Episode 22

What if your academic background could become your greatest leadership strength?

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Dr. Michelle Loyet—known as the “Shenanigans Wrangler” in the book MACRO Leadership—joins Dr. Michael Cottam and Dr. Vernon Smith to share how anthropology became her leadership superpower. As interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Webster University, Michelle has spent nearly two decades helping the institution innovate, adapt, and serve learners around the globe.

In this episode, Michelle reveals how anthropology’s tools—cultural observation, data analysis, and adaptability—translate into practical leadership skills. She also takes us inside the launch of Agile sprints at Webster University, where quick wins, visible progress, and language shifts helped overcome skepticism and accelerate change.

- How anthropology prepares leaders to understand and adapt to organizational culture
- Why data analysis and meaning-making are vital leadership skills
- The story of Webster University’s first Agile sprints and their impact on student success
- How quick wins and visible accountability built momentum for change
- The role of language in shaping culture ('impediments,' 'how might we,' and no 'devil’s advocate')

00:00 – Welcome and introductions
02:00 – Michelle’s journey from anthropology to administration
06:00 – Anthropology as a corporate superpower
10:00 – Launching Agile sprints at Webster University
15:00 – The power of quick wins and visible accountability
20:00 – Overcoming naysayers and skeptics
30:00 – Building coalitions across academics and IT
35:00 – Visualizing progress with sprint boards
45:00 – Language shifts that changed the culture
48:00 – Outro & reflection question

How might you apply your own disciplinary superpowers—whether anthropology, linguistics, biology, or statistics—to your leadership practice this week?

📖 MACRO Leadership book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3IAp2VG
📘 Free MACRO Leadership Workbook: https://engagedbydesign.com

Episode 21

Competency-Based Learning and the Future of Work — with Dr. Calli Morrison (Part 3 of 3)

In the final part of our three-part series, Dr. Cali Morrison dives into the world of competency-based education (CBE), micro-credentials, and the future of learning and work. She shares how she helped build direct assessment CBE programs at American Public University System, explains the value of micro-credentials and NanoCerts, and discusses how digital badges give learners visibility and ownership of their skills.

Calli also reflects on her current work at EdAssist, where she helps healthcare organizations build career pathways that grow talent from within. Along the way, she offers leadership lessons for innovators—especially women—about embracing failure, taking risks, and engaging learners through authentic assessment.

This episode highlights how education and workforce development are converging, and how innovation can serve real learners.

• How Calli became involved in competency-based education (CBE)
• The difference between direct assessment and credit-hour CBE models
• Why micro-credentials and NanoCerts give learners valuable milestones
• How digital badges empower learners to own and share their achievements
• Calli’s current work with EdAssist building healthcare career pathways
• Leadership lessons on innovation, risk, and supporting women leaders
• Why authentic assessment and co-learning engage more learners effectively

How can you build in authentic assessment to make learning more visible and relevant?

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Explore coaching services: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/store
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook
• Get the book: MACRO Leadership on Amazon: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 20

In this second part of our three-part series, Dr. Cali Morrison takes us inside two major projects that shaped the future of higher education: Transparency by Design and the Predictive Analytics Reporting (PAR) Framework. These efforts paved the way for program-level transparency, skills-based hiring, and data-driven student success strategies.

Calli shares how Transparency by Design helped adult learners make informed decisions by comparing program-level outcomes, and how the PAR Framework demonstrated the power of shared data to predict student persistence and drive interventions. Along the way, she tells the unforgettable story of her daughter Bryce—the 'PAR baby'—born on the very day a Gates Foundation grant proposal was due.

This conversation highlights the importance of transparency, collaboration, and the human side of innovation in education.

• The origins and goals of Transparency by Design
• Why program-level data is vital for adult learners making college choices
• How accreditors and even the Department of Defense adopted metrics from the initiative
• The creation and impact of the Predictive Analytics Reporting (PAR) Framework
• The unforgettable story of the 'PAR baby' and the human side of innovation

How could your team use data not just to measure, but to intervene early and change student outcomes?

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Get the book: MACRO Leadership on Amazon: https://amzn.to/476zHRP
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 19

In this episode of the Engaged By Design Podcast, Dr. Vernon Smith and Dr. Michael Cottam kick off a three-part conversation with Dr. Cali Morrison, Senior Director of Workforce Education and Strategy at EdAssist by Bright Horizons.

Calli shares how a rural sociology class—and one infamous challenge involving cow urine—helped spark her unexpected entry into higher education. She reflects on the power of engaged learning, the importance of clear learning objectives, and why she walked away from a major when a professor couldn’t explain the purpose of an assignment.

Most importantly, Cali reveals her personal “why”: to help adults keep learning throughout their lives without giving up the parts of life that matter most. Inspired by her parents and mentors, she has built a career committed to making education more flexible, accessible, and meaningful.

• How Cali “fell into” higher education through the Montana State University Extension Service
• The rural sociology professor whose teaching style left a lasting impression
• The infamous “cow urine for an A” story and what it says about engaged learning
• Why unclear learning objectives once led Cali to change her career path
• Cali’s personal “why” and how family experiences shaped her mission in education

Where in your courses, programs, or trainings do you need to clarify the learning objectives so learners know exactly why it matters?

• Learn more about Engaged By Design: https://engagedbydesign.com
• Free 10-Lesson MACRO Leadership Course: https://www.engagedbydesign.com/macroleadershipbook

Episode 18

In part two of our conversation, Dr. Jennifer Brock discusses program innovation, credit for prior learning, and how AI is reshaping course design and student success at scale.

In this second episode with Dr. Jennifer Brock, we explore her leadership in designing stackable credentials, building credit for prior learning pathways, and leading groundbreaking grant-funded projects like Rio Compass. She shares insights into scaling student success through technology and human connection, her experience presenting to Bill Gates, and how AI is helping accelerate course development without sacrificing quality. Jennifer’s career illustrates how innovation in education requires both passion and persistence — whether in the classroom, in program design, or in rethinking how technology supports learners.

Reflection Question: How can your institution better recognize the learning that students bring with them—whether from work, life experience, or prior education?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 17

Dr. Jennifer Brock shares her journey from theater to sciences, her path into teaching, and the transformative power of dual enrollment in shaping student identity and confidence.

In this episode of the Engaged by Design Podcast, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam welcome Dr. Jennifer Brock, Executive Vice President of Online Education, Academics, and Services at the Academy of Art University. Jennifer reflects on her journey from musical theater to biology, her passion for teaching, and her pioneering role in dual enrollment. She shares how early opportunities shaped her confidence and how dual enrollment empowers students to see themselves as college-ready.

We also hear about her transition into higher education leadership and her early innovations in program design.

Reflection Question:
How has a teacher, mentor, or early opportunity shaped your confidence and career path?

Affiliate Links:

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC
• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 16

In part two of our conversation with Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College, we shift from Calbright’s mission to the challenges and lessons of leading innovation.

Shannon shares candidly about her leadership journey, the mentors who shaped her path, and the values she carries into her role. She reflects on how authenticity, feedback, and even humor create stronger teams, and why being open and vulnerable is key for leaders navigating change.

Highlights from this episode include:

• How to stay authentic and resilient while leading disruptive innovation.
• The cultural values that guide Calbright’s “small but mighty” team.
• The role of AI in course design, assessment, and tutoring — and why it’s about the right tech at the right time.
• Rethinking general education around “durable skills” such as communication, problem-solving, and digital literacy.
• Shannon’s vision for the future includes three-year degree models and integrating AI literacy across programs.

Shannon leaves us with a challenge question: to know your purpose and let it guide your innovation and leadership.

Affiliate Links:

Books referenced in this episode

• MACRO Leadership, by Michael Cottam: https://amzn.to/476zHRP

• The Let Them Theory by Mel Robins: https://amzn.to/42hgidJ

The technology we used

• Shure MV7+ Microphone: https://amzn.to/4obxnPC

• Shure MV7i Microphone with Audio Interface: https://amzn.to/3GX0Jkb

Episode 15

In part 1 of this conversation, Vernon Smith and Michael Cottam reconnect with their longtime colleague and friend, Dr. Shannon McCarty, Vice President of Learning and Instruction at Calbright College.

Shannon shares her journey from faculty at Rio Salado College to leadership roles at National University and Bay Path University, and now to her work at Calbright — California’s 116th and newest community college. Together, they explore:

• How Calbright’s startup culture is challenging the status quo in higher education.
• Calbright's mission to expand equity and access through free, competency-based programs.
• The role of human-centered design and employer partnerships in creating relevant learning.
• Real-world success stories of micro-internships with companies like HubSpot that led directly to jobs.
• How Calbright is rethinking assessment and demonstration of skills to prepare students for the workforce.

Shannon reminds us that meaningful innovation isn’t about adding more technology — it’s about designing around student needs, fostering equity, and keeping the focus on outcomes.

Reflection Question for Listeners:
What lessons can you beg, borrow, or steal from Calbright that might apply to your context and your institution?

Next Episode Teaser:
In part two of our conversation, we’ll go deeper into Calbright’s team culture, the challenges of building something new, and the role of AI in shaping the future of higher education.