castropod: Recent Episodes

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Shownotes Episode 14: Jack Kahn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-kahn-79136131/

On September 8, 2020 … and again on December 18, 2020 Jack Kahn and I talked about his approach to leadership and what it was like to lead a team during the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jack’s background as a counseling psychologist really prepared him to lead a college through an emergency. We also talk about chili peppers, music and masculinities.

Naomi’s takeaways from this conversation: 1. We are making mistakes. It’s happening. Take responsibility, come together to fix it, improve and move on. 2. Prioritize health and safety, prioritize data and research, listening to science, and listen to women … in the case of the pandemic Black women scientists. https://tinyurl.com/zw5zzmzz 3. Take things seriously and also make sure to make time to build community. Seriousness and care. 4. Okay, okay, Misfit’s Earth AD is pretty good.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Favorite hot sauce? Homemade 2. Band or musician who never gets old? Son House and the Ramones. 3. Most underrated dessert? Key Lime Pie. 4. Best $100 ever spent? Misfits Coffin Box Set.

Jack mentioned the following organizations: Association of California Community College Administrators www.accca.com

Community College League of California https://ccleague.org

Playlists Son House https://tinyurl.com/36wc7vzx

Ramones https://tinyurl.com/xbtrkefm

Misfits https://tinyurl.com/2ftx8zzh

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 13: Angélica Garcia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-angélica-garcia-05442842/

Dr. Garcia is the Berkeley City College President and a dear friend. We found some time last spring to have a conversation. I would love to shadow Angélica for a week or two and just learn how she manages a vibrant, exciting college and a healthy family life. That would be a master class in leadership. But until then it was a joy to talk and learn with her. Listen in.

Naomi’s takeaways from this conversation: 1. Trust your instincts and move forward as opportunities present themselves. 2. Trust your team 3. Inform your decisions with perspective from others – students, classified staff, faculty, the cabinet team 4. Stay grounded in data, research and the community you serve. 5. Unity is our superpower

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Favorite hot sauce? Mom's homemade salsa 2. Band or musician who never gets old? Julieta Venegas https://youtu.be/y8rBC6GCUjg 3. Most underrated dessert? Vanilla Ice Cream 4. Best $100 ever spent? Pre-pandemic a professional backpack you can find here: https://tinyurl.com/av4ftn59 Pandemic time support for Reading Bug, especially the podcasts: https://www.thereadingbug.com

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 12: Chris Nellum LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnellum/ Linked Tree: https://linktr.ee/cnellum

Last spring, April 2021, my dear friend and colleague Chris Nellum and I finally got a chance to talk over Zoom. Chris is the executive director at the Education Trust West https://west.edtrust.org and is a new dad to the most beautiful baby in the world [I am biased]. I so appreciate Chris’ thoughtfulness in our conversations and his straightforward way of navigating this world.

Naomi’s takeaways from this conversation: 1. Your organization can’t be all things to all people. 2. Feel comfortable in your organization’s role. 3. Engage with folks who believe in their own brilliance. 4. Be transparent and plan for transitions. 5. Sometimes we need to let go and ride the wave.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Favorite hot sauce? An unnamed hot sauce from a mom and pop shop in Brawley, Ca, followed by Tapatío and Siracha 2. Band or musician who never gets old? Anita Baker 3. Most underrated dessert? Bread pudding New Orleans style 4. Best $100 ever spent? Match.com where Chris met his future wife

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 11: Mike Muñoz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmikemunoz/

I have so much love for Long Beach and so much cariño for Dr. Mike Muñoz, Interim President of Long Beach City College. Mike had been the Vice President of Student Services and he brings a counselor’s perspective to his approach to leadership.

Naomi’s takeaways from this conversation: 1. Slow down. 2. Compassionate listening. 3. Root yourself in your “why” 4. Sit with those feelings, but don’t get stuck there.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Favorite hot sauce? Tapatío 2. Band or musician who never gets old? Fleetwood Mac 3. Most underrated dessert? Tres Leches 4. Best $100 ever spent? Once a month home massage.

Dr. Muñoz also mentioned: Nathan Apodaca aka Dogg Face skateboarding to Fleetwood Mac https://youtu.be/OtzVKUCZE5w

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 10: Eric Bishop LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-bishop-b63a988/

A few days after Christmas of 2020 Dr. Eric Bishop joined me for a Zoom conversation. I met Dr. Bishop a while back and it did not surprise me at all when I heard he had become president at Ohlone College. He is Ohlone’s first Black president and you better believe it.

Naomi’s takeaways from this conversation: 1. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and get to work. 2. Give the new plan time to germinate. 3. Do not give anyone a reason to discount your presidency. 4. Consult your partner before making a big move.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Favorite hot sauce? Red Rooster 2. Band or musician who never gets old? Vanessa Williams and Janet Jackson 3. Most underrated dessert? Vanilla Ice Cream 4. Best $100 ever spent? A meal at the Napa Rose Restaurant

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 09: Herbert English LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herbert-l-english-jr-8307b85/

Back in October 2020 I had the pleasure of having a wonderful conversation with Herbert English, Vice President of Student Services at Barstow College. Dr. English has a deep understanding of the students he and his team serves. He speaks very fondly of his time as an EOPS student and one amazing counselor in particular.

Naomi’s takeaways from this conversation: 1. Don't allow the things you can’t control affect how you lead. 2. Adapt to your environment. 3. Failing is not an option because we are serving students. 4. A dedicated counselor will change student’s lives.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Favorite hot sauce? Louisiana Hot Sauce 2. Band or musician who never gets old? A Tribe Called Quest 3. Most underrated dessert? Hot Tamales candy 4. Best $100 ever spent? Air Jordans

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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SHOWNOTES:

On March 19, 2020 Governor Gavin Newsome instituted a shelter-in-place order across California due to the rapid spread of COVID 19. I reached out to a few of the college leaders I had interviewed last year to see how they’re doing.

This special episode includes interviews with Keith Curry, president of Compton College, Ricky Shabazz, president of San Diego City College, and Regina Stanback Stroud, chancellor of the Peralta Community College District.

Dr. Keith Curry on Twitter @IAmKeithCurry https://twitter.com/Iamkeithcurry

ADVICE TO OTHER COLLEGE LEADERS: 1. have a plan at your institution 2. communication 3. delegate assignments and tasks 4. establish a budget 5. request authority from your board 6. stay in close communication with external groups

POTENTIAL POSITIVE OUTCOMES: 1. use of technology, and understanding of student needs 2. use technology so employees can work remotely 3. student services now provides support online and can build on that

Dr. Ricky Shabazz on Twitter @DrRickyShabazz https://twitter.com/DrRickyShabazz

ADVICE TO OTHER COLLEGE LEADERS: 1. you can never communicate enough 2. town halls for constituency groups 3. the revolution will be televised

POTENTIAL POSITIVE OUTCOMES: 1. to see our amazing team really step up 2. our faculty are so creative in offering alternatives 3. people have been so flexible 4. people are doing their best and stepping up

Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud on Twitter @PCCD_Chancellor https://twitter.com/PCCD_Chancellor

ADVICE TO OTHER COLLEGE LEADERS: 1. communicate, communicate, communicate 2. don’t take criticism personally 3. recognize your executive team and what they bring 4. use their connections and relationships to move mountains

POTENTIAL POSITIVE OUTCOMES: 1. every college in California now has a robust online program 2. professional development mobilized - people are getting trained 3. student services has figured out how to provide support online 4. a personal renewed appreciation for the systems office

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 07: Ricky Shabazz Bio: http://sdcity.edu/about/leadership/president.aspx

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ricky Shabazz for many years. We were finally able to have a deep conversation with him was August 30, 2019. It's been a wild ride that took him to San Diego City College, where he is now president. He has a number of book recommendations. He also has sage advice for aspiring leaders.

Naomi’s takeaways 1. “It’s not my college, it’s our college.” 2. Read books, find mentors. 3. Never arrive at a decision in isolation. 4. Get a massage.

Rapid Fire Questions 1. Coffee or tea? Jamba Juice Strawberries Wild, thick. 2. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Outkast. 3. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Vanilla with fresh strawberries.. 4. Best $100 ever spent? A fishing rod. 5. Guilty pleasure? Fishing and binge watching Last Chance University

Ricky recommended the following books:

Executive Transitions in Student Services: A Guide to Getting Started as the Vice President by Ainsley Carry and Kevin Kruger https://tinyurl.com/y9vofukv

The Third Option: Hope for a Racially Divided Nation by Miles McPherson https://tinyurl.com/y8prshxn

Smarter, Faster, Better: The Transformative Power of Real Productivity by Charles Duhigg https://tinyurl.com/ybed94hs

Community College Leadership: A Multidimensional Model for Leading Change by Pamela Eddy and George Boggs https://tinyurl.com/y9thjz7t

Becoming a Student Ready College: A New Culture of Leadership for Student Success by Tia McNair, Susan Albertine, Michelle Cooper, Nicole McDonald and Thomas Major Jr. https://tinyurl.com/yac2l667

Ricky also mentioned: Gallop’s StrengthsQuest https://tinyurl.com/yagmmxag

NASPA Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education https://www.naspa.org

Aspen Institute Executive Leadership Program https://tinyurl.com/ybcjwcdt

The League for Innovation in the Community College https://www.league.org

Playlist: *Ricky did not choose a specific song so I took the liberty of providing a link to Hey Ya! By Outkast. https://youtu.be/PWgvGjAhvIw

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 06: Regina Stanback Stroud About: http://rssconsulting.org

In the short window that Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud was retired, we sat down and had a conversation about leadership, August 19, 2019 to be precise. She really pushed my thinking, as she often does. Soon after our conversation she became chancellor of the Peralta Community College District. In August 2020 she retired again and is now CEO of RSS Consulting, LLC where she consults on strategic leadership, diversity and equity in higher education.

Naomi’s Takeaways: 1. “I don't feel like I have the luxury of mediocrity.” 2. “When you're in a position of influence and consequence, you can change that premise” 3. Play to win, don’t be shy about making decisions. 4. Create a leadership framework to help in in decision making. 5. When you make a bad decision own it, publicly and quickly.

Rapid-fire Questions: 1. Coffee or tea? Coffee. 2. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Damien Escobar. 3. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Chocolate. 4. Best $100 ever spent? Passport. 5. Guilty pleasure? Anything to do with food and binging watching Netflix.

Regina recommended the following books: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable by Patrick Lencioni https://tinyurl.com/y8rpt8dz

Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America by Ibram X. Kendi https://tinyurl.com/yagkqw5j

From Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don’t by Jim Collins https://tinyurl.com/y9wm3kzl

Playlist: *Regina did not mention a particular song from these artists so I took the liberty to choose my favorites.

Damian Escobar’s song “Fuse” https://youtu.be/c_66y6OX1ig

Maxwell’s song “This Woman’s Work” https://youtu.be/gkeCNeHcmXY

Watchlist: The Handmaid’s Tale (TV series) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5834204/

24 (TV series) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0285331/

Wentworth (TV series) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2433738/

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 05: Greg Peterson Bio: https://www.cgc.edu/community/President/Pages/President's-Profile.aspx

On July 18, 2019 Greg Peterson and I caught up at Chandler-Gilbert Community College where he was just finishing his first year as college president. Greg has a pretty intense routine to keep himself fit and sharp. In this conversation, he shares some really helpful advice for leaders at all levels. Plus you get to find out his guilty pleasure.

Greg recommended the following book: Radical Candor by Kim Scott, 2019. https://tinyurl.com/y7ox3x8m

Playlists Alternative playlist for working out https://youtu.be/4Ona-iaWRBY *Greg didn’t mention this playlist specifically – I took editors privilege in suggesting it

Dear Even Hansen https://youtu.be/6f1-QF9jvBM

Aladdin Live Action https://youtu.be/atc8RAtl-Ms

Lion King Live Action https://youtu.be/0_USvdbYS1g

Naomi’s takeaways from this conversation: 1. If we focus on the why, and not the how, we can create space for people to be autonomous. 2. We need to have the discipline to focus on what has the greatest impact, how do we measure that, and how do we get there? 3. Managing change, managing decision making, is an entire journey, not just point A to point B. 4. We are all about people, and we need to spend time thinking about the experiences of people. 5. Chocolate.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Coffee or tea? Coca tea. 2. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles. 3. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Chocolate chip cookie dough. 4. Best $100 ever spent? $90 worth of European chocolates. 5. Guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate.

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 04 Lauren Asher

I sat down with Lauren Asher on June 27, 2019 in Oakland, California. Lauren has long worked on financial aid issues and shared some wonderful insights on leadership in the non-profit world. Lauren is now a consultant but was the second Executive Director for TICAS (The Institute for College Access and Success) – if you don’t know their work check them out at https://ticas.org

Naomi’s takeaways 1. “I do think that it's almost never a better decision if you make it alone.” This is now my go-to when facing a tough decision. 2. Try to say “yes” to opportunities to develop yourself as a person, even if you think you don’t have time. 3. When do you bring people in? 4. How do you make space for your staff and colleagues to breathe?

Rapid Fire Questions 1. Coffee or tea? Rooibos tea 2. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Depends on the day. 3. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Mint chip. 4. Best $100 ever spent? Replacing a high-end frying pan many years ago – still use it. 5. Guilty pleasure? Watching Ballers with The Rock as a replacement for Entourage.

Lauren recommended the following book: The Financial Diaries by Jonathan Morduch and Rachel Schneider https://tinyurl.com/yay6aao3

She also mentioned the organizations: the Kaiser Family Foundation https://www.kff.org

and Children Now https://www.childrennow.org

That special non-caffeinated tea she mentions is called Rooibos and you can learn about it here https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rooibos

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes: Episode 03: Keith Curry Bio: http://www.compton.edu/adminandoperations/presidentceo/

Last summer, June 26, 2019, I visited with president Keith Curry at beautiful Compton College. Dr. Curray has had some amazing accomplishments - including getting Compton College back to being fully accredited along with an amazing team of folks. He isn't slowing down either. Hear what is on the horizon for Compton College.

Full disclosure - I teach part-time at Compton, Education 101 and 201 if you want to sign up.

Naomi’s takeaways: 1. You have to connect the pieces – we have all these initiatives but what is the framework that connects all of these? You have to look at the student experience, not the initiatives. Don’t get side tracked or hung up by the initiatives. Don’t take money that isn’t aligned with your goal. 2. If it doesn’t work don’t be afraid to say, okay let’s try something else. 3. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs – students have a hard time passing a class if they’re hungry. 4. Let’s get it.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Coffee or tea? Neither 2. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Neither – ‘90s rap and any rapper from Compton (see playlist below). 3. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Rainbow Sherbet and Butter Pecan 4. Best $100 ever spent? Spartan Race. 5. Guilty pleasure? Mexican food.

Dr. Curry recommended the following book: Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream by Sarah Goldrick-Rab that you can find here: https://www.amazon.com/Paying-Price-Financial-Betrayal-American/dp/022652714X/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=paying+the+price+Sara+Goldrick-Rab&qid=1580525512&sr=8-1

Playlist: Tupac – California Love https://youtu.be/J7_bMdYfSws

DJ Quik – Safe + Sound https://youtu.be/Z6kky3k-MVk

Kendrick Lamar – Love https://youtu.be/ox7RsX1Ee34

*Dr. Curry mentioned artists but no specific songs so I took the liberty choosing the songs from the artists he mentioned. Dr. Curry didn’t mention them but Dr. Goldrick-Rab, who he does mention, sometimes talks about the song CREAM by Wu-Tang Clan in her presentations about students and housing and food insecurity, and he mentioned her book. Check it out: https://youtu.be/ecRs1sWZIL4

He also mentioned a number of organizations, laws, and frameworks. Soundcloud won’t let me list all of them, I’ll go over my character limit. Here are some: Compton College http://www.compton.edu

Guided Pathways https://ccrc.tc.columbia.edu/media/k2/attachments/What-We-Know-Guided-Pathways.pdf

Strong Workforce https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/Workforce-and-Economic-Development/Strong-Workforce-Program

UC Irvine https://uci.edu

Completion by Design https://www.completionbydesign.org/s/

Gates Foundation https://www.gatesfoundation.org

College Promise Program http://www.compton.edu/student/comptonpromise/

Student Centered Funding Formula https://www.cccco.edu/About-Us/Chancellors-Office/Divisions/College-Finance-and-Facilities-Planning/Student-Centered-Funding-Formula

Compton 2024 Educational Comprehensive Master Plan http://www.compton.edu/adminandoperations/masterplan/Compton-College-2024.pdf

The Aspen Institute https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize-program/overview-of-the-aspen-prize/

College Futures Foundation www.collegefutures.com

Sarah Goldrick-Rab http://saragoldrickrab.com

CalFresh https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

Spartan Races https://www.spartan.com/en

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 02: Elisha Arrillaga Bio: https://west.edtrust.org/team/dr-elisha-smith-arrillaga/

On June 10, 2019 I sat down with my friend Elisha Arrillaga who had just been named executive director of Ed Trust West. We celebrated in their new Oakland office. As a brand new executive director, Elisha had some great advice for new leaders and some really good book recommends. Also she has an admirable self-care routine. If you don’t EdTrust West’s work please check them out at https://west.edtrust.org

Elisha recommended the following books: Supervision Matters: 100 Bite-Sized Ideas to Transform You and Your Team by Rita Sever, https://tinyurl.com/y9pjlwul

and Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box by the Arbinger Institute. https://tinyurl.com/yb4eq8zc

Playlist: Sam Cooke’s songs Twisting the Night Away https://youtu.be/zTArYTvpLZA

and What a Wonderful World This Could Be https://youtu.be/R4GLAKEjU4w

She also mentioned: ORS Impact https://www.orsimpact.com

and the Equal Justice Institute https://eji.org

Naomi’s take aways from this conversation: 1. Elisha’s parents are real-life civil rights heroes. 2. Working with a coach can push your thinking and give you an outside perspective. 3. Getting clear and aligned about the vision of your organization can provide room for folks to have autonomy in how they work towards that vision. Having a shared understanding about what are we trying to achieve, for whom, and what success looks like will clarify the vision. 4. We have limited resources and so we need to be strategic about what we focus on in our work. We have to focus on areas where we can make impact. 5. Don’t be afraid to make a change.

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Coffee or tea? Coffee with cream, no sugar. 2. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Beatles. 3. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Chocolate chip cookie dough. 4. Best $100 ever spent? Travel costs to reconnect with a former student. 5. Guilty pleasure? Skittles and jelly beans.

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345

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Shownotes Episode 01: Marvin Martinez bio: https://rsccd.edu/Discover-RSCCD/Pages/Chancellor.aspx

On June 4, 2019 – commencement day – I sat down and spoke with Marvin Martinez who was then president of East Los Angeles College. He has since gone on to become the chancellor of Rancho Santiago Community College District.

Naomi’s takeaways: 1. When you don’t have enough seats for graduation – that’s a great problem to have. 2. While discussing autonomy in hiring chancellor Martinez really focused on the idea of hiring people who bring fresh thinking because they are outside of our system and who have a lot of credibility. 3. Hiring is the most important thing you do as a leader, because you’re going to delegate to the people you hire.

Chancellor Martinez mentioned the following book: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't by Jim Collins https://tinyurl.com/y9wm3kzl

Rapid-fire Questions 1. Coffee or tea? Leche con café 2. Beatles or Rolling Stones? Rolling Stones. 3. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Vanilla with creative toppings. 4. Best $100 ever spent? First college books. 5. Guilty pleasure? Traveling.

Chancellor Martinez didn’t specify a Rolling Stones song so I will offer up “Waiting on a Friend” https://youtu.be/MKLVmBOOqVU

Special thanks to Spinningmerkaba for the use of their track Urban-Metronica (wooh-yeah mix) which was edited slightly for length. You can find the mix and their creative commons license here: http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/jlbrock44/33345