Dr. Trevor Bates, higher education leader and university president, opens up about the challenges diverse leaders face when navigating spaces that were not built with them in mind. He reflects on his personal journey through academia and administration, sharing moments of both breakthrough and burnout. From mentorship gaps to unspoken biases in leadership pipelines, Bates reveals the subtle and not so subtle barriers that continue to keep diversity at the top from being the norm.
Listeners will gain insight into what it takes to lead authentically while pushing against systemic resistance, and why representation in leadership roles transforms organizational culture. Timed with the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month, this conversation amplifies the importance of honoring diversity not only in cultural heritage but also in who holds the power to make decisions.