Twisting Paradigms IRL

Kate McCaffrey, PhD
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Welcome to Twisting Paradigms IRL, where Dr. Kate McCaffrey, an executive leadership coach and founder of Paradigm Twist, guides you through real conversations on leadership, change, and the deeply human experience of being in the messy middle. This podcast offers practical shifts, personal stories, and fresh strategies to help you lead with steadiness, transparency, and care, whether you're navigating team dynamics, managing change, or simply seeking clarity in your leadership journey. Tune in to discover how to twist your own paradigms and find growth in the in-between moments.

Season 1

  1. Episode 1

    Episode 1: Introducing the Paradigm Twist Formula™ for success and impact

    We dive deep into the Paradigm Twist Formula™. This framework helps leaders like you shift from being stuck in problems to reframing your beliefs and ultimately seeing the powerful impact of your choices. In this episode, we'll break down the formula and show you how to apply it to lead stronger and change wiser in your own world. To access the worksheet and reflection that accompanies this episode click here. You will need to make a copy of this and save it for yourself. To stay in touch and not miss any episodes or updates- Join the community member list - we send meaningful information and updates only. Fill out this form here and don't miss anything from Paradigm Twist.

    11 min

  2. Episode 2

    Episode 2: Helping Your Student Thrive: For Parents navigating the transition to and during college

    Sending your student to college or welcoming them back for another year is a major transition, not just for them, but for you. In this episode of Twisting Paradigms IRL: Lead Stronger. Change Wiser., I’m joined by Dr. Beth Moriarity, Interim Director of Student Transitions and Family Programs at Emerson College in Boston, MA to talk about what this transition really means for parents and families. We’ll explore the emotional ups and downs, the shift from hands-on parenting to coaching from the sidelines, and the ways families can support their student’s growth without taking over. You’ll walk away with practical tips, communication strategies, and a fresh perspective on what success looks like during the college years for your student and for you. Whether this is your first fall semester or your fourth, this conversation will help you navigate the change as a parent and family member with more confidence, connection, and care. Here is more about Beth: Dr. Beth Moriarty has dedicated over 35 years to the field of Higher Education, holding positions at Bridgewater State University, the University of Hartford, and Roger Williams University. After "retiring" from Bridgewater in 2019, she embarked on a career as a "professional temp," taking on interim appointments at several New England institutions.  Currently she is serving as the Interim Director of Student Transitions and Family Programs at Emerson College.  Beth's academic journey began with a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she started her career in residence life and housing as a Resident Assistant. She earned a master's degree in human development, counseling, and family studies from the University of Rhode Island and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the "Relationship of Helicopter Parenting on Autonomy Development in First-Year College Students." An active member of the higher education community, Beth has been involved with the Northeast Association of College and University Housing Officers (NEACUHO) and the Boston Area College Housing Association (BACHA), serving as president of both organizations. She is a past NASPA Region I Regional Director and served a two-year term on the NASPA National Board of Directors. Additionally, Beth is a Gallup-trained CliftonStrengths workshop facilitator. Beth's professional strengths lie in developing, implementing, and assessing programs that enhance student development. Known for her problem-solving skills, ability to manage multiple priorities, and adaptability, she excels in forming strong partnerships to drive student-centered goals and strategies. On a personal note, Beth enjoys spending time with her husband, two grown children, and their 9-year-old rescue dog, Charlie. To stay in touch and not miss any episodes or updates- Join the community member list - we send meaningful information and updates only. Fill out this form here and don't miss anything from Paradigm Twist.

    33 min

  3. Episode 3

    Episode 3: Why a focus on middle managers in higher education and why now?

    In this episode, I share why I have created this experience for middle managers in higher education and why now is the time to invest in your people in order to thrive for the future. So many are in a mode of surviving and reacting. We need mid career professionals who able to lead with confidence, clarity and commitment to themselves as managers and the organizations they serve. For more information click here: Leading In Between To schedule a conversation about bringing this experience to your campus middle managers - click here. To stay in touch and not miss any episodes or updates- Join the community member list - we send meaningful information and updates only. Fill out this form here and don't miss anything from Paradigm Twist.

    7 min

  4. Episode 4

    Episode 4: Resilience in Challenging Times with Dr. Melinda Stoops

    The conversation explores the concept of resilience as a continuous practice, emphasizing the importance of self-care, recognizing strengths, and building connections. It explores the understanding of resilience, the cultivation of resilience in challenging times, and the building of a resilient culture within organizations. The conversation explores the themes of resilience, change management, and self-care in the context of organizational and personal development. It delves into the concept of the circle of control, the challenges of resilience in the face of unexpected change, and the importance of creating space for self-care and self-awareness. The discussion also touches on cultural change and resilience, the significance of starting small and building momentum, and the use of breathing as a tool for relaxation and focus. Takeaways Resilience as a continuous practiceResilience involves self-care, recognizing strengths, and building connections Circle of controlResilience and changeCreating space for self-care and self-awarenessCultural change and resilienceStarting small and building momentumBreathing as a tool for relaxation and focus Chapters 00:00 Building a Resilient Culture18:23 Circle of Control and Influence25:29 Starting Small and Building Momentum27:00 - The power of consistency and small wins over time30:00 - Practical tools: breathing, control circles, and modeling behaviors31:50 - Final thoughts on fostering resilience in yourself and othersResources & Links: The Resilience Factor: 7 Keys to Finding Your Inner Strength and Overcoming Life's Hurdles by Karen Reivich & Andrew ShatteStrengthsFinder by GallupThe Resilient Paradigm Guide (you will need to download and save your own copy to access the guide). Connect with Dr. Melinda Stoops: LinkedInTwitter

    34 min

  5. Episode 5

    Episode 5: The Team That Loves Mondays with Andrew Biernat

    Andrew Biernat is a strategic business consultant, keynote speaker, and author of the book The Team That Loves Mondays. In this episode, we explore how motivation is an intrinsic, collaborative process rather than something imposed from the outside. We discuss practical strategies for fostering lasting engagement, addressing systemic barriers, and creating cultures that inspire energy and high performance, especially in challenging times. The following are highlights from our discussion - The misconception that motivation is something you do to othersThe critical role of intrinsic motivators: autonomy, belonging, and competenceHow assessment tools can empower self-awareness and drive motivationThe importance of ongoing conversations and embedding motivation into team cultureStrategies for sustaining change amid organizational shifts and crisesPractical tips for leaders to create space, set boundaries, and build resilienceThe power of pre-planning for hard moments and disruptionsThe paradigm shift: influencing motivation collaboratively rather than controlling itKey language cues to retire, like "I can't" and "I'm busy," to foster growthThe significance of consistency and intentional reflection for long-term impact The Team That Loves Mondays can be found on Amazon.

    42 min

  6. Episode 6

    Episode 6: Design Thinking in Higher Ed with Dr. Amy Tiberio

    Dr. Amy Tiberio discusses the implementation of design thinking in higher education, emphasizing the student-centered approach, diverse perspectives, and the challenges and benefits of the process. The conversation explores the Experiencing Design framework, stages of the process, and its impact on change management and team dynamics. Additionally, the potential impact of design thinking on higher education and the encouragement of a student-centered approach are highlighted. Amy Tiberio, Ed.D., is a higher education leader, writer, and speaker passionate about institutional innovation and the future of education. Through her Substack and LinkedIn newsletter, Embracing Disruption in Higher Education, she explores the intersection of leadership, change management, and equity — translating complex research into ideas practitioners can actually use. Amy has spent over two decades in enrollment management at institutions across New England, including Bentley University, Stonehill College, and, most recently, Roger Williams University, where she serves as Vice President for Enrollment Management and a member of the President's Cabinet. She has presented at national conferences, including EDUCAUSE and the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), on topics ranging from AI strategy to equity in admissions to women's leadership. She holds an Executive Doctorate in Higher Education from Boston College, where her research focused on leadership, institutional change, and equity in higher education. Outside of work, Amy is an avid yoga practitioner and believes deeply that personal wellness and great leadership go hand in hand. Takeaways Design thinking centers the student experienceDesign thinking encourages diverse perspectives and engagementDesign thinking requires intentional facilitation and time commitment Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Design Thinking05:00 Experiencing Design Framework11:01 Creating an Environment for Creativity17:03 Impact on Change Management23:09 Building Team Synergy28:02 Encouraging Student-Centered ApproachFREE RESOURCE

    31 min

  7. Episode 7

    Episode 7: Reimagining the Higher Ed Workforce with Dr. Kevin McClure

    The conversation explores the concept of a caring university and the incremental changes needed to transform institutional culture. It shares the origin story of this concept, the assessment and improvement of culture, the role of policy and procedure, and the importance of the employee value proposition in addressing institutional challenges. The conversation explores the challenges of workload, organizational capacity for change, and the need to prioritize quality over quantity in higher education. It emphasizes the importance of people-first change, building readiness, and empowering end users in change processes. The discussion also explores the need to update workplace mindsets and policies, embrace small wins, and reconstruct organizational practices to achieve a more caring university environment. Dr. Kevin R. McClure is a Professor of Higher Education and Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. He also serves as Co-Director of the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges.  Dr. McClure is a distinguished scholar of college leadership and organizational change. An award-winning public scholar, he has most recently served as a regular columnist at The Chronicle of Higher Education. Dr. McClure’s best-selling book, The Caring University: Reimagining the Higher Education Workplace after the Great Resignation, was released with Johns Hopkins University Press in 2025. Kevin's recent article: Higher Ed Has A Workload Problem Connect with Kevin on Linked In Takeaways from this episode - Creating a caring universityIncremental change for institutional culture Prioritizing quality over quantityEmphasizing people-first change Chapters 00:00 The Caring University06:30 Assessing and Improving Culture16:47 Employee Value Proposition22:17 Doing Fewer Things Better Organizationally28:08 Putting People First in Change Initiatives34:29 Challenges of Letting Go and Updating Mindsets

    39 min

  8. Episode 8

    Episode 8: AI Isn't the Problem - Your Culture Is with Dr. Claire Brady

    We are joined by Dr. Claire Brady, President and Founder of Glass Half Full Consulting and author of AI with Intention: The Leadership Guide for Higher Education. Dr. Claire Brady is a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and author of AI with Intention: The Leadership Guide for Higher Education. With more than 25 years of experience in student affairs and executive leadership, she partners with colleges and universities to navigate AI adoption with clarity, strategy, and purpose. Through keynotes, workshops, and executive advising, Claire helps leaders move beyond hype to identify practical, mission-aligned applications of AI that enhance student success, improve operations, and strengthen organizational culture. Her work is grounded in the belief that AI should not replace human connection—but create more space for it. The conversation explores the impact of AI in higher education, and the challenges and strategies related to AI adoption and change management. It explores the importance of building trust, dealing with change fatigue, and understanding paradigms and behavior twists in the context of organizational leadership and change. It highlights the integration of AI into student workflows, building trust and transparency with students, the role of AI in student enrollment, scalability and challenges of AI implementation, the human-centric approach to AI in higher education, the impact of AI on student well-being and equity, creating a culture of AI readiness in higher education, and final thoughts and encouragement for AI adoption in education. Takeaways The importance of building trust in AI adoption and navigating change fatigueUnderstanding paradigms and behavior twists in the context of organizational leadership and change - Trust and transparency are essential in integrating AI into student workflows.AI readiness in higher education is about creating a culture that supports meaningful engagement with AI tools. Chapters 00:00 The Birth of Paradigm Twist05:29 Building Capacity for Change10:34 Building Trust in AI Adoption15:46 Building Trust in AI Adoption21:12 Integrating AI into Student Workflows26:24 The Human-Centric Approach to AI in Higher Education32:26 Creating a Culture of AI Readiness in Higher Education38:05 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Dr. Claire Brady - Glass Half Full Consulting Find out more about Claire and her new book launching this month: AI with Intention

    39 min

  9. Episode 9

    Episode 9 Play to Lead - Celebrating 40 years of women and girls in sports

    This episode explores the advocacy and leadership in women's sports, tracing the legacy of Title IX and the impact of National Girls and Women in Sports Day. It discusses the role of women in leadership, challenges and gaps in women's sports, myths and misunderstandings, the influence of athletics on leadership, and lessons from women's sports for other leaders. The conversation covers the importance of collaboration and support in sports, the need for a cultural shift and intentional support for girls in sports, the power of messaging and representation, the impact of post-game traditions and rituals, and advice for young women in sport and leadership. Takeaways Advocacy and leadership in women's sportsThe impact of Title IX on women's sports Collaboration and support are essential for overcoming challenges and advancing in sports.Cultural shift and intentional support are crucial for encouraging girls to continue in sports. Chapters 00:00 Twisting Paradigms in Real Life05:31 Challenges and Gaps in Women's Sports17:16 Lessons from Women's Sports for Other Leaders24:54 The Value of Collaboration and Support36:18 The Impact of Post-Game Traditions and Rituals

    41 min

  10. Episode 10

    Episode 10: Creativity Isn’t Magic — It’s a Leadership Practice with Dr. Amy Climer

    Unlocking Creativity in Teams: Practical Strategies for LeadersIn this episode of Twisting Paradigms IRL, Dr. Kate McCaffrey talks with Dr. Amy Climer to explore the relationship between creativity, innovation, & leadership. Amy shares practical strategies for building creative teams, fostering trust, & creating environments where innovation can thrive. Together, they discuss how leaders can intentionally cultivate creativity within their organizations and rethink traditional approaches to team dynamics, and problem-solving. Key TopicsDifference between creativity and innovationElements needed for team creativityCreative problem solving processBuilding trust and psychological safetyDesigning intentional team spaces and meetings Sound Bites"Creativity is a novelty that is valuable." "Small process changes can reduce stress." "Make space for creativity in your schedule." Chapters00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Innovation in Organizations 02:20 Defining Creativity and Innovation 05:30 The Role of Leadership in Fostering Creativity 09:44 Creative Problem Solving Process 12:08 Team Dynamics and Trust in Creative Environments 16:18 Cooperation vs. Collaboration in Teams 20:18 The Purpose of Collaboration vs. Cooperation 22:49 Rethinking Meeting Structures for Productivity 29:13 Creating Inclusive and Innovative Team Environments 33:00 Intentionality in Team Dynamics and Space 35:19 Deliberate Creativity in Team Meetings ResourcesDeliberate Creative Teams: How to Lead for Innovative Results https://climerconsulting.com/book Climer Cards https://climercards.com The Deliberate Creative Podcast https://climerconsulting.com Connect with Dr. Amy ClimerWebsite https://climerconsulting.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyclimer/ About Dr. Amy ClimerDr. Amy Climer teaches teams and organizations how to increase their creativity so they can maximize innovation. She is a speaker, trainer, consultant, and author of the award-winning book Deliberate Creative Teams: How to Lead for Innovative Results. Amy is also the host of The Deliberate Creative Podcast and the creator of Climer Cards, a creativity and team-building tool. She holds a Ph.D. in Leadership and Change and works with organizations to build stronger, more innovative teams. About Kate McCaffreyDr. Kate McCaffrey is the CEO and Founder of Paradigm Twist, LLC. She partners with leaders and organizations to strengthen leadership capacity, communication, and organizational effectiveness through facilitation, coaching, and strategic development. Connect with KateWebsite https://www.twistyourparadigm.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mccaff/ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, share it with a colleague, and join us for future conversations that challenge assumptions, expand perspectives, and inspire leadership growth.

    39 min

  11. 10/22/2025

    Episode 0: The Origin Story Behind Paradigm Twist

    The origin story of Paradigm Twist and how it came to be! From the streets of Fort Collins CO to the life changing decision in 2019 that led to the start of something extraordinary! To stay in touch and not miss any episodes or updates- Join the community member list - we send meaningful information and updates only. Fill out this form here and don't miss anything from Paradigm Twist.

    11 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Welcome to Twisting Paradigms IRL, where Dr. Kate McCaffrey, an executive leadership coach and founder of Paradigm Twist, guides you through real conversations on leadership, change, and the deeply human experience of being in the messy middle. This podcast offers practical shifts, personal stories, and fresh strategies to help you lead with steadiness, transparency, and care, whether you're navigating team dynamics, managing change, or simply seeking clarity in your leadership journey. Tune in to discover how to twist your own paradigms and find growth in the in-between moments.

Information

  • Creator
    Kate McCaffrey, PhD
  • Episodes
    11
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kate McCaffrey, PhD