Standout Voices: Leadership Lessons

In this episode, Dr. Gary Smit shares lessons from his decades-long career in education and character development. From the Six Pillars of Character to navigating today’s challenges in education, Dr. Smit discusses how school leaders can build strong cultures, foster respectful dialogue, lead with integrity, and positively influence the students and communities they serve.

In this episode, we consider how to best lead your team through changes that are beyond your control.  We also consider how schools effectively serve students with intense behavioral needs without compromising the learning environment for everyone, and how we best support our staff along the way. 

Whether you are leading a system or just trying to serve and support others, this episode will provide you with both encouragement and actionable insight.

What does it truly mean to lead others well?

In this episode, we dive into the principles of servant leadership, the value of being teachable, and the importance of embracing different seasons of life and career. Our guest shares how a mindset of service can transform the way we lead, ask questions, and support others.

Whether you’re an educator, leader, or professional seeking purpose in your work, this episode will leave you with both encouragement and actionable insight.

How do you build a school culture rooted in growth, joy, and shared leadership? In this episode, MOC–Floyd Valley High School principal Levi Letsche shares how intentional systems, collective efficacy, and servant leadership can develop strong student and staff leaders—and create schools where people truly thrive.

What does it take to build and sustain a thriving school culture? In this episode, Dr. Jared Smith, superintendent of Waterloo Schools and author of Turning Points, shares hard-won lessons from his journey as a teacher, principal, and district leader. From navigating setbacks to leading with vulnerability, Dr. Smith offers practical insights on building trust, empowering teams, and why culture is the cornerstone of student and staff success.

Ready to learn from Dr. Smith? Join us in-person for our Leadership in Education Conference on Northwestern's campus on Tuesday, October 21. Learn more about the event and register here.

Dr. Jared Smith is author of Turning Points and Learning Curve. Visit his website to learn more!

In this episode of Standout Voices Leadership Lessons, we sit down with Tony Hoops, Vice President of Athletics at Northwestern College, to explore his journey from small-town Kansas to award-winning athletic director. Tony shares how faith, family, and community guide his leadership philosophy, why being authentic fuels his contagious energy, and how shifting from scoreboard-focused coaching to relationship-centered leadership transformed his career. Whether you're an aspiring leader, educator, or coach, this episode offers practical wisdom on embracing challenges, leading with purpose, and making a lasting impact.

In this episode of Standout Voices: Leadership Lessons, Russ sits down with Nicole Roeder, the 2025 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year, to explore what it truly means to lead with heart and strength in the face of adversity. Nicole shares her journey as the principal of Rock Valley High School — a role marked not only by professional excellence but also by navigating profound community challenges, including the aftermath of last summer’s devastating flood.

Join us as Nicole offers wisdom on resilient leadership, the power of relationships, and the unshakable commitment to students and staff, even in the toughest times. Whether you're a seasoned administrator, aspiring leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in how to stay grounded, lead with humility, and foster a community of support.

Podcast recommendation: The 10 Minute Educator

Book Recommendation: UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World

In this episode, Russ sits down with Dr. D. Nathan Phinney, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northwestern College, to explore the intersection of leadership, service, and faith. Dr. Phinney shares his journey from faculty member to administrator, reflecting on the importance of humility, patience, and seeing leadership as an opportunity to serve others with grace.

The two discuss key leadership principles, including taking the long view in decision-making, embracing trials as opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture of integrity and equity. Dr. Phinney also shares insights on the evolving landscape of higher education and the role of faith in shaping effective leadership. Whether you’re an aspiring or seasoned leader, this episode offers meaningful lessons on leading with purpose, wisdom, and a servant’s heart.

Podcast recommendation: Future You with Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn, At the Table with Patrick Lencioni

Book recommendations: Godwin by Joseph O'Neill, I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger, The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess

We’re excited to share that we’ve made some big changes

Podcast recommendation: Plain English with Derek Thompson

Book recommendation: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt

In this episode, Gary sits down with Thomas C. Murray. Tom serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools® and is the author of Learning Transformed and Personal and Authentic, among others. Gary and Tom dive into creating a desired workplace and school culture and how the mindset and actions of the adults in the building are impacting that culture.

Resources:

Learning Transformed

Personal and Authentic

Book recommendation:

Dave Ramsey books