Episodes

School leadership is rewarding — and relentless. In this energizing episode, I walk listeners through 23 practical habits and mindset shifts that strengthen influence, improve decision-making, and protect leaders from burnout. Drawing on leadership research and everyday school leadership realities, I cover tactical moves (be visible, have difficult talks,mentor & coach), mindset anchors (choose a growth mindset, listen with empathy, know yourself), and wellbeing practices (go offline, practice m...

In this episode, I explore the 8 essential traits that distinguish the most effective principals and educational leaders. Backed by research from the Wallace Foundation, Education Development Trust, and insights from thought leaders like Todd Whitaker and Michael Fullan, you will discover: What makes a successful school leader or principal? How do you truly become effective as a principal? While listening, take note of the eight traits of successful school leaders: They are Visionaries They B...

As the academic year wraps up, K–12 school leaders and share principals face a critical opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and prepare. In this episode, I shares 8 practical strategies for school principals and administrators to successfully close out the school year and lay the groundwork for a strong start to next year. These strategies help principals and school leaders boost staff morale, celebrate student success, review performance data, and plan for summer and beyond. If you are a princi...

In this episode, I dives into the critical issue of teacher and staff morale. With teacher burnout at an all-time high, I provides actionable strategies for school leaders to cultivate a positive, supportive, and high-morale school community. You will discover how boosting teacher and staff morale directly impacts student achievement and how to implement practical steps to make a difference. Episode Highlights: The State of Teaching: I opens with a sobering look at the current challenges facing...

In this episode, we explore eight strategies for school leaders to create more margin in their day. According to a report from Education Support, 78% of teachers have reported feeling stressed or experiencing burnout. Recent research indicates that 87% of knowledge workers work two hours more each day compared to 2019. Despite this effort, over a quarter of deadlines are still missed each week. Daily, we face competing demands on our time, which leads to increased chaos and stress rather than c...

In this episode, we dive into seven impactful strategies to help you stand out in your school or workplace and capture the attention of your principal or leadership team. What does it really mean to “get noticed” at work? It goes beyond simply being seen – it’s about being recognized for the unique strengths and contributions you bring to the table. From being a go-to problem-solver to demonstrating expertise in curriculum design, managing challenging classroom situations, or fostering collabor...

In this episode, I discuss 7 Things Effective School Leaders Do Over the Summer. Summer is here. While schools are closed for the summer, most school leaders and principals are working over the summer. It is important then to catch your breath and recharge your leadership battery. Although the work never stops, recharging your leadership battery and creating margin are very important to your leadership development and longevity. You need to stop and recharge. John Maxwell, in his book The 21 I...

In this episode, I discuss 5 Mini Habits to Become a Better Leader. James Clear, Atomic Habits, says change doesn’t have to be huge, dramatic, or instantaneous. James explained that if you “get just 1% better each day, you’ll end up with results that are nearly 37x better after one year.” As leaders, we can cultivate and develop mini habits that will make us better leaders. 37x better in one year, according to James Clear. As you listen, pay close attention to the 5 mini habits to develop and c...

In this episode, I discuss how to Unlock Your Leadership Potential by focusing on 10 Strategies for Growth. John Maxwell, 15 Laws of Growth, stated that the 1st Law of Growth is The Law of Intentionality – Growth doesn’t happen by chance. You must make it happen. To grow as a leader, you must make it happen. You must constantly sharpen your axe. As you listen, pay close attention to the 10 strategies for growth and make this year your best year ever. Mindset Read Leadership Books Seek Mentor...

In this episode, I discuss 5 Things to Stop Doing as a Leader. The late great management thinker Peter Drucker said: “We spend a lot of time teaching our leaders what to do. We don’t spend enough time teaching them what to stop.” As you write down your new year resolutions, goals, and ideas for growth to strengthen your leadership practices and skills, I suspect Peter Drucker would encourage you to stop doing a few things. As you listen, pay close attention to the things you should stop doing t...

In this episode, I discuss Focus: Tips to Eliminate Distractions. I will share three tips to reduce or eliminate distractions and focus on what you want more this year. For many leaders, the problem isn’t a lack of time. The problem is a lack of focus. As you listen, pay close attention to how to refocus on what matters most. Distractions come in all shapes and sizes, so let’s look at how to overcome distractions in three steps. Clearly define your wins Minimize the distractions Obsess about...

In this episode, I discuss Leading with Gratitude. As you listen, pay close attention to the benefits of living a grateful life and 5 habits that will help you lead with gratitude. To lead with gratitude, every leader should practice these 5 habits: Regularly practice giving thanks Express gratitude regardless of the situation Keep a gratitude journal Learn to see how bad experiences can produce good outcomes Make gratitude a part of your interactions with other people. I hope you enjoyed...

In this episode, I shared Leadership Landmines and How to Avoid Them. As you listen, pay close attention to each leadership landmine and strategies to avoid stepping on them. These are the landmines every school leader should avoid. Today’s Success Failure to Adapt Losing trust Being Indecisive Refusing to Delegate I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School L...

In this episode, I shared 6 Tips for Aspiring School Leaders. As you listen, examine yourself and consider these tips and areas for improvement. As you start on your leadership journey, consider these tips. Make Your Intentions Known Be Good at Your Job Seek Growth opportunities Solve a Problem Have a Growth Mindset Develop Relational Skills I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on soc...

In this episode, I shared 10 Tips for New Principals. If you are a newly appointed principal, Congratulations! I am proud of you. I know you are excited and ready to lead your school to make it a better learning environment for students. As you start your 1st year as a new principal or a veteran principal in a new building, consider these tips. Build relationships Honor the history of your school Ask lots of questions Be visible Make time to visit classrooms Don’t make major changes Ident...

In this episode, I shared 10 Tips for New Assistant Principals. If you are a newly appointed assistant principal, Congratulations! I am proud of you. I know you are excited and ready to work alongside your principal to turn your school around or scale it up to a make it a better learning environment for students. As you start your 1st year as a new assistant principal or a veteran assistant principal in a new building, consider these tips. Build relationships Discover the vision and values of...

In this episode, I shared How to Increase Your Influence. These tips will help you increase your influence in every direction—up, down, and across your organization. You must be able to influence or manage up, down, and across our organization if you are going to increase your influence and effectiveness. These tips are: Understand your organization Develop a solid reputation Cultivate trust Promote others Build networks Create opportunities for growth I hope you enjoyed today’s episode....

In this episode, I shared Self-Care Tips for Educators. These self-care tips are intended as reminders for educators, school leaders, and principals as they enter the summer months and throughout the new school year to refill and rejuvenate. As you enter the summer and throughout the new school year, consider or ponder on these 3 self-care tips. They are: Slow down and be present Disconnect Write down what you are grateful for I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podc...

In this episode, I interview Dr. Joseph Williams III. As an experienced educator, Dr. Joseph Williams III recognizes that an excellent and equitable education is the key to a world of opportunities for all children. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Strong teachers, quality educational programs, and a supportive mother changed the trajectory of his life, which is why he has dedicated his life to ensuring that a student’s race, identity, gender, economic status, or ...

In this episode, I interview Charle Peck. She is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. With over 20 years of education and mental health leadership experience, she has the unique lens of both a certified teacher and a licensed clinical therapist specializing in trauma. Charle holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work. Her role as a high school teacher coupled with her work with children and families in cr...

In this episode, I interview Dr. Zach Groshell. Zach is an instructional coach in the Seattle area and an experienced elementary teacher. Zach holds a PhD in Education and presents often about cognitive science and education research. Zach’s recent contributions include evidence-based presentations for Think Forward Educators and InnerDrive’s Cognitive Science Network, and a chapter on assessment and feedback for the book, Amplifying Instructional Design. Zach hosts the podcast, Progressively I...

In this episode, I interview Fedrick Cohens. Mr. Cohens is the Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction (Elementary Schools) at Georgetown County School District, where he supports all elementary school leaders and principals. He provides technical assistance to early learning centers, supervises elementary schools, and creates optimal opportunities for effective teaching and learning experiences. He is a former Elementary Principal for nearly a decade (10 years). He is also a creativ...

In this episode, I interview Heilange Porcena. Mrs. Porcena is a servant leader and elementary turnaround principal. She has been an educator for 28 years and 12 years as a school-based administrator. She is a phenomenal leader. She has been instrumental in improving student achievement and moved her school from an F to a C in 1 year. She is passionate about making a difference for all children to succeed by equalizing the playing field through high expectations and a positive school culture. Sh...

In this episode, I interview Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan. Dr. Dudek-Brannan is the founder and CEO of Dr. Karen, LLC, a company focused on empowering educators to support language, literacy, executive functioning, and cognitive wellness. She currently offers online professional development focused on helping K-12 therapists (SLPs, psychologists, social workers, and other service providers) develop programs and services that support students in the areas of language, literacy, and executive functioni...