Podcast Summary: Chief Change Officer – “From Rivals to Allies: Dr. Bridget Burns’ Mission to Transform Higher Ed — Part One”

Release Date: December 29, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Chief Change Officer, host Viz Chan engages in an insightful conversation with Dr. Bridget Burns from the University Innovation Alliance (UIA). Recognized as a Global Top 3% podcast, Chief Change Officer delves deep into human intelligence and transformative change, making this episode a valuable listen for anyone interested in career and life transformations.

Bridget Burns’ Background and Change Journey

Timestamp: [05:31]

Dr. Bridget Burns shares her transformative journey from her humble beginnings in rural Montana to becoming a pivotal leader in higher education. Growing up in a low-income family surrounded by challenges such as racism, homophobia, and misogyny, higher education was her pathway to change.

"Higher education was just fundamentally life-altering. It created incredible opportunities for me and changed my perspective of myself and the world around me."
— Bridget Burns [05:31]

Her involvement quickly escalated during her time at Oregon State University, where she was elected student body president and appointed to the State Board of Higher Education by the age of 22. This early exposure to governance and leadership ignited her passion for understanding and improving higher education systems.

Formation of the University Innovation Alliance

Timestamp: [05:31]

Dr. Burns discusses the genesis of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA), born out of her American Council on Education (ACE) Fellowship and inspired by Michael Crow, President of Arizona State University. The UIA was established to address the pressing issue of improving graduation outcomes for students from low-income, first-generation, and students of color backgrounds.

"The University Innovation Alliance was founded by a group of university presidents who decided to unite around a shared sense of urgency... We've been able to produce over 150,000 more graduates than we were on track to at even stretch capacity when we formed."
— Bridget Burns [05:31]

Over the past decade, UIA has significantly impacted higher education, increasing graduation rates by 89% for graduates of color and 41% for low-income graduates.

Convincing Schools to Collaborate

Timestamp: [12:38]

Viz Chan probes into how Dr. Burns successfully persuaded 11 universities to transition from competitive rivals to collaborative allies. Dr. Burns attributes this success to building genuine relationships and fostering trust among university leaders.

"I had to do a lot of the weaving of the relationship because they don't have time to get to know each other... They realized that maybe there's other value in working together beyond just teaming up to see if this works."
— Bridget Burns [13:37]

She emphasizes the importance of shared challenges and mutual benefits in overcoming inherent competitive structures within higher education.

Dealing with Resistance and Process Design

Timestamp: [22:55]

When addressing resistance to change, Dr. Burns highlights that it often stems from poorly designed processes rather than opposition to change itself. She provides a poignant example of how neglecting the human aspect of change can lead to significant pushback.

"Anyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like the change that was your idea and that you actually agree with."
— Bridget Burns [22:55]

Her approach underscores the necessity of empathy, involvement, and well-thought-out strategies to facilitate smooth transitions.

Examples of Successful Change Processes

Timestamp: [23:32]

Dr. Burns shares a concrete example from Michigan State University, where process mapping was employed to streamline student admission processes. This collaborative effort led to the discovery of inefficiencies, such as the overwhelming number of emails sent to students, and fostered a sense of ownership among the staff.

"They discovered that they were sending every student at Michigan State 450 emails in three months... It’s overwhelming and obviously not what anyone knew and not what anyone would want to do."
— Bridget Burns [23:32]

This initiative not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced student experiences, demonstrating the power of collective problem-solving.

Importance of Empathy, Curiosity, and Ownership

Timestamp: [33:10]

The conversation delves into the core principles driving effective change: empathy, curiosity, and ownership. Dr. Burns contends that understanding and valuing the human element is crucial for successful transformation.

"Empathy is the first step of design. If you'll just learn about these people, you can structure an experience that feels good, that actually meets their needs."
— Bridget Burns [33:10]

She advocates for inviting team members to engage deeply with problems, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone feels responsible for outcomes and empowered to contribute meaningfully.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reaffirmation of the transformative power of collaborative efforts in higher education. Dr. Bridget Burns’ experiences and insights offer a blueprint for how institutions can overcome competitive barriers to achieve substantial, positive outcomes for students who need it most.

"Change is incredibly fulfilling work when well done."
— Bridget Burns [34:14]

Chief Change Officer successfully encapsulates Dr. Burns’ mission to harness human intelligence and collective action as superpowers for meaningful change in the educational landscape.

Notable Quotes:

• "Higher education was just fundamentally life-altering. It created incredible opportunities for me and changed my perspective of myself and the world around me."
  — Bridget Burns [05:31]

• "I had to do a lot of the weaving of the relationship because they don't have time to get to know each other... They realized that maybe there's other value in working together beyond just teaming up to see if this works."
  — Bridget Burns [13:37]

• "Anyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like the change that was your idea and that you actually agree with."
  — Bridget Burns [22:55]

• "Empathy is the first step of design. If you'll just learn about these people, you can structure an experience that feels good, that actually meets their needs."
  — Bridget Burns [33:10]

• "Change is incredibly fulfilling work when well done."
  — Bridget Burns [34:14]

Connect with Chief Change Officer:

• LinkedIn: @chiefchangeofficer
• Platforms: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

If you're a growth progressive, a black horse, or someone determined to create your own life and career playbook, this episode is tailored for you. Embrace change as a superpower with insights from global voices and become your own Chief Change Officer.