Be The Leader You Deserve

Apr 07 2023 1
Be The Leader You Deserve Podcast artwork

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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S7 E38 - Leadership Grace

Apr 07 2023 9 mins  
In 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

Mar 24 2023 46 mins  
In 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

S7 E36 - How to Be a Leader Who Moves in Excellence

Mar 10 2023 34 mins  
In 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 com

S7 E35 - The Best Ideas Are the Stolen Ideas - The Power of Professional Networking

Feb 24 2023 52 mins  
In 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 wit

S7 E34 - How to Make Others Feel Like They Are the Only One in the Room

Feb 17 2023 28 mins  
In 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

Feb 10 2023 43 mins  
In 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 vers

S7 E32 - Courageous Conversations that Increase Equity, Access, and Sense of Belonging

Feb 03 2023 53 mins  
In 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

Jan 27 2023 66 mins  
In 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 discusse

S7 E30 -Leading with Love and Values - Building Capacity in Others to Move From Intention to Impact

Jan 20 2023 71 mins  
In 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 wan

S7 E29 -How to Stay Passionate as a Leader, Even on the Toughest Days

Jan 13 2023 53 mins  
In 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 tim