In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Jim McVety. Jim is the managing partner of First Step Advisors, a consulting company that builds the capacity of companies that serve education, whether they are nonprofit or for-profit providers, and improves their vision of growth while aligning that vision through strategic planning. Jim is also an experienced sales and marketing communication specialist who is responsible for his client's success in all areas of education.

Jim hosts a podcast called “Jim Questions Everything” where he asks people in all walks of life (from educators to industry leaders to celebrities) to weigh in on topics like education, family, or culture; and what it takes to make sense of the world.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Tell us about First Step Advisors. (1:22)
• What is a “2-minute drill”? (4:01)
• When a company comes to you to work on their “2-minute drill,” how do you start? (5:02)
• What’s your framework for 2-minute drills? (6:30)
• How do you support social-emotional learning companies in differentiating their messages? (8:45)
• What do you think about the idea of being granular about a problem? (11:10)
• Can you share some companies who have really effective 2-minute drills–and share what specific strategies they used ?(16:25)
• Any other key learnings and final advice? (20:28)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What First Step Advisors is (1:27)
• An overview of the “2 minute drill” (4:24) plus its process (5:20) and framework (6:43)
• What will make an SEL company stand out from others (9:09) 
• Jim’s thoughts on being granular and having an asset-based framework ready (11:37)
• Examples of companies with successful 2-minute pitches (16:41)
• Key learnings from “2-minute drills” over the years (20:36)

Quotes:

"Especially in early stage companies, [leaders] get enamored with their own creativity and they rely on a neat factor—’Hey, isn't this neat that I can do this!’—but what district leaders really want to hear is that you're paying attention to what they need, to what their staff needs, what their teachers and their students need.”

“The 2-minute drill becomes a really meaningful way to drive relevance and meaning and connection to the district leaders that companies are hoping to serve. I find it to be an effective, fascinating exercise.”

“Be your authentic self. Build that script, narrate your story—and then let it go. Don't work from a script, work from your story. Think about the key points you want to convey, and it will come naturally to you. … And that's what's gonna make it successful.”

“Give yourself a chance to tell your story from your story, not from your script. That’s my visionary advice. And from a practical standpoint, I say, practice, practice, practice in all the different kinds of conditions you might find yourself: sitting, standing, big room, small room, mask on, mask off. If you practice, you will be ready. So bring your story and practice and you'll be good to go.”

Connect with Jim McVety:
The First Step Advisors website

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Juan Ciapessoni, a globally awarded visionary inventor and serial entrepreneur focused on creativity and innovation using applied technology. He's a pioneer in the development of the internet in his native country, Uruguay, where he created one of the country's first ISPs. He co-founded and leads The Electric Factory, a global leader in creative technology and innovation for the world's top brands.

Juan has received more than 100  awards from organizations as diverse as South by Southwest (SXSW), Fast Company, the London International Awards, and Cannes Lions. One example of his many collaborations is The HY Project—a unique way to implement sound in electric and hybrid vehicles that integrates with the environment and stimulates plant growth—which is preserved in the archives of MOMA in New York as the Innovation Winner at the AICP Next Awards.  He's been recognized as one of the most influential people in leadership, creativity, and innovation in Uruguay.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Please share more background about your first venture and how that led you to pursue even more interesting, innovative opportunities across the whole world. (2:04)
• Tell me about The Electric Factory. (4:25)
• Why have you been so successful? (6:15)
• Almost every student in Uruguay has an electronic device for education. Tell me about this. (11:29)
• Have you gotten a lot of publicity? (13:46)
• What's attracting companies to Uruguay? (14:42)
• How have you been able to really elevate your profile? (18:18)
• Can you share a story of when you have failed and overcome a challenge? (23:16)
• What’s your final advice? (26:34)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Juan’s early business beginnings (2:24)
• About The Electric Factory (4:28)
• Juan’s secret to success (6:35)
• Uruguay’s “one laptop per child” initiative and other technological programs (11:44)
• Uruguay and PR
• Attracting companies to Uruguay (14:47)
• Juan’s secret to elevating your profile (18:33)
• Juan’s failure story and how he overcame it (23:33)
• Juan’s final advice (26:49)

Quotes:

“You're always gonna find people who can get the expertise you need into that discipline, but you need to be someone like a sponge. This is my quote:  “The length of our life is finite. Sooner or later, we're going to die. But the width depends on us, and how we want to live our life depends on us.”"

“We need to be more human, more empathic with each other. And I think that's where Uruguay can win because we are passionate. We have passion. We enjoy life.”

“The only way to achieve long goals is by achieving small (goals).”

Connect with Juan Ciapessoni:
The Electric Factory
Juan's LinkedIn
Bachata

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Shomari Jones. Shomari currently serves as the Director of Equity and Strategic Engagement for the Bellevue School District in Washington state. During his nearly eight-year tenure at Bellevue, Shomari has developed a multitude of initiatives aimed at closing achievement gaps, such as empowering students to advise district leaders on bias in the history curriculum and educating teachers about how to recognize and address their own unacknowledged prejudices. 

Shamari was recently recognized as an Education Week Leader to Learn From. He also hosts a podcast together with Dr. Paul Sutton called “Coffee with a Little Bit of Cream”.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What can you tell us about your school district and its diversity? (2:16)
• Please describe The BOOM Experience and other student-led programs that are being replicated elsewhere. (4:33)
• How are you working with other districts to help with this replication? (9:36)
• In terms of the tipping point in equity and evaluating systemic racism, where do you think we are today? (16:07)
• If you were going to offer advice, what would you suggest communities do? What can we as parents do? How can we support and get behind this cause? (20:12)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What school diversity looks like in Shomari’s district (2:23)
• About The BOOM Experience and other student-led programs (4:48)
• What challenges he’s encountered in replicating and implementing programs to close the achievement gap (9:42)
• Shomari’s stand on equity and his evaluation of systemic racism (16:25)
• Tips for getting behind the cause (20:30)

Quotes:

“I would say we struggle just a little bit with regard to appropriately serving each and every student … so they have a sense of belonging or feeling that this place is fit for me. And so part of the work that I do is ensuring that we are leveling the playing field and providing opportunities equitably.”

“Between students, families, and staff, I think it is our obligation to make sure everyone feels like they have a sense of belonging. And, unfortunately, the way of doing that is to develop a program, instead of it being integrated into the system and transforming the environment.”

“I work separately with some of our school districts, especially within our region and the state, to help bolster ideas that they have on the creation of systems and supports that will best serve their students. And that works really well.”

“For better or for worse, equity has become very trendy. I don't know what the catalyst was that launched this trendy effort. But there is a huge exposure to the gaps that exist in our country, in our economy, and in our society—in particular in our districts and education system. I think that movement has begun to climb. And you would think that it would continue to climb after some of our real recent events.”

Connect with Shomari Jones:
Coffee with a Little Bit of Cream Podcast
Shomari Jones' LinkedIn
Email: jones

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Jeff Patterson,  the founder, and CEO of Gaggle, a company that has been supporting student safety and well-being for more than 20 years. Gaggle is also the pioneer in helping K-12 districts manage student safety on school-provided technology—which has helped hundreds of districts avoid tragedies and saves lives. 

On Dec. 15, 2021, Gaggle was named the winner of the “Keeping Kids Safe Award” at the 2021 Supes’ Choice Awards, hosted by the Institute for Education Innovation.

Some Questions I Ask:

• How did you get your start? (1:30)
• How does the process work when you partner with a district? What's the first thing that happens? And how do you end up ultimately supporting those students? Could you share the specifics? (4:05)
• What are some of your takeaways about social-emotional learning (SEL) and student safety in the pandemic? (5:22)
• Can you share any examples of situations where you've been able to help prevent suicide successfully with the help of Gaggle? (6:51)
• How do you navigate around the scrutinies and critics—both personally and professionally? (11:06)
• What's your balance of standing up for what you believe in and acknowledging concerns through the media? (12:51)
• What strategies would you recommend for other people who are facing backlash within their organization in some way or another? (15:13)
• How do you suggest others adopt and cultivate their own audience and voice in the edtech space? Any strategies you would recommend? (16:24)
• What’s next for Gaggle? (18:22)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Jeff’s story and how Gaggle came to be (1:50)
• Gaggle’s processes when engaging with school districts (4:14)
• Student suicide data  (5:53)
• [SUICIDE TRIGGER WARNING] Gaggle’s role in helping prevent suicide (7:21)
• Strategies for embracing critics’ scrutinies to help more students (11:32)
• Student privacy vs. student safety and other Gaggle practices (13:03)
• Gaggle leadership’s advice for navigating conflict (15:29)
• Strategies and recommendation for cultivating audiences and developing a voice in edtech (16:33)
• New programs and the future of Gaggle (18:40)

Quotes:

“Humility shows vulnerability. You know, being curious, right? [We have] a leadership mantra within my own company that we try to live by when someone comes at us with some issue that we just want to understand. One of our core values is ‘Listen more than you talk.’ I think I'm gonna expand that to say ‘Ask great questions.’”

“I've really focused on helping people find jobs, understanding the industry. And then I try to share some sort of life lessons that I've had along the way. But I try to put the focus on others, not myself and my needs.”

Connect with Jeff Patterson:
Gaggle Website
Jeff Patterson's LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by J. Michael Hall, M.Ed. Mike is the founder of Strong Fathers-Strong Families LLC, an organization that focuses on family engagement programs. Mike has worked with over 200,000 fathers and professionals in 45 states and a couple of languages. Using his vast experience as an educator, speaker, and thought leader, he provides targeted trainings for schools and organizations.

Mike is a husband and a proud father of two sons. He was honored as a 2012 White House Fatherhood Champion of Change. He's also a former middle school teacher whose circuitous path led him to partnering with school districts to better support fathers and, ultimately, their students.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Would you share your story with our listeners, so they understand more about you? (2:17)
• It seems rare to find a program that's really focused on the father's that's available in school districts. Is that perception accurate? (6:50)
• What happens to kids when their dad reads to them? (10:10)
• What's your key to success when you're reaching out building relationships with district leaders to implement your program? (6:18)
• You were honored by the White House in 2012 as a Fatherhood Champion of Change. That is an incredible achievement. Tell our listeners how that came about? (22:46)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Mike’s life story and the beginnings of Strong Fathers. (2:28)
• What Strong Fathers and other programs that focus on fathers do. (6:57)
• The effects of Dad’s engagement vs. Mom’s engagement. (10:11)
• Strategies for reaching out to build relationships with district leaders implementing the program. (16:25)
• About the White House Fatherhood Champion of Change award and why the Strong Fathers programs were recognized. (22:57)

Quotes:

“I'm trying to get where dads are. That's my mission. So we're going to get paid for that. But that's also where all the kids are, because this work really is about impacting kids.”

“90% of the guys are jumping in and when we tell them it's important to read to your kids. We tell them, ‘When you read to your kids, something different happens than when mom reads to the kids.’ That's what they need to hear."


Connect with J Michael Hall:

Strong Fathers-Strong Families Website
J. Michael Hall's LinkedIn
Strong Fathers White House Video
Strong Fathers Ted Talk Video
Strong Fathers Virtual Program Examples
Warm-up Exercise for Reading Night
"Why Would We Want to Engage Fathers?” Video  

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Doug Roberts, founder, and CEO of Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), as well as Alexa Escobedo, IEI’s marketing coordinator and project manager for the first-ever Supe’s Choice Awards.

Some Questions I Ask:

• Give us a quick overview of IEI. (2:10)
• How did you conceptualize this new awards program?  (3:20)
• What do you recommend companies or organizations consider before launching an awards program? (7:02) 
• What are the first action steps for starting an awards program? (10:58)
• What do you think went really well this year? And what would you do differently? (16:16)
• Do you feel like the awards program is elevating your profile and do you think it is making an impact in the industry? (24:07)
• What final advice or insights would you like to share? (25:55)
  
  

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI) (2:16)
• How to conceptualize an awards program (4:45)
• Considerations before launching an awards program (7:19)
• Starting an awards program (11:26)
• An overview of what happened in the Supe’s Choice Awards for 2021 (16:22)
• The long-term branding benefits of an awards program (26:02)

Quotes:

“The people making the decision have to be authentic about who wins, so you have to really believe in what you're doing, and it has to come from the right place.”

“I would say the setup part was the most difficult. Once it was set, as far as getting the judges in there, getting the scorecards—that ran very smoothly, but there was a lot of front-end work. So I would also say to anybody who's starting off, don't get discouraged if you feel very overwhelmed in the beginning, because really doing all that hard work, in the beginning, is what pays off in the end. Then it becomes a smoother ride.”

“Even if you don't win, you are still seen by so many district leaders that you could get potential leads that way. It really is a conversation starter. And it's a great low-cost way to be seen.”

“You have to have some standing in your industry, you have to have a good network and a list to message to in the beginning to grow from. So [starting an awards program] shouldn't be the first thing you do; you should have something going already. I think that's really important. We were able to build off of our existing brand network membership to grow this.”

Connect with Doug Roberts and Alexa Escobedo:
Institute for Education Innovation (IEI) Website
Doug Robert's LinkedIn
Alexa Escobedo's LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Carolyn Durkee. Carolyn is the marketing director at Edison Learning, an education management organization that provides courses and instructional services in public schools.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What is your role at Edison Learning? (2:12)
• What is your advice for ensuring an event is a success? (4:11)
• What is your recommendation for paying for panelists at an event? (7:41)
• How do you structure communication and disseminate information to presenters? (12:22)
• What happens after we do a handoff? (15:16) 
• What do you recommend as a follow-up strategy for thanking clients, speakers, or presenters? (17:20)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Carolyn’s role at Edison Learning (2:21)
• Tips in planning for an event (4:45)
• Policies for panelists’ or guests’ expenses at an event (8:01)
• Best practices for communication with the people involved in an event (13:24)
• Steps after doing a handoff (15:53)
• Different ways to thank your clients, speakers, and presenters after an event (18:08)

Quotes:

“One [step to ensure an event’s success] would be communication. That's communication with your teammates, making sure you're all on the same page, as well as communication with panelists so that you can ensure they have the information they need and everyone's clear on responsibilities, expectations, all of that. And then the other piece would be documentation because the logistics do change frequently.”

“[Covering travel expenses] is always ideal when you can extend that and when their company can receive that. I think that's an ideal scenario because you're asking them to come and represent you.”

“It's easy to get caught up in the logistics of the conference and the speaker and forget to close the loop with the person who gave you that name in the first place to reach out.”

“It's nice to just send like a little handwritten note in the mail or just a little something that says thank you, especially when you've had webinars that are fully virtual and you're not covering travel. I will send a gift box in the mail—like a chocolate assortment gift box—for that presenter, and they like to share with other people in their office. It's just something small that says, ‘Hey, that was really awesome that you spent your time sharing about your work with us.’ It's small, but it goes a long way.”

Connect with Carolyn Durkee:
Edison Learning Website
Carolyn Durkee's LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Dennis Welch. He was a former full-time musician and songwriter. Dennis has also worked at Gallup, a global analytics and advisory company based in Washington, D.C.

In January 2012, Dennis started Articulate, a company specializing in PR and communications for the book industry. He is currently the president and CEO.

Some Questions I Ask:

• How did you find your way into book public relations? (1:28)
• How would you say promoting a book is different from promoting a business or a company or a product? (5:41)
• What is your starting point for kicking off a book? (7:49)
• What other things are you looking for to ensure a book PR’s success? (11:10)
• Would you tell us a story about one of your greatest successes? (15:41)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Dennis’ book PR journey (1:50)
• Book promotion vs. company/product promotion (5:56)
• Dennis’ involvement in the book journey (8:03)
• The mystic wonder of book PR (11:16)
• Pitching the “Mad Scientist of Entrepreneurs” (16:03)

Quotes:

“This is a lot easier to do for somebody else than it is to do it for yourself, quite frankly, unless you're an egomaniac.”

“We have never advertised or done marketing of any kind. It is all word of mouth for 10 years. And that's such a blessing.”

“Every good thing happens in a dialogue.”

“I'm interested when people say, ‘You know what, this might change the lives of people in a way that could be transformational,’ and salt the culture a little bit and those kinds of things, you know, that piques my interest already. It makes my filters change for how I read their book or help them with the book.”

“I don't have to have [a big-name author like] Patrick Lencioni. To get some activity, some big activity, what I have to be able to explain quickly—to get your attention quickly—is why this matters. Create some urgency. And if I can do that, then you know what? Then anything is possible.”

“Everybody thinks they're going to write a book. But when you meet people who actually have written books, it's very cool. And I treat that like the gift that it is, because you spent a lot of hours in your room somewhere doing this—and it's important.”

Connect with Dennis Welch:
Articulate Website
Dennis Welch’s LinkedIn
[email protected]

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Sonny Thadani. He is a dedicated dad of 3 and has a passion for education and mental health.

Sonny has worked with Sandy Hook Promise, an organization dedicated to improving the lives and mental health of students across the U.S. at his new company, Robin, Sonny is determined to solve the mental health challenges in education, having witnessed their impact first hand.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What drew you to start Robin, and what is your personal story about mental health and wellness? (1:53)
• How did Robin come to be? (4:34)
• Is Robin another digital curriculum provider? If not, how is it different? (8:17)
• What are some ways Robin has already made an impact? (14:23)
• What additional advice do you have for growing a small company? (18:33)

 This Episode, You Will Learn:

• Sonny’s personal story (2:06)
• How Robin came to be (4:40)
• What Robin provides (8:35)
• Robin’s media promotion and impact (14:44)
• Advice for growing a small company (18:55)

Quotes:

“I don't think a lot of people have people they can openly talk to—especially quote-unquote adults—when you're a child.”

“I actually think that was one of my strengths as a co-founder in this business. I asked very basic questions because I didn't know how it was taught. I always believe in the voice of the customer. … Find out as kids, as teachers, as parents, what's going on?”

“My eldest is a first-grader, and I want her to learn everything that I learned about history and math and science. But what are those other things that we should be teaching our kids as parents and as educators?”

“Psychologists told us early on that in order to make this effective, we have to have the adults in our kids’ lives, teachers or parents, be part of it.”

“Part of what Robin does—and will do more and more in the future—is [focus on] the mental health and the wellbeing of a parent or a teacher or counselor also.”

“Take feedback to heart, but don't let it ruin your day. You’ve got to experiment, you’ve got to try, you’ve got to get feedback early. And you have to trust your instincts and trust the customer. The customer, I would say, is not always right. But they always have good ideas.”

Connect with Sonny Thadani:
Robin's Website
Robin's Instagram
Robin’s Twitter
Robin’s LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook

In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Deborah Delisle. Deborah is the president and CEO of the Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed), a Washington, D.C.-based national policy practice and advocacy organization that promotes high school transformation to make it possible for every child to graduate prepared for postsecondary learning and success in life.

Some Questions I Ask:

• What is the Alliance for Excellent Education (All4Ed) and what does it do to support the education industry? (1:26)
• When did you absorb ‘Future Ready Schools'? (3:30)
• What are you seeing schools doing to navigate this pandemic and what do you anticipate the school year will bring? (4:21)
• What are your thoughts on re-imagining education? (7:26)
• What trends do you see in education? (9:42)
• What are you seeing in general with college and career readiness right now? (14:28)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What All4Ed is (1:55)
• The ‘Future Ready Schools’ Program (3:35)
• Issues emerging in education in this pandemic (4:49)
• Rethinking learning and education as a whole (7:35)
• Trends in education (10:03)
• College and career readiness in this pandemic (14:44)
• Opportunities in education (17:36)

Quotes:

"We cannot go back to what was. When people say, ‘We have to go back to being normal,’ we weren't normal before. And many kids didn't succeed in a system like that.”

“We really need to just pause. We need to use this time and space. It's a limited opportunity to rethink the possibilities that can exist to engage more kids more robustly—for example, to utilize their talents and aspirations and redesign how schools work, including the incorporation of personalized learning.“

“Going back to rethinking education, we have to think of ourselves as co-facilitators of knowledge and content and learning processes—and as co-facilitators with our students in mind as well, because they have some ideas about how to access information in ways that perhaps we don't even think about.”

“I will often say to people, ‘If you can't buy into that, buy into the notion that these are the kids who will take care of you when you are senior citizens. I want people who care about other people. And that's how you offer kids hope every single day. Kids need hope for a brighter future. That's what they want.”

“Let's offer [kids] hope every day. Every student, every day.”

Connect with Deborah Delisle:
Alliance for Excellent Education
Deborah Delisle's LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook