We are excited to continue the “Geeking Out” series in 2026. The faculty are public service leadership scholars who are nationally recognized for their work.
August 14, 2026 Trust: Why it Matters and What Experiments Can Teach Us About Restoring it Ben Ho, PhD | Vassar College
In this class, we will talk about the history of trust from hunter-gatherers to blockchain, play experiments from the game theory of trust, and discuss practical takeaways from Dr. Ho’s research on the science of apologies and the restoration of trust.
September 25, 2026 When Good Employees Do Bad Things Galia Cohen, PhD | Tarleton State University
This workshop equips public service leaders with practical tools to foster a culture of accountability, trust, and high performance — helping their teams make better decisions and avoid unintended consequences. By the end of this workshop, leaders will be better prepared to influence positive behaviors across their workforce, make difficult choices with confidence, and shape a culture they can be proud of.
October 9, 2026 How County Leaders Win Us Over: 13 Proven Tactics for Inspiring and Influencing Others Ulrich Jenson, PhD | Arizona State University
Effective county leaders have one thing in common: they inspire others with their words and ideas. In this session, we explore how county leaders inspire and rally others using the magnetic power of charisma. But what exactly is charisma? How does it impact leaders’ success? And what can we learn from charismatic leaders in how we can influence others in the workplace more broadly? You’ll leave with answers to these questions and much more, including an actionable set of communication tactics you can use to inspire others and boost your influence in your own workplace.