The Art of Innovative Leadership with Dr. Margaret Diddams

Nov 6, 2023

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Do you want to foster real change and innovation in your organization, but feel unsure where to start? When you’re leading a group of people waiting for your direction, how do you move them toward a new vision?

In this episode, Jamie and Kent sit down with Dr. Margaret Diddams, a well-respected Principal Consultant at the Diddams Group, to discuss the art of innovation in leadership. Dr. Diddams, a former Provost at Wheaton College, shares her reflections on “holy discontent” and its role as a catalyst for transformation. She discusses the essence of painting a convincing narrative around the need for change and emphasizes the importance of collaborative leadership. Bringing innovation to the table can be intimidating, but what if embracing the possibility of failure could lead to unexpected successes?

Additionally, Dr. Diddams shares her insights on the courage, conviction, humility, and integrity vital for leadership, suggesting that the innovation journey can also serve as a crucible for spiritual formation. They also discuss the formation of HDI's MA in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership program, for which Dr. Diddams was (and is) a champion.

Bio:

Dr. Margaret Diddams is the principal consultant for the Diddams Group, working with Christian institutions to develop leadership committed to flourishing organizations and the people they serve. An author and scholar on leadership, she is the editor of Christian Scholar’s Review, the leading journal exploring the intersection of Christian faith and academic scholarship. Dr. Diddams is the former provost and chief academic officer for Wheaton College, where she is a Faith and Learning fellow, teaching courses on spiritual leadership and character.

Resources:

Interested in HDI’s MA in Humanitarian and Disaster Leadership program? Attend an online information session on November 10th (apply by November 15 to start in August 2024).

Margaret’s Linked In account

Margaret’s Twitter/X account

This episode was produced by WildfireCreative

Theme Song: “Turning Over Tables” by The Brilliance

Follow on Instagram: @wildfirecreativeco

(Note to the listener: In this podcast, sometimes we'll host Evangelicals, and sometimes we won't. Learning how to do better involves listening to many perspectives with different insights and understanding. Sometimes it will make us uncomfortable, sometimes, we'll agree, and sometimes, we won't. We think that's good. We want to listen for correction– especially in our blind spots.)

The Better Samaritan podcast is produced by the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College, which offers a M.A. in Humanitarian & Disaster Leadership and a Trauma Certificate. To learn more and apply, visit our website.

Jamie Aten, Ph.D., and Kent Annan, M.Div. co-direct the Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College and are also the co-founders of Spiritual First Aid.

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