Be The Leader You Deserve
137 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -Being a school leader can be challenging, demanding, and oftentimes lonely. Achieving excellence through high standards and a positive culture is something we all strive to accomplish. Throughout our journey, we have all had that one leader who inspired us to be the best we can be. The mission of this podcast is to inspire you to ask yourself, "Are YOU the leader YOU deserve, and what are you doing about it?"
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Episodes
S7 E38 - Leadership Grace
April 07, 2023 10:00 - 9 minutes - 8.48 MBIn this episode I check in with all of you, share updates and discuss the importance of leaders giving themself grace.
S7 E37 - Leadership that Focuses on Adult SEL
March 24, 2023 10:00 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this episode I chat with Connor Kem, principal of Lake Mills Elementary School, located in Lake Mills, Iowa. Connor is a relationship driven, high energy, and goal focused principal who understands the importance of high expectations for his students, staff and himself. Connor discusses the importance of SEL for staff and shares ideas for how to build resiliency, including Full Value Contracts and High Five Fridays.
S7 E36 - How to Be a Leader Who Moves in Excellence
March 10, 2023 11:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBIn this episode I chat with Dr. Kristal Pollard Epting principal of Flowood Elementary School located in Flowood Mississippi. Kristal is a transformational leader & change agent and is fiercely committed to “Move In Excellence.” She reminds us about the importance of inspecting what we expect and discusses ways to engage all stakeholders in understanding the common language of excellence.
S7 E35 - The Best Ideas Are the Stolen Ideas - The Power of Professional Networking
February 24, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBIn this episode I chat with Dr. Jenni Hayes, proud principal of Grandview Elementary School located in Higginsville, Missouri. Jenni’s passion for leading and learning are contagious as she shares so many amazing strategies and resources for effective and impactful leadership. Jenni discusses the importance of knowing yourself as a leader and implications for what to do with that knowledge. Jenni also reminds us that the best ideas are the stolen ones and shares lots of ways to connect with...
S7 E34 - How to Make Others Feel Like They Are the Only One in the Room
February 17, 2023 11:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MBIn this episode I chat with Shena Ivory Brown or “Principal IB” as her students of Harper Park Middle School located in Leesburg, Virginia call her. We discuss the importance of being an active, present listener and the impact it has on coaching conversations. Shena also shares time management tips and provides ideas for ways leaders can “share their sunshine.”
S7 E33 - Who You Are Is How You Lead
February 10, 2023 11:00 - 43 minutes - 40 MBIn this episode I chat with Dr. Tyler Cook, principal of Klein Elementary located in Erie, Pennsylvania who shares valuable insights about creating and maintaining a school culture that protects relationships and is grounded in core values. Tyler reminds us that our response is always our responsibility and provides insight about how to make decisions about what is right versus what is easy.
S7 E32 - Courageous Conversations that Increase Equity, Access, and Sense of Belonging
February 03, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.7 MBIn this episode I chat with Dr. Dennis Williams Jr, principal of Hatboro-Horsham High School located in Horsham, PA. We talk about the importance of access and opportunity and steps leaders can take to ensure they aren’t unintentionally asking students to leave their culture at the door. Dennis also shares strategies and resources for advancing equity and measuring impact.
S7 E31 - Small School, Big Heart - How to Help All Kids Succeed at the Game of School
January 27, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBIn this episode I chat with Mike Astudillo, principal of Columbia Elementary located in Annadale, Va who shares his journey of how he became the principal of the school he attended as an elementary student. Mike discusses ways he showcases his school so that the entire community understands their mission of being a “small school with a big heart.” Mike also discusses the importance of seeing the greatness in every student and shares lots of great take-aways for helping all students succeed...
S7 E30 -Leading with Love and Values - Building Capacity in Others to Move From Intention to Impact
January 20, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 65.9 MBIn this episode I chat with Jenny Cunneen, Principal of Forestdale Elementary School located in Springfield, VA who shares so many amazing take-aways that help support a school culture of We See You, We Welcome You, You Belong Here. Jenny shares strategies for building capacity with staff in order to move from intention to impact and so much more. You will not want to miss this conversation.
S7 E29 -How to Stay Passionate as a Leader, Even on the Toughest Days
January 13, 2023 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MBIn this episode I chat with Jay Billy, Principal of Ben Franklin Elementary School located in Lawrenceville who discusses the role trust and transparency play in an effective school culture. Jay also shares highlights from his book, Lead with Culture: What Really Matters in our Schools and provides tips for staying passionate as a school leader, even in the most demanding times.
S7 E28 - New Leader, True Leader - Lessons Learned From a First Year Principal
January 06, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBIn this episode I chat with Ryan Smith, Principal of Dieck Elementary located in Swartz Creek, Michigan who prides himself on being a Restorative Minded & Trauma Informed Leader. Ryan shares his journey as a new principal and important moves all new administrators must take to be successful. Ryan also shares insight about ways to engage in continuous growth as a leader including ideas he gained from The Cultures of Thinking.
S7 E27 - Leadership Lessons from 2022
December 30, 2022 11:00 - 22 minutes - 20.5 MBIn this episode I reflect upon some of the greatest leadership takeaways I have gotten from my guests in season 7 and set intentions for a new year full of gratitude and abundance. Which of the take-aways will you implement in the new year?
S7 E26 - You Can’t Lead From The Front Office
December 23, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 62.9 MBIn this episode I chat with Dr. Ryan Eckart, Principal of Walton Elementary School in Cedar Lake, Indiana who talks about the importance of being visible and present with students and staff and shares strategies for establishing priorities so that you can be in classrooms every day. Ryan also discusses the impact that occurs when you empower students and shares strategies for planting seeds that can have a life changing impact.
S7 E25 - How to Be Everything to Everybody - Combating the Emotional Drainage of Being a School Leader
December 16, 2022 11:00 - 41 minutes - 38.7 MBIn this episode I chat with Danielle Randle, Principal of Semple Elementary, located in Louisville, Kentucky. We talk about the importance of identifying your gaps as a leader and the growth that comes from being vulnerable enough to ask for and receive open and honest feedback from your staff without getting defensive about what they have to say. Danielle also reflects on the multiple roles we play as school leaders and the heaviness that comes with trying to be everything to everybody.
S7 E24 - Leading in Your Truth
December 09, 2022 11:00 - 43 minutes - 40.1 MBIn this episode I chat with Jameelah Henderson, Assistant Principal of Kenwood Elementary and author of It’s Working for Your Good. Jameelah talks about the importance of showing up unapologetically as her true self and the impact it has for students. We talk about the role representation plays in leadership and tips for having crucial conversations. You will not want to miss it.
S7 E23 - Building Capacity with Breakthrough Coaching
December 02, 2022 11:00 - 35 minutes - 33 MBIn this episode I chat with Verle Gilbert, principal of Hahn Intermediate School and 2018 MEMSPA Principal of the Year. Verle shares his insights about WIN time and collective teacher efficacy to maximize impact on student achievement. Verle also discusses how to manage the requests of others in a way that builds capacity and empowers without consuming all of your time as a leader. Verle also discusses the impact Breakthrough Coaching has had on his leadership.
S7 E22 - Leadership That Creates a Culture of Accountability and Support for All Staff
November 25, 2022 11:00 - 46 minutes - 43.4 MBIn this episode I chat with Haines City High School Principal Adam Lane who is also Florida’s NASSP Principal of the Year and President of the Florida Association of Secondary School Principals. Adam shares so many golden nuggets of wisdom about how to create a school culture that establishes clear expectations, provides support, and holds staff accountable to be the best they can be. Adam also talks about the importance of honoring differences and the empowerment that comes when your staf...
S7 E21 -How To Become a Teacher Leader Creator - A Focus on “Grow You” Not “Got You”
November 18, 2022 11:00 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBIn this episode I chat with National Distinguished Principal of Urbana Elementary School, Tracy Hilliard, who shares her wisdom for creating and empowering teacher leaders. Tracy talks about the importance of leaders focusing on “grow you” not “got you” when conducting instructional walkthroughs and shares strategies for helping teachers find their voice.
S7 E20 -Truthful and Transparent Leadership - Even When It’s Hard to Hear
November 11, 2022 12:00 - 40 minutes - 37.3 MBIn this episode I chat with Krissy Jennette, the National Distinguished Principal of Blades Elementary located in Seaford, Delaware. Krissy shares her secrets for creating a culture of inclusion that turned around her school from low performing to becoming an ESEA National Distinguished School.
S7 E19 - Leading With Instructional Rounds
November 04, 2022 11:00 - 48 minutes - 45.2 MBAs leaders we must place as much value on adult learning as we do student learning. In this episode I chat with Vicki Wilson, principal of Monroe Elementary School located in Wyandotte, Michigan and author of Lead with Instructional Rounds. Vicki shares insights about the importance of change leadership and discusses highlights from her book to help leaders get started with and/or refine instructional rounds in their building. Vicki also shares insights she gained by overcoming intense chall...
S7 E18 -Transparent Leadership - Giving Yourself Permission to NOT Have All The Answers
October 28, 2022 10:00 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBIn this episode I chat with Liz Garden, MSAA (Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association) President and principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary located in Mendon, Massachusetts, as she discusses the importance of transparent leadership. Liz also discusses the critical element of human connection as a leader and shares strategies for making teachers feel seen and heard.
S7 E17 - How to Engage in Change Work That Disrupts the Status Quo
October 21, 2022 10:00 - 40 minutes - 37.7 MBIn this episode I talk with California State Principal of the Year and turnaround leader, Dr. Shana Henry as she discusses ways to engage in change work that makes the status quo uncomfortable for those who like to stay there. Her words of wisdom will help you understand why it is essential that you become the chief storyteller of your school and reclaim the opportunity to change the narrative.
S7 E16 - How to Be a Leader That Brings Out The Greatness In All of Your Staff
October 14, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBIn this episode I chat with Joe Reimann, principal of Moraine Elementary, a Leader in Me Lighthouse School located in Northville, Michigan as he shares so many golden nuggets of wisdom about how to approach leadership decisions through the lens of abundance versus scarcity. Joe also shares strategies for leading in a way that increases sense of belonging and brings out the greatness in all of your staff.
S7 E15 - Servant Leadership That Cultivates a Culture of Healthy People
October 07, 2022 10:00 - 43 minutes - 40.7 MBIn this episode I chat with Zac Bauermaster, principal of Kissel Hill Elementary and author of Leading With a Humble Heart as he shares strategies for creating a culture of healthy people through servant leadership. Zac discusses ways to control the uncontrollable, operate patiently, and establish boundaries for ourselves so that our family can get the best of us instead of what’s left of us.
S7 E14 - Inclusionary Leadership - How to Lead As Your Most Authentic Self
September 30, 2022 10:00 - 59 minutes - 54.6 MBKnowing how much of yourself you should share with your staff, students and families can be tricky. In this episode I chat with one of my favorite leaders, Ed Paris, principal of Avery Elementary School located in Dedham, Massachusetts as we discuss the importance of leaning into your most authentic self as a leader. We discuss the courage it takes, dangers that come from avoidance, and the most important factor when making tough decisions as a leader. You will not want to miss this conver...
S7 E13 - How to Be the Instructional Coach All Your Teachers Deserve
September 23, 2022 10:00 - 41 minutes - 38.5 MBAre you looking for ways to enhance your coaching and feedback sessions to ensure you give every teacher what he/she needs to grow? You will not want to miss this episode in which I chat with Principal Gina Rivera from Charter Oak International Academy located in West Hartford Connecticut. Gina shares a variety of strategies and resources for creating equitable conditions for teachers, students, and families. Here is a link for a resource mentioned in the episode: https://bit.ly/3A8EFvj
S7 E12 - School Turnaround - From Focus Plus to Blue Ribbon School
September 16, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.8 MBIn this episode I chat with Carol Leveillee, National Distinguished Principal of Frederick Douglass Elementary School located in Seaford, Delaware. Carol shares the strategies she used to turnaround her school from being one of the lowest performing in the state on the brink of state takeover to being recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, National Distinguished ESEA School and a school of Continued Excellence. This is a must-listen episode for all school leaders.
S7 E11 - Creating a Culture that Supports The Big People So They Can Support The Little People
September 09, 2022 10:00 - 45 minutes - 42.5 MBReturning to school post-pandemic required that we reimagine school in a way that accommodated for “the new normal” which included, among other things, additional supports for the trauma students experienced. While we made plans and secured resources to support student needs we underestimated the resources we would need to support our staff. In this episode I chat with Principal Samantha Hamilton from Goodman Elementary part of the Neosho school district located in Goodman Missouri who was...
S7 E10 - Would Your Teachers Want To Be a Student In Their Classroom?
September 02, 2022 10:00 - 54 minutes - 50 MBIn this episode I chat with 2018 Minnesota National Distinguished Principal of the Year, speaker and consultant for TILL360, Curtis Slater as he shares his leadership insight about how to make leadership decisions through the eyes of a student. Curtis talks about ways to avoid initiative fatigue, how to create professional learning opportunities that empower all staff members, and how to quit taking things personally when working with adults.
S7 E9 - Quit Managing and Start Leading
August 26, 2022 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.9 MBAs leaders we all want a school where the students and teachers are beating down the door to get in the door. In this episode I chat with Principal Ross Braun from Monroe Central Elementary in Parker City, Indiana as he shares so many tips for infusing appreciation and fun into school culture. If you are looking for ways to change the mindset of teachers from “I have to go to work” to “I get to come to school” then you will not want to miss this episode.
S7 E8 - The Art of Waiting - How to Go Slow to Go Fast
August 19, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MBWhether you are a new leader, an experienced leader taking on a new assignment, or an experienced leader looking to affirm your school culture, this episode is for you. In this episode I chat with Principal Jon Wennstrom from Riley Upper Elementary School, in Livonia, Michigan who shares his strategies for creating a culture that honors traditions and inspires buy-in for new initiatives. Jon discusses strategies for making all of your staff feel valued and heard. You will not want to miss ...
S7 E7 - You Can’t Be What You Can’t See - Creating a School Culture That Honors All Voices and Perspectives
August 12, 2022 10:00 - 44 minutes - 41.3 MBIn this episode I chat with Ronda Cosby, principal of Grace James Academy of Excellence located in Louisville, KY. Grace James is an all girl public middle school with a focus on STEAM through an Afrocentric lens. Ronda shares her wisdom about ways to create a culture that focuses on honoring student voice and decision. She also shares tips about how to lead as your most authentic self and handle tough decisions as she discusses ways to “coach up or coach out.” With over 30 years of educ...
S7 E6 - How to Get Curious Not Furious - Tips For Handling Difficult Situations
August 05, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27.7 MBIn this episode I chat with Principal Beth Palmer from Medora Elementary located in Louisville, Kentucky. Beth shares tips for dealing with difficult conversations and strategies for addressing other difficult situations. You will not want to miss Beth's leadership guidance about leading a school even in the most challenging times.
S7 E5 - The Time to Act - Creating a Culture to Move Beyond The Way Things Have Always Been Done
July 29, 2022 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBIn this episode I chat with Principal Courtney Grace from Hazelwood Elementary located in Louisville, Kentucky. Courtney shares strategies and think-abouts for creating a culture that gets teachers out of silos to provide them more time to teach and the students more time to learn. You won't want to miss all of the nuggets of greatness in this episode.
S7 E4 - Refreshed, Refocused and Refueled
July 22, 2022 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MBAfter a few weeks off refilling my own cup I was able to come back refreshed, refocused and refueled which allowed me to be in the best place mentally and emotionally I could be to get ready to start the new school year. Along the way, a few things tried to derail my journey. In this episode I discuss what those things are and share how I avoided derailment to make sure I stayed on track to being the leader my staff, students, and families deserve.
S7 E3 - How Are You Refilling Your Cup?
June 17, 2022 15:16 - 7 minutes - 7.01 MBIn last week's episode I talked about the important things principals do in the summer to ensure they start the new school year with intentionality and purpose; but I forgot one of the most important things! In this episode I talk about the one thing that should be at the very top of your to-do list to make sure you are ready to start the new school year.
S7 E2 - What Do Principals Do In The Summer?
June 10, 2022 10:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBAs a school leader you probably get asked the question, "What do you do all summer when no one is in the building?" In this episode we discuss the answer to that question and talk about the principal's summer must do's to maximize success for students, staff, families, and themselves.
S7 E1 -Celebrating Non Scale Victories
May 27, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.3 MBAs you finish up the school year are you taking time to celebrate or are you just trying to put this year behind you? It's been a long, hard, heavy year in the field of education. This year, more than ever, it is critical that you take time to celebrate with your staff. In this episode I talk about NSV's and why they are often times the most important thing to celebrate.
S6 E22 - The Top Take-Aways From Season 6
May 20, 2022 10:01 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBAs school leaders, supporting others (students, staff, families) is what we do. We work tirelessly to ensure systems and structures are established and maintained so that our schools run smoothly. We work to remove barriers for others and work hard to shield our staff from the outside pressures. This job is NOT for the faint of heart because there is a lot of heavy lifting. In this episode I highlight the top take-aways from season 6 that help leaders focus on taking care of themselves.
S6 E21- Who Counsels the Counselors? Creating Sustainable Systems to Combat Counselor Burnout
May 13, 2022 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBAs educators we know how much trauma students experienced during the pandemic and how much mental health support they have needed since returning to in person learning. We also know how much support teachers need because of the burnout they are experiencing due to the secondary and tertiary trauma they experience. School counselors are instrumental in supporting students, staff, and families, but who supports the counselors? Each day they leave school carrying a bag full of everyone else'...
S6 E20 -Imposter Syndrome - The Stories I Tell Myself That No One Else Believes
April 29, 2022 10:00 - 20 minutes - 19.2 MBDo others often commend you on your abilities, expertise, and accomplishments? Think about the last time you were recognized for an achievement, invited to present something, or join a group. Did you acknowledge the role your leadership played in that opportunity or did you downplay your abilities? Do you set unrealistic goals and then get upset with yourself when you don't reach them? Are you overly sensitive to constructive criticism? If so you will not want to miss this episode as I tal...
S6 E19 - Key Elements to Pursuing Excellence
April 22, 2022 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MBAs leaders we all want to achieve greatness but sometimes get derailed on our journey to reach it. We must have high expectations for ourselves and others and demonstrate actions that are grounded in servant leadership. When we are realistic about the fact that despite how great things are in our building we WILL face challenges, then we can establish strategies and approaches to successfully deal with them when they happen. In this episode we discuss additional take-aways from Jon Gordon's ...
S6 E18 - Lead Like Everyone is Watching, Because They Are
April 15, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 20.3 MBLast week we talked about the importance of being approachable as a leader and I gave tips and considerations to think about. We know now more than ever how important it is for teachers to have a leader they can trust and feel comfortable approaching. In addition to being approachable, leaders always have to be mindful of their words and actions (unless they are in their office by themselves) because the truth is, someone IS always watching. We are the barometer for our school. Our staff ...
S6 E17- Open Door Policy - How Approachable Are You
April 08, 2022 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.7 MBLast week we talked about ways to support our teachers post pandemic. In addition to all of the things we talked about last week, we know that now, more than ever, our teachers need us to be available to them. With all of the additional paperwork and pressures we have as leaders, being available has become more challenging than ever before. In addition, as our secondary or tertiary trauma increases, we have to work harder to maintain our approachability. In this episode we talk about steps ...
S6 E16- Navigating the New Normal - Tips to Support Your Staff and Yourself
April 01, 2022 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.8 MBIt's hard to believe it's been over two years since the pandemic began. Despite the lift on mask mandates and loosened restrictions around social distancing, schools are still struggling to find or establish their "new normal." So here we are as leaders, trying to navigate a new normal of post pandemic schooling. This includes trying to balance significant increases in student AND adult SEL needs with student learning loss, while at the same time juggling numerous mandates and still focus o...
S6 E15- Toxic Positivity - Taking Control of Your School’s Narrative
March 25, 2022 10:00 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MBTriaging teacher burnout is a daily task for educational leaders, but what about leadership burnout? Who is helping combat that? During a recent presentation at the National ASCD Conference two things became apparently clear to me. In this episode I talk about those two things and share ways to take control of your school's narrative and combat toxic positivity.
S6 E14 - Leadership Burnout - You Are Not Alone
March 11, 2022 11:00 - 10 minutes - 9.55 MBIf you are associated with any social media then you know you can’t spend any time scrolling without seeing how burned out teachers. You also know what a toll it is taking on leaders to create a culture that combats the negative narrative of being an educator. The truth is, as a school leader we are working to continue cultivating cultures that make our staff feel supported and appreciated, while at the same time leading the charge of supporting student learning loss. We are in a time when ...
S6 E13 - Reclaiming Yourself and Your Time Without Guilt
March 04, 2022 11:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MBFeeling overwhelmed at work and like you have no time for yourself? Are you still struggling to set healthy boundaries and find a better work/life balance? Are you still struggling to say no, even when you are already overextended with your time and commitments? This episode will provide you with assurances that you are not alone and equip you with resources to take back your life and establish healthy boundaries.
S6 E12 - Who Is Your Joy Thief?
February 25, 2022 11:00 - 12 minutes - 11.2 MBThis season we have been focusing on things we as leaders need to do to make sure WE are ok. Every day so many people look to us to make decisions, put out fires, and provide support. If we aren’t careful, we will continuously give all we have to others and not save anything for ourselves. This season we have talked about being triggered by exceptionalism, being addicted to achievement, the importance of positive self dialogue, setting boundaries and ways to have more self-compassion. We ...
S6 E11 - Who's In Your Wolfpack?
February 18, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutes - 31.2 MBAs leaders we often feel as though we must ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS carry the weight of our organization. While it is our job to lead our school/district with a shared vision and courage, it is not our job to try to be superhuman. If we are going to withstand the increasing demands of being an educational leader and create sustainability, we must understand the theory behind a wolf pack and decide who should be in ours. We discuss Abby Wambach's #1 New York Times Bestseller, Wolfpack, and h...