Resilient Leader returns with inspiration and connection for challenging times

Resilient Leader, a series of lectures and discussions started in response to the pandemic in spring 2020, will return for a third year starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 1. The program from Learning and Development features talks on aspects of resilience from influential leaders across campus, followed by breakout sessions in which attendees discuss related topics. The sessions are 9-10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month through December (except July and September, when they move to the second Tuesday because of holidays).

The first speaker for 2022 will be Robin Lanzi, Ph.D., professor and graduate program director in the Department of Health Behavior. Lanzi also is one of the multiple principal investigators for the COVID-19, Race and Student-Postdoctoral Fellow Mental Health study, which has identified needs and proposed calls to action related to student success in challenging times. (Register for this first Resilient Leader session of 2022, 9 a.m. Feb. 1, here.)

Although the sessions feature leaders from across campus, “the focus is on resilience more than leadership,” said Susan Coan, executive director of Learning and Development. “Anyone can learn from these sessions, and participants can choose how much they want to interact. Many participants come to listen to the speaker, and then they can choose to stay for the breakout groups, where we apply the topic to their contexts. They can come and do as much or as little as they want. Participants can also stay on the line after the sessions end at 10 a.m. for personal coaching from L&D staff.”

Resilient Leader “started in spring 2020 when everyone went home, and it has had such a great response that we have continued on,” Coan said. “We have had wonderful speakers and topics, and that has built up a dedicated following. Some people who have felt so isolated during COVID have told us, ‘This has been a lifesaver.’ This gives you the ability to meet and connect with people you might never get to meet otherwise.”

“I really enjoy the speakers — I am able to take notes that I can use to apply in my everyday life at work and home,” said Jessica Nathan-Brown, assistant director of Student Activities in Student Involvement and Leadership. “All of the tips, whether about working with teams or having courage through difficult times, have been very helpful for me in my role, especially as we continue to navigate through the pandemic.”

In the kickoff session for 2021, Tina Kempin Reuter, Ph.D., director of UAB’s Institute for Human Rights, delivered a memorable talk on the theme of “Peace in Turbulent Times … What’s a Leader To Do?” In addition to sharing the mission and activities of the IHR, Reuter explained how the institute had adapted to the twin challenges of COVID and the suddenly ubiquitous national conversation around racial justice.

“It was an opportunity for me to present IHR to people who may not have known that we even existed,” Reuter said. “I was able to explain what we do and what we add to campus. One of the opportunities that we have, as a small team, is we are able to adjust quickly to whatever is happening.” This includes new programs such as the Social Justice Café, which features speakers and discussion on “whatever is the hot topic at the moment,” Reuter said. (The January 2022 event tackled food insecurity, with inflation and staff shortages driving up prices for all, including the most vulnerable.) “It’s not a lecture, but an opportunity for people to voice their opinions, and sometimes it has become heated,” Reuter said. In the chat during her Resilient Leader talk, “people really wanted to know more about how we can have these difficult conversations around these polarizing topics,” Reuter said. She also shared specific challenges she had faced as a leader during COVID and ways she had overcome these challenges.

“Learning about the various aspects of running a multifaceted institution like UAB has been invaluable,” said Craig Powell, M.D., Ph.D., chair of the Department of Neurobiology. “I also enjoy learning about the challenges, successes and failures of others as they recount their professional journeys.”

“It is helpful to hear from leaders and how they managed stress, crisis and other adversity,” added UAB Title IX Coordinator Kasey Robinson, J.D. “Also, it is nice to hear how they celebrated staff and encouraged engagement.” Robinson said she found a 2020 presentation by Provost Pam Benoit particularly helpful. “Dr. Benoit shared the importance of disengaging. Knowing that someone on the senior vice president level is able to unplug/stop checking emails is encouraging.” 

2021 Resilient Leader speakers and sessions