Know Your Why Podcast with Dr.Jason Balara

Interview with Dr. Cedric Howard

Dr. Cedric Howard · June 11, 2025

Leadership · Author · Financein

Interview with Dr. Cedric Howard

Podcast: Know Your Why Podcast with Dr.Jason Balara

June 11, 2025 · 40 min

Listen to Dr. Cedric Howard on Know Your Why Podcast with Dr.Jason Balara.

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Interview with Dr. Cedric Howard

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Know Your Why Podcast with Dr.Jason Balara

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Key topicsThe Future of Leadership in Higher Education: Building Resilient, Emotionally Intelligent InstitutionsHigher education leaders are navigating an era of unprecedented change, requiring more than just administrative expertise-they need emotional intelligence, adaptability, and a deep understanding of student needs. Dr. Cedric B. Howard can discuss why leadership within academic institutions must prioritize resilience and student-centric decision-making to create a more inclusive, effective learning environment. He can share lessons from his own leadership journey, strategies for fostering trust-based institutional change, and why the ability to lead with empathy and courage is more critical than ever in shaping the future of higher education. Leading in an Era of Crisis: Why Confidence, Courage & Emotional Intelligence Matter More Than EverFrom corporate layoffs to burnout in the workplace, leadership is being tested like never before. In a world where trust in institutions is declining and workplace expectations are shifting, leaders must go beyond traditional decision-making and embrace emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. Dr. Cedric B. Howard explores how today’s leaders can navigate uncertainty, foster trust, and create a workplace culture that prioritizes well-being while driving success. Drawing from his personal journey as a first-generation college graduate turned senior higher education leader, he shares actionable strategies to help professionals lead with confidence and purpose in an era of disruption-whether in academia, business, or beyond. Higher Education in a Changing World: Is a College Degree Still Worth It?The traditional pathway of earning a college degree as the key to career success is being challenged like never before. With rising tuition costs, student loan debt, and the increasing appeal of alternative career paths-including trade schools, bootcamps, and entrepreneurship-many students and families are questioning whether higher education is still a worthwhile investment. Dr. Cedric B. Howard can explore this shift and discuss how institutions must evolve to remain relevant, from making education more accessible to integrating real-world skills that meet the needs of today’s job market. He can also share insights on how students and parents can make informed decisions about higher education, balancing financial realities with long-term career goals. View all topics →

About Dr. Cedric Howard

Higher Education Thought Leader, Leadership Strategist & Financial Empowerment Advocate

30+ years Higher education leadership2018 NASPA award Scott Goodnight Award recipient2025 book award International Impact Award for Finance2019 NASPA award Pillar of the Profession

Dr. Cedric B. Howard is a distinguished leader in higher education with over 30 years of experience shaping institutions, driving student success, and mentoring future leaders. As a first-generation college graduate, his passion for education is deeply personal—he understands firsthand the power of higher education to break cycles of poverty and create lasting impact. He has held senior administrative roles, spearheading strategic enrollment initiatives and student development programs that have significantly increased access and success for students nationwide.

Now at a pivotal moment in his career, Dr. Howard is stepping beyond the academy to amplify his voice as a thought leader in higher education, leadership development, and financial empowerment. He speaks on the evolving role of higher education in society, the intersection of policy and student outcomes, and the need for institutions to foster inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking leadership. He also explores broader leadership themes, helping professionals across industries navigate high-stakes decision-making, emotional intelligence, and personal growth.

Dr. Howard is the author of Freedom: A Step-by-Step Guide to Wealth and Financial Independence, a book inspired by a curriculum he designed to help families begin financial planning as early as middle school. His upcoming book expands on these themes, merging faith and finance to provide a unique framework for financial empowerment.

As a podcast guest, Dr.

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About this episode

In this episode of the Know Your Why Podcast, Dr. Jason Balara sits down withDr. Cedric Howard, author of Freedom: Step-by-Step Guide to Wealth and Financial Independence and a transformative voice in higher education. Dr. Howard shares his powerful journey from growing up on welfare to becoming a builder of generational wealth. He discusses how financial literacy, education, and mentorship became the foundation of his purpose and the guiding principles behind his family's approach to wealth building. With a deep focus on the importance of purpose, planning, and legacy, Dr. Howard emphasizes the power of early financial conversations, the strength found in sacrifice, and the critical need for financial empowerment in underserved communities.

Key Highlights:

- Dr. Howard’s signature bow tie is more than fashion—it represents respect, tradition, and his family's legacy.

- Education was the catalyst for breaking generational cycles of poverty and creating wealth.

- His family’s wealth-building strategy is anchored in the “Three Ps”: Purpose, Plan, and Promise.

- Financial literacy is especially vital for historically underserved communities and should begin at home.

- True growth often requires sacrifice and a willingness to confront internal beliefs about money.

Dr. Cedric Howard’s story is a testament to the transformative power of education, purpose, and intentional planning. His mission to uplift families and communities through financial literacy and legacy-building offers practical wisdom and hope to anyone seeking financial freedom. This episode of the Know Your Why Podcast is a must-listen for those ready to challenge the status quo and rewrite their family's financial future.

Get in touch with Cedric:

Website: https://cedricbhoward.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/cbhoward506/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/cedric.howard1/

LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cedric-b-howard/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bowtiechronicles

If you want to know more about Dr. Jason Balara and the Know your Why Podcast:

⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/jasonbalara⁠⁠

Audio Track:

Back To The Wood by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license.⁠⁠ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/⁠⁠

Artist:⁠⁠ http://audionautix.com/

Guest: Dr. Cedric Howard