Lead with Empower Podcast

Carl Johnson Leads with Empower

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"The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime"

- Free Four, Pink Floyd

Carl Johnson, the Principal of Plainville HS (Plainville, CT), Leads with Empower! Carl is a lifelong educator who joined us during the school's April Vacation to share his journey from young history enthusiast to educator and principal, and to discuss the role leadership plays in the Plainville HS operation and in his life. A wonderful conversation with an even better human being!

"Trying to look for positive disruptions"

00:00: Episode Introduction and "Roll Call"

  • Carl, currently the Plainville HS Principal, is originally from W. Hartford, CT and a graduate from the University of Connecticut. Carl has 5 years of experience in school administration (2.5 years as Vice Principal and 2.5 years as Principal) and over 15 years of experience in education.
  • We discuss the challenges (plus solutions and lessons) from the end of the 2019-2020 school year and the first half of the 2020-2021 year.
  • Carl shares the importance of effective and transparent communication, compassion, and empathy in leadership during times of uncertainty and challenge
  • What is Carl most proud about - the students, families, teachers, and staff who have made "collective sacrifices for the good of everyone else"

    • 17:32: History Trips with Dad, the Passing of Mom, and the Power of Teachers

    • We learn about Carl's childhood years, discuss moments that have had significant influence on who he is today as a leader, and learn about how Carl began his journey as an educator
    • "At this moment, you have a choice to make" - Carl reflects on sage advice from his MIddle School Principal after the passing of his mother
    • We learn about how Carl's childhood trips to Fort McClary (Kittery Point, ME) with his father and how his love for history was cultivated
    • The Power of Carl's Teachers - "My teachers saw things in me that I didn't see; encouraged that to come out, and pushed me to be a better person"

      • 31:40: Leadership in Action

      • Carl shares the "big surprise" from his first year as a teacher
      • We learn about Carl's leadership strengths, leadership challenges, and tactics he's implemented to continue is leadership development (be reflective and surround yourself with people who are brutally honest!)
      • Carl shares the leadership qualities he looks for in teachers - "As long as you're doing right by the kids, you're not going to make a bad decision"
      • We learn about the "Portrait of a Graduate" - the 5 key skills (Communicative, Collaborative, Resilient, Innovative Problem Solvers, and Mindfulness)

        • 56:30: "Finish the Drill" and Episode Closure

        • We close the episode with a handful of "rapid fire, rapid response" questions - including (1) Carl's Childhood Role Model, (2) Carl's strength that he hopes to pass along to his children, (3) his hobbies, (4) a song that represents Carl as a leader, and (5) why the PHS students inspire him!

          • Follow Plainville HS on Facebook and Twitter

          Follow Carl on Twitter
          Musical Credit to Matt Jaskot

          Find out more at https://lead-with-empower-podcast.pinecast.co

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          Lead with Empower PodcastBy Dan Jaskot
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