Season Three of Lassoing Leadership kicks off with a bold new theme—Beard’s Book Club—where Garth and Jason dive deep into the minds of today’s most influential leadership authors.

In this episode, they welcome educational thought-leader Grant Lichtman, author of Thrive, #EdJourney, and the forthcoming Wisdom Road. Together, they explore what it takes for schools and leaders not just to survive—but to thrive—in a world where change is constant, and innovation is no longer optional.

From empathy to risk-taking, from value propositions to Ted Lasso, this conversation offers a roadmap for anyone who believes that education can (and must) evolve.

Keywordsleadership, education, innovation, change management, Grant Lichtman, Thrive, school leadership, empathy, continuous improvement, educational revolution

SummaryIn this episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers engage with educational leader Grant Lichtman, author of Thrive. They discuss the rapidly evolving landscape of education, why schools must be willing to adapt, and the core leadership qualities needed to guide innovation. Lichtman shares powerful insights on empathy, risk-taking, and how to measure meaningful change in schools. He also reflects on the deeper value proposition of education and offers a glimpse into his upcoming work, Wisdom Road. As always, the conversation wraps with leadership reflections inspired by none other than Ted Lasso.

Takeaways

• The pace of change in our world demands a new mindset for schools.

• Every student is unique; standardized approaches no longer serve.

• Leadership is a skill that can be cultivated—not just inherited.

• Innovation means introducing change that creates real value.

• Empathy is not a soft skill—it’s a leadership cornerstone.

• Schools must craft and deliver compelling, irresistible value propositions.

• Risk-taking fuels growth, both for individuals and organizations.

• The process of change matters just as much as the result.

• Leaders must model the courage to take risks.

• Ted Lasso reminds us that humor and humility are serious leadership assets.

Sound bites

• “The world is changing rapidly.”

• “Great learning is our shared goal.”

• “Schools must become irresistible.”

  
  

Chapters00:00 – Introduction to Lassoing Leadership Podcast
05:52 – Meet Grant Lichtman: Author and Educational Leader
08:06 – The Need for Change in Education
12:52 – Qualities of Effective Educational Leaders
15:09 – Innovation and the Process of Change
18:39 – Key Skills for Modern Leadership
22:11 – Measuring Success in Educational Change
24:42 – Advice for Aspiring Leaders
27:13 – Empathy as a Foundation for Leadership
29:45 – The Importance of a Value Proposition
31:45 – Teasing the Next Book: Wisdom Road
33:14 – Ted Lasso: A Model for Leadership