Leadership Liner Notes Podcast

Leadership Liner Notes | Dr. Samantha Mullins: MTSS by Design, Leading with Action, and Planting Seeds of Hope

What does it take to move from collecting data to taking meaningful action for students?

In this episode of Leadership Liner Notes," Sean Gaillard welcomes Dr. Samantha Mullins for an engaging conversation about Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), school leadership, and the importance of designing systems that meet the needs of every learner.

Dr. Mullins challenges common misconceptions about MTSS, emphasizing that it is not simply a pathway to special education but a comprehensive framework for removing barriers to learning through intentional academic and behavioral supports. Together, Sean and Samantha explore the importance of effective Tier 1 instruction, targeted interventions, collaborative data conversations, and shared accountability.

The conversation also examines the challenges of translating data into action, addressing student behavior through supportive interventions rather than exclusion, and building school cultures where educators are empowered to make meaningful decisions. Dr. Mullins reminds us that inaction is itself a choice and encourages educators to embrace opportunities to learn, grow, and move forward.

In a particularly heartfelt moment, Dr. Mullins reflects on her own experiences as a student and the lasting importance of planting seeds of hope and belief in young people. She also previews her forthcoming book, "Beyond the Tiers," from ISTE+ASCD.

This episode is a reminder that effective leadership requires more than systems and structures. It requires action, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every student.

**Connect with Dr. Samantha Mullins:**

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mtssbydesign/

Website: https://mtssbydesign.com/ What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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In this episode of *The Leadership Liner Notes Podcast with Sean Gaillard*, Sean sits down with Kallie Ash, a fourth grade dual language teacher and founder of Phase Mastery, for a thoughtful conversation about slowing down instruction in order to deepen learning.

Kallie shares the story behind Phase Mastery, a framework designed to help educators unpack standards, build intentional learning progressions, and move beyond the pressure of simply keeping pace with a pacing guide. She explores the importance of teacher agency, shared language, meaningful collaboration, and professional learning that provides ongoing support rather than one time training.

The conversation also gets personal as Kallie reflects on burnout, sustainability, and the need to create practices that support the humanity of both educators and students. At its core, this episode is about moving beyond surface level instruction and creating the conditions for greater confidence, clarity, and success in the classroom.

It is a conversation about intentionality, reflection, and what can happen when educators give learning the time and space it deserves.

Learn more about Kallie Ash and Phased Mastery on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kallie-ash/

Phased Mastery Website: https://www.phasedmastery.com/ What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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The ISTE+ASCD Triptych Live: Part 3 with Julia Bialeski

Recorded live at the ISTE+ASCD Conference in Orlando, The ISTE+ASCD Triptych concludes with my friend and returning guest, Julia Bialeski.

Julia is an educator, leadership consultant, speaker, career coach, and author of Leading With Grace: Cultivating Hope, Authenticity, and a Focus on People Throughout the Leadership Lifespan. With more than 20 years in public education, her work is grounded in a simple but powerful mantra: Be brave, and care about people.

Julia has previously joined me on Leading While Human and Why The Beatles Matter, and this impromptu conversation in Orlando brings her perspective to Leadership Liner Notes. We riff on connection, culture, mattering, and what it means to keep people at the center of leadership.

It is a fitting final conversation for this three part series about the human side of leadership.

Three conversations. One human mission. Listen. Reflect. Lead.

Learn more about Julia and her work here: https://sites.google.com/view/julia-bialeski/bio?authuser=0 What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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The ISTE+ASCD Triptych Live: Part 2 with David Cupolo

Recorded live at the ISTE+ASCD Conference in Orlando, Part 2 of The ISTE+ASCD Triptych features a meaningful conversation with David Cupolo about connection, mattering, and human centered leadership.

We explore what it means to put people at the center of transformation, build connected cultures, and lead with purpose. It is another reminder that meaningful change begins with relationships and that the human side of leadership always matters.

Three conversations. One human mission. Listen. Reflect. Lead.

Learn more about David here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-cupolo-6b4a1623/ What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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We are live at the ISTE+ASCD Conference in Orlando! Austin Levinson joins me for a conversation. He shares his impactful journey in education, leadership, and innovation. Learn more about Austin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/austin-levinson-innovator/. What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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In this latest episode of **Leadership Liner Notes**, I welcome back my friend and returning guest, **Elizabeth Dampf**, for a conversation that also marks a podcast milestone: Elizabeth is now the most frequent guest in the history of the show!

That feels especially meaningful because our conversations, both on and off the microphone, are always thoughtful, honest, and rewarding. I am grateful for Elizabeth’s friendship, her perspective, and her willingness to explore the human side of leadership with such candor.

In this episode, we dig into **compassion fatigue and the boundaries leaders need in order to sustain themselves and serve others well**. Elizabeth shares insights from her recent work with women leaders and examines how empathy, emotional labor, unrealistic expectations, and the pressure to always be available can gradually take a toll.

We explore the complicated space between compassion and accountability, including why setting boundaries does not mean caring less. We discuss open-door policies, the pressure leaders feel to appear constantly in control, lessons from the pandemic, the importance of protecting identities beyond our professional roles, and the responsibility leaders have to model healthier approaches to work and life.

Elizabeth and I also reflect on the reality that leadership should never require someone to sacrifice their humanity, relationships, or health in order to prove their commitment.

This is a conversation about leading with compassion while remembering that **leaders are human, too**. Sustainable leadership requires presence, reflection, accountability, and the courage to establish boundaries that allow us to continue doing meaningful work without losing ourselves in the process.

I am grateful to Elizabeth for returning to **Leadership Liner Notes** and for becoming such an important part of the story of this podcast.

Follow Elizabeth on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-dampf-66a07528b/

What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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In this episode of the Leadership Liner Notes Podcast, I am joined by Becca Silver, author of "The Resistance Solution: Why Educators Resist Change and What They Need Instead."

We take a deep dive into Becca’s new book and explore what resistance is really communicating within schools and organizations. Rather than viewing resistance as defiance or negativity, Becca invites leaders to become curious about what people need in order to feel supported, understood, and ready to move forward.

Our conversation also becomes an unexpected coaching session as Becca helps me reflect on my own leadership experiences, questions, and next steps. It is an honest and practical conversation about change, trust, self-awareness, and the human side of leadership.

This episode is for leaders who want to move beyond simply managing resistance and begin creating the conditions where meaningful change can take root.

Check out Becca's website here: https://www.thewholeeducator.com/ What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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This episode marks the debut of Small Wins, a new series from the growing network of podcasts produced by The Gaillard Group.

In this conversation, I am joined by Lindsey Cannon to explore her practical framework, Win the First 20 Days, designed to support school improvement teams as they begin the year with clarity, purpose, and momentum.

Lindsey shares a solution based approach to strengthening school communities through shared vision, intentional collaboration, and meaningful experiences for students. We discuss why lasting improvement does not always begin with a massive initiative. Sometimes, it begins with a focused plan, a committed team, and a series of small wins that help people believe progress is possible.

This conversation is rooted in human centered leadership, practical support, and the belief that meaningful change grows when people feel connected to the work and to one another.

Small Wins is a Gaillard Group Podcast.

Connect with Lindsey:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseycannonreifycopywriting/

Website: https://www.reifycopywriting.com/reify-educates

Win the First 20 Days: https://reifyeducates.com/home_win_first_days What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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What does excellence sound like?

In this episode of Vinyl Riffs with Sean Gaillard (shared here on Leadership Liner Notes), I revisit Steely Dan's "Aja," an album often celebrated for its remarkable musicianship and meticulous craftsmanship. While some hear perfectionism, I hear something deeper: a group of extraordinary collaborators committed to creating a masterpiece together.

As I reflect on a season marked by both meaningful opportunities and unexpected disappointments, "Aja" reminds me that excellence isn't about flawless performance or immediate recognition. It's about showing up, honoring your craft, trusting your collaborators, and continuing to pursue your best work even when the applause is quiet.

Join me as I explore the breathtaking instrumental passage that continues to stop me in my tracks, the leadership lessons hidden within the grooves of this classic album, and why masterpieces are never created alone. Whether you're leading a school, a team, an organization, or simply navigating your own journey, "Aja" offers a timeless reminder that rejection doesn't lower the standard. It simply invites us back to the work.

Keep Spinning. Keep Grooving. Keep Believing. What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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Leadership Liner Notes Podcst: Season 10

Reading the Terrain: Leading with Empathy, Courage, and Authenticity with Dr. Laura K. Spencer

What do The Beatles, off road driving, and leadership have in common?

More than you might think.

In this episode of "Leadership Liner Notes," sit down with Dr. Laura K. Spencer, educator, Chief Academic Officer, speaker, and founder of Read the Terrain, for a rich conversation about what it really means to lead when the path ahead is uncertain. Drawing on her experiences as a leader and her passion for off road driving, Laura shares why the best leaders do not search for perfect roads. They learn to read the terrain.

Together, we explore the creative partnership of John Lennon and Paul McCartney and why healthy tension, respectful dissent, and trust often lead to our best work. It reminded me of one of the central ideas from my book, "The Pepper Effect": masterpieces are rarely created in isolation. They emerge through collaboration, curiosity, and the willingness to invite different voices into the room. Great leadership, much like great music, is shaped by people who challenge one another to become better.

Laura also shares insights about the difficult transition from expert practitioner to leader, the courage required to embrace vulnerability, and why authentic leadership is built on listening more than having all the answers.

Our conversation also turns deeply personal as we reflect on burnout, work life harmony, and the moments both of us wish we could have back. Leadership matters, but so do the people waiting for us at home. Sometimes the strongest leadership decision we can make is knowing when to step away, recharge, and return with renewed perspective.

Laura offers a preview of her upcoming book, *Read the Terrain*, where each off road adventure becomes a practical leadership lesson complete with actionable trail tips for navigating uncertainty, change, and growth.

If you have ever felt the pressure to have every answer, wondered how to lead through complexity, or simply needed a reminder that leadership is a profoundly human endeavor, I think you will find something meaningful in this conversation.

The road will not always be smooth.

The terrain will always change.

The invitation is to keep learning, keep listening, and keep leading.

What about this episode inspired you? Please share and tag me on

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