Be The Leader You Deserve

In this episode I check in with all of you, share updates and discuss the importance of leaders giving themself grace.

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 Value Contracts and High Five Fridays.

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 common language of excellence.

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 with that knowledge. Jenni also reminds us that the best ideas are the stolen ones and shares lots of ways to connect with others through professional networking.

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.”

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 versus what is easy.

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.

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 discusses the importance of seeing the greatness in every student and shares lots of great take-aways for helping all students succeed at the game of school.

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 want to miss this conversation.

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 times.