The Human Side of Leadership • A Conversation with Nico Washington and Bill Guerrero.

In a moment when higher education finds itself pressed on all sides—demographics, policy shifts, the financial realities of running institutions—this live conversation from the EACUBO Annual Meeting offers something increasingly rare: clarity grounded in humanity. Howard Teibel invites Bill Guerrero and Nico Washington to reflect not on strategy alone, but on the personal philosophies that have shaped their careers and their impact.

Bill shares how his journey from first-gen student athlete to seasoned financial leader has always been driven by a single metric: student impact. His willingness to “follow the puck” toward the real challenges facing institutions reveals a mindset that embraces change rather than fears it. Nico brings a complementary perspective—rooted in her early years balancing work, education, and parenthood—that centers empathy, intuition, and authentic connection as core leadership tools. Together, they illuminate the often-unseen emotional and relational dimensions of the CBO role.

Across discussions of Ikigai, institutional partnerships, and the myth of certainty, the conversation becomes a guide for leaders seeking purpose in the midst of volatility. What emerges is a portrait of leadership defined not by hierarchy or job titles, but by curiosity, confidence, and a profound commitment to the people and communities higher education serves.

This episode challenges listeners to rethink how they approach professional change—and to consider what it means to lead as a whole human being.