#217 Dr. Bridget Burns: Changing Higher Ed from Turf Wars to Teamwork — Part One

Higher education often feels like a reality TV show—full of rivalries, dramatic eliminations, and schools fighting for the top spot. But what if universities actually worked together?

Enter Dr. Bridget Burns, CEO of the University Innovation Alliance (UIA) and host of The Innovating Together Podcast. From her small-town roots to becoming a driving force in educational reform, Bridget is on a mission to replace academic competition with collaboration. She’s tackling the “Higher Ed Hunger Games” head-on, working to boost graduation rates and open doors for low-income students—no cutthroat eliminations required.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

Overcoming Adversity: Bridget's Journey from Isolation to Empowerment

“I grew up in a cul de sac of racism, homophobia, misogyny—very rural America—and getting out was super important.”

Problem in Universities: Unveiling the Diffusion of Innovation Problem

“We don’t know if what we’re doing is any good, or how to scale it.”

Higher Ed Hunger Games: Tackling the Cutthroat Competition

"Higher education is highly competitive, hierarchical, set up to pit you against others, which leaves very little space to share about shared problems."

Real Change or Just for Show? Scouting for True Innovators in Academia

"We need to figure out who else is a worker bee, who's interested in doing the really hard stuff and not just drawn to the image."

Who Actually Likes Change? Spoiler: No One

“Everyone who says they like change is a liar. You only like change that is your idea and that you actively participate in creating.”

______________________

Connect with Us:
Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Bridget Burns

______________________

--**Chief Change Officer**--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for 
Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs,
Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts.

6 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
Reaching 80+ Countries Daily.
Global Top 3% Podcast.
Top 10 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<

--Chief Change Officer--
Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself.

Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence
for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep,
Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts.

EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist.
20 Million+ All-Time Downloads.
80+ Countries Reached Daily.
Global Top 1% Podcast.
Top 5 US Business.
Top 1 US Careers.

>>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<