Principals' Leadership Lounge

Principals' Leadership Lounge

By Principals' Leadership Lounge-Al Davenport and Joe SweeneyEducation
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Principals' Leadership Lounge episodes

  • Principals' Leadership Lounge Episode #6

    In episode #6 of the Principals' Leadership Lounge Podcast, Joe and Al delve into the power of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and its impact on creating a positive school culture. Designed specifically for principals and educators, this episode provides actionable strategies and insights on effectively implementing PBIS in your school. Joe and Al share experiences and practical advice on engaging students, staff, and parents in the process, and discuss how fostering a positive environment can lead to improved outcomes for everyone. Whether you’re looking to refine your current PBIS practices or start from scratch, this episode offers valuable guidance to help you lead with purpose and create a culture where everyone thrives. Tune in to get inspired and empowered!


    31 min
  • Season 2, Episode 10: "The Masters, Doors opening, Strange Strategies"

    🎙️ Episode Title: The Masters, Doors Opening, Strange Strategies

    In this episode of Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al tee off with a little Masters talk, sharing their favorite moments and how golf mirrors leadership. Then, they open the doors—literally and figuratively—discussing how welcoming school environments set the tone for students and staff alike. Finally, the duo dives into some “strange strategies” they’ve seen (or maybe even tried!) in the name of school improvement, relationship building, and student success.

    Grab your coffee, your Crocs, and your curiosity—it’s time to step into the Lounge!

    31 min
  • Season 2, Episode 9: "Al wore a onesie Out of Office and Recess"

    Episode Title: Out of Office and Recess
    In this episode of The Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al are back—with stories, laughs, and leadership lessons you won’t want to miss. Al kicks things off in style… wearing a onesie! The duo dives into the importance of stepping out of the office and being present with students during unstructured times like lunch and recess. From spontaneous playground chats to leading by example in the hallways, Joe and Al explore how visibility builds relationships, boosts school culture, and keeps things real. Don’t miss this one—it’s cozy, candid, and packed with takeaways!

    33 min
  • Season 2, Episode 8: "Cutting Strawberries, Lumberjacks and Hidden Leadership"

    🎙️ Season 2, Episode 8: "Cutting Strawberries, Lumberjacks, and Hidden Leadership"

    In this episode, Joe and Al dig into the unexpected moments that reveal the heart of leadership—from cutting strawberries with care to the surprising lessons learned from lumberjacks. They explore how the small, behind-the-scenes actions often carry the most weight and shine a light on the power of quiet influence.

    Whether you're leading a school, a team, or just trying to make a difference, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, and reflections on how true leadership often shows up in the most unexpected ways.

    25 min
  • Season 2, Episode 7: "Thick Skin Feedback and A Trip to Boston"

    🎙️ Season 2, Episode #7: Thick Skin Feedback & A Trip to Boston

    In this episode, Joe and Al dive into the art of receiving and responding to feedback—with thick skin and an open mind. From hallway conversations to formal evaluations, they explore how leaders can embrace feedback as a growth tool rather than a personal attack.

    Plus, Joe recaps his recent trip to Boston!

    Whether you're leading a building or leading a classroom, this episode will leave you thinking about how you take feedback—and what you do with it.

    32 min
  • Season2, Episode 6: "PILY-What does it mean?"

    In this episode of The Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al dive into the meaning behind PILY and why it holds significance in leadership and education. Is it a mindset?

    Join us for another insightful conversation packed with practical takeaways, a bit of humor, and the leadership wisdom you’ve come to expect!

    🎧 Listen now and find out—What does PILY really mean?

    32 min
  • Season 2, Episode 5: "Hotel Room Drama, pneumonia and 14 lbs"

    In this episode of The Principals' Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al catch up after a wild few weeks. From unexpected hotel room chaos to battling pneumonia, and even shedding 14 lbs, they cover it all. Tune in for some laughs, leadership reflections, and a reminder that life as a principal is never boring.

    Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! #PrincipalsLeadershipLounge #SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife

    16 min
  • Season 2, Episode 4: "Sweatshirt Press, Principal Guilt and Rom Coms"

    Episode Description – Season 2, Episode 4

    🎙️Principals' Leadership Lounge – S2E4: Sweatshirt Press, Principal Guilt, and Rom-Coms

    In this episode,Joe and Al dive into the world ofschool spirit and swag as they talk about the art (and occasional stress) ofpressing sweatshirts for staff and students. They also open up about"principal guilt"—the constant balancing act between work, family, and self-care.

    To keep things light, they wrap up with a fun chat aboutromantic comedies and how they’re incorporating astaff Valentine's Day activity centered aroundeveryone’s favorite rom-coms! A little friendly debate, some unexpected favorites, and a creative way to bring staff together for the holiday.

    Tune in for laughs, insights, and relatable moments from thePrincipals’ Leadership Lounge!

    28 min
  • Season 2, Episode 3: "Disrupt the Midpoint of a School Year"

    The midpoint of the school year is a critical time—it’s easy to settle into routines, but what if we took this moment to disrupt, reflect, and reignite our leadership? In this episode of Principals’ Leadership Lounge, Joe and Al dive into the power of intentional disruption to refocus priorities, boost morale, and ensure the second half of the year is even stronger than the first.

    We’ll explore strategies for re-engaging staff, students, and ourselves as leaders. Whether it’s adjusting goals, sparking fresh energy in your team, or rethinking systems, this episode is packed with insights to help you finish the year strong.

    24 min
  • Season 2, Episode 2: "Underestimation, The Visit , Joe's Tub Club Challenge"

    Episode Description for S2 Episode 2: "Underestimation, The Visit, Joe's Tub Club Challenge"

    In this dynamic episode, the Principals' Leadership Lounge takes a deep dive into the power of perspective and perseverance. Joe and Al unpack the challenges of underestimation.

    The conversation heats up as they discuss The Visit—As al prepares to bring staff from Granger to Old Quarry.

    Finally, in a lighter (and sweatier) moment, Joe shares the details of his Tub Club Challenge—a personal journey to health and balance while navigating the demands of leadership. Will his 4:30 AM treadmill sessions pay off?

    Tune in for a blend of humor, heart, and hard-hitting leadership insights that will leave you inspired to lead with intention.

    32 min

About Principals' Leadership Lounge

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to the Principals' Leadership Lounge Podcast! We’re Illinois Middle School Principal of the Year Al Davenport & Old Quarry Middle School Principal Joe Sweeney, real principals sharing…

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