Change Starts Here

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

Leadership in education means empowering every student to recognize their unique strengths and potential. When we shift our mindset from "special education" to "students with exceptionalities," we transform how we view, support, and include all learners in our schools.

In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Kimberly Gardner, the first-ever Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. Kimberly shares her journey from gifted educator to district leader, her passion for student voice, and how she's implementing the Leader in Me process across 55 schools to build inclusive cultures where every student can thrive. From prioritizing early childhood intervention to transforming classroom paradigms, discover how Kimberly's student-first approach is reshaping education in Louisiana.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about authentic leadership, creating opportunities for all students, and the power of being the author of your own story.

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

Host and Guest:

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Kimberly Gardner, Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:50) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:40) Kimberly's Background and Journey

(03:40 - 05:20) "Students with Exceptionalities" vs. "Special Education"

(05:20 - 07:30) Personal Stories of Inclusion

(07:30 - 10:10) Kimberly's Path to Education

(10:10 - 12:00) Building Strong Foundations

(12:00 - 14:40) Key Paradigm Shifts Needed in Education

(14:40 - 17:30) Creating Space for Student Voice

(17:30 - 20:30) Student Lighthouse Teams and Leadership Opportunities

(20:30 - 23:00) Goal Setting and Empowering Students

(23:00 - 25:50) Going Slow to Go Fast with Implementation

(25:50 - 28:40) Addressing Pushback and Supporting Staff

(28:40 - 31:50) Supporting Individual Needs vs. Top-Down Approaches

(31:50 - 34:00) The Speedboat, Tugboat, and Row Boat Analogy

(34:00 - 38:10) Hopes for the Future of Education

(38:10 - 41:40) The Path to Purpose

(41:40 - 47:40) Rapid Fire Questions

(47:40 - 50:31) Closing Thoughts

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #StudentsWithExceptionalities #StudentVoice #InclusiveEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #LeaderInMe #PathToPurpose #SchoolCulture #EarlyIntervention #StudentLighthouseTeams

Leadership in education means empowering every student to recognize their unique strengths and potential. When we shift our mindset from "special education" to "students with exceptionalities," we transform how we view, support, and include all learners in our schools.

In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Kimberly Gardner, the first-ever Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. Kimberly shares her journey from gifted educator to district leader, her passion for student voice, and how she's implementing the Leader in Me process across 55 schools to build inclusive cultures where every student can thrive. From prioritizing early childhood intervention to transforming classroom paradigms, discover how Kimberly's student-first approach is reshaping education in Louisiana.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about authentic leadership, creating opportunities for all students, and the power of being the author of your own story.

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

Host and Guest:

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Kimberly Gardner, Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:50) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:40) Kimberly's Background and Journey

(03:40 - 05:20) "Students with Exceptionalities" vs. "Special Education"

(05:20 - 07:30) Personal Stories of Inclusion

(07:30 - 10:10) Kimberly's Path to Education

(10:10 - 12:00) Building Strong Foundations

(12:00 - 14:40) Key Paradigm Shifts Needed in Education

(14:40 - 17:30) Creating Space for Student Voice

(17:30 - 20:30) Student Lighthouse Teams and Leadership Opportunities

(20:30 - 23:00) Goal Setting and Empowering Students

(23:00 - 25:50) Going Slow to Go Fast with Implementation

(25:50 - 28:40) Addressing Pushback and Supporting Staff

(28:40 - 31:50) Supporting Individual Needs vs. Top-Down Approaches

(31:50 - 34:00) The Speedboat, Tugboat, and Row Boat Analogy

(34:00 - 38:10) Hopes for the Future of Education

(38:10 - 41:40) The Path to Purpose

(41:40 - 47:40) Rapid Fire Questions

(47:40 - 50:31) Closing Thoughts

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #StudentsWithExceptionalities #StudentVoice #InclusiveEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #LeaderInMe #PathToPurpose #SchoolCulture #EarlyIntervention #StudentLighthouseTeams

Leadership in education means empowering every student to recognize their unique strengths and potential. When we shift our mindset from "special education" to "students with exceptionalities," we transform how we view, support, and include all learners in our schools.

In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Kimberly Gardner, the first-ever Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools. Kimberly shares her journey from gifted educator to district leader, her passion for student voice, and how she's implementing the Leader in Me process across 55 schools to build inclusive cultures where every student can thrive. From prioritizing early childhood intervention to transforming classroom paradigms, discover how Kimberly's student-first approach is reshaping education in Louisiana.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about authentic leadership, creating opportunities for all students, and the power of being the author of your own story.

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

Host and Guest:

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Kimberly Gardner, Assistant Superintendent of Students with Exceptionalities and Federal Programs for St. Tammany Parish Public Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:50) Introduction

(01:50 - 03:40) Kimberly's Background and Journey

(03:40 - 05:20) "Students with Exceptionalities" vs. "Special Education"

(05:20 - 07:30) Personal Stories of Inclusion

(07:30 - 10:10) Kimberly's Path to Education

(10:10 - 12:00) Building Strong Foundations

(12:00 - 14:40) Key Paradigm Shifts Needed in Education

(14:40 - 17:30) Creating Space for Student Voice

(17:30 - 20:30) Student Lighthouse Teams and Leadership Opportunities

(20:30 - 23:00) Goal Setting and Empowering Students

(23:00 - 25:50) Going Slow to Go Fast with Implementation

(25:50 - 28:40) Addressing Pushback and Supporting Staff

(28:40 - 31:50) Supporting Individual Needs vs. Top-Down Approaches

(31:50 - 34:00) The Speedboat, Tugboat, and Row Boat Analogy

(34:00 - 38:10) Hopes for the Future of Education

(38:10 - 41:40) The Path to Purpose

(41:40 - 47:40) Rapid Fire Questions

(47:40 - 50:31) Closing Thoughts

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #StudentsWithExceptionalities #StudentVoice #InclusiveEducation #LeadershipDevelopment #LeaderInMe #PathToPurpose #SchoolCulture #EarlyIntervention #StudentLighthouseTeams

What happens when students step beyond the classroom walls and into the communities they live in? Meaningful connection. Real-world perspective. And a powerful sense of purpose. In this final 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 how community partnerships, mentorships, and internships can enrich learning and help students see their place in the world more clearly.

From skill development to deepened empathy, Jennifer and Kim break down the mutual benefits of bridging school and community. They offer practical ideas for creating “windows of connection” that help students engage with local organizations, professionals, and mentors—gaining confidence, agency, and real-life experience along the way. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights on building a future-ready learning environment that extends far beyond the bell.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this series with your network. Thank you for joining us on Change Starts Here: Research Conversations.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at

https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

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 - 01:10) Introduction

(01:11 - 04:38) Connecting Students to the Community

(04:39 - 06:50) Different Ways of Bridging Connections

(06:51 - 09:28) Mutual Benefits of Mentorship and Internships

(09:29 - 11:41) Unique Benefits of Being Connected to the Community

(11:42 - 13:26) Creating Windows of Connection

(13:27 - 18:55) Creating Positive Impacts for Students

(18:56 - 19:29) Reflecting on Series Highlights

(19:30 - 19:59) Closing

What happens when students step beyond the classroom walls and into the communities they live in? Meaningful connection. Real-world perspective. And a powerful sense of purpose. In this final 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 how community partnerships, mentorships, and internships can enrich learning and help students see their place in the world more clearly.

From skill development to deepened empathy, Jennifer and Kim break down the mutual benefits of bridging school and community. They offer practical ideas for creating “windows of connection” that help students engage with local organizations, professionals, and mentors—gaining confidence, agency, and real-life experience along the way. Whether you're a teacher, leader, or policymaker, this episode is packed with insights on building a future-ready learning environment that extends far beyond the bell.

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share this series with your network. Thank you for joining us on Change Starts Here: Research Conversations.

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at

https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

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 - 01:10) Introduction

(01:11 - 04:38) Connecting Students to the Community

(04:39 - 06:50) Different Ways of Bridging Connections

(06:51 - 09:28) Mutual Benefits of Mentorship and Internships

(09:29 - 11:41) Unique Benefits of Being Connected to the Community

(11:42 - 13:26) Creating Windows of Connection

(13:27 - 18:55) Creating Positive Impacts for Students

(18:56 - 19:29) Reflecting on Series Highlights

(19:30 - 19:59) Closing

What does it really mean to belong? It’s more than just being present in a room—it’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued. In a school setting, belonging plays a critical role in shaping students’ motivation, engagement, and success. When students know they’re a meaningful part of their environment, everything from their academic performance to their social well-being improves.

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, dive into the science and significance of belonging in education. They explore how classroom environments, teacher-student relationships, and “pockets of greatness” across schools can create spaces where students thrive. Through real-world insights and research-backed strategies, you’ll learn how fostering a sense of belonging can lead to deeper engagement and better learning outcomes—for every student.

Don't forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don't miss our next episode on fostering a sense of belonging in schools!

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at

https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

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 - 01:44) Introduction

(01:45 - 05:12) The Impact of the Classroom Environment

(05:13 - 10:29) How Schools can Create a Sense of Belonging

(10:30 - 13:07) “Pockets of Greatness”

(13:08 - 20:38) Cultivating Strong Student Relationships

(20:39 - 21:14) Closing

What does it really mean to belong? It’s more than just being present in a room—it’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued. In a school setting, belonging plays a critical role in shaping students’ motivation, engagement, and success. When students know they’re a meaningful part of their environment, everything from their academic performance to their social well-being improves.

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, dive into the science and significance of belonging in education. They explore how classroom environments, teacher-student relationships, and “pockets of greatness” across schools can create spaces where students thrive. Through real-world insights and research-backed strategies, you’ll learn how fostering a sense of belonging can lead to deeper engagement and better learning outcomes—for every student.

Don't forget to like and subscribe, and turn on those bell notifications so you don't miss our next episode on fostering a sense of belonging in schools!

If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at

https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

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 - 01:44) Introduction

(01:45 - 05:12) The Impact of the Classroom Environment

(05:13 - 10:29) How Schools can Create a Sense of Belonging

(10:30 - 13:07) “Pockets of Greatness”

(13:08 - 20:38) Cultivating Strong Student Relationships

(20:39 - 21:14) Closing

Ever feel like your day is running you instead of the other way around? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham explores one of the most powerful tools for effective leadership: the Time Management Matrix. Learn how shifting from spending time to investing time can unlock long-term success—for your team, your students, and yourself.

Dustin unpacks why quadrant two (important but not urgent) is where the most impactful leaders thrive—focusing on reflection, planning, and relationships. He shares practical, high-leverage ways to invest time in teacher development, school culture, and personal well-being to create a ripple effect of positive change. If you're ready to stop reacting and start leading with purpose, this episode is for you.

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 - 01:16) Introduction

(01:17 - 04:53) Time Management Matrix

(04:54 - 08:04) Spending Time Vs Investing Time

(08:05 - 09:19) Making the Most of Your Time

(09:20 - 09:45) Closing

Ever feel like your day is running you instead of the other way around? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham explores one of the most powerful tools for effective leadership: the Time Management Matrix. Learn how shifting from spending time to investing time can unlock long-term success—for your team, your students, and yourself.

Dustin unpacks why quadrant two (important but not urgent) is where the most impactful leaders thrive—focusing on reflection, planning, and relationships. He shares practical, high-leverage ways to invest time in teacher development, school culture, and personal well-being to create a ripple effect of positive change. If you're ready to stop reacting and start leading with purpose, this episode is for you.

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 - 01:16) Introduction

(01:17 - 04:53) Time Management Matrix

(04:54 - 08:04) Spending Time Vs Investing Time

(08:05 - 09:19) Making the Most of Your Time

(09:20 - 09:45) Closing