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Guided to Greatness: The Making of a Leader
Summary
In this episode of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas sits down with Dr. Dwayne Chism and Dr. Jayson Strickland for a powerful conversation on how mentorship and coaching have shaped their journeys as men of color in educational leadership.
Together, they unpack the challenges of navigating predominantly white spaces, the distinction between coaching and mentorship, and why representation and vulnerability are vital to leadership growth.
Listeners will gain insights into the emotional and strategic demands of leadership, including the importance of aligning with core values, maintaining a strong support network, and prioritizing self-care. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned educator, this episode offers the encouragement and strategies needed to thrive—and to bring others with you.
Key Takeaways:
Mentorship and representation are powerful catalysts for leadership success.
Leaders of color must be intentional in their preparation and presence.
Vulnerability and authenticity are strengths, not liabilities.
Self-care and a strong network are essential for sustainable leadership.
When leaders share their success stories, others are inspired to rise.
Quote Worthy:
“Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes, I am.”
“You have to understand what’s at your core.”
About Dr. Dwayne Chism
Dwayne Chism, Ed.D., is a former Dean of the School of Education at Peru State College. He teaches at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, which honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013-2014. Dr. Chism founded Shifting Perspectives, Inc. in 2018 as a company dedicated to growing leaders and helping schools reach equitable outcomes for all learners. He has authored several articles for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), including a book in 2022, Leading Your School Toward Equity, a finalist for the Excellence in Equity Award presented by the American Consortium for Equity in Education.
About Dr. Jayson Strickland
Dr. Jayson Strickland is a nationally recognized educational leader and consultant with over 25 years of experience in urban education. Throughout his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, school administrator, principal supervisor, and superintendent. He is the founder of Head, Heart and Soul, LLC, a company dedicated to redesigning educational systems, providing strategic planning support to school systems and non-profits, and offering executive leadership coaching to leaders across the nation. In addition, Dr. Strickland co-founded NextPitch, a platform that empowers educators and learners by incentivizing transformative classroom instruction, entrepreneurial problem solving, and promoting global engagement, furthering his commitment to innovative leadership and education reform. His dissertation, which explored the relationship between leadership, emotional intelligence, and effective teams, forms the foundation of his philosophy on educational change. He also serves on MCEL’s Executive Committee.
About the Podcast
Next Man Up amplifies the voices and experiences of men of color in educational leadership. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, the podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape leaders breaking barriers and driving systemic change in education. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Next Man Up inspires listeners to embrace their unique power, build community, and foster mentorship. Whether you’re a current leader, aspiring changemaker, or ally, this podcast will empower you to step up and make an impact. The next man up could be you!
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By Men of Color in Educational LeadershipSummary
In this episode of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas sits down with Dr. Dwayne Chism and Dr. Jayson Strickland for a powerful conversation on how mentorship and coaching have shaped their journeys as men of color in educational leadership.
Together, they unpack the challenges of navigating predominantly white spaces, the distinction between coaching and mentorship, and why representation and vulnerability are vital to leadership growth.
Listeners will gain insights into the emotional and strategic demands of leadership, including the importance of aligning with core values, maintaining a strong support network, and prioritizing self-care. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned educator, this episode offers the encouragement and strategies needed to thrive—and to bring others with you.
Key Takeaways:
Mentorship and representation are powerful catalysts for leadership success.
Leaders of color must be intentional in their preparation and presence.
Vulnerability and authenticity are strengths, not liabilities.
Self-care and a strong network are essential for sustainable leadership.
When leaders share their success stories, others are inspired to rise.
Quote Worthy:
“Am I my brother’s keeper? Yes, I am.”
“You have to understand what’s at your core.”
About Dr. Dwayne Chism
Dwayne Chism, Ed.D., is a former Dean of the School of Education at Peru State College. He teaches at the University of Nebraska in Omaha, which honored him with the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013-2014. Dr. Chism founded Shifting Perspectives, Inc. in 2018 as a company dedicated to growing leaders and helping schools reach equitable outcomes for all learners. He has authored several articles for the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), including a book in 2022, Leading Your School Toward Equity, a finalist for the Excellence in Equity Award presented by the American Consortium for Equity in Education.
About Dr. Jayson Strickland
Dr. Jayson Strickland is a nationally recognized educational leader and consultant with over 25 years of experience in urban education. Throughout his career, he has served as a classroom teacher, school administrator, principal supervisor, and superintendent. He is the founder of Head, Heart and Soul, LLC, a company dedicated to redesigning educational systems, providing strategic planning support to school systems and non-profits, and offering executive leadership coaching to leaders across the nation. In addition, Dr. Strickland co-founded NextPitch, a platform that empowers educators and learners by incentivizing transformative classroom instruction, entrepreneurial problem solving, and promoting global engagement, furthering his commitment to innovative leadership and education reform. His dissertation, which explored the relationship between leadership, emotional intelligence, and effective teams, forms the foundation of his philosophy on educational change. He also serves on MCEL’s Executive Committee.
About the Podcast
Next Man Up amplifies the voices and experiences of men of color in educational leadership. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, the podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape leaders breaking barriers and driving systemic change in education. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Next Man Up inspires listeners to embrace their unique power, build community, and foster mentorship. Whether you’re a current leader, aspiring changemaker, or ally, this podcast will empower you to step up and make an impact. The next man up could be you!