Getting to the Balcony: New Conversations in Leadership

We’re excited to introduce the first installment of Getting to the Balcony, our monthly video interview series designed for higher education leaders. In each episode, senior executives step back from daily demands to gain perspective and share actionable leadership insights that matter. 

In this episode, Brandon Bernier, Chief Information Officer at Colorado State University, talks with Sean McDonald, President of MOR Associates, about what it means to lead in uncertain times, build trust across teams, and cultivate clarity when the environment feels chaotic.

Why “Getting to the Balcony”?

The “balcony view”—a concept we use often in our leadership development work—refers to stepping above the action to see the full landscape: shifting priorities, relationships in motion, culture as context. When leaders take that vantage, they’re better positioned to guide strategy, align people, and create the right conditions for change.

What You’ll Learn

• Perspective over pressure: How Brandon balances operational demands with long-term vision.
• Trust as the foundation: Practices for fostering connection when teams are distributed and change is constant.
• Small moves, big shifts: How intentional micro-practices build momentum, break down silos, and accelerate alignment.
• Culture meets strategy: Creating a shared language so strategy becomes a living rhythm, not a static plan.

Who Should Watch

Whether you’re a campus CIO, senior leader, director of change initiatives, or emerging leader, this conversation offers something tangible to bring back to your team.

Watch the episode with your leadership team and ask: “What balcony view are we missing right now?” Use the key takeaways as discussion prompts in your next team meeting or leadership forum.

Join the Conversation

After watching, share a comment on LinkedIn with one insight you’ll act on this week. Tag MOR Associates and a colleague who should watch it with you. Use the hashtags #GettingToTheBalcony or #MORLeaders to connect with others in our leadership community.

At MOR Associates, we believe leadership isn’t just a role — it’s a practice. The balcony view reminds us that clarity begins when we step back, reflect, and then move forward with intention. 

Enjoy the episode- and come back monthly for new conversations. Let’s keep elevating together.