Diana Chapman Walsh – Contemplative Leadership

In this episode, Wendy speaks with educational leader, writer, and climate activist Diana Chapman Walsh. Diana had a long and successful career in public health at Boston and Harvard University, and then became the president of Wellesley College, a position she held for 14 years. Diana has become an icon in educational leadership, and advocates that education can be both an intellectual and a spiritual journey. This conversation covers many topics, including:

her path into contemplative practice and leadership;

the importance of knowing and questioning oneself;

vulnerability and responsibility in leadership;

how the qualities of a leader influence the system they are leading;

hierarchical vs. inclusive systems;

the five principles of trustworthy leadership;

interconnectedness as an underlying truth;

building community amidst the climate crisis;

how feedback loops can accelerate harm or spur change;

and encouragement to tell our stories.

Full show notes and resources