In this episode, Cody and Tomika explore the intersections of leadership, DEI, and self-care the day after the 2024 election, reflecting on what today’s political climate reveals about our society and our approach to diversity and inclusion. Together, they dive into how leaders in higher education can navigate complex, often polarized spaces to foster lasting equity and community engagement. Cody and Tomika share personal experiences and outline the need for leaders to be grounded, adaptable, and focused on the humanity behind their work.

Key Takeaways:

• Hope as Fuel: In the face of societal challenges, sustaining hope is crucial to staying committed to DEI work and fostering inclusive communities.
• Revisiting DEI Work: Tomika and Cody challenge listeners to go beyond acronyms like DEI, emphasizing a deeper connection to the actual issues and lived experiences within equity, accessibility, and justice.
• Nuanced Leadership: Effective leadership means embracing complexity, recognizing diverse perspectives, and balancing long-term goals with relational and community-focused actions.
• Leadership as Community: Real change in higher ed relies on building genuine, inclusive communities that allow for disagreement, growth, and the presence of all voices, even those that differ from our own.
• Self-Care as a Leadership Tool: Cody and Tomika stress the importance of leaders caring for their own well-being, as this directly influences resilience and the capacity to support others.
• Embodying Ubuntu in Leadership: Tomika calls for a communal approach to leadership, grounded in the African philosophy of Ubuntu—"I am because we are"—to ensure equity work is shared and sustainable.

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Connect With Our Co-Hosts:
Dr. J. Cody Nielsen
https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-cody-nielsen/

Dr. Tomika Ferguson
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomikaferguson/

About The Enrollify Podcast Network:
After Further Consideration is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too! Some of our favorites include Mastering the Next and Talking Tactics.

Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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