Diana Chapman Walsh – Contemplative Leadership

Mind & Life

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