04 Dec 440: Call Out the Elephant: How Great Leaders Face Conflict with Empathy and Clarity – An Interview With President & CEO of Des Moines University Dr. Angela Walker Franklin
In this inspiring and deeply authentic episode, Mitch sits down with someone he recently shared the TEDx stage with – Dr. Angela Walker Franklin. Dr. Franklin is the President and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, and not only is she the first woman and first person of color to hold that role in the university’s 125+ year history… she’s also a licensed clinical psychologist, a published author, and a powerful voice for leading with empathy, courage, and clarity.
They dive into her unique upbringing in a small South Carolina town – where her family ran a funeral home – and how that shaped her perspective on life, leadership, and compassion. You’ll hear how her father made a bold, sacrificial pivot from medical school to embalming school to support the family’s legacy… and how Dr. Franklin has brought that same spirit of service and innovation into her work today.
They also explore the origins of her impactful TEDx talk, “How to Call Out the Elephant in the Room,” and how she brought this strategy into leadership meetings, creating a safe space for honest dialogue and collaboration.
This episode is filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and powerful strategies for anyone looking to lead well, connect deeply, and navigate hard conversations with grace. Let’s go!
What We Cover in This Conversation:
- From caskets to campus leadership: How growing up in a funeral home business shaped Dr. Franklin’s empathy, leadership style, and desire to serve others.
- Pivots with purpose: The powerful story of her father’s shift from medical school to embalming school – and the legacy he helped build.
- Authenticity in leadership: How being a trained psychologist helps Dr. Franklin listen well, resolve conflict, and lead with emotional intelligence.
- The Elephant Story: The behind-the-scenes story of the unique way Dr. Franklin encourages honest dialogue amongst her staff.
- How to create space for hard conversations: Practical tips for leaders, teams, and even families to name the “elephants in the room” and navigate tension with courage and care.
- What to do when people aren’t ready: How to approach difficult relationships with patience, grace, and healthy boundaries.
- Self-leadership and servant leadership: Why taking care of yourself is essential to leading others well.
More About Dr. Angela Walker Franklin:
Dr. Angela Walker Franklin is the President and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, where she’s helped raise over $57 million for a brand-new campus and continues to lead with vision, empathy, and innovation.
She’s a licensed clinical psychologist and the author of An Unconventional Journey… An Unlikely Choice, a memoir chronicling her rise to leadership.
Learn more: dmu.edu
Her book: An Unconventional Journey… An Unlikely Choice
TEDx Talk (coming soon – we’ll drop the link here when it’s live!)
Your Dream Think Do Challenge:
Hey hey… DREAM THINK DO-er… we don’t just listen. We take action.
What’s your elephant in the room?
- Is there a tough conversation you’ve been avoiding?
- A lingering tension in a relationship at work or home?
- A truth you’ve sensed… but haven’t spoken?
This week, get curious.
Start with empathy. Consider adopting your own elephant (yes, even a little stuffed one will do!)
Use it as a symbol for safety, honesty, and growth. And when you’re ready… make the first move.
Whether it’s a small step or a bold one – let this be your nudge to lead with courage and kindness.
TWO LAST THINGS:
REVIEWS: If you haven’t already… be sure to leave a review… each one encourages Mitch… and they help us reach more DREAM THINK DOERS!
SHARE: If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s also navigating their own elephants. You never know what breakthrough might come from one honest conversation!
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