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Leading As A Lifelong Learner With Santa Barbara’s Kelly Barsky

Guest Kelly Barsky, Santa Barbara
12:52 min watch

Summary

Santa Barbara’s John and Jody Arnhold Director of Athletics Kelly Barsky joins ADU’s Steph Garcia Cichosz at the 2024 NCAA Convention to discuss her first year in the chair, the value of having deep institutional knowledge as a leader and her commitment to lifelong learning. Barsky and Garcia Cichosz reflect on the nonlinear path to success, strategic thinking from the big chair and values-based alignment before diving into routines and habits, favorite podcasts and books every leader should read.

The conversation is indexed below for efficient viewing (click the time stamp to jump to a specific question/topic).

  • - You've spoken before about the road to success - how it isn't a straight line but rather a zig zag. How have you stayed patient and confident when you're in the zig rather than the zag?
  • - You started at Santa Barbara as an Assistant Women's Basketball Coach about 15 years ago and have held various roles on campus since. How has that deep institutional knowledge impacted your first days in the chair?
  • - As someone who believes you can lead from whatever role you're in, how do you empower your staff that they too could be leading from their current position?
  • - What's changed for you from an everyday routines and rituals perspective?
  • - How do you like to set up or plan out your day?
  • - Have you tapped into AI for any of this?
  • - What podcasts have you been listening to lately?
  • - Are there any books on leadership development that you've enjoyed recently?
  • - How do you know what to say no to?
  • - How has your everyday life, from parenting and work/life balance perspectives, shifted as you've transitioned into the AD role?
  • - This is a quote about leadership from an interview you did in the past - “It’s being intentional, working hard, making good decisions, doing the right thing, showing up for your teammates, preparing yourself to be the best you can be and going after the things that are important to you." What does that mean from your vantage point today?