603: Leading Through Chaos: 7 Superpowers for Uncertain Times with Angel Pérez | The College Essay Guy Podcast: A Practical Guide to College Admissions | Podwise
This episode explores the challenges of leadership in higher education, particularly for deans of admission, against the backdrop of a rapidly changing and often contentious environment. Angel Pérez, CEO of NACAC, discusses his new book, "The Hottest Seat on Campus," which offers a new leadership playbook for navigating these complexities. More significantly, the conversation delves into seven "superpowers" of leadership, including the power of solitude, the art of detachment, and inspiration through inclusivity. For instance, Pérez emphasizes the importance of intentional solitude for better decision-making and shares a practical technique of imagining oneself floating above a tense situation to achieve detachment. As the discussion pivots to practical application, the importance of explaining the "why" behind decisions and building consensus through inclusivity is highlighted. The episode concludes with reflections on self-management, the power of showing up authentically, and the necessity of deep work amidst constant crises, emphasizing the need for leaders to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and learning. What this means for leaders across various sectors is the need to cultivate a mindset shift, prioritizing self-care, building strong teams, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
