University of Miami leaders share leadership insights at annual seminar

Amid ongoing transformation in higher education, University of Miami leaders recently shared their experiences as evolving leaders in a virtual panel discussion. The event, hosted by the University’s Talent and Organizational Development, took place on February 25.

Richard Sobaram, associate vice president of Housing and Residential Life, emphasized the constant nature of change. “Disruptions used to be every couple of months but now seem like every hour. Yet we know that change is constant, and so it’s important never to get too high on the highs and definitely never get too low on the lows,” he stated. He added, “With success you want to celebrate the wins but don’t ever declare victory and never stop innovating.”

The seminar, “Leadership Insights: Reflecting on Progress and Shaping the Future,” marked its sixth year and was moderated by Brian Baptiste, senior deputy director of Miami Athletics. Among the participants were Laura Kohn-Wood, dean of the School of Education and Human Development, and Gale Nelson, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. The facilitation was supported by Aniette Lauredo and Sultanah Edrees.

Laura Kohn-Wood noted the gravity of current challenges in higher education. “This is the second time in my 30 years in higher education that it feels so big,” she said. “But we have to remember that we got through COVID—and back then we didn’t know if we’d even have a university.” She highlighted the potential for creativity amid disruptions.

Questions from Baptiste covered strategies for success, the balance between personal well-being and workplace demands, and the University's mission to transform lives.

“I believe with every fiber of my being the power of education to change peoples’ lives through social mobility,” Kohn-Wood stated. Sobaram focused on the importance of authenticity, advising, “Always try to be true to yourself."

Gale Nelson shared his journey from a challenging background to leading Big Brothers Big Sisters of Miami. He stressed the importance of visibility, vocality, and vision in leadership. Reflecting on personal growth, Nelson stated, “I’ve learned over many years to invest more in myself and to let go some of the priorities of other people."

Baptiste emphasized pursuing nonnegotiable values. “It’s important to understand your core values,” he said. “We need to understand those things that we value that are nonnegotiable for us."