“For leaders today, the question isn’t just how to sustain our institutions, but how to create reasons for hope in the field.” - Gwendolyn Freed

What does it really take to step into the presidency of a college during one of the most complex and challenging times for higher education and the arts? And how do you lead with both strength and hope when the pressures - political, cultural, and financial - are constantly shifting?

In this episode of Transformative Leadership Conversations, I sit down with Dr. Gwendolyn Freed, the new president of the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD). Gwen brings a remarkable mix of experiences across higher education, nonprofit leadership, journalism, and the art.

You’ll hear us discuss:

• The surprising shift that happens when people see “your presidency walk into the room” rather than just you
• How Gwen thinks about balancing MCAD’s long history with its future identity and growth
• What it really means to listen to and serve such a wide range of stakeholders
• The challenges and opportunities of leading an arts and design college in today’s political and cultural climate
• Why Gwen finds so much hope in students and their creativity
• Her take on AI - where it doesn’t belong and where it absolutely can spark new possibilities
• The leadership lessons she’s learned that translate far beyond higher education

Resources

Gwendolyn Freed on MCAD | LinkedIn

Winnie da Silva on LinkedIn | On the Web | Substack | YouTube | Email - winnie@winnifred.org