In this episode of Leadership Liner Notes, we explore the newly released Beatles Anthology Collection and the leadership lessons embedded in its early takes, unreleased moments, and joyful imperfections. The Beatles brought out the best in one another because they believed in their vision, trusted their collaborators, worked hard, and led with joy. We reflect on the Four Riffs from The Pepper Effect and consider our own leadership legacy: What will be on our anthology? Our greatest tracks are the lives we lift and the joy we ignite.

There is joy in being FAB.

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The Return: Episode 1-"Celebrate the Moment"

After a reflective pause, Sean Gaillard returns to the mic with a fresh perspective and a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode of the Leadership Liner Notes Podcast, Sean shares why now felt like the right time to come back, offering a heartfelt update on his writing, leadership journey, and the evolution from #CelebrateMonday to #CelebrateTheMoment.

This new season centers on gratitude, presence, and the small wins that keep leaders grounded and inspired. Sean invites listeners to join in this movement by finding joy in everyday moments, amplifying connection, and rediscovering what makes leadership meaningful.

Tune in, reflect, and celebrate your own moment today.

Connect with Sean:

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In this episode of Leadership Liner Notes, Sean Gaillard reflects on the second anniversary of Now and Then, the final song by The Beatles. What began as an unfinished John Lennon demo decades ago became a testament to legacy, collaboration, and the belief that the impossible can become possible.

Drawing parallels between the Beatles’ creative journey and the challenges of leadership, Sean explores how sometimes the first idea does not work out, and that is okay. Like Paul McCartney’s unwavering hope to finish Now and Then, leaders are called to keep faith in their vision, even when timing, tools, or acceptance are not on their side.

This episode invites listeners to reflect on their own “unfinished songs” in leadership and life, the dreams and ideas that still deserve another chance.

Subscribe to Sean’s weekly blog at ⁠seangaillard.com⁠ and connect with him on X, Instagram, or LinkedIn to join the conversation.

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In this episode, we explore the brief career of Nick Drake and connect to how sometimes our ideas don't always resonate when we want them to do so.

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🎙️ Summer Season Finale: Am I Cut Out For This? with Elizabeth Dampf

For the final episode of our summer series, I am honored to welcome back two inspiring voices and dear friends: Elizabeth Dampf and Lauren Kaufman.

Elizabeth joins us to talk about her powerful new book, Am I Cut Out For This? — a must-read for every educator who has ever wrestled with doubt, resilience, and purpose in the calling of teaching and leadership.

Co-hosting with me for this special conversation is returning guest Lauren Kaufman, author of The Leader Inside, who has written a moving blog post reflecting on Elizabeth’s book. You can find her thoughtful reflections and other inspiring writing at laurenmkaufman.com.

This episode is more than just a conversation; it’s a connection between friends who care deeply about the heart of education. We dive into the honest questions Elizabeth raises, the leadership insights Lauren highlights, and the ways we can continue to support one another on this journey.

As this summer season of #PrincipalLinerNotes closes, the podcast will take another hiatus while I focus on writing my next book, #LeadershipRiffs. Stay tuned for what’s ahead. I can’t wait to share it with you.

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In this inspiring episode of Principal Liner Notes, I’m joined by the remarkable Dr. Sonia Matthew, the 2025 Maryland Assistant Principal of the Year. Dr. Matthew shares her compelling leadership journey—a story grounded in resilience, purpose, and deep commitment to students and staff.

Together, we explore the vital and often under-celebrated role of the assistant principal and discuss how principals are called not just to manage, but to coach, mentor, and empower the APs who stand shoulder to shoulder in leadership.

You’ll also hear the early seeds of a new collaboration between us—one rooted in a shared belief that growing leadership is a team effort. If you're a principal, assistant principal, or aspiring leader, this episode is a must-listen.

📲 Follow Dr. Sonia Matthew:
X: @SoniaMatthew2
LinkedIn: Dr. Sonia A. Matthew
BlueSky: youthdoctor.bsky.social
Instagram: @youthdoctor

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In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by the dynamic Dr. Rod Berger—a storyteller, connector, and relentless advocate for the human side of education. Known for his ability to amplify voices that matter in education, business, and mental health, Dr. Berger brings an eclectic perspective shaped by his background in psychology, leadership, and media.

We riff on the power of authentic storytelling, the intersection of education and innovation, and the importance of humanizing school leadership. From his work with Forbes and publications across the globe to his unwavering belief in the power of relationships, Dr. Berger shares personal reflections and professional wisdom that will resonate with every educator and leader.

We also explore Rod's upcoming book with Wiley, The Narrative Edge. Now available for pre-order on Amazon.

Tune in as we explore why vulnerability is a strength, how to lead with empathy in a noisy world, and what it really means to "find your note" in the symphony of leadership.

🔗 Learn more about Dr. Rod Berger: drrodberger.com

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It’s the return of the #PrincipalLinerNotes podcast—and what better way to relaunch than with a guest who has ignited passion, creativity, and courage in classrooms and schoolhouses across the globe: Dave Burgess.

In this powerful conversation, we riff on the enduring impact of Dave’s groundbreaking book, Teach Like a PIRATE, and how it lit a fire in my own journey—ultimately inspiring me to write The Pepper Effect. It’s only fitting, and delightfully serendipitous, that we reconnected on the book birthday of The Pepper Effect, which Dave proudly published.

Our conversation sails through the intersections of education, music, and history, with Dave sharing his deep love for Hip Hop and Rap—and how that love influences his message, mindset, and mission. From Nas and Rakim to classroom culture and legacy-building, we explore how leadership and creativity harmonize in service of students and educators.

Whether you're a veteran principal, aspiring educator, or just someone who believes in the power of purpose-driven work—this episode will reignite your why.

🔗 Connect with Dave Burgess:
🌐 Website: https://daveburgess.com
🐦 Twitter/X: https://x.com/burgessdave
📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dave.burgess.526

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In this final episode of #PrincipalLinerNotes, I express my heartfelt gratitude for my guests and listeners. Thanks for tuning in and supporting!

Stay tuned for upcoming podcast projects!

• Read more about my thoughts on closing shop on the podcast here: https://principallinernotes.wordpress.com/2024/10/27/so-long-to-the-principal-liner-notes-podcast/

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Longtime guest and unofficial executive producer of the podcast, Lauren Kaufman, joins me one last time on #PrincipalLinerNotes. In our freewheeling conversation, we talk about many things as we always do. This is a very special episode where two friends come together and bring out the best in each other as we always do. Lauren shares here sharp insights on leadership as she always does wiht eloquence, sincerity, and compassion.

Check out Lauren's website for her amazing blog and connection to her social channels: https://laurenmkaufman.com/

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