Change Starts Here

Trust is the cornerstone of every strong relationship, especially when you're in a leadership role. It doesn’t happen overnight—it requires consistent effort, intentionality, and a genuine commitment to fostering a culture of trust. Building and sometimes even repairing trust can be challenging, but today’s episode offers actionable steps to help you strengthen your relationships with trust at the core.

Join host Dustin Odham as he explores the essence of trust and how it impacts leadership within organizations. Dustin explains how the intent behind your actions is always visible to those around you and why admitting mistakes and working to correct them is essential to being a credible leader. He’s joined by Lonnie Moore, FranklinCovey Consultant and Author, who shares his experiences working with school districts and offers practical advice on confronting reality and staying aligned with your personal mission to build trust within a group. This episode is packed with insightful perspectives on trust you won’t want to miss!

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Lonnie Moore, Trainer at Franklin Covey

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:30) Introduction

(01:31 - 02:11) The Character of Trust

(02:12 - 03:23) Intent

(03:24 - 05:04) Making Intent Clear

(05:05 - 06:04) Righting Wrongs

(06:05 - 06:59) Demonstrating Respect

(07:00 - 08:09) Creating Transparency

(08:10 - 09:44) Showing Loyalty

(09:45 - 11:45) Intentionally Building Trust

(11:46 - 13:30) Introducing Lonnie Moore

(13:31 - 14:40) Foundation of Trust

(14:41 - 15:44) Modeling Everyday Behaviors

(15:45 - 17:36) Confronting Reality

(17:37 - 19:57) Iron Hand, Velvet Glove

(19:58 - 22:35) Owning Mistakes

(22:36 - 24:25) What is Your Why?

(24:26 - 25:50) Living in Your Mission

(25:51 - 28:56) Culture of Trust

(28:57 - ) Closing

In recent years, education has been rapidly expanding and evolving, with one of the most significant shifts being the focus on the whole child. Schools recognize their vital role in shaping a child’s academic future and their social and economic development as they grow. Today, we’re joined by a guest who is actively engaging with the community to cultivate these essential skills throughout their schools.

In this episode, hosts Kim Yaris, M.Ed., and Dr. Jennifer Chevalier welcome Dr. Amy Dittmar, Assistant Superintendent of Ankeny Community School District. Dr. Dittmar shares insights on how her district is moving beyond the traditional curriculum, designing courses—and reshaping existing ones—around the skills that the community and workforce are specifically seeking. She dives into how this shift impacts students, teachers, and overall engagement within Ankeny schools. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how these innovations are making a difference in education.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

To take advantage of the tool to help your school’s vision, click on this link: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/systemic-synergy-visioning-tool?x=iVcL7y

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Content Creator/Researcher at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Amy Dittmar, Assistant Superintendent, Ankeny Community School District

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:23) Introduction

(00:24 - 02:03) Success After School

(02:04 - 03:45) Competing Priorities

(03:46 - 05:46) Teaching Necessary Skills

(05:47 - 09:21) Outcomes for Students

(09:22 - 11:45) Teacher Adoption

(11:46 - 14:26) Integrating Not Stacking

(14:27 - 19:11) Vision for the Future

(19:12 - 20:30) Closing

Students spend their school days in classrooms from bell to bell, but what about the many other hours outside of class? Are they receiving the support and opportunities they need to thrive? What kind of guidance are we offering beyond the school day? Join us as we explore how one school district is tackling these questions with outstanding results.

In this episode, host Dustin Odham sits down with Tobie Pace, Senior Director Extended Learning Opportunities at San Diego Unified School District. Tobie discusses how her district’s after-school programs are empowering students to continue learning, growing, and accessing new opportunities. Beyond the programs, Tobie also shares her personal leadership approach and the ways she fosters a culture of trust and innovation. Don’t miss this insightful conversation filled with valuable takeaways

Don’t forget to like, and turn on those bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Tobie Pace, Senior Director Extended Learning Opportunities at San Diego Unified School District

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 02:49) Introduction

(02:50 - 04:37) Get to Know Tobie Pace

(04:38 - 05:28) Unlocking the Genius

(05:29 - 09:40) Creating Opportunities Outside the Class

(09:41 - 11:14) Knocking Down Barriers

(11:15 - 14:58) A Multidimensional Process

(14:59 - 17:25) Making It Meaningful

(17:26 - 20:00) Overcoming Challenges

(20:01 - 25:01) Innovating and Risk-taking

(25:02 - 27:27) Always Open to Feedback

(27:28 - 33:31) Rapid Fire Questions!

(33:32 - 34:38) Closing

Humans are naturally curious. Whether it's investigating a strange noise in the night or going down a rabbit hole on the history of toothbrushes, we've all felt the pull of curiosity. So why don't our students seem to tap into that same curiosity at school?

In today’s episode, hosts Kim Yaris, M.Ed., and Dr. Jennifer Chevalier explore this question and much more. They dive into a unique challenge in education—curriculum silos—and share their personal experiences as educators. Discover how outdated curriculum models can stifle curiosity and how shifting our approach could ignite student engagement. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on reshaping education to inspire curiosity!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

To take advantage of the tool to help your school’s vision, click on this link: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/systemic-synergy-visioning-tool?x=iVcL7y

Citations

https://hbr.org/2014/09/workers-dont-have-the-skills-they-need-and-they-know-it

https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/around-3-4-youth-lack-skills-needed-employment-new-report-says

https://www.lincolntech.edu/news/featured/national-skills-gap-crisis-americas-own-creation

https://www.forbes.com/sites/bryanrobinson/2024/06/17/2024-graduates-lack-skills-in-communication-collaboration-and-critical-thinking-study-finds/

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Content Creator/Researcher at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:07) Introduction

(01:08 - 03:11) The Curriculum Process

(03:12 - 05:02) Is This Serving Students?

(05:03 - 06:48) Curriculum Silos

(06:49 - 12:34) What Are the Alternatives?

(12:35 - 15:44) Providing Student’s Motivation

(15:45 - 16:14) Closing

The name of the game for companies, school districts, and every individual is effectiveness and efficiency. We all strive to improve our speed and performance to elevate our roles and assist others more swiftly. This drive often leads us to adopt new software, streamline meetings, and develop innovative techniques. However, in our pursuit of efficiency, we frequently overlook a crucial element: trust.

Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education, explores this essential component through Stephen M.R. Covey’s 'The Speed of Trust.' After laying a solid foundation, Dustin is joined by Jill Scheulen, Senior Consultant and Coach at FranklinCovey, who delves deeper into the critical role of trust in organizations. With insights from a seasoned coach witnessing the transformative power of trust firsthand, you'll learn how to assess and cultivate trust within your team today.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Jill Scheulen, Senior Consultant and Coach, FranklinCovey

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:52) Introduction

(01:53 - 02:59) Trust: An Economic Principle

(03:00 - 06:21) 4 Cores of Credibility

(06:22 - 08:26) A Two-Way Street

(08:27 - 11:30) How to Measure Trust

(11:31 - 13:09) Trust vs. Accountability

(13:10 - 15:00) Simplifying the Framework

(15:01 - 16:36) Trust Behaviors

(16:37 - 17:51) Breaking Negative Self-Talk

(17:52 - 20:55) The Speed of Trust

(20:56 - 21:48) Baby Steps to a Trust Culture

(21:49 - 22:30) Closing

Remodeling a home is a significant undertaking, but the transformation not only increases your home's value—it also enhances your enjoyment of the new, refined space. Similarly, in education, we often find ourselves working in silos, whether by design or by accident and they are in desperate need of an upgrade. In today’s episode, we’ll explore how to begin "remodeling" these silos to better serve our organization and those within it.

Join our esteemed hosts, Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Content Creator and Researcher, and Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding, as they dive into a practical guide for breaking down these barriers. They’ll start by discussing the "rooms" that exist within silos and how you can begin constructing windows, bridges, and doors to foster connection and collaboration. Don’t miss this essential conversation on building a healthier, more cohesive organization.

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

To take advantage of the tool to help your school’s vision click on this link: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/systemic-synergy-visioning-tool?x=iVcL7y

Learn more about academics here:

https://www.leaderinme.org/research-highlights-academics/

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Content Creator/Researcher at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:45) Introduction

(01:46 - 03:27) Remodeling the Silos

(03:28 - 07:09) Departmental Silos

(07:10 - 09:14) Location Silos

(09:15 - 10:58) Scheduling Silos

(10:59 - 13:49) Rank/Level Silos

(13:50 - 17:05) Creating Windows

(17:06 - 19:24) Opening Doors and Building Bridges

(19:25 - 22:04) Heavy Construction!

(22:05 - 23:10) Where to Start?

(23:11 - 23:51) Closing

In today's world, the need for strong leadership is more crucial than ever as we strive to develop the next generation into capable leaders. The education field plays a pivotal role in this mission, equipping students with the tools they need to reach their full potential. Our teachers are at the forefront of this effort, guiding and shaping future leaders. Today, we have the privilege of hearing from one such leader who is dedicated to nurturing leadership across every part of his school district.

Our host, Dustin Odham, is joined by Dr. Tommy Schmolze, Superintendent of Rock Hill Schools. Dr. Schmolze shares his journey from humble beginnings and how these experiences have profoundly shaped his leadership philosophy. He also delves into his strategic approach to hiring the right educators and the guiding principles that influence his daily decisions as a superintendent. Don’t miss out on the infectious wisdom and positivity that Dr. Schmolze brings to the conversation!

Don’t forget to like, and turn on those bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest(s): Dr. Tommy Schmolze, Superintendent of Rock Hills Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 03:14) Introduction

(03:15 - 06:44) Get to Know Dr. Schmolze

(06:45 - 08:47) Learning From Culture Shock

(08:48 - 10:11) Philosophical North Star

(10:12 - 17:47) Hiring the Right People

(17:48 - 22:59) Key Paradigms of Superintendents

(23:00 - 24:59) Educated Risk Taking

(25:00 - 26:53) Facing Difficulties

(26:54 - 28:47) Providing for Kids

(28:48 - 30:49) The Importance of Trust

(30:50 - 33:13) Rebuilding Trust

(33:14 - 36:23) Reflecting on Failures

(36:24 - 37:55) Outlook on Time

(37:56 - 39:18) Advice for Leaders

(39:19 - 45:13) Rapid Fire Questions!

(45:14 - 47:26) Looking to the Future

(47:27 - 49:04) Closing

When you listen to an orchestra, the blending of numerous instruments into a harmonious melody is what makes the music truly captivating. While a single instrument can sound wonderful on its own, there is something profoundly powerful and beautiful about the orchestral approach. This concept applies to our school systems as well, where we refer to it as systemic synergy.

Welcome back to our esteemed hosts, Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Content Creator/Researcher, and Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding. Together, they offer a sneak peek into what we can expect from this summer's Research Conversations and help define systemic synergy, the main theme of this season. This episode introduces the first of many tools designed to help your school district enhance outcomes for everyone through systemic synergy. Don't miss out on this educational episode!

Don’t forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don’t miss our next episode!

To take advantage of the tool to help your school’s vision click on this link:

Learn more about academics here:

https://www.leaderinme.org/research-highlights-academics/

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Content Creator/Researcher at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:25) Introduction

(00:26 - 04:06) What is Systemic Synergy?

(04:07 - 07:12) Improving Outcomes for Everyone

(07:13 - 09:29) Maintaining Systemic Synergy

(09:30 - 10:57) A Tool to Align Vision

(10:58 - 12:26) Looking to the Future

(12:27 - 12:51) Closing

With the arrival of a new season, we bring a fresh set of wisdom. Leadership is a continuous journey of learning and reflection. In this episode, you'll discover insights and guidance to enhance your leadership skills.

Today, Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education, shares the top 7 pieces of leadership advice he has gathered over the summer. Tune in to learn about the choice between two pains we all face, what we should wish for, the importance of self-education, overcoming excuses to find solutions, consistently gaining knowledge, taking risks, and cultivating a sense of urgency. Take advantage of this invaluable advice from Dustin Odham.

Be sure to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications to ensure you don’t miss our next episode.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:03) Introduction

(01:04 - 03:10) A New Season!

(03:11 - 05:14) Choosing Your Pain

(05:15 - 06:03) Wishing for Better, Not Easier

(06:04 - 07:38) The Importance of Self-Education

(07:39 - 08:18) Find an Excuse or a Way to Get Through

(08:19 - 09:49) Consistently Gaining Knowledge

(09:50 - 10:36) Risking the Unusual

(10:37 - 11:36) Having a Sense of Urgency

(11:37 - 12:30) Closing

Reflection is more than just something to check off a checklist- it is a practice that can be life changing if done intentionally. Since it has such a big impact, it is crucial to implement this for success in a career, educational journey, and personally.

Join us for the season finale of Change Starts Here as Dustin Odham sits down for the final entry for this series to discuss Habit 7 and 4 areas of self-care. Learn to sharpen your saw in each of these 4 areas of your life, physical, emotional, spiritual, and relational, as Dustin explains how to better yourself in these ways and why it's so important to do so. Discover how to take care of the person in the mirror in a more complete and fulfilling way today.

Don’t forget to like, and turn on those bell notifications to stay up to date with all our episodes.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:57) Introduction

(00:58 - 02:56) Habit 7: Sharpen Your Saw

(02:57 - 05:09) Physical Renewal

(05:10 - 06:15) Emotional Renewal

(06:16 - 08:28) Spiritual Renewal

(08:29 - 09:01) Recap

(09:02 - 10:11) Closing