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In this transformative episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Sarah Johnson rejoins host Joshua Stamper for a masterclass in authentic leadership and personal growth. Together, they share candid stories about why every educator, no matter their role or experience, needs to clarify their core values to build trust, weather challenges, and find joy in their journey. Dr. Johnson reveals lessons from her recent doctoral research on resilience, burnout, and spiritual self-care for school leaders, explaining how defining your leadership language and grounding your practice in faith and balance can help you rise above stress and uncertainty. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for value reflection, tips for aligning their mission with their daily actions, and the inspiration to be both vulnerable and visionary in their work. This episode is an essential resource for anyone seeking purpose-driven leadership that starts from within.
Leadership isn’t scripted...and neither is this conversation.
In Episode 35 of Aspire Mailbag, Josh Stamper and Jeff Gargas tackle two listener questions that every leader has wrestled with (even if they won’t admit it):
💬 How do you respond when you’re told to do something you’re already doing—without sounding defensive?
💬 And how can leaders recognize when their own need for control is actually blocking trust and innovation?
With their trademark mix of honesty, humor, and hard-earned insight, Josh and Jeff dig into the messy middle of leadership. Especially, the part where communication gets tricky, egos flare, and growth actually happens.
Whether you’re leading a classroom, a team, or an entire campus, this episode will help you navigate the tough conversations with confidence, clarity, and a little laughter along the way.
🎧 Tune in to discover how real leadership sounds when the mic’s on and the filters are off.
READY TO JOIN?
Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort: https://bit.ly/47xWzIu
Limited spots available. Next cohort starts 12/1/25
📧 QUESTIONS?
Email me: [email protected]
What happens when two longtime collaborators reunite to reimagine how we grow as leaders? In this uplifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Jeff Gargas joins Joshua Stamper to celebrate the return of authentic connection, collaboration, and purpose in leadership development.
Together, they reflect on their early podcasting days, explore the challenges today’s leaders face, and unveil Joshua’s newest project—the Aspire to Lead Cohort, a transformational experience built for educators who crave meaningful growth, connection, and accountability. From personalized leadership assessments to live workshops and dynamic peer communities, Josh shares how this new model is helping educators rediscover their “why” and sustain their momentum all year long.
Whether you’re an aspiring leader finding your footing or a seasoned administrator seeking renewal, this episode will reignite your passion for learning, leading, and belonging in community.
READY TO JOIN?
Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort: https://bit.ly/47xWzIu
Limited spots available. Next cohort starts 12/1/25
📧 QUESTIONS?
Email me: [email protected]
What if the secret to great leadership was hidden in the elements that shape our world?
Educator and author Tyler Comeau believes it is. From the frozen courts of the Northwest Territories to international stages, Tyler’s journey has been one of discovery—of purpose, resilience, and the fire that fuels authentic leadership.
In this episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper and Tyler unpack The Elemental Leader—a framework where Earth grounds your values, Air strengthens your perseverance, Water nurtures your adaptability, and Fire ignites innovation and action. Through powerful stories and research-based insights, Tyler challenges leaders to think differently about growth, purpose, and balance.
This isn’t just another leadership conversation—it’s a call to realign, recharge, and rediscover your spark. If you’ve ever felt pulled between the weight of responsibility and the need for renewal, this episode will remind you that great leadership begins where your roots meet your flame.
October 30th, 7:00pm ET (30 Minutes Live on Zoom)
Are school demands leaving you overwhelmed and unsure how to advance your leadership career?
Join Joshua Stamper for a powerful, free LIVE event:
Understand the main obstacles aspiring leaders face in education today
See how the cohort experience delivers real answers—community, coaching, accountability, and growth
Get the inside scoop on application requirements, costs, and benefits
Ask Joshua directly about your own journey or specific challenges
Receive a special resource just for attending!
Teacher leaders considering a move into administration
New or mid-career administrators seeking peer support
Educators ready for practical advice, tools, and mentorship
Seats are limited! Fill out the form below to secure your spot at this free event and start your path to powerful leadership.
October 30th, 7:00pm ET (30 Minutes Live on Zoom)
Are school demands leaving you overwhelmed and unsure how to advance your leadership career?
Join Joshua Stamper for a powerful, free LIVE event:
Understand the main obstacles aspiring leaders face in education today
See how the cohort experience delivers real answers—community, coaching, accountability, and growth
Get the inside scoop on application requirements, costs, and benefits
Ask Joshua directly about your own journey or specific challenges
Receive a special resource just for attending!
Teacher leaders considering a move into administration
New or mid-career administrators seeking peer support
Educators ready for practical advice, tools, and mentorship
Seats are limited! Fill out the form below to secure your spot at this free event and start your path to powerful leadership.
In this inspiring episode of Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper is joined by Jill and Mary, the powerhouse co-founders of Girls Mentorship, an Arizona-based organization helping tween and teen girls unlock their confidence, build emotional intelligence, and navigate life’s challenges with strength and self-awareness.
Together, they dive into the importance of teaching personal development skills early, the role of mentorship in shaping young leaders, and how their POWER Framework—Perspective, Ownership, Worthiness, Empowered, and Reassurance—transforms the way girls see themselves and their potential.
Jill and Mary’s energy, humor, and heartfelt stories will leave you inspired to foster growth, resilience, and empowerment in the next generation of changemakers.
About Jill and Mary:
In this powerful episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket, co-author of Relational Intelligence, joins me to explore how trust, empathy, and authentic connection transform school leadership. Together, we discuss how leaders can shift from transactional to transformational practices, especially during times of crisis and change.
Dr. Edoho-Eket introduces the HOPE framework—Hope, Opportunity, Praise, and Encouragement—as a practical tool for cultivating cultures where teachers feel valued and supported. We also unpack the common communication pitfalls leaders face and share strategies for fostering authentic dialogue that builds stronger relationships across a school community.
Finally, we dive into one of the most pressing challenges today: burnout. Dr. Edoho-Eket shares how relational intelligence not only helps leaders model balance but also equips them to create healthier, more sustainable environments for themselves and their teams.
If you’re ready to lead with heart and transform the way you connect with your staff, this episode will give you the insights and strategies you need.
About Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket is a wife, mother, principal, TEDx speaker, author, and the President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals. With decades as a teacher and leader in public education, she has earned the reputation as a strong instructional leader, passionate educational advocate, and dedicated mentor. As the Principal of a National Blue Ribbon school in Maryland, she is a life-long learner who strives for excellence not only for herself, but also for everyone she serves. She also serves as an adjunct professor at McDaniel College helping to support the personal and professional growth of aspiring and current school leaders, and is an ASCD faculty member.
Named as one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education by District Administration magazine, Dr. Edoho-Eket’s belief in fostering meaningful relationships serves as the foundation for everything she does, and her highly effective teaching and leadership style continues to inspire up and coming aspiring teacher leaders. During her educational career, she has proudly served as a classroom teacher, instructional team leader, mentor teacher, Assistant Principal, and Principal. Her first best-selling book, “The Principal’s Journey: Navigating the Path to School Leadership” provides a helpful and practical blueprint for educators to follow as they transition into new leadership roles. Her second bestselling book, "Relational Intelligence: The Key to Exceptional School Leadership" centers on the importance of trusting and authentic relationships as the driver of school success. Dr. Edoho-Eket holds a B.S. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Temple University, a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from McDaniel College, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Professional Practice from Trevecca Nazarene University.
To invite Dr. Edoho-Eket to speak at your next event, please visit: www.racheledohoeket.com
Follow Dr. Rachel Edoho-Eket
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#1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl
The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate.
Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders
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Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.
Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast
Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2
I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio!
It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support!
The book is available for purchase on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175
I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show.
This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links, The Aspire Podcast gets a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you.
Teach Better Podcast Network
This podcast is a part of the Teach Better Podcast Network. Explore the Teach Better Podcast Network—your hub for insightful conversations covering diverse education topics. Our podcasts empower educators, fostering progressive, student-focused classrooms. Choose a podcast, subscribe, and dive into recent episodes now at https://www.teachbetterpodcastnetwork.com/
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