Co-Design and Empathy: Revolutionizing Educational Leadership

In this episode of 'Empathy by Design' by the Integrate Trauma-informed Network, host Julie explores how empathy can be integrated into systems with guests Dr. Ram Zieganfuss and Brianna Young from Moravian University. They discuss their Doctor of Education program focused on transformational leadership, co-design, and human-centered approaches. Dr. Zieganfuss explains the program's emphasis on experiential learning, flat hierarchies, and community belonging. Brianna shares her journey as a student, highlighting the importance of vulnerability, reflective practices, and leveraging diverse assets for authentic leadership transformation. The episode underscores the value of creating a psychologically safe environment and fostering empathy-driven design for educational and organizational growth.

00:00 Introduction to Empathy by Design

00:50 Meet Dr. Ram Zhu and Brianna Young

02:11 Dr. Zieganfuss's Vision for Transformational Leadership

04:44 Brianna Young's Journey in Education

07:56 Co-Design and Human-Centered Leadership

11:28 Building a Collaborative Learning Community

20:08 Navigating Discomfort and Growth in Education

23:23 Exploring the Kaleidoscope Concept

23:39 Gifts and Assets in Learning

24:06 Collaborative Learning and Community Building

25:14 Action Research and Iterative Learning