Bridging Divides through Leadership and the Arts, with Dr. Pamela Barnett

In this episode of Rooted2Thrive: Conversations That Elevate Our Humanity, host Rochelle Peterson Ansari speaks with Dr. Pamela Barnett, Dean of the School of Arts and Communication at the College of New Jersey. Dr. Barnett explores the powerful role that leadership and the arts play in bridging divides and fostering empathy across different perspectives. Dr. Barnett shares her insights on how art can serve as a tool for resolving conflicts and building understanding. She also discusses the need for addressing personal traumas and how these impact our interactions and conflicts in professional settings. Drawing from her experiences, she elaborates on the four types of social violence—attack, humiliation, guilt, and abandonment—that can dehumanize individuals and how recognizing these can aid in creating more trusting and thriving environments. Join the conversation to learn how to harness the arts to deepen connection, the importance of addressing underlying traumas, and strategies for facilitating conflict constructively. Topics Covered in This Episode: Using the arts and leadership to bridge societal divides Understanding and addressing personal and professional traumas The four types of violence (attack, humiliation, guilt, abandonment) and their impact on human interactions Strategies for facilitating constructive conflict and fostering empathy Guest Information: Dr. Pamela Barnett Dean, School of the Arts & Communication  Social Media:Facebook: TCNJ School of the Arts & Communication Instagram: Tcnj_deanbarnett Tcnj_artscomm LinkedIn: Pamela E. Barnett X (Twitter): @BarnettPamela67