Building leadership in your district doesn’t start with conferences or new hires—it starts with students. Cultivating leadership from a young age empowers future generations with the wisdom and guidance to lead. Tune in to hear how one superintendent is making this vision a reality.

Welcome to Change Starts Here. Join host Dustin Odham as he sits down with Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools, known for his passion for student leadership and his ability to build trust across his district. In this episode, Thom shares how Johnson County Schools is fostering leadership at every level—among staff and students—through trust, authentic listening, and reflection. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation, plus an unexpected answer to Thom’s favorite walk-up song!

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If you want to learn more about FranklinCovey, visit us at https://www.franklincovey.com/solutions/education/

Host: Dustin Odham, Managing Director at FranklinCovey Education

Guest: Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson County Schools

Time stamps:

(00:00 - 01:56) Introduction

(01:57 - 05:37) Born Into Education

(05:38 - 06:56) In Others’ Shoes

(06:57 - 11:20) Advocate for Student Leadership

(11:21 - 14:11) Authentic Listening

(14:12 - 21:47) Developing Leadership

(21:48 - 26:54) The Shift to Trust

(26:55 - 31:26) Strengthen Your Trust

(31:27 - 38:07) Reflecting on Career

(38:08 - 43:17) Rapid Fire Questions!

(43:18 - 45:07) Closing

Hashtags:

#EducationLeadership #FutureLeaders #BuildingLeaders #StudentSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #TrustAndGrowth #EducationMatters #Mentorship #SchoolLeadership #SuperintendentInsights