In this episode of Build Momentum, we are joined by Dr. Quintin Shepherd. Quintin has 19 years’ experience as a superintendent and currently holds that leadership role at Pflugerville Independent School District in Texas. He has a demonstrated history of improving school districts in both rural and urban areas in multiple states by being committed to transformational and collaborative leadership focused on doing what is best for the children in each district. Quintin is the co-author of the book “The Secret To Transformational Leadership,” together with podcast co-host Sarah Williamson, and his second book, “Transforming Education for Systemic Change and Empowered Communities,” was published in February 2024

Some Questions We Ask:

• Tell us more about your career as a superintendent. (01:20)
• What is most rewarding about being a superintendent? (04:21)
• What are your thoughts regarding the 2022 and 2023 RAND research, and how do you cope with stress in your career? (06:02)
• How has scrutiny of the superintendency changed over the years? (09:32)
• In what ways have you developed a shared vision for your district with your community? (11:57)
• How are your experiences similar to other K-12 school leaders across the nation? (15:09)
• What is the best way to illuminate the humanity of district leaders? (17:27)
• As advocates for K-12 education, how can we truly support superintendents today? (19:14)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• About Dr. Quintin Shepherd’s career in education (01:30)
• The joys of being a superintendent (04:27) 
• The changing nature of stress in this job over time, and his strategies for coping with it (06:29)
• Changes in scrutiny of the superintendency with the rise of the internet (09:38)
• Developing a shared vision for the district and being the chief storyteller (12:17)
• His experiences as a superintendent compared to others across the nation (15:17)
• Humanizing superintendents and district leaders (17:48)
• How supporters can all advocate for superintendents (19:41)

Quotes:
“There are only two types of people who work in schools. There are those who teach and those who support teachers. And never forget that [as a principal] you are now the chief supporter of your teachers in your school. ”

“If I'm not my best self, I can't be an effective leader for the people who are counting on me.”

“Leaders are tremendously adept at filling space. We can create it and fill it all day long, but it's a totally different skill set to be able to create the space and then just hold it for others, to be able to fill that space—and do so in a way that's respectful."

“I'm just a big advocate of going to the community first. It requires tremendous vulnerability, tremendous humility. But if you lead that way, the community will actually step up and help you solve the problem.”

Connect with Quintin Shepherd:
Dr. Quintin Shepherd's LinkedIn
Dr. Quintin Shepherd’s Twitter

Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn

Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn

About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook