2017 Richard J. Briotta Talks
James Wilson.mp4Conversations: Reflections on the Richard Briotta Talks in its Third Year
James Wilson, Assistant to the Provost for Academic Effectiveness, Professor of Business
Dr. Wilson revisits encounters with Richard Briotta, and discusses the challenges and importance of conversations in organizations addressing issues of empathy, mindfulness, innovation, and justice.
Kathy Martin.mp4The Convergence of Leadership: Unforgettable Lessons from Unlikely Sources
Kathy Martin, Vice Provost, Chief Educational Compliance Officer
Dr. Martin shares her journey toward becoming a leader and understanding leadership, touching on issues of authority, credibility, and vulnerability using compelling examples from films from the world of sport.
Ken O'Konis.mp4Taking Risks Through Internships
Ken O'Konis, School of Science & Management; Science Department; Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Professor O'Konis was fortunate to obtain an internship in chemistry to the University of California at Berkeley in the 1980's. He discusses 10 steps to "living dangerously" that he discovered in that internship that led to personal transformation.
How Creative Writing Can Make You a Better Person
Leanna James Blackwell, Director, MFA in Creative Nonfiction; Assistant Professor of Creative Writing
Professor James Blackwell's talk connects writing with improving the capacity for empathy. Through examples and research she shows how writing can work to help us overcome the limitations of our worldview, and open us to seeing another's. In so doing, compassion is gained, and we become better people.