Keywords

leadership, resolutions, education, transparency, authenticity, growth, joy, predictions

Summary

As the year turns, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols pause to reflect on the kind of leaders they want to be next. In this conversation, they share personal leadership resolutions rooted in transparency, authenticity, and staying deeply connected to the people they serve.

They talk about trust, curiosity, love, and joy—not as soft ideas, but as essential leadership practices. Along the way, they explore what it looks like to lead with care that’s visible, to move more slowly on purpose, and to focus on fewer things that truly matter.

The episode also looks ahead, with reflections on where education is heading next—particularly the growing role of student agency, meaningful learning, and the evolving impact of generative AI.

Take Aways

• Looking back honestly helps us lead forward more intentionally

• Transparency builds trust—and trust makes leadership possible

• Curiosity reframes leadership as learning with people, not managing them

• Care and kindness need to be visible, not assumed

• Walking slowly on purpose creates space for real connection

• Love and belonging belong at the center of leadership

• Doing fewer things well is often more powerful than doing everything

• Protecting joy is not optional—it’s a leadership responsibility

• Generosity has ripple effects across school culture

• The future of education will center student agency and meaningful experiences

Soundbites

“Curiosity is kindness.”
“Make care visible.”
“Walk slowly on purpose.”

Time Stamps

00:00 – Reflecting on leadership and the year that was
06:42 – Garth’s leadership resolutions
09:39 – Jason’s leadership resolutions
12:35 – Growing leadership through trust
15:39 – Staying close to the student experience
18:33 – Protecting joy as a leadership practice
21:35 – Predictions for the future of education
40:17 – Beards Book Club outro