Change Starts Here

Change Starts Here is back for a brand-new season! In this first episode, host Dustin Odham dives into how the way we see the year ahead shapes our leadership, our teams, and the impact we create. He explores why real change doesn’t come from doing it all at once, but from focusing on a few meaningful actions done well.

Dustin challenges listeners to call out growth, name potential, and lead with belief—showing that mindset and intentionality are just as important as results. Start the new season with purpose, reflection, and a commitment to making this year count.

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Change Starts Here.

Download the See-Do-Get Story form below:

https://resources.franklincovey.com/season-6/sdgsflim_k12

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

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at Franklin Covey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:28) Introduction

(00:29 - 01:59) Coming Into the Year

(02:00 - 03:45) New Year, New Ideas

(03:46 - 05:15) How Do You See Yourself?

(05:16 - 06:37) The Busy Addiction

(06:38 - 08:03) Moments of Culture

(08:04 - 10:12) Your Challenge

(10:13 - 10:50) Closing

Dustin Odom is a passionate educator, leadership development expert, and host of the "Change Starts Here" podcast, where he explores how internal transformation fuels external change in schools, communities, and organizations.

As a podcast host, Dustin has conducted compelling conversations with educational leaders across the country, from superintendents transforming school districts to chamber of commerce presidents bridging the gap between education and business. His interviews reveal the human side of leadership, showcasing how leaders are redefining what it means to see students and adults by their gifts rather than their deficits. In this episode, he reflects on the incredible season, says goodbye to the school year, and asks his listeners to reflect on themselves as we enter the summer season. Make sure to tune into this final episode of this season of Change Starts Here!

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 Franklin Covey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:35) Intro

(00:36 - 1:22) Journey throughout the season

(1:23 - 2:07) External change = internal work

(2:08 - 3:29) Season lookback

(3:30 - 9:47) Most influential episodes and guests

(9:48 - 10:04) Question to the audience

(10:05 - 11:36) Dustin's personal growth journey and advice

(11:37 - 12:26) Improving a leadership skill

(12:27 - 12:49) Outro

Dustin Odom is a passionate educator, leadership development expert, and host of the "Change Starts Here" podcast, where he explores how internal transformation fuels external change in schools, communities, and organizations.

As a podcast host, Dustin has conducted compelling conversations with educational leaders across the country, from superintendents transforming school districts to chamber of commerce presidents bridging the gap between education and business. His interviews reveal the human side of leadership, showcasing how leaders are redefining what it means to see students and adults by their gifts rather than their deficits. In this episode, he reflects on the incredible season, says goodbye to the school year, and asks his listeners to reflect on themselves as we enter the summer season. Make sure to tune into this final episode of this season of Change Starts Here!

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 Franklin Covey Education

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 00:35) Intro

(00:36 - 1:22) Journey throughout the season

(1:23 - 2:07) External change = internal work

(2:08 - 3:29) Season lookback

(3:30 - 9:47) Most influential episodes and guests

(9:48 - 10:04) Question to the audience

(10:05 - 11:36) Dustin's personal growth journey and advice

(11:37 - 12:26) Improving a leadership skill

(12:27 - 12:49) Outro

How do you prepare students for jobs that don't even exist yet? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with McLain Schaefer, Director of LIFT (Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow), a groundbreaking regional innovation and technology center in central Illinois that's redefining what Career and Technical Education can be.

McLain shares his journey from elementary principal to leading one of the most innovative CTE programs in the country. In this conversation, McLain unpacks how he completely redesigned their CTE program with LIFT, and how building future leaders has been at the centerpiece of his success with students. Whether you're an educator, business leader, or parent, this episode will challenge your thinking about what education can be when we stop putting students in boxes and start preparing them to lead in whatever field they choose. McLain's approach proves that when you combine world-class leadership development with career-ready programming, you don't just create graduates—you create leaders who are ready to change their communities.

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 Franklin Covey Education

Guests: McLain Shaefer (LIFT Director)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 2:56) Intro

(2:57 - 3:49) What McLain loves about what he does

(3:50 - 5:44) Leaving the classroom and starting LIFT

(5:45 - 7:52) Traditional CTE or no?

(7:53 - 10:54) Defining modern CTE

(10:55 - 14:27) Evolution of the definition of student success with LIFT

(14:28 - 18:49) How do recruiters define success?

(18:50 - 20:42) Finding the right people

(20:43 - 24:41) What effect has the Leader In Me process had on kids?

(24:42 - 26:52) Paradigm shifts with LIFT

(26:53 - 30:34) How has the new curriculum elevated the existing?

(30:35 - 33:31) McLains vision for growth

(33:32 - 34:38) The people working at and with LIFT

(34:39 - 35:55) Student success story

(35:56 - 36:36) Recommendations for leadership book

(36:37 - 38:09) Song to put McLain in the right “vibe”

(38:10 - 40:15) Advise for a new leader

(40:16 - 41:06) Closing thoughts

(41:07 - 41:52) Outro

How do you prepare students for jobs that don't even exist yet? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with McLain Schaefer, Director of LIFT (Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow), a groundbreaking regional innovation and technology center in central Illinois that's redefining what Career and Technical Education can be.

McLain shares his journey from elementary principal to leading one of the most innovative CTE programs in the country. In this conversation, McLain unpacks how he completely redesigned their CTE program with LIFT, and how building future leaders has been at the centerpiece of his success with students. Whether you're an educator, business leader, or parent, this episode will challenge your thinking about what education can be when we stop putting students in boxes and start preparing them to lead in whatever field they choose. McLain's approach proves that when you combine world-class leadership development with career-ready programming, you don't just create graduates—you create leaders who are ready to change their communities.

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 Franklin Covey Education

Guests: McLain Shaefer (LIFT Director)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 2:56) Intro

(2:57 - 3:49) What McLain loves about what he does

(3:50 - 5:44) Leaving the classroom and starting LIFT

(5:45 - 7:52) Traditional CTE or no?

(7:53 - 10:54) Defining modern CTE

(10:55 - 14:27) Evolution of the definition of student success with LIFT

(14:28 - 18:49) How do recruiters define success?

(18:50 - 20:42) Finding the right people

(20:43 - 24:41) What effect has the Leader In Me process had on kids?

(24:42 - 26:52) Paradigm shifts with LIFT

(26:53 - 30:34) How has the new curriculum elevated the existing?

(30:35 - 33:31) McLains vision for growth

(33:32 - 34:38) The people working at and with LIFT

(34:39 - 35:55) Student success story

(35:56 - 36:36) Recommendations for leadership book

(36:37 - 38:09) Song to put McLain in the right “vibe”

(38:10 - 40:15) Advise for a new leader

(40:16 - 41:06) Closing thoughts

(41:07 - 41:52) Outro

What does the future of workforce development look like—and how can education and business leaders work together to shape it? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Dean Faile, President and CEO of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, to explore how aligning education with evolving industry needs can empower the next generation of leaders.

Dean shares his personal mission of inspiring others to become more than they thought possible, and he dives deep into topics like bridging the skill gap, the power of micro-credentials, and the mutual benefits of helping students gain real-world experience. He offers practical advice for educators, policy makers, and students alike—emphasizing curiosity, proactive thinking, and servant leadership as key ingredients for long-term success.

Tune in for an energizing conversation packed with insights on how business and education can work hand in hand to cultivate leadership, purpose, and opportunity in our communities. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

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

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at Franklin Covey Education

Guest: Dean Faile, President/CEO of York County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 03:10) Introduction

(03:11 - 05:02) Getting to Know Dean

(05:03 - 08:27) Living Out the Mission Along the Journey

(08:28 - 11:59) The Most Critical Skills to Develop

(12:00 - 18:03) Bridging the Skill Gap

(18:04 - 20:19) Mutual Benefits to Helping Students

(20:20 - 25:47) The Power of Micro-Credentials

(25:48 - 30:39) Advice for Educators and Policy Makers

(30:40 - 32:46) Having an Intense Curiosity

(32:47 - 34:46) Powerful Leadership Books

(34:47 - 35:40) Dean’s Walk Up Song

(35:41 - 36:36) Advice for High School Students

(36:37 - 39:31) Empowering the Future Generation

(39:32 - 40:06) Closing

What does the future of workforce development look like—and how can education and business leaders work together to shape it? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Dean Faile, President and CEO of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, to explore how aligning education with evolving industry needs can empower the next generation of leaders.

Dean shares his personal mission of inspiring others to become more than they thought possible, and he dives deep into topics like bridging the skill gap, the power of micro-credentials, and the mutual benefits of helping students gain real-world experience. He offers practical advice for educators, policy makers, and students alike—emphasizing curiosity, proactive thinking, and servant leadership as key ingredients for long-term success.

Tune in for an energizing conversation packed with insights on how business and education can work hand in hand to cultivate leadership, purpose, and opportunity in our communities. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

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

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at Franklin Covey Education

Guest: Dean Faile, President/CEO of York County Regional Chamber of Commerce

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 03:10) Introduction

(03:11 - 05:02) Getting to Know Dean

(05:03 - 08:27) Living Out the Mission Along the Journey

(08:28 - 11:59) The Most Critical Skills to Develop

(12:00 - 18:03) Bridging the Skill Gap

(18:04 - 20:19) Mutual Benefits to Helping Students

(20:20 - 25:47) The Power of Micro-Credentials

(25:48 - 30:39) Advice for Educators and Policy Makers

(30:40 - 32:46) Having an Intense Curiosity

(32:47 - 34:46) Powerful Leadership Books

(34:47 - 35:40) Dean’s Walk Up Song

(35:41 - 36:36) Advice for High School Students

(36:37 - 39:31) Empowering the Future Generation

(39:32 - 40:06) Closing

How do you create great leaders in the educational system? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham is joined by Laurie Brooks and Lynne Fox to explore the 4 roles of Leadership within the school system and how to utilize those roles effectively.

In a conference style setting, Dustin dives into Laurie and Lynne's process of creating great leaders, both on the playground and not. They unpack Franklin Covey's framework of four essential leadership roles—inspiring trust, creating vision, executing strategy, and coaching potential—and demonstrate how these principles can revolutionize afterschool programs and summer learning experiences.They speak about not only creating great leaders with their teachers, but how to help the “kiddos” become leaders as well. Both guests give incredible advice on how to coach, but also let your teachers be coaches themselves.

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 Franklin Covey Education

Guests: Laurie Brooks (Client Partner, Franklin Covey); Lynne Fox (Global Educational Developer)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 1:26) Intro

(1:27 - 2:40) Laurie's story

(2:41 - 3:50) Lynne’s story

(3:51 - 5:02) The 4 Roles of Leaders

(5:03 - 7:44) Role 1: Trust

(7:45 - 10:12) Role 2: Creating Vision

(10:13 - 12:23) Afterschool Care in Schools

(12:24 - 13:16) Role 3: Executing Strategy from Vision

(13:17 - 15:12) 4 Key Elements of Execution

(15:13 - 20:34) Role 4: Coaching Potential

(20:34 - 22:51) Advice from Laurie and Lynne

(22:52 - 25:40) Extended Learning Opportunities

(25:41 - 25:43) Outro

How do you create great leaders in the educational system? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham is joined by Laurie Brooks and Lynne Fox to explore the 4 roles of Leadership within the school system and how to utilize those roles effectively.

In a conference style setting, Dustin dives into Laurie and Lynne's process of creating great leaders, both on the playground and not. They unpack Franklin Covey's framework of four essential leadership roles—inspiring trust, creating vision, executing strategy, and coaching potential—and demonstrate how these principles can revolutionize afterschool programs and summer learning experiences.They speak about not only creating great leaders with their teachers, but how to help the “kiddos” become leaders as well. Both guests give incredible advice on how to coach, but also let your teachers be coaches themselves.

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 Franklin Covey Education

Guests: Laurie Brooks (Client Partner, Franklin Covey); Lynne Fox (Global Educational Developer)

Timestamps:

(00:00 - 1:26) Intro

(1:27 - 2:40) Laurie's story

(2:41 - 3:50) Lynne’s story

(3:51 - 5:02) The 4 Roles of Leaders

(5:03 - 7:44) Role 1: Trust

(7:45 - 10:12) Role 2: Creating Vision

(10:13 - 12:23) Afterschool Care in Schools

(12:24 - 13:16) Role 3: Executing Strategy from Vision

(13:17 - 15:12) 4 Key Elements of Execution

(15:13 - 20:34) Role 4: Coaching Potential

(20:34 - 22:51) Advice from Laurie and Lynne

(22:52 - 25:40) Extended Learning Opportunities

(25:41 - 25:43) Outro

What happens when we shift from controlling outcomes to empowering people? In the season finale of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham explores how trust isn't just a leadership trait—it's the foundation of real, lasting impact in schools.

Dustin dives into the essential shift from micromanagement to meaningful collaboration, showing how extending trust helps build stronger teams, deeper relationships, and a culture where innovation thrives. Whether you're a classroom teacher or district leader, this episode offers a clear path toward creating the kind of environment where others grow, lead, and thrive.

If you've missed any episodes this season, now’s the perfect time to revisit them and continue the journey of leading with purpose. Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on bell notifications so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

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 - 01:18) Introduction

(01:19 - 03:08) Moving from Control to Empowerment

(03:09 - 06:39) The Power of Extending Trust

(06:40 - 10:19) Applying this Personally

(10:20 - 11:07) Season in Review

(11:08 - 11:38) Closing