March 05, 2026

Ep. 222 — When Loving Kids Isn't Enough with Michael Ingram

42 minutes

A new season of Child Care Rockstar Radio begins with Jennifer Conner, CEO of the Child Care Success company, stepping in as host! Jennifer shares the real behind-the-scenes of her own journey: buying a struggling center, realizing "love and passion" alone won't sustain a business long-term, and learning how systems, finances, and leadership create the stability that protects your mission. Then Jennifer welcomes Michael Ingram, a legacy child care leader and school owner with multi-generational roots, to talk about the kind of leadership growth that doesn't show up on an org chart. Michael reflects on moving from defensiveness to connection, mentorship and choosing community over isolation, and learning how to create space. Michael also shares how mentorship changed his leadership, and why being the one everyone calls for answers can be a signal that it's time to find your own room of mentors.

Key Takeaways:

[1:10] Jennifer shares her journey from childcare owner to building a strong leadership team and moving to Mexico.

[1:25] She highlights how systems, finances, and leadership are critical to a sustainable childcare business.

[2:28] Jennifer talks about shifting from running schools remotely to becoming a coach and CEO rooted in love for children and families.

[9:32] Michael reflects on taking feedback too personally early on and learning to get comfortable with discomfort.

[16:20] Michael explains how stepping aside from his own ego and seeking mentorship transformed his leadership.

[20:22] He describes his school's model, which includes on-site OT, speech, and ABA therapy for children with higher needs.

[22:31] The challenges that Michael faces in his school, and how he works to overcome them.

[26:02] Michael's passion for advocacy and advice for someone who wants to get involved but doesn't exactly know how.

[29:11] Finding the right group that advocates for your cause.

[31:17] QTIP - Quit Taking It Personal, and how Michael learned to not take things so personally.

[35:23] Learning how to give and take space as a leader, and embracing the mantra "just for today".

Quotes:

"The version of you that started your center isn't necessarily the version of you that sustains it or carries it forward." [4:44] - Jennifer

"I had to get out of the way of knowing all the answers and allow the people who I am here to serve and work with to help me figure out those answers." [10:05] – Michael

"Where there's uncomfortability, that's where growth is. You know, that's the innovation of growth. And so, I had to be comfortable with being uncomfortable." [11:04] - Michael

"You just have to embrace the uncomfortability, and then you can step into greatness." [11:20] - Michael

"We are doing great things, and we are ready to accept families and support families where they're at. And I think when you have a voice, and you use that voice, other people often will hear it, and it will energize them to rally around a cause that you're passionate about." [29:43] - Michael

"When you operate out of space, that's when things fall into line." [35:09] - Michael