Brenda Allen - President of Lincoln University: Showing Up and Advocating in Higher Education

Brenda Allen - President of Lincoln University: Showing Up and Advocating in Higher Education

Author: Dr. Laura Sicola September 19, 2022 Duration: 36:46

Your input matters beyond your expertise. Lincoln University President Brenda Allen transitioned from a professor to an administrative role and quickly learned the importance of showing up to the executive table when invited. This week Laura and Brenda discuss the importance of higher education for critical thinking, problem-solving, and career preparedness. Brenda also explores how to navigate the complicated relationships between young adults and their parents, communicating progress with donors, and teaching students how to advocate for themselves.

 

Here are a few things you’ll learn during this conversation:

  • How higher education prepares job seekers for rapidly changing career demands
  • Why transferable skills are priceless
  • How Brenda’s team communicates with parents and donors on investment issues
  • Why every leader should encourage questions
  • Why Brenda believes, “if you’re invited to the table, you need to be at the table.”

 

During the 24-Hour Influence Challenge, Brenda encourages you to write a letter to yourself explaining your three main inner strengths and sharing those strengths with others.

 

Brenda A. Allen was appointed as Lincoln University’s 14th president in 2017. Since that time, she has implemented a strategic plan designed to ensure Lincoln's place among great liberal arts institutions. Current investments include increased support for faculty teaching and scholarship, and expanding co-curricular opportunities. Under Dr. Allen’s leadership, the University received a $20 million gift, the largest from a single donor in Lincoln’s 167- year history. Prior to coming to Lincoln, Dr. Allen held executive positions at Winston Salem State University, Brown University, and Smith College. She also served as a postdoctoral associate and lecturer at Yale University. She holds a bachelor's in psychology from Lincoln University, and a master's degree and a doctorate in psychology, both from Howard University.

 

You can learn more about Lincoln University here: https://www.lincoln.edu/

 

To learn more about Dr. Laura Sicola and how mastering influence can impact your success go to https://www.speakingtoinfluence.com/quickstart and download the quick start guide for mastering the three C’s of influence.

 

You can connect with Laura in the following ways:

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drlaurasicola


LinkedIn Business Page: 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vocal-impact-productions/


YouTube: 
https://www.youtube.com/c/VocalImpactProductions


Facebook: Vocal Impact Productions


Twitter: 
@Laura Sicola 


Instagram: @VocalImpactProductions


Speaking to Influence features conversations about the tangible mechanics of leadership communication, moving beyond theory into practical application. Host Dr. Laura Sicola, an expert in linguistic influence, guides discussions that dissect how language, tone, and presence directly impact credibility and outcomes. Each episode brings a perspective from seasoned executives and industry figures who share their real-world experiences-not just their successes, but the nuanced moments where a single conversation changed a trajectory. The focus here is on the actionable: how to structure a message for a skeptical board, modulate your voice to convey authority without arrogance, and read a room to pivot your approach in real time. This isn't about generic public speaking tips; it's a deep exploration of the strategic choices behind influential speech. Listeners gain access to a toolkit for building confidence, commanding attention, and achieving specific professional results through more intentional communication. The podcast operates at the intersection of business strategy, personal development, and the often-overlooked technical art of persuasion, making it relevant for anyone whose role requires them to lead, sell, or inspire through spoken word. Dr. Sicola's background provides a unique lens, ensuring every conversation yields insights you can use immediately to refine your own impact.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Speaking to Influence
Podcast Episodes
Scott Miller of YESLY Water: Cultivating a ‘We’ Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:12
Scott Miller is the guest on this week’s episode of Speaking to Influence. The Co-Founder and CEO of YESLY Water speaks to Laura about how he handled pushback and set boundaries to move forward. In this episode you will…
Johann Wrede of Emburse: The Power of Experience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:47
Joining Laura on this week’s episode of ‘Speaking to Influence’ is Johann Wrede, Chief Experience Officer at Emburse. Johann shares how he manages group dynamics among key stakeholders to keep them from hijacking meeting…
Dr. Laura Sicola: The Big Reveal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
Happy New Year! Dr. Laura Sicola is back with Part II: The Big Reveal. In this episode, she unveils her rebranding journey, discussing the issues and challenges her Vocal Impact brand had, and introduces the audience to…
Sneak Peek - What's Even Better than VIP? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:30
Dr. Laura Sicola: Sneak Peek- What’s Even Better than VIP? This week, join Dr. Laura Sicola for Part I of a two part series where she talks about defining and claiming your brand…or more specifically, HER brand! Join us…
Clate Mask of Keap: When It’s Time to Stop Trying to Persuade [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:33
On this week’s episode of Speaking to Influence, join Clate Mask, CEO of Keap Small Business Automation, as he tells Laura about when he knew it was time to put his career on the line by giving an ultimatum to his compan…
Anu Muralidharan of Expensify: A Human ‘Swiss-Army Knife’ [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
This week on ‘Speaking to Influence,’ Dr. Laura is joined by COO of Expensify, Anu Muralidharan, where Anu shares how she was able to build momentum in her company by having everyone identify their own unique value, and…