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, thepower 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

In this episode, Gary and guest, Jenn David-Lang of The

Resources:

The Main Idea

Book recommendation:

Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett

In this episode, Gary and guests discuss the evolution of artificial intelligence and its significance for education. Dr. Dana Schon, Professional Learning Director for School Administrators of Iowa explains AI capacities, concerns, and limitations with helpful tool implementations for educators and leaders. Dr. Tom Truesdell, Director of Student Resources at Northwestern College shares insights on ChatGPT revolving around the learning disruption fears and idea generation opportunities. Both guests share practical advice for approaching the technology evolution in our classrooms and workplaces.

Book Recommendations:

How to be a Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones

Trust & Inspire, Stephen Covey

On this episode, Gary sits down with the 2022 AFCA NAIA National Coach of the Year and the Head Coach of the 2022 NAIA National Champion Raider football team, Matt McCarty. Matt reflects on his team’s successful season and the road to the championship. He’s cultivated a culture of excellence built on trust, mental conditioning, and discipline to do the right thing every day. His leadership approach casts a vision for his coaching staff and players to encourage others to be their best. His team’s ability to handle adversity is what he’s most proud of – and the championship mindset is preparing student-athletes to win games and live meaningful lives.

Book Recommendations:

The Carpenter, Jon Gordon

Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace, Jon Maxwell

The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker, Brad Lomenick

Know What You’re For: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Strategy for Life, Jeff Henderson

In this episode, Leslie welcomes guest Jacob Morgan. Jacob is a best-selling author and one of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, the future of work, and employee experience. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and advisor who has worked with organizations such as Microsoft, Disney, Pepsi, Mastercard, and IBM. As a trained futurist, Jacob’s insights are frequently featured in publications such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and The Harvard Business Review. Our conversation dives into his expansive research and insight from his book, The Future Leader 9 Skills and Mindsets to Succeed in the Next Decade.

Resources

thefutureorganization.com

Jacob on Twitter

Book Recommendations

Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Empires

Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin’s Wrath, Bill Browder

“A gathering is a moment of time that has the potential to alter many other moments of time.” - Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering

1. Find a specific purpose for the meeting.

2. Be an active facilitator.

3. Give it some spice.

4. Get beyond a “culture of nice.”

Resources:

www.themainidea.net

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters

In this episode, Gary talks with Liz Wiseman, author, researcher, and executive advisor who teaches leadership around the world. We discuss her New York Times best sellers Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter and The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside our Schools, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work. We also talk about her newly released book, Impact Players. Her research and experience offer significant insight into what leadership looks like in today’s world, ways the best leaders make everyone smarter, and how to recognize contributors creating extraordinary value. Liz shares how to apply the characteristics of impact players in our own lives to make our work more impactful.

Resources:

thewisemangroup.com

twitter.com/LizWiseman

Book Recommendations:

The Second Mountain, David Brooks