Creating Purpose-Driven Leaders with Brooke Elliott

This week, Jack Sharry talks with Brooke Elliott, Dean of Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Brooke leads the college in developing a compelling, strategic vision while continuing to build upon its distinctive brand and identity.

They discuss how the college empowers future leaders through transformative education, research, and innovation. Brooke shares how their purpose-driven approach is embedded in the curriculum, the impact of technology and AI in shaping this mission, and how experiential learning bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world opportunities.

In this episode:

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:27) - Helping students discover their purpose
• (07:59) - Insights from students and alumni
• (09:25) - Inside the Gies College online program
• (11:41) - Lessons from teaching online
• (16:27) - AI’s role in the future of education
• (19:55) - Will avatars replace faculty?
• (22:19) - The power of authenticity in teaching
• (24:42) - What it means to prioritize learners
• (26:43) - Brooke's interests outside of work

Quotes

"We want to create amazing leaders who move into business and really have an impact on their community, their state, and their nation." ~ Brooke Elliott

"We really believe in expanding access to high-quality education. We serve individuals from all types of different backgrounds. And so, it's diversity in its very broadest sense." ~ Brooke Elliott

"Our online programs were intentionally designed to be online. We did not take an existing program and move it to a remote environment. We started a new one and knew that we were going to offer these programs online and serve learners all around the world. And so, every single design choice was made with intention." ~ Brooke Elliott 

"Education is still the greatest investment an individual can make in themselves and an organization can make in their employee." ~ Brooke Elliott

Links 

• Brooke Elliott on LinkedIn
• Gies College of Business
• Aaron Schumm
• Vestwell
• Frances Frei

Connect with our hosts

• LifeYield
• Jack Sharry on LinkedIn
• Jack Sharry on Twitter

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