Identity-Conscious Leadership in Action: Molding Decision-Making Muscle Memory with Dr. Liza Talusan

Dr. Liza Talusan, a lifelong Filipino-American educator and author, joins us to unpack the complexities of identity-conscious practice in education. Her latest book, Identity Conscious Practice in Action, guides educators in navigating the murky waters of identity issues without the pressure of finding right or wrong answers. Consider the role of love, compassion, and finding common ground in your decision-making abilities, which ultimately impact your community.

Listen as we trace Dr. Talusan's inspiring career journey, from her beginnings as a teacher to her current roles as a scholar and author. Her story underscores the interconnectedness of teaching, mentorship, and leadership—all fueled by curiosity, collaboration, and compassion. We also explore HackBAC, a yearly hackathon for 8th-12th grade students that unlocks and harnesses their genius for good.

Finally, discover the nuanced art of critical thinking and the importance of identity-conscious practice in driving social change. Using the case studies from her new book, our conversation highlights the importance of building muscle memory to negate the powerful emotion of fear while making pressure-filled decisions. 

Chapters

• 0:05 Identity and Dignity Dialogues
• 12:42 Career Journey and Identity Perspectives
• 20:08 Building Community Through HackBAC
• 26:01 Unlocking Genius Through Mentorship and Ideation
• 34:09 Critical Thinking for Social Change
• 42:35 Embracing Identity and Diversity in Education
• 54:23 Responsible Decision Making Muscle Memory
• 1:01:27 Developing Perspective and Muscle Memory