What if the people who shape our educational journeys are just as important as the education itself? In this episode of Tutum Talk, I’m joined by Dr. Taj Smith, a higher education professional, social justice educator, and advocate for creating more inclusive and supportive academic communities. Taj and I talk about his own journey into higher education and the people behind the scenes who made a meaningful difference in his experience as a first-generation college student. Those experiences shaped not only his path, but also his commitment to creating spaces where students, faculty, and staff can feel supported, seen, and like they truly belong. We explore the often-overlooked role of higher education staff, the energy and creativity students bring to our work, and what it looks like to foster diversity, inclusion, access, and engagement across an entire institution. But perhaps one of my favorite parts of this conversation is Taj’s reminder that working in education means being a lifelong learner yourself. Whether he’s learning more about different cultures, engaging with deaf and hard of hearing communities, or adapting to the changing landscape of higher education, Taj approaches his work with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to keep growing. And underneath all of it is a question that I think applies far beyond higher education: Who are the people behind our journey, and how are we becoming that person for someone else? In this episode, we talk about: Taj’s unexpected journey into higher educationThe people behind the scenes who support student successHis experience as a first-generation college graduateWhy student energy and curiosity continue to inspire his workDiversity, inclusion, access, and engagement in higher educationCreating belonging for both students and employeesThe importance of professional development across an entire institutionLearning from communities and experiences different from our ownWhy adaptability and lifelong learning matter in leadershipThe impact we can have when we create spaces where people feel supported and seenTaj’s story is a beautiful reminder that education is never just about classrooms, degrees, or institutions. It’s about people. It’s about relationships. And it’s about the people who choose to show up along the journey and help someone else find their way. If you’ve ever had a teacher, mentor, staff member, colleague, or leader who made you feel like you belonged, this conversation may remind you just how much that person mattered. And perhaps more importantly, it may leave you asking: Who might need you to be that person for them? Connect with Dr. Taj Smith Learn more about Dr. Taj Smith and his work in higher education, diversity, inclusion, and social justice education through his professional and social media channels. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-taj-smith-38570124/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtajsmith Email: tajpsmithconsults@gmail.com Connect with Cara Nance & Tutum Leadership Coaching Cara Nance is a Gallup Certified CliftonStrengths Coach and founder of Tutum Leadership Coaching. Through strengths-based coaching, team development, workshops, and retreats, Cara helps leaders and teams move from chaos to clarity and connection. If you're ready to better understand your strengths, strengthen your leadership, and create a workplace where people can do their best work, 1:1 coaching may be your next step. 💻 6 in 6 Experience: https://tutumleadershipcoaching.com/mastermind-registration 🌐 Website: https://www.tutumleadershipcoaching.com 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caranance 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tutumleadershipcoaching 📅 Schedule a conversation: https://calendly.com/tutumleadershipcoaching/let-s-connect 🎙️ Subscribe to Tutum Talk with Cara Nance wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the show, leave a rating and review, and share it with someone who believes leadership begins with people. Together, we can create workplaces, schools, and communities where people feel seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. About Tutum Talk: Tutum Talk with Cara Nance is a podcast for leaders who lead with heart - even when they doubt themselves. Through honest conversations about presence, intuition, courage, and connection, Cara helps listeners build leadership rooted in humanity, not perfection. Music provided by Music_Unlimited
