In this conversation, with EdUp Provost host Dr. Gregor Thuswaldner, higher education researchers Dr. Jorge Burmiky and Dr. Kevin McClure discuss the essential competencies for college presidents and provosts in higher education. They emphasize the importance of trust-building, effective communication, resilience, emotional intelligence, data acumen, and collaborative leadership. The discussion highlights how these competencies are interconnected and vital for navigating the challenges faced by academic leaders today. The speakers also share insights on how provosts can support these competencies and foster a positive academic environment. Takeaways • Trust is a key competency for academic leaders. • Effective communication is essential for building trust. • Resilience is necessary in today's challenging educational landscape. • Emotional intelligence helps leaders navigate crises. • Data acumen is crucial for informed decision-making.