This episode features Dr. Sonia Toson, VPof Organizational Effectiveness, Leadership and Institutional Development and Associate Professor of Business Law at Kennesaw State University, as she shares how she blends strategy, humanity, and clear communication to guide people and organizations through constant change. The conversation highlights both her systems-level work and the personal side of how she leads and teaches.

• Conversation with Dr. Toson on how she helps a fast-growing university improve processes, manage change, and develop leaders across different colleges
• Discussion of her leadership style, including how she builds trust, supports her team through multiple reorganizations, and partners closely with the university president while keeping people at the center of every decision
• Exploration of how she simplifies complex topics like law, negotiation, and contextual leadership, using relatable examples and real-life experience so others can understand and apply these ideas
• Practical advice on thriving during change instead of just surviving, from mentally preparing for different scenarios to focusing on the core “work” and values rather than buzzwords, titles, or politics

The Business of Creativity Podcast - Tai M. Brown

Dr. Ian Williamson, Dean of UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, shares how he applies his assessment framework to both his leadership role and the organizations he advises. He explains that, whether leading an academic institution or consulting with companies, success depends on regularly understanding the external environment, evaluating operational health, and aligning strategy with future trends.

• He applies the same logic to organizational assessment: identify external shifts, sense them early through the right advisors, and translate insights into strategy, hiring, and service design
• His talent management philosophy includes building internal capabilities (“making”) alongside acquiring new talent (“buying”) to create sustainable performance

Williamson’s approach highlights that effective leadership requires continual reflection on where time is spent, awareness of the environment’s influence, and disciplined adjustments to remain relevant. – The Business of Creativity Podcast – Tai M. Brown

BOCreativity Question: When should an entrepreneur's role change within the company they founded?

Peak Sports MGMT executives, Ryan Holloway (President) and Wes Abercrombie (Vice President), talk about evolving roles within the company. Holloway, co-founder and president, has been the technician, the manager, and the entrepreneur throughout the company's existence. Abercrombie started in an entry-level position and has worked his way up to the #3 executive within the organization. The two hash out roles and responsibilities as Abercrombie's role and influence has grown along with the company.

Peak Sports MGMT is a 3rd Party Multi-Marketing company which operates primarily within the college athletics industry. - The Business of Creativity Podcast - Tai M. Brown