In this conversation with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswalder, Dr. Leo M. Lambert, President Emeritus of Elon University, discusses his transformative leadership journey at Elon, focusing on the importance of institutional culture, strategic planning, and academic rigor. He shares insights on embedding experiential learning, engaging faculty, and aligning campus development with student experiences. Dr. Lambert emphasizes the significance of trust and leadership in overcoming challenges and achieving institutional goals, concluding with a book recommendation that highlights the role of transformative leaders in higher education. Takeaways • Leadership is the stewardship of culture. • Institutional culture is crucial for transformational change. • Strategic planning requires patience and long-term vision. • Engaging faculty in the planning process builds trust. • Trust is built through consistent execution of plans.