Providing central coordination for the undergraduate advising, career services & learning support communities

Podpourri – Episode 6 with Kelley S. Harris

Welcome to the second installment of "Podpourri" a community space to share what podcasts Advising and Career Services staff are listening to and what they're learning from it.

>> Please email GINNY JACKSON if you would like to share a podcast

June 2022
Podpourri Contributor:
Kelley S. Harris, Director of Cross-College Advising Service
Years at UW-Madison: 19
An interesting fact about Kelley:
I grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and when I came to UW-Madison in 2003, my plan was to be here for 5 years ONLY. And nearly 19 years later, I am still here! I hold a Ph.D. in Genetics, and I completed postdoctoral work in the Department of Biochemistry. I totally nerd out on all things molecular biology (think: biology stuff happening inside the cell) and development (think: patterning of the early embryo.) If you want to chat about gastrulation or vernalization, I'm your person!

Kelley’s Podcast Selection:

The Mind Takeaway Podcast

Leadership, Psychology, and Creativity

Micro Episode 16: Exploring Vulnerability in Leadership

Why I choose this podcast series:

I am a fan of The Mind Takeaway Podcast series because I enjoy the mix of topics they typically explore; the subject matter and guests always seem to be fresh, relevant, and accessible. The series feels real and authentic to me. I also like that there are shorter (15 mins) and longer (60 mins) podcasts. Regardless of the length of time, I walk away with insightful and tangible nuggets of wisdom to ponder. This particular episode, “Exploring Vulnerability in Leadership” just resonated with me. In the episode, Peter and Mira describe vulnerability as noticing and naming our emotions; the importance of interrupting the stories in our head; and potential outcomes when we don’t.

How it relates to Kelley’s work:

As a leader, it’s easy to fall into a habit of thinking you ought to have a solution to every problem in the organization you lead. And no one person can do that. It is much more healthy and productive to admit upfront when you don’t have a solution and invite group conversation. Vulnerability can be a tool to release you from that habit of mind. I think the key is recognize when you are feeling vulnerable (which might present as strong feelings); pause and examine why; and move forward authentically.

Kelley’s advice:

Go for your dreams! If not you, who?

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