Episode

440: Call Out the Elephant: How Great Leaders Face Conflict with Empathy and Clarity An Interview With President & CEO of Des Moines University Dr. Angela Walker Franklin

Podcast
DREAM THINK DO | Motivation, Encouragement & Strategy
Published
Dec 4, 2025
Duration seconds
3185
Processing state
not_requested
Canonical source
https://mitchmatthews.com/440
Audio
https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/dreamthinkdo/AUDIO_440.mp3?dest-id=243915
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/dream-think-do-motivation-encouragement-strategy-1095025/episodes/440-call-out-the-elephant-how-great-leaders-face-conflict-with-empathy-and-clarity-an-interview-with-president-ceo-of-des-moines-university-dr-angela-walker-franklin
Markdown
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Summary

In this inspiring and deeply authentic episode, Mitch sits down with someone he recently shared the TEDx stage with - Dr. Angela Walker Franklin . Dr. Franklin is the President and CEO of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences , and not only is she the first woman and first person of color to hold that role in the university's 125+ year history… she's also a licensed clinical psychologist, a published author, and a powerful voice for leading with empathy, courage, and clarity. They dive into her unique upbringing in a small South Carolina town - where her family ran a funeral home - and how that shaped her perspective on life, leadership, and compassion. You'll hear how her father made a bold, sacrificial pivot from medical school to embalming school to support the family's legacy… and how Dr. Franklin has brought that same spirit of service and innovation into her work today. They also explore the origins of her impactful TEDx talk, " How to Call Out the Elephant in the Room ," and how she brought this strategy into leadership meetings, creating a safe space for honest dialogue and collaboration. This episode is filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and powerful strategies for anyone looking to lead well, connect deeply, and navigate hard conversations with grace. Let's go! READ THE FULL SHOW NOTES NOW: https://mitchmatthews.com/ 440 /