Season 1 Episode 10: Leadership as Behavior: Listening, Choice, and Compassionate Feedback with Dr. Jim Connell

What does leadership look like when it’s grounded in behavior, not position? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Jim Connell, Associate Professor at Drexel University and founding director of multiple graduate training programs, and a nationally recognized leader in school psychology, applied behavior analysis, and systems‑level change, to explore leadership through a behavioral science lens. Dr. Connell shares his powerful and remarkable journey, from entering college later in life after serving in the military, to confronting personal challenges, to sobriety, and to building impactful academic and clinical programs, which led to his rediscovery of purpose through behavioral science. Dr. Connell also unpacks how listening, opportunity, choice, guardrails, and performance feedback shape effective leadership. Together, Dr. Bubb and Dr. Connell explore: Leadership as a set of observable behaviors How perseverance and compassion shape leadership The power of listening and setting “behavioral guardrails” Using data‑based decision‑making to strengthen teams and systems How performance feedback is a robust leadership tool that becomes a transformative leadership strategy Creating opportunities, reinforcing growth, and building momentum to shape outcomes Navigating resistance to change with empathy and curiosity Supporting others without judgment as paths evolve Why inclusive leadership matters — especially for neurodivergent colleagues This warm, conversational, and inspiring episode highlights what leadership truly looks like when rooted in behavioral science and human connection. It’s a must-listen for educators, behavior analysts, administrators, and anyone committed to developing people and systems with intention.   Dr. Connell’s Bio:   Dr Connell is an Associate Professor in the Drexel University School of Education. In 2012, Dr. Connell departed the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine to become the founding Clinical Core Director of the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute. There he designed the Institute clinic, hired Core area faculty and staff, and developed and supported contracts and funded research for the next 8 years. At the time of his Drexel appointment, Dr Connell also founded the Drexel ABA master’s program which continues to this day. Dr Connell became full time faculty in the Drexel School of Education 5 years ago, to be the founding director of the School Psychology graduate training program, which is now in its fifth year. Dr. Connell has published in consultation, intervention, and assessment, which demonstrates his professional interest in school psychology. His current interest includes the manipulation of the population through social media, and the behavioral mechanisms than set the occasion for radicalized behavior, and the making of a “school shooter” through the work of his doctoral student.