BIO

Sometimes not knowing what you are doing can be the best way to learn. Dr. Jim Salvucci was an English professor and faculty leader when he was asked to become the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at his university. There was one hitch, though. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences did not exist, so he had to found it.  He soon realized that his lifelong background as a leader in many settings did not prepare him adequately for the challenge of founding a school.

As is too typical for young leaders, he had no training, no models, little guidance, and poor mentorship, so he looked to his fellow deans for help, imitating them for a while. He quickly learned that his peers, despite their air of confidence, were flailing as much as he was. He knew then that he was pretty much on his own.

Jim’s first discipline of study was English literature, but he realized that leadership could and must be his second discipline. He read, participated in trainings, studied, and applied what he learned. He made a slew of mistakes—the greatest lessons. He also mentored, wrote about, spoke about, and taught leadership.

After twice serving as a vice president and provost at two more universities, he left higher education. Seeing the need for his specialized thinking and support in the business world, Jim moved into the corporate arena where he offers his vast experience and commitment to leaders and emerging leaders in every field that values its mission. 

As a former English professor, Jim is also an expert in writing and communication and a passionate teacher. His varied experience and extensive learning have made him a seasoned public speaker, engaging audiences on four continents in lectures, conferences, workshops, podcasts, summits, and many other venues. He also writes and records a weekly newsletter and podcast called On Leading with Greatness and is writing on a book.

From a his career in higher education to becoming an entrepreneur out to lead a movement to guide young managers to become the next generation of great leaders, Jim’s knowledge of and commitment to leadership and teaching is unsurpassed. 

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW TOPICS

• Values-based leadership in the workplace
• Developing self-awareness through the assumption audit
• The 4 Cs of leadership
• The 3 elements of effective communication
• Developing the skills of positive change through Tiny Habits
• Every leadership problem is a teaching problem
• Bullying in the workplace and beyond
• Leadership as a discipline and a philosophy
• The pernicious ubiquity of Goodhart's Law
• Guiding young bosses to become the next generation of great leaders
• Anything regarding Bob Dylan--seriously, anything

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

• What simple principles undergird all successful leadership?
• What is workplace bullying, how can you identify it, and how do you deal with it?
• What are the benefits of values-driven leadership?
• How can we best motivate and inspire others as leaders?
• Why must everyone aspire to great leadership?
• Why are so few bosses leaders? Why are so many leaders not bosses?
• Why is every leadership problem a teaching problem? Why is every great teacher a great leader? Why is every great leader a great learner?
• Why are soft skills the hardest skills of all?
• What are the four acts of a leader?
• How can we develop positive habits and behaviors using the Tiny Habits method?
• What is it about Bob Dylan?

DEGREES AND CERTIFICATONS

Degrees

• Ph.D, University of Toronto
• M.A. Queens College/CUNY
• B.A. Bard College

Coaching Certifications

• Tiny Habits Academy
• Thrive Global,
• Transformation Academy 

Leadership Certifications

• Institute for Management and Leadership, Harvard University Graduate School of Education
• Institute for Chief Academic Officers, The Council of Independent Colleges