Halima Leak Francis on Hiring Right [I Wanna Work There]

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Eddie Francis welcomes Dr. Halima Leak Francis, director of the John Lewis Public Administration Program in Tulane University's School of Professional Advancement (and Eddie’s wife). Together, they discuss how the right hire can transform a program’s capacity, systems, and reputation. Dr. Leak Francis shares a compelling story about hiring her first full-time team member, emphasizing the importance of complimentary skill sets, open-mindedness, and leadership rooted in stewardship.

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Key Takeaways

• Hire for Complementary Skills, Not Replication
  A great hire should bring different perspectives and strengths to the team, filling gaps and enhancing capacity rather than duplicating the leader’s expertise.
• Approach Leadership as Stewardship
  Hiring decisions should reflect a long-term vision for sustaining and growing the organization’s capacity beyond the leader’s tenure.
• Systems and Processes Drive Success
  Thoughtful hiring can support the development of better systems and processes, improving communication, recruitment, and retention efforts.
• The Right Candidate Helps You See New Possibilities
  An open-minded approach to hiring allows leaders to find candidates who bring fresh ideas and expand the program’s potential.
• Thoughtful Hiring Builds Reputation
  Hiring individuals who align with the program’s goals and values enhances credibility and drives positive outcomes for students, faculty, and the institution.

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Hiring for Capacity, Growth, and Complementary Skills

Dr. Halima Leak Francis shares how hiring her first full-time team member in the John Lewis Public Administration Program at Tulane was a pivotal moment for the program’s development. Recognizing the need to build the program’s capacity and streamline its systems and processes, Dr. Leak Francis intentionally sought a candidate whose skills and experiences were distinct from her own.

This candidate, who brought a military background and expertise in areas that complemented Dr. Leak Francis’s strengths, expressed a genuine interest in helping the program grow. During the interview process, they demonstrated alignment with the program’s goals, a collaborative mindset, and an ability to contribute to long-term sustainability. This hire’s unique skills and fresh perspective allowed the program to diversify its offerings and better serve students.

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Leadership Rooted in Stewardship

Dr. Leak Francis explains her leadership philosophy, which is centered on stewardship—managing resources in a way that sustains and grows the program beyond her tenure. By hiring someone who could eventually “hold her seat” and seamlessly step into her role if needed, she ensured the program’s continued success.

The hire’s complementary skill set brought new ideas to the table, improving how the program communicates with students, faculty, and external stakeholders. Their collaborative approach created an environment where faculty and staff could work together effectively to achieve shared goals.

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Thoughtful Hiring Strengthens Reputation

The impact of this hire extended beyond internal operations. Their alignment with the program’s goals and their ability to connect with students and colleagues helped elevate the program’s reputation both within Tulane and beyond. Dr. Leak Francis emphasizes the importance of being intentional in the hiring process—identifying a candidate who not only meets immediate needs but also contributes to the broader mission and vision of the program.

Eddie Francis reflects on the thoughtfulness behind the hiring decision, noting how the process began with a clear understanding of the program’s goals and capacity needs. He highlights the importance of leaders keeping an open mind, especially when considering candidates with different backgrounds and experiences. By focusing on complementary skills and alignment with the program’s mission, Dr. Leak Francis set the stage for long-term success.

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Make sure to check out the full I Wanna Work There playlist today.

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‍About The Enrollify Podcast Network: I Wanna Work There is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!  

Some of our favorites include Generation AI and Confessions of a Higher Education Social Media Manager.

Enrollify is produced by Element451 —  the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

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