In this episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, we sit down with Cheryl Hanley-Maxwell, Dean of the College of Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Cheryl has become a powerful advocate and leader in the fields of rehabilitation and disability services. A triple alumna of the University of Illinois, Cheryl also spent 26 years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in various leadership roles. Her passion for inclusion, equity, and helping others thrive has shaped both her career and her leadership style.Cheryl shares how her path to leadership wasn’t something she planned, but rather something she stepped into out of necessity and conviction. From her initial reluctance to take on administrative roles to her realization during a sabbatical cancer diagnosis that her true strength lies in helping others succeed, Cheryl paints a vivid picture of what it means to lead with purpose. She speaks candidly about pivotal moments, such as becoming department chair amid complex dynamics, and how those experiences deepened her understanding of collaborative leadership.The conversation touches on Cheryl’s foundational values—doing no harm, recognizing the dignity in everyone, and always prioritizing listening. She discusses her advocacy roots, shaped during the civil rights era, and how her passion for justice and inclusion led her to special education and, eventually, academic leadership. Cheryl also opens up about the balance she strives for in her personal life, including how exercise and reading fiction, especially satirical mysteries, help her decompress from the demands of leadership.Looking ahead, Cheryl reflects on the future of health sciences education, emphasizing its growth post-COVID, particularly in areas like aging and public health. She underscores the importance of building strong teams and empowering others, reminding aspiring leaders to be self-aware, value-driven, and cautious not to barrel forward without considering those around them. Her wisdom offers a grounded, thoughtful perspective on leadership as a tool for collective progress rather than personal ambition.You can view all episodes of Candid Conversations on Leadership at https://candidconversations.link/