What does leadership development need to look like in a world where school leaders face constant change, increasing complexity, staffing challenges, shifting community expectations, and the ever-present responsibility of improving outcomes for students?

In this special partnership spotlight episode of Bold by Choice, hosts Vashaunta Harris and Dr. Jim Goenner welcome Dr. Richard Seigler-Carter, educator, leadership coach, former school principal, and leader with the LeveragED Foundation, to explore a question many school systems are asking: Are we preparing leaders for the realities they face today?

Richard shares his remarkable journey from professional dancer and arts educator to principal, network leader, and national leadership developer. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from leading through uncertainty, building strong teams, and discovering that leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about creating the conditions for others to thrive.

The conversation highlights LaunchPad, a year-long leadership development experience created by the LeveragED Foundation and now expanding through partnership with the National Charter Schools Institute. Unlike traditional professional development, LaunchPad combines coaching, simulated practice, school-based assessments, peer learning, and real-world leadership challenges to help leaders strengthen adaptive leadership skills, build confidence, and navigate complexity more effectively.

Listeners will hear why today's leaders need more than technical expertise, how leadership development must evolve beyond compliance-based training, and why community, self-awareness, and continuous growth are essential for sustaining excellent schools. The discussion also explores leadership resilience, professional judgment, and the importance of helping leaders become not just administrators, but transformational leaders capable of building thriving school communities.

At its heart, this episode is a reminder that great schools are built by healthy, capable leaders—and that leadership development should be transformational, not merely informational.

In This Episode

Why school leadership has become increasingly complex

The difference between managing and leading

Adaptive leadership and decision-making under uncertainty

Building leadership capacity through simulated practice

The LaunchPad leadership development model

School health assessments and personalized coaching

Leadership resilience, community, and self-awareness

Creating cultures where educators and students thrive

The partnership between the National Charter Schools Institute and LeveragED Foundation

Expanding leadership development opportunities across Michigan, Ohio, and beyond

Key Takeaway

Powered by the National Charter Schools Institute.