How to call out the elephant in the room
Angela Franklin | TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa
How do we talk about something no one wants to talk about? This message focuses on the fact that difficult conversations often feel uncomfortable but are essential for progress. Using the metaphor of the “elephant in the room”, Angela L. Walker Franklin explores how fostering open dialogue creates spaces for diverse perspectives, which leads to innovative solutions and stronger communities.
Dr. Franklin is an inspirational leader, author and the president of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences. She holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Emory University and has worked in higher education for more than 25 years. Dr. Franklin is the author of “Leadership from the Ground Up,” which offers insights into her experiences at DMU and practical lessons for aspiring leaders. Dr. Franklin has been featured in several local and national publications and speaks locally and around the country on the topics of women leaders and transformative leadership. She imagines a world where we all feel empowered to speak our minds and create lasting change. Angela L. Walker Franklin became Des Moines University’s 15th president in 2011. A native of South Carolina, she holds a Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Emory University. With over 25 years in higher education, she previously held roles at Morehouse School of Medicine and Meharry Medical College. Active in the Des Moines community, she serves on several boards and has received multiple honors, including induction into the Iowa Business Hall of Fame and awards from Furman University and CASE. She led DMU’s largest fundraising campaign, raising over $57 million, and oversaw the creation of a new campus in 2023. A published author and sought-after speaker, Dr. Franklin shares her leadership journey through her books and public engagements. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Learn More about Angela’s work here.
