In this insightful episode of Candid Conversations on Leadership, hosts Candice and Chris welcome Jamelle Sharpe, Dean, Professor, and Guy Raymond Jones Faculty Scholar at the University of Illinois College of Law. Dean Sharpe shares a captivating account of his winding path to academic leadership, from his early days as an undergraduate student of literature, through the high-stakes world of investment banking at Morgan Stanley, to his distinguished career in legal academia. With wit, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, Dean Sharpe reflects on how each phase of his life shaped his views on leadership, collaboration, and public service.Dean Sharpe opens up about the transformative lessons he learned during his time on Wall Street—where 100-hour work weeks and lean teams fostered a culture of intense collaboration and accountability. He recalls powerful mentorship moments, including the mantra, “Nobody owns a monopoly on good ideas,” which has informed his leadership style ever since. His upbringing as a first-generation American from a West Indian family instilled in him a tireless work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility—values he now brings to the College of Law as its first African-American dean.The conversation takes a deep dive into his academic focus on federal administrative law, a field he passionately describes as central to human flourishing and societal collaboration. He explains how this often-overlooked area of law influences every aspect of American life, including higher education. Dean Sharpe also explores the current political climate’s impact on the federal administrative state and outlines how the College of Law is responding to challenges and opportunities in legal education, including the rise of legal technology and access to justice through potential non-JD legal practitioners.In the final segment, Dean Sharpe shares personal habits that keep him grounded, including a commitment to optimism and daily routines like making his bed. He even reveals a lifelong love of single-player RPG video games—culminating in his enthusiastic defense of Mass Effect 3 as the pinnacle of storytelling in gaming. He closes with powerful reflections on principled leadership, the courage to speak truth, and measuring success through the empowerment of others. Whether you're considering a career in law or simply want to become a better leader, this conversation is brimming with inspiration and practical wisdom.