Throughout my career coaching leaders in early childhood education, I’ve worked with owners and directors at various points in their journey. So, I have firsthand knowledge of what that journey can look like and how challenging it can be.

 

I know that right now, you may be feeling stressed, overworked, and exhausted. Maybe you’re sick of putting out fires and dealing with staff turnover. Maybe—just maybe—you’re even thinking about throwing in the towel.

 

If that’s you, I hear you. Leadership is not for the faint of heart, and you’re not alone in your struggles.

 

Erin Owens used to be right where you are. After almost a decade as the director of Little Lambs Daycare Ministry, Erin had reached her breaking point. She was so distraught that, on most nights, she would cry herself to sleep. What’s more, she was even starting to consider a different career entirely.

 

But everything changed when Erin joined our Director’s Inner Circle program. The community she found through Schools of Excellence helped her better utilize the skills and tools she already had and changed the way she showed up as a leader.

 

As a result, Erin has built a stronger community that makes her staff want to stick around, prioritized self-care and quality time with her family, and set ambitious goals for the future of her center.

 

She now feels happy and fulfilled in her role—something that once seemed unattainable.

 

In this week’s episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, we’re spotlighting Erin Owens and her journey from a director at her breaking point to a calm and confident leader.

 

Listen to my VP of Operations Michelena and Erin as they talk about:

 

• Erin’s challenges before joining Director’s Inner Circle
• Why the resources she tried before weren’t working
• How her mindset has impacted the culture of her center
• The joy she’s felt building a community with like-minded leaders
• Her biggest win since joining the program
• Her “earth-shaking” experience at the Summit of Excellence
• Her goals for the next five years (and how SOE can help her get there)

 

Despite how you may feel at times, fulfillment and legacy are within reach. All it takes is learning to leverage the skills you already have with the support of a community that’s eager to see you succeed. 

 

Learn more and apply for the Director’s Inner Circle & Owner’s HQ: http://Chanie.me/jointhedic  

Erin’s experience at the Summit of Excellence was nothing short of life-changing, and it could be for you too! Our next event in 2023 will center on building legacy through values-based leadership, covering topics like storytelling, role modeling, experiences,  and the importance of routines and rituals. 

Although the 2023 Summit of Excellence is limited to members only, you can participate by applying for our Owner’s Only HQ and Director’s Inner Circle membership programs. As a member, you’ll not only have the chance to attend the Summit of Excellence, but you’ll also benefit from the community, high-level coaching, and mentorship that our programs offer. Learn more about the Summit of Excellence here: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/summit

 

More about the show:

If you are an Early Childhood director or owner, prepare to transform your school and life with the Schools of Excellence podcast. Tune in each week to learn from Chanie Wilschanski, the founder and host of the Schools of Excellence Podcast and a mom of 4 little kids. Each episode will be packed with tools and strategies – equipping you to build schools with higher staff retention, teacher motivation, parent partnership, collaborative culture, and beautiful quality of life. 

 

Every week, Chanie shares the truth about the journey to excellence, the strategies that are working TODAY, and the mindset about the critical decisions and choices that you make every day which impact yourself, your teachers, parents, family, and children who you serve every day.