JBT breaks down four common reasons people don't participate in meetings: The same person always talks first. Some people need processing time before they're ready to share. Others hesitate because they're not sure their ideas are "good enough." Someone dominates the discussion and takes up all the oxygen in the room. You'll hear practical strategies to address each of these barriers, from setting expectations and allowing silence, to modeling vulnerability, and even interrupting respectfully when necessary. Dr. JBT also speaks directly to the "offenders" in the room with simple reminders that can transform the way meetings run. "What's one change I can make to draw out more voices in the room?"

In this episode of Leadership and Learning, I explore a challenge every leader faces: balancing the urgent demands of working in the business with the strategic responsibility of working on the business. Too often, leaders get caught in "firefighter mode", constantly putting out emergencies, solving day-to-day problems, and reacting to what's right in front of them. While necessary at times, this approach can leave little space for vision, prevention, and long-term growth. That's where the mindset of the fire marshal comes in. Instead of reacting to every blaze, the fire marshal anticipates risks, puts systems in place, and creates the conditions that reduce the number of fires in the first place. In this conversation, I unpack how leaders can: Recognize when they're stuck in firefighting Create space to think strategically and proactively Build systems that prevent issues before they arise Lead their teams with a balance of responsiveness and foresight Whether you're leading a team, a division, or an entire organization, learning when to be the firefighter and when to be the fire marshal can transform how you lead and how your organization thrives.  

In Part 2 of my conversation with Alby Salsa, Founder & CEO of Raven Eye Consulting, we dive deeper into what it means to lead boldly in today's world of higher education and beyond. Alby challenges us to embrace unconstrained thinking by breaking free from self-imposed limits and imagining what's truly possible when we remove the barriers we place on ourselves and our teams. He also unpacks the dangers of leading from the shadows, reminding us that effective leadership requires courage, visibility, and intentional presence. We also discuss the importance of personal branding. Why putting yourself out there isn't just about self-promotion, but about owning your story, amplifying your values, and modeling authenticity for others. Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode will push you to think bigger, step into the light, and lead with confidence.  

Failing Fast, Putting People First, and Unlocking Hidden Strengths with Alby Salsa In this episode of Leadership and Learning, I sit down with Alby Salsa, Founder and CEO of Raven Eye, and a thought leader in higher education enrollment and student success. Alby brings more than 20 years of experience guiding institutions in building enrollment teams, designing large-scale student coaching programs, and strengthening retention. His leadership journey has included roles as Regional Vice President at InsideTrack, Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Operations at Brandman University, and Senior Director of Enrollment and Retention at Blackboard. Today, through Raven Eye and his podcast Going the Distance, he continues to shape best practices that impact learners nationwide. Our conversation explores: Failing Fast: Why speed and learning matter more than perfection. People First Leadership: Start with your people. Overcoming Self-Doubt: How to unlock what's already within you. The Row Team Analogy: What rowing teaches us about team placement, alignment, and the difference between winning and losing. Whether you're leading a team, navigating higher education, or simply seeking ways to bring out the best in people, Alby's insights will challenge and inspire you. 🔗 Listen now and join the conversation on how we can lead with care, confidence, and strategy.