Just Thinking...

The skilled trades industry is at a crossroads. With a growing labor shortage and an aging workforce, industries like construction and electrical work face urgent challenges in attracting and developing new talent. While the demand for skilled trade professionals is expected to continue rising, many young people remain unaware of the career opportunities available through apprenticeships and vocational training.

How can we bridge this gap and make the trades a first-choice career path rather than a backup option?

Welcome to Just Thinking. In this episode, host Kevin Dougherty sits down with Josh Nieves, the Principal and CEO of Ascender Consulting, Founder of This Hudson Farm, and Regional Workforce Development Lead at Miller Electric. They discuss how education, industry partnerships, and company culture can transform workforce readiness and help create a strong pipeline of skilled trade professionals.

The main topics of conversation…

Attracting Talent: Why early exposure to trade careers is critical and how schools can help shift perceptions about vocational education.

Training and Development: The role of mentorship, hands-on learning, and leadership training in shaping a resilient workforce.

Retention Strategies: How companies can build loyalty through culture, career growth opportunities, and competitive benefits.

Josh Nieves is a seasoned workforce development leader, master electrician, and business strategist with extensive experience in the construction and electrical industries. He specializes in talent development, leadership training, and strategic workforce planning for the skilled trades. With a background in managing large-scale projects—including the Brooklyn bridge restoration, LaGuardia airport redevelopment, and Google headquarters—Josh is dedicated to elevating construction professionals through education, mentorship, and career transformation.

The role of education in shaping military readiness is often overlooked, yet its impact on future generations is profound. As artificial intelligence reshapes how we think about career readiness, discussions on College, Career, and Military Readiness (CCMR) highlight the pressing need for holistic preparation. While college and career pathways often dominate these conversations, military readiness remains underexplored, despite its pivotal role in shaping disciplined, capable leaders. With 1.3 million active-duty service members in the U.S., the stakes for preparing the next generation of recruits are immense.

Why does military readiness matter in today’s CCMR framework? How can educators and leaders foster a deeper understanding of military pathways while debunking misconceptions?

In this episode of Just Thinking…, host Kevin Dougherty welcomes Joshua Roberts, a retired Senior Master Sergeant, resilience coach, and keynote speaker. Together, they explore the nuances of military readiness, its role within the CCMR framework, and the untapped potential for educators to shape future service members. From resilience in personal trials to the broader implications of military service, this episode offers a profound look at how education and leadership intersect with national service.

Key takeaways from the episode:

Military Service and Misconceptions: Why military service should be seen as a prestigious and impactful career option, rather than a fallback.

Resilience and Leadership: How resilience, honed through personal and professional challenges, translates into leadership qualities essential for military and civilian life.

Educators as Influencers: The critical role of teachers in guiding students toward military readiness, fostering critical thinking, and instilling values of discipline and service.

Joshua Roberts is a seasoned leadership coach and keynote speaker with over 20 years of experience in guiding individuals and teams toward transformational growth. A retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sergeant, Joshua has led teams in high-pressure environments and conducted leadership workshops across industries, specializing in resilience, confidence, and strategic growth. As the founder of Fusewell Strategies, he offers personalized coaching, dynamic workshops, and impactful speeches, helping leaders and organizations achieve measurable results and unlock their full potential.

Education stands at a pivotal moment. Rapid societal changes and evolving student needs are challenging traditional school structures. Teachers are facing significant stress, with 44% of K–12 educators reporting burnout "often" or "always," according to a Gallup survey. Feelings of isolation among educators further compound these challenges, emphasizing the need for more connected and supportive educational environments prioritizing trust and collaboration.

How can schools transform into spaces where educators feel empowered and supported to drive meaningful change?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer for 806 Technologies, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Joe Sanfelippo, former superintendent of the Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin. Together, they explore how schools can break cycles of isolation, foster trust, and reframe the narrative around education to inspire educators and students alike.

Key Points of Discussion:

• Combatting Isolation in Education: Joe shares strategies for creating intentional opportunities for collaboration to address the isolating nature of teaching.

• The Critical Role of Trust: Building trust requires consistency and meaningful interactions that value every role within the school system.

• Reframing the Narrative: Changing how educators talk about their work can reshape public perception and boost morale within schools.

Joe Sanfelippo is an education leader with 26 years of experience, including 12 years as superintendent in Fall Creek, Wisconsin. Known for his storytelling and innovative leadership, Joe has inspired educators across the globe to foster school cultures built on trust and empowerment. His experience includes roles as a teacher, counselor, and principal, equipping him with a broad understanding of the education system.

In today’s evolving educational landscape, small school districts face unique challenges, especially in rural areas. From limited staffing to navigating red tape, these districts must balance providing quality education with overcoming systemic barriers. With nearly 69% of California’s school districts serving fewer than 5,000 students, finding sustainable solutions for these challenges has become critical. One study highlighted the higher per-student costs of running schools in rural areas compared to urban counterparts, due to issues like travel, infrastructure, and resource distribution.

How can rural districts foster innovation and collaboration to bridge these gaps?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host, Kevin Dougherty, delves into this pressing question with guest Yuri Calderon, Executive Director of the Small School Districts Association (SSDA) of California. The conversation explores creative solutions for building professional networks, advocating for streamlined regulations, and tackling staffing shortages in underserved communities.

Highlights from the Episode:

• Building Professional Networks: Calderon underscores the importance of creating opportunities for educators to connect, learn, and support one another through forums like SSDA’s E3 series.

• Advocacy for Rural Education: Discussions focus on reducing bureaucratic burdens and empowering local superintendents to focus on student success.

• Innovative Staffing Solutions: From partnerships with universities to creating affordable housing for teachers, Calderon shares practical approaches to addressing rural staffing shortages.

Yuri Calderon brings over three decades of experience in education, having worked as an attorney, consultant, and Chief Business Officer in various school districts. As Executive Director of SSDA, Calderon champions the needs of California’s small school districts, ensuring their voices are heard in policy discussions. His leadership emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and equity for rural schools and their communities.

As advancements in technology reshape how we learn, innovate, and engage with scientific research, how can we cultivate a scientific mindset in education and beyond? Today’s discussion highlights a growing emphasis on curiosity-led learning as a catalyst for systemic change in education. Curiosity plays a crucial role in learner engagement, with research showing that it not only prepares the brain for learning but also significantly impacts academic achievement. So, how can we make curiosity a foundational element in classrooms and organizations?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty is joined by Jason Osborne, the Chief Business Officer at syGlass and a multi-faceted explorer, inventor, and advocate for citizen science. Together, they explore the power of curiosity to inspire breakthroughs and discuss how we can better engineer learning systems to ignite curiosity in students, educators, and professionals alike.

Key Questions Addressed:

How can curiosity reshape education and scientific discovery?

What role does technology like VR and AR play in modern education?

How do we bridge the gap between K-12 education and real-world scientific research?

Key Takeaways:

Curiosity as a Catalyst: Osborne shares his journey from a small-town farm to becoming an inventor and White House Champion of Change.

Learning Engineering: Insights into how Osborne implemented systems to “engineer learning,” enabling students to contribute to real-world scientific research, including projects on neuroscience and paleontology.

Bridging Education and Technology: Discussion on using emerging tools like AR/VR to create immersive learning experiences and preparing students for the evolving demands of the workforce.

Jason Osborne is the Chief Business Officer at syGlass, with a career spanning biomedical science, aerospace, and education innovation. A White House Champion of Change and advocate for citizen science, Osborne has collaborated with institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, National Geographic, and the Smithsonian. His discoveries in paleontology have been chronicled by platforms like Discovery Channel and NPR, making him a pivotal figure in connecting education with cutting-edge science.

Resilience isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical skill for navigating life’s toughest challenges. This week’s episode of Just Thinking dives into stories of individuals who turned adversity into strength, highlighting why personal narratives matter more than ever. A 2023 report by the American Psychological Association reveals that resilience is a learned skill, not an innate trait, underscoring its importance in education, leadership, and beyond. With this in mind, we ask: What role do personal narratives of overcoming adversity play in shaping resilient leaders?

This episode features Just Thinking host Kevin Dougherty and returning guest Dr. Ashlee Boothe. Known for her expertise in educational leadership, Dr. Boothe shares insights from her new book, Strong: Overcoming Adversity. Together, they discuss how her upbringing and the stories of others reveal the transformative power of resilience in education and leadership.

The main points of discussion:

Dr. Boothe’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming an inspiring educational leader and author.

Stories of resilience from her book, including experiences of homelessness, poverty, and navigating systemic challenges.

Practical advice for educators on building meaningful relationships with students to foster resilience.

Dr. Ashlee Boothe is an accomplished educator and author with over 15 years of experience, currently serving as a State and Federal Programs Coordinator and adjunct instructor at Texas A&M International University. She is the founder of AB Consulting, specializing in mentoring new teachers to excel in classroom management, certification processes, and work-life balance. With a diverse background spanning roles such as teacher, principal, and curriculum director, Dr. Boothe has also authored The Model Classroom Approach: Promoting Inquiry in Every Classroom, and its companion workbook, emphasizing innovative strategies for modern education.

Education is at a crossroads, with schools worldwide striving to keep pace with rapid technological advancements. Research from the World Economic Forum predicts that 65% of today’s students will work in jobs that don’t yet exist, underscoring the need for education systems to foster creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. Despite these demands, many institutions still rely on outdated practices, leaving educators and leaders grappling with how to inspire meaningful innovation in the classroom.

How can educators balance tradition with innovation to prepare students for an unpredictable future? What role do school leaders and teachers play in fostering an environment where curiosity and creativity thrive?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, welcomes George Couros, educator, speaker, and author of The Innovator’s Mindset. Together, they explore how innovation can reshape education, touching on leadership, teacher empowerment, and cultivating curiosity in students.

Key Highlights:

• Innovation Defined as a Mindset: Couros explains how innovation goes beyond adopting new tools and focuses on adapting and creating strategies that serve community-specific needs.

• The Role of Leadership: School leaders play a pivotal role in fostering meaningful innovation by recognizing teachers' strengths and encouraging creative solutions within constraints.

• Encouraging Curiosity in Students: Practical methods to inspire curiosity and autonomy in students while navigating standardized testing and curriculum limitations are discussed.

George Couros is an educator, speaker, and consultant specializing in innovative teaching, learning, and leadership. With over 14 years as a consultant, he helps schools and organizations lead innovative change, emphasizing networked leadership and progressive educational practices. As the author of The Innovator’s Mindset and former Division Principal of Innovative Teaching and Learning, Couros is renowned for empowering educators to create transformative learning experiences.

Principals significantly influence student outcomes, second only to classroom teachers. According to a Wallace Foundation report, effective school leadership plays a significant role in shaping a school's impact on student learning. However, principals face increasing pressures, juggling operational responsibilities with the need to foster academic success and school culture. These challenges underscore the importance of strategic support systems enabling principals to thrive in their roles, directly impacting teacher retention and student achievement.

How can school districts better support their principals to lead effectively and create thriving educational environments?

On this episode of Just Thinking, host, Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer of 806 Technologies engages with Dr. Jordan Goines, Director of Continuous Improvement, Compliance, and Accountability at Lancaster School District. Together, they discuss the district's innovative leadership strategies, including principal coaching, systemic planning, and community engagement. Dr. Goines shares how these efforts have enhanced school performance and morale, transforming Lancaster into a hub of educational excellence.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

• Coaching for Leadership Excellence: Lancaster employs a robust coaching program with targeted support for principals, addressing areas like instructional improvement, resource allocation, and operational efficiency.

• Intentional Planning: School plans serve as foundational tools, aligning district-wide goals with actionable strategies to improve student outcomes.

• Community Storytelling: The district prioritizes proactive storytelling, using social media and public engagement to highlight school achievements and foster community support.

Dr. Goines is an accomplished educational leader with a background in history and social science education. As Lancaster’s Director of Continuous Improvement, he oversees initiatives spanning arts programs, AVID implementation, and strategic district-wide planning. A musician and former entertainment industry professional, Dr. Goines brings a creative perspective to leadership and education. His work exemplifies a commitment to empowering principals and elevating the educational experiences of students and teachers alike.

The coaching industry is booming, with its market value reaching $4.5 billion in 2022. Yet this rapid expansion, coupled with its unregulated nature, leaves many wondering: how do you identify a coach who offers real value and expertise? For educators and professionals searching for meaningful mentorship, what distinguishes a truly transformative coach from the rest?

What does effective coaching look like, and how can it transform lives, especially for high performers and educators?

In this episode of Just Thinking, host Kevin Dougherty dives into the heart of these questions with guest Matt Gagnon, the Founder of Matt Gagnon Coaching. Gagnon, a peak performance coach with a flair for vulnerability and transformative questioning, shares insights from his extensive experience in the coaching industry, wherein he helps individuals align their lives with their deepest values.

Key Takeaways:

The Heart of Coaching: Coaching isn't about giving advice or solving problems for others; it's about fostering accountability, trust, and creativity by asking forward-thinking questions that encourage self-discovery.

Vulnerability as a Strength: Gagnon emphasizes how sharing personal struggles, such as his sobriety journey, builds trust and connection with clients, allowing them to feel seen and empowered.

Breaking Limiting Beliefs: Limiting beliefs often surface when individuals are on the cusp of transformation. Recognizing and challenging these beliefs can lead to breakthroughs in personal and professional growth.

Matt Gagnon is a Certified Professional Coach and TEDx Speaker with over a decade of experience in mindset and leadership coaching, helping clients overcome limiting beliefs and align their lives with core values. He is the founder of Matt Gagnon Coaching and Atomic Mornings, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to build an international coaching business and deliver transformative results. With a background in corporate leadership and authorship of two books, Matt specializes in empowering high performers to balance thriving careers with fulfilling personal lives.

Today’s education leaders are under immense pressure, juggling administrative duties while trying to stay connected to their students, staff, and communities. Many are searching for ways to lead with greater authenticity and purpose. With teacher burnout and turnover reaching critical levels, there’s an increasing need for leadership that prioritizes human connection and values-driven action. A waymaker can guide others with empathy and clarity, helping them navigate challenges and rediscover their sense of purpose. These individuals inspire and uplift those around them through their thoughtful, compassionate approach to leadership.

How can education leaders embrace this Waymaker mindset to create more meaningful connections within their schools? And how can they ensure their leadership remains authentic in an increasingly metric-driven environment?

On Just Thinking, Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, speaks with Justin Richardson, President of Waymaker Leadership Development, about how education leaders can adopt the Waymaker approach. They discuss the importance of staying connected to values, storytelling as a leadership tool, and the role of curiosity in fostering meaningful relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Waymakers Influence Others Through Care and Purpose: Justin Richardson defines "waymakers" as individuals who help others find or remember their purpose, offering support and care that instills confidence and growth. His company, Waymaker Leadership Development, aims to foster this approach in leadership.

• Soulful Leadership and Authenticity: Justin emphasizes the importance of being genuinely present and authentic in leadership. He encourages a "soulful" approach, which focuses on meaningful, values-based leadership that prioritizes relationships and care for others.

• The Role of Curiosity in Leadership: Justin highlights curiosity as a critical component of leadership, encouraging leaders to ask better questions and genuinely engage with those around them, fostering deeper connections and trust.

Justin Richardson has over 26 years of experience in education, rising from classroom roles to Assistant Superintendent. As the Chief Learning Officer of Lead Forward, he helped nearly 900 school districts across Texas. Now, as President of Waymaker Leadership Development, Justin is focused on guiding leaders to adopt a values-based, soulful approach to leadership.