Aspire to Lead

Dr. Casey T. Jakubowski is a dynamic leadership consultant, speaker, and educator with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organizations grow from “okay” to outstanding. Known for his passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment to servant leadership, Casey empowers teams to develop the skills, clarity, and confidence needed to lead with impact.

As a nationally recognized expert in team dynamics and conflict management, Casey has successfully supported hundreds of teams—from solo entrepreneurs building their first leadership culture to large organizations navigating transformational change. His philosophy centers on one core belief: leaders grow stronger when they prioritize the growth of others.

Casey has taught strategic and startup leadership at one of the top-ranked universities in the United States and has consulted across multiple industries, providing customized solutions that strengthen collaboration, boost performance, and spark innovation.

A certified trainer and internationally credentialed Myers-Briggs practitioner, Casey brings research-backed strategies and real-world insight to every engagement. He is also a published author and highly regarded speaker, having presented at local, state, regional, and national events.

Whether you’re building leadership capacity, improving team function, or reigniting your organization's mission, Dr. Jakubowski brings the energy and expertise to guide you forward with purpose.

What if the leadership phrases we rely on—like “clear is kind”—are actually holding us back? In this thought-provoking episode, Casey Watts, educational consultant and creator of the Clarity Cycle Framework, challenges conventional leadership wisdom and invites us to rethink how we lead, grow, and collaborate.

We explore how faux collaboration is silently stalling school progress, how to recognize real growth beyond promotions, and the importance of embracing both vertical and lateral leadership opportunities. Casey shares powerful insights into how school leaders can move from surface-level clarity to deep, impactful communication—and how to build cultures where professional growth and authentic teamwork truly thrive.

Tune in for a refreshingly honest look at what it means to lead with intention, clarity, and courage in today's schools.

I’ve got to share something that’s made a big difference in my daily routine—Magic Mind. You’ve probably heard me talk about how important energy and focus are, especially when you're leading, teaching, or juggling a hundred things at once.

Well, this little green productivity shot has been a game changer for me. It’s packed with natural ingredients like matcha, adaptogens, and nootropics that help with focus, energy, and staying calm under pressure—without that afternoon caffeine crash.

If you're looking for a boost to get through the school day, lead with clarity, or just show up at your best, I can’t recommend it enough.

You can try it out at magicmind.com/ATLMMJ and use the code ATLMMJ to get up to 56% off your first subscription or 20% off a one-time order.

That’s magicmind.com/ATLMMJ, code ATLMMJ. Give it a shot—it might be just what you need to finish the year strong.

What if the key to classroom behavior isn’t discipline—but cognitive clarity?

In this mind-shifting episode of Aspire to Lead, Mitch Weathers, author of Executive Functions for Every Classroom and creator of Organized Binder, joins us to unpack the real impact of cognitive overload and working memory on student behavior. We explore how executive functioning isn’t just a set of skills—it’s the backbone of a thriving learning environment.

Mitch breaks down practical strategies that help educators reduce chaos, boost student focus, and build routines that make better behavior the natural outcome of smarter systems.

If you're ready to ditch reactionary discipline and lean into structure, mindset, and clarity—this episode is your blueprint.

In this end of the school year Aspire Mailbag episode, I’m joined by Jeff Gargas, COO of the Teach Better Team, as we answer listener-submitted questions on two key areas of school leadership—celebrating staff and building systems for future success. From end-of-year recognition ideas to practical strategies for hitting campus goals in the upcoming year, we explore what it takes to lead with consistency, intentionality, and heart.

Tune in to discover the leadership mindsets and actionable habits that help school leaders connect with their teams, create meaningful celebrations, and lay the foundation for growth all year long!

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What happens when educators put classroom culture at the center of everything they do? In this engaging episode, I sit down with authors Katie Kinder and Darrin Peppard to explore their bold new book, Culture First Classroom. We unpack the mindset shifts teachers and leaders must make to prioritize culture over compliance, why laughter and relationships are essential to learning, and how the fusion of creativity and strategy can transform any classroom.

Katie and Darrin share real-world examples, powerful takeaways, and small, actionable steps to help educators start building a thriving learning environment—one rooted in joy, connection, and purpose. Whether you’re a classroom teacher, building leader, or passionate about improving school climate, this episode will equip you with the tools to lead with culture and create classrooms that inspire.

About Darrin Peppard

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About Katie Kinder

Katie Kinder, author of Untold Teaching Truths,Hallway Leadership, and Culture First Classrooms, is a highly sought after professional learning facilitator and speaker; she has been an educator since 2006. She brings her message of hope, fun, and real strategies to educators all over the nation.  She believes that life is fun, and learning should most definitely be fun. Known for her signature teal glasses, Katie is an Education Award Winner, Speaker, Author, Professional Development Leader, a Mom, a Wife, and a Fierce Advocate for Education. She has learned a trick or two in the classroom, so come on in, and have some fun, and hook your students from day one!

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