Conversations on Leadership Podcast Series

The Conversations on Leadership series highlights the leaders within Policy Research. In this series, guests share their thoughts on Policy Research’s work and culture and highlight how they are using the firm’s strategic plan to guide their work and advance the field.

The series is composed of the following episodes:

• Episode 1: The Leadership Transition: In this episode, Ms. Robbins discusses her initial search for a successor, the early conversations between her and Dr. Desmarais, and what we should expect over the coming months. Dr. Desmarais shares her history with PRA during her graduate work, how she felt about transitioning from academia to the private sector, and the transition plan that the two have worked hand-in-hand on developing. (Episode 1 Transcript)
• Episode 2: The Future of PRA: In this episode, Dr. Desmarais discusses her passion for research and evidence-based practices, how PRA’s research and technical assistance work will inform one another under her leadership, and her reflections on her first year on the job. In addition, Ms. Robbins shares her reflections on Dr. Desmarais’s first year at PRA. (Episode 2 Transcript)
• Episode 3: Pam’s Reflection on 35 Years: In this episode, Ms. Robbins walks through some of the highlights from 35 years at Policy Research. The conversation covers the early days of Policy Research when the firm had one research grant, and how the work and culture have evolved over time. (Episode 3 Transcript)
• Episode 4: A Year of Change: Reflections on the First Year: In this episode, Sarah Desmarais, PhD, reflects on her first year as President of Policy Research, shares the highlights from her first year, how Policy Research’s strategic plan guides her work, the expansion of the firm’s research portfolio, and what’s next for her and the firm. (Episode 4 Transcript)
• Episode 6: Elan Hope on Shaping the Research and Evaluation Area: In this episode, Dr. Hope shares her approach to building and expanding Policy Research’s Research and Evaluation area, the internal and external collaborations the area has developed, and her strategies for leading a remote-first team and ensuring life-work integration for staff members. (Episode 6 Transcript)
• Episode 7: Kristin Lupfer on Balancing Life and Leadership: In this episode, Kristin Lupfer, Vice President for Housing and Income Supports at Policy Research discusses her tenure at Policy Research, her path as a remote employee, and her approach to leadership. (Episode 7 Transcript)

This series was first launched in 2022.

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