Chris and Candice discuss the art of interviewing. We share our own experiences interviewing for jobs as well as what we look for when hiring. The conversation also includes a number of tips you can use during the interview process.

Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.

Candice and Chris discuss the core concept that leadership can occur at all levels of an organization or community, regardless of title or authority. Leadership at its essence is the ability to influence people to take action toward a common goal. We provide example from our own careers where we’ve demonstrated leadership and highlight the leadership of others that we’ve witnessed. We also share ideas for how to build leadership opportunities by building relationships, performing at a high level, and cultivating the art of storytelling. Candice and Chris are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.

Candice and Chris discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their professional and personal lives. When diversity, equity, and inclusion are combined well, they allow communities and organizations to unlock their full productive potential and allow all members to be seen, heard, and valued. We dive into some of the pitfalls that lead to failure in DEI efforts, and reveal some of the ways that we continue to struggle with DEI issues in our own lives. Note: Near the end of the podcast, Chris brings up the concept of intersectionality. For more information on this important topic, please see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViDtnfQ9FHc and https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality Candice Solomon-Strutz and Chris Tidrick are IT leaders at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and collectively have more than 50 years of experience working in higher education. Candice is currently the Director of IT Partners at the College of Applied Health Sciences and Chris is the Chief Information Officer and Senior Director of IT Partners at the Gies College of Business.