DISRUPTING THE FACE OF LEADERSHIP: Challenges Posed and Lessons Learned

What comes to mind when people imagine the face of leadership? What occurs when the "face" and style of leadership do not match the expected image?  How does one alter the stereotypes associated with the role of leaders? In what way can the strategy of leading from behind contribute to changing existing leadership models? These are some of the questions underlying the presentation, which is designed to provide insights to graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and others embarking on their academic careers and considering options for their professional trajectory in the future. Our observations, which are based on years of experience as teachers, mentors, and leaders in various faculty and administrative roles, reflect the conversations and perspectives we have shared over the years and presented in our recent book, Truth Without Tears: African American Women Deans Share Lessons in Leadership (Harvard Education Press, 2018).