In this episode of Candid Conversations, Chris and Candice sit down with Jen Anderson, Assistant Director of IT at the School of Information Sciences, and Lauren Gray, Data Analyst and Decision Support and Strategy Lead at Gies College of Business. Both guests are 2025 alumni from the University of Illinois IT Leadership Workshop, a three-month leadership development program for IT and IT-adjacent leaders on campus, and they reflect on how the experience changed the way they think about leadership, communication, and growth.

Jen and Lauren discuss what motivated them to join ITLW, the leadership gaps they hoped to address, and the biggest challenges they faced during the workshop. Both point to the group project as a defining experience, especially the challenge of working with peers who all brought leadership strengths to the table. Their conversation highlights the realities of collaboration, navigating different voices, and learning how to lead when no one person is officially in charge.

The episode also explores how both have applied what they learned in practical ways at work. Jen shares how she has become more intentional about communication, especially when working with remote employees and ensuring that important conversations do not stay trapped in hallway chats. Lauren talks about using feedback more deliberately, developing a client feedback survey, and continuing to seek input as she takes on new projects and responsibilities. Together, they reflect on the value of time management, self-awareness, delegation, and learning to lead with greater purpose.

The conversation closes with broader reflections on leadership, including common mistakes emerging leaders make, the importance of understanding culture before making big changes, and the difference between leadership and title. Jen and Lauren also offer advice for early-career professionals: build strong habits, say yes to growth opportunities, and stay open to discomfort because that is often where confidence develops. It is an honest, thoughtful, and encouraging episode about becoming a leader intentionally and learning to grow one step at a time.

Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Senior Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.

In this episode of Candid Conversations, Chris and Candice welcome Venetria K. Patton, the Harry E. Preble Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Dean Patton reflects on the leadership journey that brought her from faculty roles in English and African American studies to major administrative positions at Purdue University and the University of Illinois. She opens up about the early experiences that shaped her understanding of leadership, including serving on a graduate advisory committee and learning the value of having a seat at the table where decisions are made.

Patton also shares the influence of mentors and role models who modeled strong leadership through listening, thoughtfulness, and the ability to navigate conflict. Just as important, she explains how she learned from less effective leaders by observing what not to do. That perspective helped her develop a leadership philosophy centered on integrity, collaboration, and inclusive decision-making, with a focus on creating environments where people feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute.

The conversation turns to her academic work and the challenge of balancing scholarship with the demands of being dean of the largest college on campus. Patton discusses her research on Black women writers and the Harlem Renaissance, along with the ongoing projects she continues to pursue while managing a packed administrative schedule. She also speaks about the college’s future, including online degree completion, AI, academic freedom, personalized education, and the need to help LAS stand out as a place of broad expertise and impact across many disciplines.

Later in the episode, Patton reflects on the habits that sustain her, from intentional work-life integration to protecting time for family, rest, and even a relaxing hair appointment. She also shares a surprising personal side: her background as a dancer, soccer player, coach, and referee, and how those experiences still shape her leadership today. The conversation closes with a thoughtful reminder that people should not postpone their lives in pursuit of work alone, and that balance, joy, and purpose matter now.

Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Senior Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.

In this episode, Chris and Candice go one-on-one for a candid conversation sparked by Chris’s recent Substack post, “Leading Through Our Fractures.” They open by grounding the moment in Black History Month, with Candice noting its significance and encouraging listeners to keep learning because Black history is American history. From there, the episode settles into a reflective, personal discussion about leadership, identity, and the real stories that shape how we show up at work.

Chris introduces the core idea behind “leading through our fractures”: the belief that leaders don’t become credible by appearing flawless—they become relatable by acknowledging what’s real. He connects this to the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pottery is repaired with gold, making the cracks part of the beauty rather than something to hide. Candice shares why this resonated so deeply: our flaws and missteps aren’t just baggage, they’re often the very things that make us uniquely grounded, empathetic, and effective—if we learn how to carry them with intention.

Together, they explore the tricky middle ground between being an authentic, vulnerable leader and oversharing in a way that becomes unsteady or inappropriate. Candice talks about learning where that line is by watching examples of what not to do, and by paying attention to feedback when she shares something personal in a way that helps others grow. They dig into empathy too—how it’s less about claiming you “know exactly how someone feels” and more about listening, asking questions, and letting your own experiences with challenge make you more compassionate without turning it into a comparison game.

The conversation gets personal as both reflect on how childhood experiences echo into adulthood leadership. Chris names the lingering impact of not being “picked” growing up, and how that quietly fueled a need for approval and expertise—until he learned to notice it and choose differently. He also brings in ideas from Positive Intelligence (and the notion of internal “saboteurs”), sharing how his own restlessness can push unnecessary change unless he checks his motives. They wrap on a lyrical note, referencing a line Candice highlighted—about broken pieces, scars, and harmony—underscoring the episode’s theme: when leaders embrace the cracks with honesty and boundaries, they don’t look weaker… they look more whole.

To read the article that inspired this epiosde, please visit https://thinkfeellead.substack.com/p/leading-through-our-fractures

In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Chris and Candice welcome guest James Quisenberry, who leads IT for Student Affairs at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and co-founded the campus IT Leadership Workshop. Together they unpack servant leadership—rooted in Robert Greenleaf’s 1970 essay “The Servant as Leader”—as a philosophy where a leader’s primary goal is to serve the people and the organization. Candice walks through hallmark traits like empathy, deep listening, community-building, self- and organizational awareness, stewardship, commitment to growth, and humility—framing how these build trust, morale, innovation, retention, and ethical cultures.

The trio contrasts servant leadership with more traditional, hierarchical models, noting how generational shifts changed how people want to be led. They surface a core tension leaders must navigate: balancing autonomy and agency with organizational clarity and speed. Chris shares how his team uses “disagree and commit” to invite inclusive debate before moving decisively—and how accountability is not at odds with compassion. James pushes back on the misconception that servant leadership is “soft,” arguing it often means serving people best by holding them to clear standards, and by prioritizing the whole organization over a one-to-one dynamic.

Personal origin stories come through: Candice’s grounding in Alpha Phi Omega’s service ethos; James’ upbringing with educator parents and long-time involvement in Rotary and Scouting; and Chris recognizing service in his own leadership through feedback from his team. They explore how to cultivate the “heart” of a servant leader—through active listening reps, identity-based habits, and service outside of work. Mentorship and coaching emerge as essential—trusted partners who “won’t let you believe your own BS” and help you check ego, motivation, and perception.

Finally, they get candid about the hard parts: resisting the urge to rush to solutions, getting out of your own head, and truly listening (especially when you love to talk). They offer practical moves: ask “What serves the organization?” on big calls; celebrate team contributions so success is shared; treat ego as a potential tailwind—not a headwind; and use accountability to remove barriers to others’ growth. Chris closes with a story where stepping back let the team find a better answer—proof that servant leadership can drive both stronger culture and stronger results.

Season 2 of Candid Conversations opens with a twist—hosts Candice and Chris step out of their usual roles and into the hot seat, interviewed by their longtime producer and behind-the-scenes champion, Bob Dignan. Bob, Associate Director for Instructional Media Resources at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, brings thoughtful questions submitted by listeners (and a few of his own) to get the conversation rolling with candor, insight, and vulnerability.

The episode kicks off with reflections from Season 1, including a powerful takeaway from guest Tekita Bankhead about the cost of code-switching, and a reminder from Dean Jamelle Sharpe that even senior leaders are fully human—gamers, parents, and everything in between. This theme of authenticity continues as Candice opens up about her experiences with workplace harassment, sharing the profound leadership lessons it taught her about boundaries, vulnerability, and the power of speaking up. Chris responds with transparency of his own, discussing the growing pains that come with rapid institutional expansion, the underestimation of management needs, and how interpersonal dynamics change as teams scale.

The conversation takes a nuanced look at the difference between leadership and management, introducing the framework of "why, what, and how" to help listeners identify their strengths and growth areas. Candice and Chris both reflect on how they’ve evolved from managing to leading and how surrounding yourself with the right people is crucial—both for getting the work done and for making work a place you want to be.

Bob also pulls out insightful questions around leading from anywhere, dealing with criticism, and maintaining composure in a climate of uncertainty across higher education. Personal stories—from a student group project to an internal promotion sparked by stepping up—underscore the idea that leadership isn't about title, but action. The episode wraps with advice for early-career professionals, underscoring the value of filling gaps, building trust, and finding a workplace culture that energizes you. And yes—Candice and Chris would both choose skydiving over scuba diving.

This episode marks a fitting return for Candid Conversations, reminding us that leadership is as much about listening and evolving as it is about strategy and vision.

In this episode of Candid Conversations, Chris and Candice welcome Dr. Kevin Jackson, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With an extensive background in accounting and academic leadership, including his tenure as Associate Dean at Gies College of Business, Dr. Jackson shares an authentic and deeply personal exploration of his journey into educational leadership. From his humble beginnings to his current role overseeing the undergraduate experience for tens of thousands of students, Dr. Jackson speaks candidly about what motivates him and how his faith, values, and relationships shape his leadership style.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Jackson reflects on the nature of calling versus career, noting that his progression into leadership has often been spurred by others recognizing qualities in him before he recognized them in himself. He discusses the transition from faculty life to administration and how his missional approach to higher education led him to embrace roles that aligned more closely with his values, even when self-promotion and ambition were not part of the equation. His reflections on the challenges of balancing transparency with professional discretion offer a nuanced look at the ethical complexities of leadership in higher ed.

Listeners will be moved by Dr. Jackson’s emphasis on relational leadership—his belief in leading through empathy, listening, and care for the well-being of others. He offers heartfelt insights into maintaining work-life balance, the importance of boundaries, and redefining discipline as the ability to step away and be present for what matters most. Personal stories, such as his church fellowship group and his newfound passion for birding, offer glimpses into the rhythms that keep him grounded.

As the episode closes, Dr. Jackson speaks directly to aspiring leaders, encouraging them to lead with a clear sense of purpose and mission. Whether reluctant or ambitious, he asserts, effective leadership begins with knowing what you hope to accomplish and staying true to your values. His candid reflections and unwavering focus on the human side of higher education will resonate with educators, students, and leaders alike.

In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Chris and Candice welcome Sparkle Sanders, a certified leadership consultant, speaker, and coach with Maxwell Leadership. With over 20 years of experience in business and marketing, Sparkle now leads AddSpark Consulting and partners with organizations ranging from Parkland College to the Girl Scouts of Central Illinois and the University of Illinois. She's also the founder of Full Truth LLC, a global ministry centered on encouragement and spiritual growth, and the author of 180 Days of Beautiful Truth.

Sparkle shares the deeply personal journey behind her unique name and how embracing its meaning—"to shine brightly with flashes of light"—mirrored her path toward authentic leadership. Initially trained in marketing, her career pivoted after years of burnout and disillusionment sparked a desire to understand what makes great leaders thrive. Sparkle candidly discusses how she moved from internalizing frustration to discovering her true calling through leadership development. A pivotal moment came during a John Maxwell mastermind course, where she recognized the difference between professional and leadership development and committed to cultivating leaders from the inside out.

Throughout the episode, Sparkle outlines the core leadership challenges she encounters in her work—confidence issues, imposter syndrome, and communication breakdowns—and how she leverages DISC assessments and individualized coaching to help clients rediscover their strengths and lead with clarity. Her approach is deeply reflective and holistic, incorporating her Christian faith, regular journaling, exercise, and even cooking as outlets for balance and rejuvenation. Sparkle’s methodology includes interactive, innovative coaching strategies like the Leadership Game, fostering connection and growth even in remote and newly formed teams.

In a particularly touching segment, Sparkle opens up about hard feedback she’s received and how moments of embarrassment became catalysts for self-awareness and growth. From confronting emotional reactions in the workplace to finding clarity through stillness and faith, Sparkle exemplifies the power of self-leadership. She leaves listeners with a reminder that leadership transformation starts within—and that being seen, understood, and empowered is possible for everyone. Her name may have come from a movie, but Sparkle Sanders lives up to it every day by lighting the way for others.

You can learn more about Sparkle Sanders at https://sparklesanders.com/about-sparkle

In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, Candice and Chris welcome Josh Henry, the newly appointed Assistant Director of Research Collaborative Services in the Office of the CIO at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. With a rich career that began in 1999 and spanned over two decades within the College of ACES, Josh shares an inspiring journey marked by personal growth, meaningful mentorship, and a deep commitment to supporting research through IT. Josh recounts how early experiences—from fixing printers in faculty offices to listening in on groundbreaking research conversations—fostered a profound connection to the university’s mission and ignited a passion for collaborative support in research.

Josh offers an insightful reflection on how leadership opportunities emerged from acts of curiosity and service rather than ambition. He discusses how mentors like Paul Hixson modeled a people-first approach that continues to shape his own leadership style—one grounded in empathy, trust, and a belief in empowering others. He emphasizes the importance of helping IT professionals see the broader impact of their work and encourages them to engage with the research community through events and lectures to foster this understanding. Josh also speaks candidly about moments when he felt overlooked, using those experiences to shape a leadership value centered on generously sharing credit.

Delving into his current role, Josh describes the exciting challenge of uniting a decentralized research IT community. He’s especially proud of emerging cross-campus collaborations that bring together technologists, librarians, and data experts to collectively elevate research support. Despite the current uncertainty in federal research funding, Josh sees a growing culture of empathy and mutual support among campus researchers and staff. His vision for the future includes more inclusive governance and sustained conversations that allow diverse voices to influence strategy and direction.

Beyond the professional, listeners get a glimpse into Josh’s personal routines and passions, including daily coffee with his wife, an insatiable love for books—particularly science fiction—and his surprising side gig as a certified National Weather Service storm spotter. As the conversation wraps, Josh encourages listeners to either seek or offer kindness in their professional communities, reinforcing the idea that leadership is as much about creating space for others as it is about taking initiative. This candid, heartfelt conversation is a testament to the quiet power of collaboration, curiosity, and care in shaping a meaningful career in IT leadership.