Send us Fan Mail Ready for a masterclass in leadership that outlives the leader? We sit with Dr. Thomas A. Parham—licensed psychologist, author, and the 11th president of California State University Dominguez Hills—to unpack how spirit, mentorship, and uncompromising standards fueled a campus-wide transformation. From a childhood across South, East, and West LA to steering a $250M “small city,” Dr. Parham shares the moments that reshaped his path and the philosophies that guided every decision. We trace his pivot from criminology to psychology through community work and a life-altering encounter with Dr. Joseph White, father of Black psychology. Parham explains why spirituality—distinct from religiosity—is essential to leadership, how ideas shape behavior, and why reading a room’s energy can change outcomes. He shows what it takes to shift culture at scale: raising expectations, aligning incentives, celebrating staff, and holding firm to Ma’at’s virtues—truth, justice, harmony, order, balance, propriety—so institutions become cultural comfort zones where dignity is nonnegotiable. The receipts are real. CSUDH secured long-sought accreditations, upgraded facilities, and launched a student-funded health, wellness, and recreation center—an $86M investment born from a bold ask: What are you prepared to invest in your future? Parham’s leadership turned “we can’t” into “watch us,” proving that optimism plus structure can move an entire community. He talks succession with humility—principles over personality—and offers a simple nightly test: Did I fulfill or betray the legacy I was given? If you care about higher education, social mobility, DEI, and leading with both rigor and heart, this conversation will reset your bar for what’s possible. Subscribe, share with a friend who leads teams or dreams big, and leave a review to help more people find the show. Support the show 🎧 New episodes every Month. (Dark in July & December) 🎓 Powered by California Leaders Workshops – advancing leadership through immersive learning experiences. 🌐 Learn more at: https://www.californialeaders.com/workshops Let’s build a city of leaders — one story at a time. 🌟 SUPPORT THE PODCAST Want to sponsor a future episode or provide gifts for our guests? 👉 Email cluna@californialeaders.com 🔗 CONNECT WITH CALIFORNIA LEADERS 🎙️ Host: Christopher Luna 🌐 Website: https://www.californialeaders.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caleadersofficial/ 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/californialeaders/ 🐦 Twitter: https://x.com/caleadersx 📧 Email: cluna@californialeaders.com 🔔 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories from leaders shaping California and beyond. #CaliforniaLeaders #CaliforniaLeadersPodcast #Networking #CaliforniaBusiness #PodcastInterview #Entrepreneurship #LeadershipDevelopment #BeyondNetworking #ChristopherLuna Leading California Leaders - Real stories. Real leaders. Real impact.
