Find the Leader in You

A Conversation with Dr. Sandra Spataro Haile College of Business Professor

This week’s conversation is with Dr. Sandra Spataro, Professor of Management and Director of the Master of Business Leadership and Innovation at Haile College of Business. If you are a leader, or interested in leadership you do not want to miss this one. Watch the video on Youtube or listen to the podcast . Read the show notes below.

Show Notes

Introduction: (00:00 - 02:15)

• Host: Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani, Associate Professor of Economics and Associate Dean at Hale College of Business, Northern Kentucky University

• Guest: Dr. Spataro, Professor of Management and Director of the Master of Business Leadership and Innovation (MBLI) Program

• Setting: Haile College of Business, Verst Group Logistic Hub of Supply Chain Excellence at the Haile College of Business

Episode Highlights:

1. Leadership Misconceptions: (02:16 - 06:25) Dr. Spataro challenges the idea that leadership can't be taught, emphasizing that everyone has the potential to lead by connecting and influencing others.

2. MBLI Program Overview: (06:26 - 14:15) A personal journey of transformation, the MBLI program focuses on individual, team, organizational, and global leadership aspects, fostering personal growth alongside professional development.

3. Dr. Spataro's Journey: (14:16 - 18:45)From Stanford University to Silicon Valley and UC Berkeley, Dr. Spataro's path is marked by a blend of academic rigor and industry experience, culminating in a deep understanding of organizational behavior and industrial relations.

4. Culture and Innovation: (18:46 - 24:10) Discusses the intricacies of corporate culture, its impact on strategy, and how embedding innovation into a strong culture can lead to exceptional organizational performance.

5. Cohort Assembly: (24:11 - 28:30)Emphasizes the importance of assembling a diverse, dynamic cohort for the MBLI program, ensuring a rich learning environment where students learn as much from each other as from the curriculum.

6. Challenges in Leadership: (28:31 - 34:55)  Highlights the evolving landscape of leadership, stressing the need for adaptability in the face of technological advancements like AI and changing workforce expectations.

7. Personal Leadership Development: (34:56 - 38:20) Dr. Spataro advises Dr. Al Bahrani to leverage his strengths in innovation, communication, and integrity, showcasing the personalized approach to leadership development in the MBLI program.

8. Book Recommendations: (38:21 - 40:00) Recommends various authors for those interested in deepening their understanding of leadership, including Patrick Lencioni, Adam Grant, and Brene Brown.

Conclusion: (40:01 - 42:00)

The episode wraps up with a live Q&A session with the Haile Fellows, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and personal growth in leadership. Dr. Spataro's insights provide a comprehensive view of what effective leadership entails, the value of a supportive learning environment, and how personal and professional growth are intertwined in the journey of becoming a great leader.

For more insights and to explore the MBLI program, visit https://www.nku.edu/academics/cob/programs/graduate/mbli.html  or contact Dr. Spataro directly. Stay tuned for more episodes by subscribing to our channel and leaving your comments or suggestions for future interviews.

Show links 

• MBLI https://www.nku.edu/academics/cob/programs/graduate/mbli.html 

• Professional Development link  https://www.nku.edu/academics/cob/Outreach-and-Engagement.html 

• Bootcamp https://www.nku.edu/academics/cob/Outreach-and-Engagement/EconomicDevelopmentBootcamp.html 

Book recommendation 

• Dare to Inspire by Holzer, Spataro, Baron https://amzn.to/3I4ZWL3 

• Dare to Lead. Brent Brown https://amzn.to/3OtyuKd 

• The Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Leadership Fable, Patrick Lencioni https://amzn.to/3HJ57Qs 

• Hidden Potential, Adam Grant https://amzn.to/482QjXH 

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Economic Development Bootcamp

The Economic Development Bootcamp has been designed to introduce the fundamentals of the economic development process with a focus on market research. 

In this industry, specialized skills such as data analysis, project management, community outreach, the ability to gather and analyze data, and effectively present findings are critical.

The skills learned in this bootcamp are transferrable to a wide range of occupations including those of economic development professionals in government, non-profit, private companies and international organizations. 

This program is geared towards individuals seeking careers in Economic Development. The cost of the program includes: materials, meals and transportation to and from business visits.

Each participant will need to bring a laptop with them each day of the bootcamp.