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.
Follow our channel for fresh content!
Learn more about Not Alone:
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/collection/not-alone
To complement the podcast, we issue a monthly email newsletter. Interested in more topics? Sign up here:
https://www.elsevier.com/connect/collection/not-alone#8-not-alone-newsletter
Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation
In conversation with ... Julio Frenk
In this episode of Not Alone: Leaders in Conversation, host Rafael Bras discusses higher education, public health, and leadership with Julio Frenk, the incoming chancellor of the University of California, Los Angeles. Frenk, a former president of the University of Miami, shares his rich background—from his family's escape from Nazi Germany to his groundbreaking reforms as Mexico's Minister of Health. He delves into his decision to shift from clinical medicine to public health, his influential role in creating Seguro Popular, and his perspectives on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frenk also discusses the challenges facing higher education today, and his unique contributions to children's education through his book series on human physiology. This episode offers valuable insights into how evidence-based policy, global cooperation, and enlightened leadership can shape better outcomes in health and education.
00:00 Introduction to Not Alone Leaders in Conversation
00:51 Meet Julio Frenk: From Mexico to Harvard
01:35 Family Background and Early Influences
06:18 A Diverse and Accomplished Family
09:59 Choosing Public Health Over Clinical Medicine
16:31 Navigating the Political Landscape as Minister of Health
25:41 Creating Seguro Popular and Its Impact
33:16 Massive Loss of Progress in Mexico
33:48 Impact of COVID-19 on Mexico
37:03 Leadership Styles and Pandemic Outcomes
40:02 Gender and Leadership During the Pandemic
41:47 Lessons from the Pandemic
50:11 Higher Education Challenges and Opportunities
01:01:38 Children's Books and Science Education
01:09:51 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections