Change Starts Here

Imagine standing at a crossroads. In one direction, you can react to every challenge that comes your way, constantly fighting fires and feeling overwhelmed. In the other, you can choose to focus on what you can control, taking ownership of your responses and creating meaningful change—even within constraints. Which path will you choose?

Join us on Change Starts Here as host Dustin Odham continues his five-part series on paradigms, focusing on the critical shift from reactivity to proactivity. Drawing from Stephen Covey's famous principle, "I am not a product of my circumstances; I am a product of my decisions," Dustin explores how this mindset shift can transform educational leadership. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, learn how to expand your circle of influence, overcome challenges, and create a culture of solution-focused action in your school or district.

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

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:49) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:49) Defining Reactivity vs. Proactivity

(03:50 - 05:29) Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence

(05:30 - 08:09) Real-World Success Story

(08:10 - 09:49) Personal & Professional Application

(09:50 - 11:40) Call to Action & Closing

Imagine standing at a crossroads. In one direction, you can react to every challenge that comes your way, constantly fighting fires and feeling overwhelmed. In the other, you can choose to focus on what you can control, taking ownership of your responses and creating meaningful change—even within constraints. Which path will you choose?

Join us on Change Starts Here as host Dustin Odham continues his five-part series on paradigms, focusing on the critical shift from reactivity to proactivity. Drawing from Stephen Covey's famous principle, "I am not a product of my circumstances; I am a product of my decisions," Dustin explores how this mindset shift can transform educational leadership. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, learn how to expand your circle of influence, overcome challenges, and create a culture of solution-focused action in your school or district.

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

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:49) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:49) Defining Reactivity vs. Proactivity

(03:50 - 05:29) Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence

(05:30 - 08:09) Real-World Success Story

(08:10 - 09:49) Personal & Professional Application

(09:50 - 11:40) Call to Action & Closing

Imagine standing at a crossroads. In one direction, you can react to every challenge that comes your way, constantly fighting fires and feeling overwhelmed. In the other, you can choose to focus on what you can control, taking ownership of your responses and creating meaningful change—even within constraints. Which path will you choose?

Join us on Change Starts Here as host Dustin Odham continues his five-part series on paradigms, focusing on the critical shift from reactivity to proactivity. Drawing from Stephen Covey's famous principle, "I am not a product of my circumstances; I am a product of my decisions," Dustin explores how this mindset shift can transform educational leadership. Through real-world examples and practical strategies, learn how to expand your circle of influence, overcome challenges, and create a culture of solution-focused action in your school or district.

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

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 01:49) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:49) Defining Reactivity vs. Proactivity

(03:50 - 05:29) Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence

(05:30 - 08:09) Real-World Success Story

(08:10 - 09:49) Personal & Professional Application

(09:50 - 11:40) Call to Action & Closing

There are countless stories about the power of belief—whether in classic fairytales, sports movies, or the journeys of groundbreaking innovators, we often see the impossible become possible through self-belief. But does believing in yourself, or self-efficacy, truly make a difference in real life, especially in education?

In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research, explore the transformative impact of student efficacy on academic success and career trajectory. They discuss why self-efficacy matters, how to cultivate it in students, and how to help them push past fear and reach their full potential. Tune in to learn more!

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

Download the Staff Booster for Developing Student Self-Efficacy!

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/rc_sbcsse_k12?x=RQ_thB

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:20) Introduction

(00:21 - 02:16) The Grade Motivator

(02:17 - 06:17) Student Self Efficacy

(06:18 - 11:51) Belief in Yourself

(11:52 - 13:35) Career Trajectories

(13:36 - 16:33) Optimal Level of Challenge

(16:34 - 18:14) The Role of Encouragement

(18:15 - 21:10) The Comparison Trap

(21:11 - 23:31) The Fear of Failure

(23:32 - 24:13) Closing

There are countless stories about the power of belief—whether in classic fairytales, sports movies, or the journeys of groundbreaking innovators, we often see the impossible become possible through self-belief. But does believing in yourself, or self-efficacy, truly make a difference in real life, especially in education?

In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research, explore the transformative impact of student efficacy on academic success and career trajectory. They discuss why self-efficacy matters, how to cultivate it in students, and how to help them push past fear and reach their full potential. Tune in to learn more!

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

Download the Staff Booster for Developing Student Self-Efficacy!

https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/rc_sbcsse_k12?x=RQ_thB

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:20) Introduction

(00:21 - 02:16) The Grade Motivator

(02:17 - 06:17) Student Self Efficacy

(06:18 - 11:51) Belief in Yourself

(11:52 - 13:35) Career Trajectories

(13:36 - 16:33) Optimal Level of Challenge

(16:34 - 18:14) The Role of Encouragement

(18:15 - 21:10) The Comparison Trap

(21:11 - 23:31) The Fear of Failure

(23:32 - 24:13) Closing

Building leadership in your district doesn’t start with conferences or new hires—it starts with students. Cultivating leadership from a young age empowers future generations with the wisdom and guidance to lead. Tune in to hear how one superintendent is making this vision a reality.

Welcome to Change Starts Here. Join host Dustin Odham as he sits down with Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools, known for his passion for student leadership and his ability to build trust across his district. In this episode, Thom shares how Johnson County Schools is fostering leadership at every level—among staff and students—through trust, authentic listening, and reflection. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, plus an unexpected answer to Thom’s favorite walk-up song!

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: Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:56) Introduction

(01:57 - 05:37) Born Into Education

(05:38 - 06:56) In Others’ Shoes

(06:57 - 11:20) Advocate for Student Leadership

(11:21 - 14:11) Authentic Listening

(14:12 - 21:47) Developing Leadership

(21:48 - 26:54) The Shift to Trust

(26:55 - 31:26) Strengthen Your Trust

(31:27 - 38:07) Reflecting on Career

(38:08 - 43:17) Rapid Fire Questions!

(43:18 - 45:07) Closing

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #FutureLeaders #BuildingLeaders #StudentSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustAndGrowth #EducationMatters #Mentorship #SchoolLeadership #SuperintendentInsights

Building leadership in your district doesn’t start with conferences or new hires—it starts with students. Cultivating leadership from a young age empowers future generations with the wisdom and guidance to lead. Tune in to hear how one superintendent is making this vision a reality.

Welcome to Change Starts Here. Join host Dustin Odham as he sits down with Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools, known for his passion for student leadership and his ability to build trust across his district. In this episode, Thom shares how Johnson County Schools is fostering leadership at every level—among staff and students—through trust, authentic listening, and reflection. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, plus an unexpected answer to Thom’s favorite walk-up song!

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: Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:56) Introduction

(01:57 - 05:37) Born Into Education

(05:38 - 06:56) In Others’ Shoes

(06:57 - 11:20) Advocate for Student Leadership

(11:21 - 14:11) Authentic Listening

(14:12 - 21:47) Developing Leadership

(21:48 - 26:54) The Shift to Trust

(26:55 - 31:26) Strengthen Your Trust

(31:27 - 38:07) Reflecting on Career

(38:08 - 43:17) Rapid Fire Questions!

(43:18 - 45:07) Closing

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #FutureLeaders #BuildingLeaders #StudentSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustAndGrowth #EducationMatters #Mentorship #SchoolLeadership #SuperintendentInsights

Building leadership in your district doesn’t start with conferences or new hires—it starts with students. Cultivating leadership from a young age empowers future generations with the wisdom and guidance to lead. Tune in to hear how one superintendent is making this vision a reality.

Welcome to Change Starts Here. Join host Dustin Odham as he sits down with Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools, known for his passion for student leadership and his ability to build trust across his district. In this episode, Thom shares how Johnson County Schools is fostering leadership at every level—among staff and students—through trust, authentic listening, and reflection. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, plus an unexpected answer to Thom’s favorite walk-up song!

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: Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:56) Introduction

(01:57 - 05:37) Born Into Education

(05:38 - 06:56) In Others’ Shoes

(06:57 - 11:20) Advocate for Student Leadership

(11:21 - 14:11) Authentic Listening

(14:12 - 21:47) Developing Leadership

(21:48 - 26:54) The Shift to Trust

(26:55 - 31:26) Strengthen Your Trust

(31:27 - 38:07) Reflecting on Career

(38:08 - 43:17) Rapid Fire Questions!

(43:18 - 45:07) Closing

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #FutureLeaders #BuildingLeaders #StudentSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustAndGrowth #EducationMatters #Mentorship #SchoolLeadership #SuperintendentInsights

When you listen to a podcast or read an article, you take in the information and process it—but when something in that content connects to you personally, it sticks. You digest it more deeply and remember it with greater clarity. The same holds true in education: students retain information better when it feels relevant and engaging, and when they feel actively involved in their learning. Now imagine embedding that learning with future-readiness skills.

In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research, discuss how educators can use existing academic standards to design future-focused lesson plans. By creating lessons that build meaningful connections and encourage students to personalize their learning, educators can boost knowledge retention and engagement. With small, intentional adjustments, these lesson plans can also foster critical skills like cooperation, problem-solving, and adaptability—equipping students to step into the world prepared for anything.

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

Click here to check out 3 Future-Focused Lesson Plans: https://resources.franklincovey.com/rc-fflp-k12

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:51) Introduction

(00:52 - 04:06) The End in Mind

(04:07 - 06:48) Melding Competencies

(06:49 - 08:35) Example in Literature

(08:36 - 12:44) Cross Content Examples

(12:45 - 15:51) The Heart of It All

(15:52 - 20:07) Shifting Standards for Students

(20:08 - 20:38) Closing

When you listen to a podcast or read an article, you take in the information and process it—but when something in that content connects to you personally, it sticks. You digest it more deeply and remember it with greater clarity. The same holds true in education: students retain information better when it feels relevant and engaging, and when they feel actively involved in their learning. Now imagine embedding that learning with future-readiness skills.

In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research, discuss how educators can use existing academic standards to design future-focused lesson plans. By creating lessons that build meaningful connections and encourage students to personalize their learning, educators can boost knowledge retention and engagement. With small, intentional adjustments, these lesson plans can also foster critical skills like cooperation, problem-solving, and adaptability—equipping students to step into the world prepared for anything.

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

Click here to check out 3 Future-Focused Lesson Plans: https://resources.franklincovey.com/rc-fflp-k12

Starring: Kim Yaris, M.Ed, Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education

Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 00:51) Introduction

(00:52 - 04:06) The End in Mind

(04:07 - 06:48) Melding Competencies

(06:49 - 08:35) Example in Literature

(08:36 - 12:44) Cross Content Examples

(12:45 - 15:51) The Heart of It All

(15:52 - 20:07) Shifting Standards for Students

(20:08 - 20:38) Closing