Leaders are Human Podcast

About Leaders are Human Podcast

What does it truly take to lead in today’s complex, divided, and rapidly changing world? The Leaders Are Human Podcast peels back the surface of leadership to reveal the deeply human journey behind it. Hosted by Angel B. Pérez, a national leader in higher education and CEO of the National Association for College Admission Counseling, this series features candid conversations with some of today’s most impactful leaders across education, nonprofit, and civic sectors. Guests share not just what they’ve accomplished, but who they’ve had to become along the way. Through honest and often vulnerable storytelling, they reflect on the inner work that has shaped their leadership and the ongoing process of self-discovery. We also explore a powerful truth: the way we lead and the decisions we make about our careers are deeply connected to our upbringing, our personal stories, and the challenges and triumphs that define us. Whether you’re an established leader or just beginning your journey, this podcast will challenge you to reflect more deeply, lead more intentionally, and serve others with greater clarity and courage. Show Note: In this episode, Dan Porterfield highlights five key mindsets for growth from his book, Mindset Matters; discovery, creativity, collaboration, mentorship and striving. These mindsets reflect a belief in continuous learning, contributing meaningfully, working with others, lifting others up, and pushing yourself forward with purpose.

Publisher

NACAC CEO Angel B. Pérez

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

28 Apr 2026

Latest episode

27 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

3 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   27 Aug 2026

   The Joyful Pursuit of Constant, Aggressive, Problem Solving: Leadership in the Ivy League

   NACAC CEO Angel B. Pérez sits down with Whitney E. Soule, vice provost and dean of admissions at the University of Pennsylvania, for a deeply personal conversation about leadership, resilience, and what it takes to lead through extraordinary challenges. Whitney shares her unlikely path to the Ivy League and reflects with remarkable vulnerability on navigating a medical scare and profound personal tragedy—all while leading through one of the most challenging periods in higher education. Togeth...

2. 

   16 Jun 2026

   From Stocking Bodega Shelves to CEO: How Courage, Mentorship, and Leaps of Faith Shape Leaders

   What does it take to build a meaningful life and career? In this episode of Leaders Are Human, I sit down with Shirley M. Collado, Ph.D., a remarkable leader whose journey began stocking shelves at a neighborhood bodega and ultimately became the President and CEO of CollegeTrack. How does this happen? Together, we talk about being the first in your family to carve a new path, and the courage required to take risks, trust your instincts, and embrace opportunities before you feel fully re...

3. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Purpose, Mindset, Contemplation, and Integrity: The Tools of Human Leadership

   How do you navigate life’s hardest moments without losing your sense of purpose—or yourself? In the first episode of Leaders Are Human, I sit down with Dan Porterfield, president of the Aspen Institute and a leader I’ve long admired. Dan reflects on his childhood, his journey through public education to a life-changing Jesuit experience, and the values that shaped his path. What emerges is a powerful story of transformation: from simply getting through life to living with intention and servic...

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

3 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.