Bold, Effective Leadership in Polarized Times - An Illuminating Conversation with Katy Anthes (Ep. 33)

This episode will interest anyone interested in what it takes to successfully lead a politically diverse school board (or any such organization) in these highly polarized times. My guest, Dr. Katy Anthes, did just that as Colorado’s Commissioner of Education from 2016 to 2023 by building trust, getting leaders to agree on norms about how they would disagree, and developing a common vision of education that members of her state board could embrace.

Rather than avoiding sharp disagreements over questions about standardized testing, state standards, and how history should be taught, she leaned into “healthy conflict”— the kind that is productive and allows for progress even among those with opposing perspectives.

Anthes addresses a question, around the 17-minute mark, that she often encounters: When finding a middle ground is needed to move things forward, do we have to compromise our values and beliefs?

A question she’s still pondering: How to navigate complex and contentious issues in the presence of “conflict entrepreneurs”—those who promote conflict for their own financial or political gain. Tune in and learn from one of our country's most effective educational leaders.

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