Episodes

Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Episode 65: A New Kind of Diversity with Tim Elmore
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
Thursday Jul 20, 2023
We are big fans of Dr Tim Elmore. This is his second Leader Chat. Last time we discussed his impressive book, Eight Paradoxes of Great Leadership. We invited him back to talk through his newest book, A New Kind of Diversity. His research and insights are invaluable for us as leaders. Here, he and Jeff talk through strategies on how to recognize the challenges of generational diversity in the workplace and leverage them into opportunities. It’s an awesome discussion.

Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Episode 64: Trust Between Superintendents and Principals with Justin Benna
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
Wednesday Jul 12, 2023
What is one of the key ingredients for the health of any organization that starts with a ’T’? Likely you guessed it- its TRUST. In a school district, how is trust established between superintendents and principals? That’s what we asked Dr. Justin Benna, a professor in North Dakota who has studied and written on this very topic. Lean in, listen and enjoy!

Friday Jun 30, 2023
Episode 63: The Laws of Leadership & Communication with John C. Maxwell
Friday Jun 30, 2023
Friday Jun 30, 2023
If one is truly a ‘student of the game’ when it comes to studying and developing their own leadership skills, they likely have read John C. Maxwell’s work. If not, they should. John C. Maxwell is known as the #1 leadership author in the world. In this inspirational Leader Chat, he shares his wisdom, passion, and empathy with us. He is in our corner, and we are thrilled to be working with and learning from him. We can’t wait for him to join us in person during our Leadership Circle Summit in October!

Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Thursday Jun 15, 2023
Universal Design for Learning, (UDL) can sometimes be misunderstood or potentially overwhelm teachers and leaders. Not if they listen to or read the work of Katie Novak. She is a teacher at heart and has rich leadership experience. She makes UDL pragmatic and accessible. This Leader Chat episode is incredible!

Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Episode 61: Advancing Social Emotional Learning with Dr. Aaliyah Samuel
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
Wednesday Jun 07, 2023
There are very few topics in education as relevant today as Social and Emotional Health, for students and adults. There is also not any organization as knowledgeable on this topic as the Collaborative for Social and Emotional Learning. The CEO of CASEL, Dr. Aaliyah Samuel, joined us in this Leader Chat. It was a phenomenal and enlightening discussion.

Wednesday May 31, 2023
Episode 60: Reclaiming Happiness and Unleashing One’s Potential with Kim Strobel
Wednesday May 31, 2023
Wednesday May 31, 2023
As educational leaders, we all want and need to find peace and satisfaction within the context of the challenging times and work we are experiencing. It’s easier said than done. Kim Strobel provides some insightful and pragmatic advice to us, helping us to keep our head up and moving forward.

Wednesday May 24, 2023
Episode 59: Cultural Proficiency, Teaching, and Leadership with Dr. Roger Cleveland
Wednesday May 24, 2023
Wednesday May 24, 2023
In this episode, Jeff engages with Dr. Roger Cleveland about the importance and challenge of embracing cultural proficiency as educators. It’s a political topic, but as you listen, maybe they uncover why it does not have to be. If we have strategies to meet the needs of students, with the awareness that kids come from different backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets and it’s our job to love and teach them all.

Thursday May 18, 2023
Episode 58: Time For Change with Anthony Muhammad and Luis Cruz
Thursday May 18, 2023
Thursday May 18, 2023
If you are an educator, a leader in schools or in districts at any level, this is a must listen. Anthony Muhammad and Luis Cruz brought so much practical and powerful advice that it was actually hard for me to get Jeff to stop talking with them. These authors are not just researchers- they are practitioners who have been on the front lines. They get it!

Wednesday May 10, 2023
Wednesday May 10, 2023
This is the second part of a two-part series. This week, Pamela Swanson had her board president, Ken Ciancio, join us. Jeff was so excited to compare and contrast what Pam had to say in episode one with what Ken might bring to light in our second chat. Bottom line, Ken and Pam are two peas in a pod- they are a team and their mutual respect for each other and their roles shines through. If only all superintendent and board relationships were this strong.

Wednesday May 03, 2023
Wednesday May 03, 2023
Everyone who pays any attention to schools or politics knows, the dynamics of a school board can have positive or negative effects on the schools and communities they serve. We have had other Leader Chats on this topic, but Pamela Swanson, superintendent of Westminster Schools in Colorado, ‘schooled us’ in this Leader Chat. Her humility and compassion are obvious. Clearly, she understands quality governance, but she also describes the art of working with her board as united front. This Leader Chat is awesome!