Rethinking Learning Podcast

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Kymberly Dakin-Neal is a certified mindset coach, playback practitioner, and founder of Voice into Learning, LLC. Her specialty is team experience design, incorporating individual coaching programs and applied mediums such as improvisation, intentional listening, and focused creativity.

Her book, “Head Heart & Hands Listening in Coach Practice,” is an essential book for coaches, teachers, salespeople, parents, and, actually, anybody who listens for a living. Through Kym’s work and book, she demonstrates why listening is what the world needs more of. 

I met Kym at the International Listening Association Convention at the University of Maryland in August where we had a picture of us taken in the Listening Garden.

As an introvert in an extroverted culture, I’ve always been curious about group dynamics and how listening is a strong, if underappreciated, superpower that introverts possess. They are often the ones who have valuable insights and ask powerful questions. Introverts often (not always) have highly refined listening skills.

I do training based on my book, and I work with clients who are struggling with transitions, change, and interpersonal issues. I was a founding member of Portland Playback Theatre and won an international Audie award for book narration. I recorded audiobooks for the BBC, Brilliance Audio, and Audible. I taught at Bowdoin College, the University of Southern Maine, the University of New Hampshire, and the University of New England. I currently train physicians in productive listening and patient communication at Tufts/MaineHealth and Kaiser Permanente in the Washington, DC area.

I do a fair amount of public speaking coaching, particularly with those who are transitioning into positions of greater visibility. Particularly for introverts, stepping into the spotlight can be challenging. As an introvert myself, I can help clients avoid the mental pitfalls of imposter syndrome and anxiety. The Positive Intelligence model is particularly effective in this kind of work.

Your mind can be your best friend or worst enemy. Most negative emotions and stress come from self-sabotage. The Positive Intelligence PQ® program offers proven tools to strengthen mental resilience and quiet internal saboteurs. This leads to a more positive mindset, greater resilience, and reduced stress, known as mental fitness.

I cannot recommend Kymberly enough! Once regarded with dread, my upcoming talk to an audience of 2500 should be a breeze. Kymberly meets you where you are, not engaging in cookie-cutter solutions.
I feel that I have been equipped by a “magical helper” to embark upon my own Hero’s Journey. Five stars, at least!

~ Jonathan Fisher Writer & Director of PBS Documentary on NYC Probation “In a Whole New Way”

I developed the training game Shift/POV: From Conflict to Collaboration in One Hour through the Top Gun incubator program and created a bookmarking app called Nugget to eliminate the need for note-taking in online meetings.

URL to video:
https://youtu.be/W2pU31j63_k?si=m_zq3hnDmiLd44VB

During the shutdown, when all of my in-person work evaporated, I was facilitating online meetings and noticed challenges. Challenges of trying to get participants engaged while taking notes, or coursing through videos to highlight the important points I wanted to share. “Nugget” lets users highlight the important things in real-time at the touch of a button and allows them to share those notes with the team. We sold Nugget in 2023 for a nice price!

Listening is how we grasp another person’s story and build bridges to our own. It’s how we create relationships and build trust across differences in skillset, experience, background, race, age and gender. Effective listening gives us information beyond the actual words – once we know how to slow ourselves down long enough to pay attention to it.

When we feel deeply heard, something in us relaxes enough to feel that we just might be able to trust this person. That is how trusting, positive relationships are built.

My book, Head Heart & Hands Listening in Coach Practice,  is an exploration of intentional listening as an essential skill for coaches. It introduces the Head, Heart, and Hands (3H) Listening model as a vital tool to amplify effective listening in coaching practice. This is essential reading for coaches in practice and in training, as well as organizational psychologists, HR professionals, salespeople, and those working within corporations.

Head, Heart, and Hands Listening in Coach Practice is about how we listen, what we listen for, why it matters, and how to do it better. The 3H  model provided in these pages is quickly grasped, easily applied, and could transform your next important conversation.

If you are a coach, a counselor, a therapist, a salesperson, or a teacher, you’re in a listening profession. This book is designed for YOU.

“Head Heart & Hands Listening in Coach Practice,” published by Routledge Publishers, won a 2023 North American Book Award and is used at the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute. 

Kym Dakin writes about listening, but more important are her listening skills. As a coach she listens, synthesizes and provides valuable feedback…often on the spot. I came away from my coaching sessions with her with clarity on issues that I’d been struggling with for a long time. I can highly recommend Kym as a coach if you are looking to sort things out and find a clear path forward in your life.

Sue Inches, Author, Educator, Environmental Advocate

What do you pay attention to when listening? What do you often miss? I wrote my book and provide coaching support because I want to help others grasp primary and secondary listening tendencies and amplify the ones they need to expand their personal and professional effectiveness.

Just imagine a world driven by more curiosity, empathy, and understanding!

Website: https://kymdakin.com/ 
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/kymdakin
X: @kymdakin
Substack: https://kymdakin.substack.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kymberlydakin-neal7760
Email: [email protected]

*****

I appreciate that Kymberly Dakin-Neal joined me on my virtual porch. I believe it was destiny to meet Kym at the International Listening Association Convention. When we walked around the Listening Garden, she shared some stories that resonated with me. As a coach and author, I realized we had a lot in common. I needed to follow up with her, read her book, share my book, and invite her to be a guest on my podcast. I hope you enjoyed our conversation as much as I did. Please share this post and podcast with your friends and make sure you connect with Kym.

*****

The post Don’t Trust Your Ears! Head, Heart, and Hands Listening with Kymberly Dakin-Neal (EP178) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

MIchael Hernandez is changing the narrative by helping educators design assignments in ways that are meaningful to students and helps teachers make the case for why their curriculum matters.

The post Changing the Narrative with Michael Hernandez (EP177) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

Michael Hernandez is changing the narrative as an award-winning educator, best-selling author, education consultant, and international speaker. He helps individuals and organizations adapt and thrive in a changing world. Michael is an Apple Distinguished Educator, PBS Digital Innovator, and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. Michael’s work focuses on authentic learning in the age of AI, digital and civic literacy, creativity, and innovation.

This is a challenging moment in education. I’m doing my best to help teachers and education leaders navigate these challenges. Educators diagnose problems, such as academic integrity, in the age of AI. However, kids aren’t showing up to school, physically or intellectually. There has been too much focus on standardized test scores, the drill and kill mindset, and data-driven processes. Instead, we need to focus on human-centered experiences. But I don’t see many people offering solutions. That’s where I’ve decided to focus my energy.

Students can create nonfiction multimedia research projects as an alternative to tests and worksheets. It just builds on what teachers already do best and what they know to be good pedagogy. When students have agency, when they can work on projects they care about, and when all of the hard work we ask them to do has a point, they’ll put in the effort and get excited about learning.

They won’t want to cheat if the experience is rewarding and has an impact. Even kids as young as kindergarteners can have agency and impact their communities beyond the classroom.

My WHY is to help educators design assignments that maintain rigor and address standards, but in ways that are meaningful to students and help teachers make the case for why their curriculum matters.

I come from a family of educators–both of my parents, two aunts, and my uncle were educators. My brother is a college professor and research scientist. I guess learning is in my blood. I grew up in Central California, the son of a migrant farm worker who was the first in his family to graduate from college, so I have the experience of understanding why a quality education is important. I was fortunate to have some incredible teachers growing up, from elementary through college, who shaped who I am and my teaching philosophy. In fact, many of them are in the acknowledgements section of my book. The main thread is that they were all creative and none of them stuck to the rules.

Even though they asked us to work hard, we had fun, and school was joyful. Fun and joy are the key pieces that have been sucked out of education in the U.S. ever since No Child Left Behind. The metric of success became a test score, not a tangible product or observable outcome. It’s not surprising that student engagement has been decreasing for years, long before the pandemic and cell phones. 

As I said, both of my parents were educators, so I should have known better than to become one! I was finishing graduate school in film and realized that I had student loan debt. I was going to be a production assistant, hunting for jobs. I should have thought that career path through a little better!

Then I heard about a school district starting a film and journalism program, so I applied, and they hired me. It was a 5-year plan to pay off my student loans. I foolishly thought I could work on my own projects in all the spare time that teachers have!

I just completed year 26 of the five-year plan! I was able to share my passion for film, journalism, and storytelling with thousands of students–many of whom are working in the industry. It’s so rewarding to open eyes to new possibilities, and students found their “thing.” It wasn’t math, or history, or science. We can’t all be novelists or engineers. It’s crucial to honor everyone’s individuality and potential, and offer students experiences that empower them to discover their way.

Now that I’ve left the classroom, I’m focusing on helping schools and districts adapt and thrive in these challenging times by taking my knowledge of teaching and deep empathy for teachers to help others find success in meaningful ways. I support schools through keynote speaking, leading professional development experiences, and working alongside leadership teams. I’m still a teacher; however, I get to have more impact than if I stayed in my own classroom.

I published my book, “Storytelling with Purpose, through ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education). It is a practical handbook and guide to solving these problems by designing authentic learning experiences.

This has been my passion project for the past few years. I wanted to write a book that I wish I had when I started teaching or even mid-career. The title might be a little deceiving. Many educators don’t think they teach storytelling, especially if they teach math, history, or science. We always ask students to tell the story of their learning. We even say “show what you know” or “show your work,” and that’s exactly what the book helps teachers in every grade level and subject area accomplish.

We demonstrate how to use multimedia research projects as a scaffold for their curriculum. So instead of a worksheet, a test, or a report that all end up in the trash and are cheatable by design, we challenge students to create an explainer video, publish a digital book, or an infographic. All of these are one-of-a-kind products that let students have agency and voice, and can be published publicly, which empowers both impact and accountability. 

Link to Storytelling with Purpose:  https://www.amazon.com/Storytelling-Purpose-Digital-Projects-Curiosity/dp/1564849961/

It was important to me to make my book evergreen. There are many books about AI and specific tech tools, but I wanted this book to be device-agnostic and about pedagogy rather than a single tool. Apps come and go, but good teaching is forever.

A highly readable and hugely helpful guide for teachers!”  ~ Ken Burns

Many teachers around the world are using it for professional development training. I recently led a five-hour pre-conference workshop at ISTE/ASCD this summer with teachers from at least 10 different countries. I am fortunate to have endorsements for my book from Ken Burns and Seth Godin.

Just in time! This is a pedagogical and practical guide for teachers ready to take learning to a new level.   ~Seth Godin

I enjoy working with educators, learning from them, and sharing possibilities to spark new ideas in their learning spaces. I used to focus on edtech tools since that’s where I got my start speaking at CUE (now CALIE) and ISTE. I’ve expanded my workshops into areas like assessment, digital and civic literacy, innovative teaching, and learning practices.

I think that matches the evolution of technology, that it’s integrated into our lives. It seems almost artificial to focus on it in a silo, and out of the context of everything else we need to do in schools. Social-emotional wellness, assessment, inquiry, curiosity, creativity, and all of these are tied to our relationship with technology and how we as educators prepare students to be successful outside the classroom, not just on a test. 

One of the central ideas in my consulting work and writing is about reminding ourselves what school is for in the first place: to develop good citizens. No one takes tests or writes 5-paragraph essays. When our students are out in the world, when no one is looking, and there’s no grade on the line, can they vet a source of information so they know how to vote or what medicine to take?

Are they capable of giving and receiving constructive feedback?

These are the traits of good citizens in a democracy. It’s up to us as educators to help our students become intellectually agile and emotionally resilient. We can’t do that with tests and worksheets.

This is a funny story. When I chose the idea for my book, I started researching how to publish it. One of the recommendations was to build an audience before you publish. So I started publishing my newsletter in 2018. A friend liked it a lot and suggested that I turn it into a podcast.

So I did! Then, two years later, I finally got around to working on the book. But it’s a fun series. I average one season per year, and the topics change depending on what interests me. The topics are like innovation, storytelling, book publishing, and reflections on my expedition to Antarctica as a Lindblad/National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow. I haven’t decided on my theme for 2026, so I’m open to any suggestions!

Podcast, Change the Narrative:

AI is definitely top of mind for many educators, especially anyone who relies on writing as their primary means of assessment. Honestly, this affects everyone, from math teachers to science teachers, and even me as a photography, filmmaking, and journalism teacher. Students can literally generate high-quality images, video clips, and audio podcasts with just a prompt. It’s easy to see AI as a threat to our livelihoods and feel a sense of existential dread.

What does it mean to teach and learn anymore? 

I’m actually optimistic about it. I think AI is a gift. It has reminded us of what matters most in learning: originality, individuality, creativity, and having a purpose for our work. Artificial intelligence isn’t the problem; it’s artificial assessment.

Much of school is based on teaching mechanics, and because standardized tests focus on that, we don’t teach or learn for fun or create rewarding experiences. The latest statistics show that fewer people read, and most students in school don’t even complete an entire novel in their language arts classes.

We’ve drained humanness from school.

This is why I’m excited about AI. If a tool can do the mechanical and clerical work for us, we can then focus on ideas and purpose. It’s forcing us to focus on the “why,” not just the “how.”

It’s really disheartening when I see schools revert to in-class hand-written essays or spend tens of thousands of dollars on cheat detection software that is ultimately flawed. What does that say to our kids about what we think of them? Policing students and creating an antagonistic culture is a surefire way to make kids unhappy, and they may not show up. And if they do show up, they are not putting their best effort into their work. 

Cheating has always existed, long before AI, Google, and cell phones. There are two main reasons why students cheat: by incentive and by design. If we remove the incentive to cheat, we’ve solved 90% of the problem. And if our assessments only have one right answer that everyone is supposed to share at the same time, we’ve set ourselves up for failure. 

In my online course, Uncheatable Assessments, I help teachers focus more on process and product rather than on memorization and compliance. And we learn to design assignments that result in original, one-of-a-kind artifacts that students want to complete

After I published my book, I heard that people were interested in the chapter on using multimedia research projects as a type of authentic assessment. There was a demand for this topic in my workshops.

So, I produced an asynchronous course that was flexible for busy educators. They didn’t need to fly to a city to attend a conference, and can fit in the modules when they have time, like during a prep period or after school. There are about 4 hours of video instruction, a 75-page downloadable workbook, and there’s even an option to earn three continuing education units from Loyola Marymount University for salary advancement or required professional development. There are volume discounts for school districts to make it more feasible for educators.

Link to course, Uncheatable Assessments https://storytelling-with-purpose-learning.thinkific.com/collections/courses-for-educators

Everything is moving to video right now. Teachers have lectures recorded, and businesses engage with customers and clients on websites and social media. Just look at TikTok and Instagram.  There’s really no way to learn how to do that well. I decided to create an affordable, all-in-one course to help folks learn to be effective video storytellers.

I’m really excited about it, and I’m in the middle of editing it right now. Essentially, the course will show you how to transform slide decks into dynamic videos that help you teach, persuade, and win people over. Entrepreneurs can pitch their product to funders, Businesses can create a library of content for customers, Sales teams can make the case for their results more clearly, and, of course, educators can create engaging direct instruction to help learners of all abilities and in multiple locations. I talk about finding focus for the story, writing a narration script, designing slides, and recording and publishing the videos. 

Online course, Slidefluence:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hernandez-21a8195/

*****

I am grateful that Michael joined me on my virtual porch. I have known and followed Michael for a long time. We’re both from California, so I met him earlier at CUE and then again at SXSW EDU 2 years ago when he launched his book. It was fun to connect on Zoom and see Michael sharing how he’s so passionate about helping educators make learning meaningful and assessments uncheatable. I hope you connect and follow Michael. Please share this post and podcast with your friends.

*****

The post Changing the Narrative with Michael Hernandez (EP177) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Saadia Qureshi is Community Engagement Officer, Senior Officer for Training and Community Engagement at Common Ground USA/Search for Common Ground. Her work as a Gathering Coordinator for Preemptive Love led her to Common Ground USA, transforming how we deal with conflicts. When I met Saadia at the International Listening Association Convention, I knew that her story needed to be heard. 

Through authentic connections, hearts can soften and hatred can subside.  My religious tradition teaches us that we were created to know and understand one another.  This is how we bring peace to the places where we live. We all have a role to play in this; it takes courage and determination- and this is why we need to do it in community, because “We Belong to Each Other.”

I was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States when I was three years old, as my father was finishing his master’s degree and saw greater opportunities for our family here. After a few years up north, my parents decided to settle in hot, humid, and sunny Orlando, Florida—a place I have now proudly called home for nearly 40 years. Growing up in Central Florida, I navigated what it meant to feel “different” in a very homogenous environment. Those experiences—both the struggles and the joys—shaped me into who I am today.

I pursued a degree in environmental engineering and worked in the field for several years, driven by a desire to use my skills to make the world a better place. After pausing to raise my family, I felt a growing pull toward people as much as the planet. My faith deepened this conviction: to get to know those who were different from me and to show that we have more in common than what divides us.

I’ve always seen myself as a connector, as I have always been one to look for similarities I have with people who are not like me. Growing up in Central Florida—where diversity was limited—I experienced the good, the bad, and the uncomfortable realities of difference. It took time, but when I eventually found my “people,” I knew building bridges was the work I wanted to dedicate myself to.

When the towers fell on 9/11, as a Muslim American, the world I had known crumbled too. That’s when I made a conscious choice to be a bridge builder, a peacemaker, a practitioner of nonviolence. Whether facilitating groups for nonprofits, volunteering for the Muslim Women’s Organization of Orlando, or bringing her kids to a vigil around town, I believe meaningful friendships can be found in unexpected places. 

One of my biggest inspirations is my dear friend Anna, who embodies what it means to lead with an open heart. She’s the reason I’m in this field today—showing me how to lean into uncomfortable conversations with people who are different, speak the truth with love, and model courage rooted in empathy. 

Together, we embarked on a peace-building journey. What began as a small women’s group blossomed into work with Preemptive Love, helping people around the world host their own Love Anyway Gatherings. Today, I continue this work as a Senior Officer for Community Engagement and Training at Search for Common Ground / Common Ground USA. 

I’m also deeply inspired by other peace heroes in my life, like my friend Diana, a veteran who chose to lay down her weapon in Iraq and now continues her commitment to peace through the Waging Peace Project, creating change both locally and globally.

Founded in 1982, Search for Common Ground is the world’s largest dedicated peace-building organization.  and was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018. Search for Common Ground works to transform the way the world deals with conflict, moving from adversarial approaches toward collaborative problem-solving. We work with local partners to find culturally appropriate means to strengthen societies’​ capacity to deal with conflicts constructively: to understand the differences and act on the commonalities.

www.cg-usa.org

Our mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict: away from adversarial approaches, towards cooperative solutions.

We have developed a broad array of operational methods, collectively our “toolbox.”​ These include well-known conflict resolution techniques, such as mediation and facilitation, and less traditional ones, like TV productions, radio soap opera, and community organising. We have found that employing multiple tools increases their overall effectiveness.

After realizing that the markers for violence and destabilization seen abroad is shown in our own American society, Search for Common Ground created Common Ground USA as the U.S.-focused peace-building leg that works towards depolarization and decreased violence.

One of my favorite initiatives is Common Ground Gatherings, which invites people to host small meals in their living rooms, coffee shops, or community centers with those just outside their everyday circles. For the past five years, we’ve encouraged “do-gooders” to join us in creating a community and spaces where people break bread, share courageous stories, and discover common ground. We aim to nurture an alternative narrative—one rooted not in division, but in listening, understanding, and the simple yet radical act of belonging to one another.

Common Ground Gatherings are grassroots events where people come together across the one thing that unites us all: Food. These locally rooted, nationally connected gatherings build civic resilience through storytelling, connection, and shared purpose.

Community leaders of all backgrounds bring together groups as small as five to as big as one hundred to talk about everything: from who their favorite band is to what makes them feel safe. It is an opportunity to learn about the people around us, and discover that we often have more that unites us than divides us.

This is a unique opportunity to join our neighbors and community members at tables, on picnic blankets, before our favorite sporting events—or even at the bar—to talk and learn more about each other.

https://www.cg-usa.org/initiatives/common-ground-gatherings  

Short video: 2024 Love Anyway Feasts

Follow us on Instagram: @cg_usa

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/saadia-qureshi-aa038097/ 

*****

I am so grateful that Saadia joined me on my virtual porch. I met her at the International Listening Association Convention in August. After she shared Saadia story as part of a story exchange, I knew I had to learn more about her. I even found that Saadia is friends with my good friend, Ilene Winokur. I hope you connect and follow Saadia. Please share this post and podcast with your friends.

*****

The post Transforming the Way the World Deals with Conflict with Saadia Qureshi (EP176) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Jason Blair is a transformative force in arts education, with over 20 years dedicated to unlocking the creative potential of young minds.

The post Growing Creative Thinkers and Agents of Change with Jason Blair (EP175) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

Jerri Kemble is an accomplished leader in the field of educational technology (edtech), renowned for her innovative approach and dedication to positive change. Jerri is a former superintendent and was a principal in multiple school districts. Jerri’s passion for pushing boundaries shines through her work as the National Academic Advisor for ClassLink and co-host of the LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education podcast. 

I believe in lighting the spark that helps others shine. My “WHY” is rooted in a lifelong commitment to making a meaningful difference in the world by empowering people to lead with heart, think boldly, and grow into the best versions of themselves. Whether I’m supporting educators, mentoring women in leadership, or creating spaces for creative reflection and innovation, I strive to leave a trail of impact that inspires others to pay it forward. For me, it’s not just about changing systems, it’s about touching lives

I grew up in a small town and have been happily married to my high school sweetheart, Kurt, for 42 years. We have two amazing kids who I like to say are both in the mental health business—our daughter, Hanna, is a dedicated school counselor (School Counselor of the Year 2025), and our son, Max, brews great beer (which supports adult wellness!). We’re lucky to all live in Lawrence, Kansas, where we can spend lots of quality time together. Family means the world to me, and I love that we laugh, support one another, and enjoy life side by side.

I didn’t love school growing up, especially middle and high school. It often felt disconnected and uninspiring. That early experience shaped my purpose: I wanted to make school a place where kids felt seen, engaged, and excited to learn. I spent 13 years in the classroom doing just that. But over time, I realized many students were struggling with personal challenges, and I wasn’t equipped to help them navigate. So, I returned to school to earn my counseling degree, never intending to leave the classroom. But that decision led me down a new path. I became a school counselor and was later honored as the Kansas School Counselor of the Year. From there, my career expanded into leadership roles, serving as a principal, superintendent, and assistant superintendent. In 2010, I also pioneered the Kansas Online Learning Program, helping to shape the future of education in our state

From 2007 to 2020, I served as either a superintendent or assistant superintendent, leading during a time when technology was transforming education. I was deeply committed to ensuring that our teachers were equipped with the tools and training they needed to integrate technology meaningfully, and that every student, regardless of background, had access to devices and opportunities. I often said that when you put a computer in the hands of a child, it makes your poorest student rich. My work during this time focused on accessibility, digital citizenship, and future-ready learning. I wanted our students to be prepared, not just for tests, but for life. That meant giving them the digital fluency to thrive in a rapidly changing world.  I was honored in 2010 by ESchools News and was named one of the 10  Tech Savvy Superintendents in the United States. This was quite an honor for a superintendent in a rural Kansas community.  

As the National Academic Advisor for ClassLink and co-host of the LinkedUp: Breaking Boundaries in Education podcast with Jamie Saponara, I continue to impact the educational landscape. My passion for pushing boundaries and fostering meaningful change shines through in all my endeavors.

Two of my signature presentations—The Firefly Effect and Unleash Your Inner Rock Star—are deeply personal and powerfully purposeful. The Firefly Effect is about recognizing the light in ourselves and others. It’s a call to lead with authenticity, purpose, and presence, inspiring leaders to shine in unique ways, while sparking light in those around them. Hanna and I enjoy presenting this session together, especially with these wings. Here’s one with Michael Wesely (Episode #172)

Unleash Your Inner Rock Star taps into the energy, confidence, and voice that so many women have but often are silent. It’s designed to remind people, especially women in leadership, that they already have what it takes to step into the spotlight of their lives and careers. Here I am with an AI-generated version of me and my co-Rock Stars, Barbara (host of the Rethinking Learning Podcast)  and Erika Sandstrom (Green Screen Gal), rocking out during our presentation.

I’m passionate about these sessions because they blend storytelling, interactive reflection, and empowering strategies in a way that’s fun, relatable, and transformational. Watching people light up, realizing they are already enough, already powerful and impactful, is why I do what I do.

My passion for education has taken me far beyond the classroom and the boardroom—to Shanghai, China, and Kenya, Africa. In Shanghai, I worked with students and educators on innovation in teaching and learning. 

While in Kenya, I had the profound honor of engaging with women leaders, students, and teachers in deeply meaningful ways. 

These global experiences reminded me that while our cultures and contexts may differ, the heartbeat of education is universal: connection, opportunity, and hope. I believe global education is not just about geography—it’s about perspective, empathy, and preparing students to be thoughtful, compassionate citizens of the world. These journeys fueled my belief that when we invest in women and empower educators, we unlock change that ripples across generations

I have been honored with several prestigious awards throughout my career, recognizing my seasoned leadership and impact. These accolades include Kansas School Counselor of the Year, eSchool News Tech-Savvy Superintendent, Kansas State University’s Educational Administration Student of the Year, and Technology Leader of the Year by Tech and Learning Magazine.

I believe deeply in the power of design thinking and project-based learning because they mirror the way the real world works—messy, creative, collaborative, and purpose-driven. These approaches challenge students to think critically, solve authentic problems, and build empathy as they design solutions that matter. In a world where innovation and adaptability are essential, we can’t afford to keep teaching in ways that prioritize memorization over meaning. Design thinking empowers students to see themselves as changemakers. Project-based learning gives them a reason to care. Together, they cultivate future-ready skills—like resilience, teamwork, and curiosity—that our world desperately needs. If we want a better future, we need to start by changing the way we prepare our learners today.

Empowering women is at the heart of everything I do. Through keynote presentations like The Firefly Effect and Unleash Your Inner Rockstar, I create spaces for women to rediscover their confidence, share their stories, and lead with authenticity and purpose. 

I also co-host the LinkedUp Podcast, where we amplify the voices of bold, innovative women in leadership, tech, and education. One of my favorite traditions is hosting the Women’s Tea—an intentional gathering designed for connection, reflection, and celebration among women leaders. 

Another highlight of the year is our Women in Technology Retreat held annually in San Diego. It’s an unforgettable experience that brings together women from across the country to learn, recharge, and grow together in a powerful community. Whether it’s through sketchnotes, interactive vision boards, or hands-on workshops, my goal is always the same: to remind women of their brilliance, build a sisterhood of support, and make sure no woman has to rise alone.

I believe fashion is far more than fabric; it’s a form of communication, confidence, and creativity. What we wear can empower us, lift our energy, and help us show up more fully in the spaces we occupy. I often say, “What you wear speaks before you say anything.”

It’s true—your outfit tells a story about who you are, how you feel, and how you want to be seen. For me, fashion is a joyful form of self-expression. Whether on stage presenting, recording a podcast, or connecting with leaders, I choose outfits that reflect boldness, positivity, and personality. I believe when women feel great in what they wear, they’re more likely to speak up, stand tall, and own their brilliance.

I just published The Badass Firefly Effect. This project is close to my heart, which blends leadership lessons, personal stories, and creative inspiration to help women lead with confidence and courage. Here’s Barbara’s review so you have an idea what’s in my book.

“In The Badass Firefly Effect, Jerri Kemble invites readers on a powerful journey of self-discovery, courage, and purpose. Through personal stories and leadership lessons, she shows how embracing your inner light—your SHINE—can inspire others to do the same.

This empowering guide speaks, especially to women, ready to lead with authenticity, confidence, and creative fire. Kemble’s words, inspirational quotes, and brilliant sketchnotes remind us that impact matters more than applause, and that our unique spark is our superpower. Both inspiring and practical, The Badass Firefly Effect is a luminous call to action for every woman ready to be the glow, the grit, and the firefly.”

I also just illustrated a children’s book that’s now officially published and expected to be released before Christmas—an exciting milestone! 

Beyond that, I’m diving into new art projects, designing creative leadership tools for ClassLink, and continuing my journey of learning and research on women in leadership. At the core of it all, my mission is simple: to shine—and to shine brightly enough that others feel safe and inspired to find their light. 

X: @techsavvysupt

Email: [email protected] 

*****

Thank you, Jerri Kemble, for joining me on my virtual porch.  I’m fortunate to know Jerri, to have been on her podcast, and to present with her and Erika Sandstrom in our “Unveil Your Inner Rock Star” sessions  Jerri is that Firefly who brings light to everyone so all of us shine.  I hope you enjoyed our conversation. Please share this post and podcast with your friends and make sure you connect with Jerri.

*****

The post EdTech, Design Thinking, and Women’s Empowerment in Education with Jerri Kemble (EP174) appeared first on Barbara Bray.

Patrick Cerria is a music educator, researcher, author, and speaker who helps teachers, administrators, and school therapists reimagine and expand the role of music in their school.

The post Reimagine and Expand the Role of Music in Education with Patrick Cerria (EP173) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

Michael Wesely, an Instructional Technology Specialist, who is passionate about turning classrooms into creative playgrounds where curiosity is sparked, innovation is fueled, and a little fun is always part of the plan.

The post Ignite Joy, Creativity, and Purpose in Teaching, Learning, and Life with Michael Wesely (EP172) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

Dr. Marc Isseks believes in the power of learning to engage,  inspire, inform, and transform young people so they can become the best versions of themselves.

The post Engaging Students in a World of Distractions with Dr. Marc Isseks (EP171) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.

As an artist and illustrator with over 20 years of experience in graphic design and multimedia, Jide Fresh is passionate about using his skills to promote mental health and self-development through art. 

The post Opportunities are Imagination with Jidé Fresh (EP170) first appeared on Grow Your WHY.