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.