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LEAD UNI | Leadership, Workplace Culture, Management, Professional Development

LEAD UNI | Leadership, Workplace Culture, Management, Professional Development

by Jesse Heath

Season 1

LEAD UNI Introduction

About LEAD UNI: LEAD UNI is the University of Northern Iowa's leadership podcast featuring authentic conversations with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community leaders. Each episode explores defining leadership moments, real-world challenges, and practical strategies that listeners can apply in their own leadership journey. What Listeners Can Expect: Authentic leadership stories from across the UNI community. Actionable leadership lessons and practical advice. Conversations relevant to leaders at every stage of their career. A new perspective on leadership through each guest's unique experiences. Mission: To help listeners Learn, Engage, Advance, and Develop by sharing leadership experiences that inspire growth and strengthen the UNI community.

001 - Leadership Through Belonging - Connie Hansen

Episode Overview In this episode of LEAD UNI, host Jesse Heath sits down with Connie Hansen, Associate Director of Student Involvement at the University of Northern Iowa. After more than 35 years serving UNI students, Connie has helped shape countless leaders while overseeing some of the university's most recognizable programs, including CAB, Fraternity & Sorority Life, and the Panther Pantry. Rather than focusing on titles or authority, Connie shares a philosophy centered on helping other people succeed. She reflects on difficult conversations with students, creating environments where employees feel valued, adapting to changing generations, and why the most effective leaders build cultures where everyone feels like they belong. Throughout the conversation, Connie offers practical advice on encouragement, delegation, recognition, and the importance of leading with both compassion and accountability. Key Themes Leadership Is About Helping Others Succeed Connie explains why leadership isn't about individual achievement - it's about creating opportunities for others to grow and celebrating the success of the entire team. Belonging Creates Better Teams From staff meetings to student programming, Connie shares how intentional relationship-building, recognition, and shared experiences create stronger, more connected teams. Care and Accountability Can Coexist Some of the hardest leadership moments involve difficult conversations. Connie discusses approaching those conversations with honesty, empathy, and a genuine desire to help people move toward what's best for them. Meeting People Where They Are Whether leading employees or serving students, Connie believes leaders must adapt rather than expect others to fit old systems. Effective leadership evolves with the people you're serving. What You'll Learn Why belonging is one of a leader's greatest responsibilities How recognition and encouragement improve team performance Practical ways to build trust through autonomy and delegation Why admitting mistakes makes leaders more credible How to identify people's strengths and position them for success The importance of adapting leadership to changing employee and student needs Memorable Takeaways Great leaders measure success by how many people they help succeed. Belonging isn't accidental - it's intentionally created. Honest conversations delivered with care build trust over time. Leaders should put people where their strengths can shine. Teams perform best when they're encouraged, recognized, and trusted. Work should be meaningful - but it should also be fun. About LEAD UNI LEAD UNI is a leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa that explores the real experiences behind effective leadership. Each episode features conversations with faculty and staff who share the moments, challenges, and lessons that have shaped how they lead. LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Advance, Develop - a framework designed to help leaders at every stage of their journey grow with purpose.

002 - The Stories That Shape Great Leaders - Danielle McGeough

Episode Overview In this episode of LEAD UNI, host Jesse Heath sits down with Danielle McGeough, faculty member in the Department of Communication and Media at the University of Northern Iowa. As a communication scholar, artistic director of the Interpreters Theatre, and researcher focused on storytelling, identity, and social change, Danielle explores how the stories we tell ourselves - and others - shape the way we lead. Rather than treating storytelling as a communication tactic, Danielle reframes it as a leadership practice. Together, Jesse and Danielle discuss how our personal narratives influence confidence, decision-making, relationships, and organizational culture. They explore why authentic leaders continually rewrite the stories they tell themselves, how reflection creates agency, and why meaningful leadership begins with understanding your own identity before trying to influence others. Follow Danielle’s work online at Plan Goal Plan. Key Themes Storytelling as a Leadership Tool Leadership isn't just about communicating information - it's about inviting people into a shared story that gives meaning to the work they do. Identity Shapes Leadership The stories we tell ourselves influence how we show up, whether we're leading from confidence and connection or from a need to prove ourselves. Authenticity Over Perfection Danielle reflects on embracing the qualities she once viewed as weaknesses and explains how authenticity became one of her greatest leadership strengths. Creating Meaning Every Day Leadership isn't built through occasional big moments - it develops through intentional daily choices that align with the future we want to create. What You'll Learn How your self-narrative influences your leadership style Why reflection is one of the most powerful leadership habits Practical ways to prepare yourself before difficult conversations How storytelling creates stronger organizational cultures Why leaders should communicate with their audience's needs - not their own - in mind How small, intentional actions compound into lasting leadership growth Memorable Takeaways Everyone has a story worth telling - and a future story they're still writing. Great leaders don't lead from a place of proving themselves; they lead from belonging. Reflection creates clarity, and clarity creates better leadership. The stories leaders tell should help others see themselves in the mission. Organizations build culture one conversation - and one story - at a time. About LEAD UNI LEAD UNI is a leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa that highlights real leadership experiences from across campus. Each episode features meaningful conversations with faculty and staff who share practical leadership lessons, defining moments, and strategies that listeners can apply in their own work. LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Advance, Develop - a framework for continuous leadership growth at every stage of your career.

003 - Leave It Better Than You Found It - Lane Kruger

Episode Overview In this episode of LEAD UNI, host Jesse Heath sits down with Lane Kruger, a student who graduated in spring 2026 at the University of Northern Iowa. Throughout his time at UNI, Lane has helped students discover their potential by creating opportunities for involvement, leadership, and personal growth. This conversation explores how great leaders create impact - not through titles or recognition, but by investing in people and leaving organizations stronger than they found them. Lane shares lessons from his leadership journey, discusses why saying "yes" to opportunities impacted his time as a student, and explains how intentional relationships, curiosity, and continuous improvement shape effective leaders. Whether you're leading a department, a student organization, or your first team, this episode offers practical insights into building influence through service and helping others succeed. Key Themes Leadership Through Impact Leadership isn't measured by position - it's measured by the positive impact you leave on people and organizations. Embracing Opportunity Career growth often comes from saying "yes" to opportunities before you feel completely ready. Continuous Improvement Great leaders focus less on preserving their own legacy and more on creating systems that allow future leaders to build something even better. Relationships First Meaningful leadership begins with authentic relationships and a genuine investment in helping others grow. What You'll Learn Why impact is a better measure of leadership than authority. How embracing unexpected opportunities accelerates personal and professional growth. Practical ways to develop emerging leaders through trust and empowerment. Why curiosity and adaptability are essential leadership skills. How to create a culture of continuous improvement that outlasts any one leader. Memorable Takeaways Leadership is about creating opportunities for others - not yourself. Your greatest legacy is preparing the next leader to succeed. Growth happens when you're willing to step outside your comfort zone. Small investments in people can create lasting ripple effects. The goal isn't to be remembered - it's to leave the organization stronger than when you arrived. About the Guest Lane Kruger is a former student from the University of Northern Iowa who graduated in Spring 2026. Lane helps others develop leadership skills, build meaningful campus connections, and engage in experiences that prepare them for success beyond graduation. Passionate about storytelling, creativity, and student development, Lane is dedicated to helping others recognize their potential and create lasting impact wherever they lead. Follow Lane’s work online at Kruger Co. Productions. About LEAD UNI LEAD UNI is a leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa that highlights real leadership experiences from across campus. Each episode explores defining moments, leadership challenges, and practical strategies from leaders across higher education. LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Advance, Develop - a framework designed to support leadership growth at every level.

004 - Leadership Begins with Showing Up - Anya Lovstuen

Episode Overview In this episode of LEAD UNI, host Jesse Heath sits down with Anya Lovstuen, a recent University of Northern Iowa graduate whose leadership journey illustrates how small opportunities, meaningful relationships, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone can shape both personal and professional growth. Throughout her time at UNI, Anya immersed herself in leadership experiences ranging from Cat Crew and student employment to mentoring fellow students. Rather than focusing on titles or authority, she shares why leadership is rooted in service, consistency, and helping others recognize their own potential. This conversation explores how confidence develops through experience, why mentorship matters, and how creating welcoming environments encourages others to become leaders themselves. Anya also reflects on the importance of taking initiative, embracing discomfort, and leaving organizations stronger than you found them. Key Themes Leadership Through Service Leadership isn't about having a title - it's about showing up for others, supporting your peers, and creating opportunities for those around you to succeed. Confidence Through Experience Growth comes from saying yes to opportunities, learning through challenges, and recognizing that confidence is built over time rather than possessed from the beginning. The Power of Mentorship Every leader benefits from someone who believes in them. Anya reflects on the mentors who invested in her and why paying that investment forward matters. Creating Lasting Impact Strong organizations develop future leaders by building systems, traditions, and cultures that continue long after individual leaders move on. What You'll Learn Why leadership begins long before receiving a formal title. How stepping outside your comfort zone accelerates personal growth. The role mentorship plays in developing confident leaders. Practical ways to create belonging and engagement within teams. Why leadership is measured by the people you help develop. Memorable Takeaways Great leaders create opportunities for others before they create opportunities for themselves. Confidence is built through action - not before it. Every interaction is an opportunity to make someone feel they belong. The strongest leaders invest in people who will eventually replace them. About the Guest Anya Lovstuen recently graduated from the University of Northern Iowa after building an impressive record of student leadership across campus. Through roles in Cat Crew, student employment, and numerous campus initiatives, she developed a passion for mentoring others, creating welcoming environments, and helping fellow students discover their own leadership potential. Her perspective demonstrates that leadership isn't reserved for those with formal authority - it's cultivated through relationships, service, and a commitment to helping others grow. About LEAD UNI LEAD UNI is a leadership podcast from the University of Northern Iowa that highlights real leadership experiences from across campus. Each episode explores defining moments, challenges, and practical advice from UNI leaders, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. LEAD stands for Learn, Engage, Advance, Develop - a framework designed to support leadership growth at every stage of your career.