
Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation
Welcome to Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation — a collaboration between Elsevier and Prof Rafael Bras. We bring unfiltered perspectives on global issues by research and academic leaders.
Join us for fascinating insights from our esteemed guests, selected for their prominence and influence in higher education and related fields. Experts from MIT, Harvard, UCLA and beyond bring their conviction and passion to a wide range of topics, ensuring that our content remains relevant and impactful.
Every two months, we release a new episode — thought-provoking dialogues that inspire and spark meaningful conversation while illuminating the paths of academic leadership and innovation and fostering a community that thrives on shared knowledge and transformative ideas.
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Learn more about Not Alone:
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/collection/not-alone
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https://www.elsevier.com/connect/collection/not-alone#8-not-alone-newsletter
Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation
In conversation with ... Larry Bacow
In the latest episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras engages in an in-depth discussion with Prof Larry Bacow, one of America’s most esteemed academic leaders, having held prestigious positions at MIT, Tufts and Harvard. The conversation, recorded on Oct 16, 2024, covers a wide range of topics including Prof Bacow’s aversion to titles, his career shaped by mentorship and serendipity, the role of parental influence, addressing public perception of higher education, managing institutional challenges, and the current issues of diversity and inclusion in academia. Prof Bacow also delves into his principles of leadership and reflects on his contributions to initiatives on the legacy of slavery and academic admissions. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone in or aspiring to be in academic leadership.
00:00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Leaders in Conversation
00:00:51 Introducing Dr. Larry Bacow
00:01:29 Larry Bacow's Leadership Philosophy
00:04:32 The Role of Mentors in Larry's Career
00:08:10 Larry's Family Background and Values
00:16:34 Challenges and Reflections on Leadership
00:20:29 Navigating Unusual Career Paths
00:31:44 Challenges Facing Higher Education
00:32:25 Public Perception and Cost Control
00:34:01 Research Mission and Economic Impact
00:36:15 Accessibility and Affordability in Elite Institutions
00:42:06 Governance and Leadership in Universities
00:49:59 Supreme Court Decision on Race in Admissions
00:55:08 Addressing the Legacy of Slavery
01:00:09 Reflections on Anti-Semitism and Discrimination
01:04:15 Concluding Thoughts and Future Optimism
01:07:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action