In this episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Steve Perry, an outspoken and trailblazing educator, to discuss the challenges and solutions surrounding effective school leadership. Explore Dr. Perry's unique approach to education through his Capital Preparatory Schools, which combine rigorous academics with a commitment to social justice. Learn about the trials he faced fighting for systemic changes in education and the importance of having a support network for school leaders. Dr. Perry emphasizes...

In this episode, Jeff engages in a dynamic conversation with Hanseul Kang, the Executive Director of the Broad Center at the Yale School of Management. Hanseul shares her journey from being an undocumented immigrant to becoming a prominent educational leader. She discusses her impactful tenure as the District of Columbia State Superintendent of Education and her current role in supporting and developing leaders through the Broad Center's programs. Jeff and Hanseul explore the importance of...

On this episode of Leader Chat, Jeff speaks to Dr. Kerry Healey and Vice Admiral Dee Mewbourne about their upcoming leadership course at Princeton. Kerry's experience in the public sector complimented by Dee's experience in the defense sector, brilliantly come together to form a well-rounded approach to modern leadership and management training. Their conversation covers challenges they both experienced over course of their careers, issues they see challenging public leaders today, and how...

On this week’s episode of Leader Chat, Jeff welcomes back the remarkably insightful Scott Mautz to talk about his new book, "The Mentally Strong Leader." Scott's ability to identify and address the challenges leaders face on a broad level is nothing short of masterful. Whether you lead in education, business, or another field, this episode is a must-listen!

Liz Wiseman is a big-time guest! She is a highly sought after leader in both the private and public sectors, and for good reason. Jeff was thrilled she agreed to this Leader Chat, and she delivered. The 'Multiplier Effect' should be embraced by all, and we are so happy to learn and communicate this message.

If you were to guess where in higher education there is great work happening in the educational leadership space, you likely may guess...Harvard. Of course, you would be right. Still, here Jeff and Jennifer Cheatham discuss the challenges and opportunities to embrace new ways and systems to do so. As you will hear, we have such a wonderful opportunity to serve students by supporting our leaders. If you follow educational leadership trends, listen up!

Ellen Galinsky's research and perspective is nothing short of groundbreaking. If you are a parent, teacher, and of course a leader in the educational space, you need to hear Ellen speak with us. She and Jeff go deep into conversation about this content that, if understood, can dramatically change how we love and support kids in their teen years.

Kim Strobel returns to our show with big energy and big ideas. In her new book, "Teach Happy: Small Steps to Big Joy," Jeff and Kim waste no time diving right in. Listen as Kim walks through the concept of happiness plans for school leaders that will help change how they work in their schools on a foundational level. While Kim’s advice is very practical, it is nothing short of inspirational. This episode is a must-listen!

Stacey Schultz has a very informed and interesting perspective for us to hear as educators and leaders. She is committed to collaborative and meaningful ways for schools to embrace equity and technology. As the president of Educate, she sheds her wisdom and experience with us.

This conversation with Gregg Behr is packed with insightful perspective that any educational leader will appreciate. Gregg is dynamic and insightful, and masterfully uncovers the genius of "Mr. Rogers" and relates it to our current educational opportunities.

Understanding the essence of SEL (Social Emotional Learning) is one thing, implementing it is another. Dr. Sheldon Bergman (Shelley to Jeff), has decades of experience leading this work. He and Jeff, longtime friends go into depth about strategies and the needed courage to tackle this work on behalf of students.

This is the case in education, like other fields, but creating systems of accountability and giving feedback can be very uncomfortable and difficult. Jeff Hancher is an expert in this area, and we were so lucky to get his help and perspective. If you lead, regardless of level in education, listen to Jeff's invaluable advice.

Dr. Alfred Tatum brings to light that perhaps our bar is set too low, specifically for Black boys. Alfred is passionate and very experienced in regards to literacy development, and his mission to teach and raise intellectuals is inspiring. His book, Teaching Black Boys in the Elementary Grades, is dense and packed with helpful instructional strategies.

As one can see and/or hear, Scott's content specific to leading from the middle is something that needs to be heard by educational leaders. It may be one of the most relevant and pragmatic books that may not make it to the education space unless promoted and pushed. Scott's description of the challenges leaders face is so accurate, and the advice and direction he gives are beyond insightful. There isn't a leader in education who would not benefit from this conversation and the work of Scott...

In education, like all disciplines, there are organizations we rely on to move forward and innovate and teach us along the way. The Khan Academy is one of them, especially when it comes to embedding technological advances to improve instructional support for students. In this Leader Chat we are honored to have Kristen Dicerbo talk with us as we delve into the current and future impact of AI in educational opportunities. Kristen helps us understand what the Kahn Academy has been able to build,...

Pearl is an inspirational leader in many respects. She is fearless, strategic, but ultimately empowered by doing what is best for those she serves. She has and continues to resist the trappings of politics and bureaucracy, and her story needs to be shared and heard by principals and district leaders. She and Jeff get real in this conversation, and we encourage all to learn via Pearl's story and success.

If you are interested in learning more and developing yourself as a leader and don’t know Craig Dowden, you must. His work and perspective are incredibly valuable and unique. Many writers, speakers, and consultants in the leadership space focus on systems and structures of productivity. Craig’s focus aligns squarely with the internal and behavioral health of leaders themselves. His research and advice are pragmatic and meaningful. He and Jeff discuss his book, A Time to Lead: Mastering...

We were drawn to Starr's book, 'From Teacher to Leader: Finding Your Way as a First-Time Leader Without Losing Your Mind'. This challenging transition, described in even the title, is more relevant today than it ever has been. Starr Sackstein offers her very honest and pragmatic reflections and advice in this engaging conversation.

For some leaders and educators, AI is exciting and full of potential. For others, it's scary and intimidating. This being the case, the best strategy is to tap the wisdom of someone like Pat Yongpradit, the Chief Academic Officer for Code.org and leader of TeachAI. Listeners of Leader Chat will appreciate his candor and balanced perspective. AI resources and influence will only continue to grow, so learning from experts like Pat is extremely valuable.

Heath Morrison is the CEO of Teachers of Tomorrow, a very important and vital organization that is fortunate to be led by someone with vast experience who cares deeply about students and teachers. Heath and Jeff delve into the relevant and critical topic of teacher shortages—what is and what is to come. Their discussion analyzed the current status and conditions impacting the problem and delves into brainstorming future solutions. Every educational leader should listen to this!

PJ Caposey is impressive! He is an award winning and working superintendent. His story of overcoming personal challenges is motivating, and he also supports leaders across the country as he coaches and speaks to the themes he has written about in his several published books. He and Jeff delve into 'Cracking the Coaching Code', one of his books and Time Management issues, which he has also written about. PJ and Jeff get along GREAT- enjoy their conversation!

Margaret Wheatley is a deep thinker and clearly has an incredible background working with leaders around the world. She has written extensively on education and leadership, and her work is personal and pushes others to take a close look at themselves. The conversation between Jeff and Margaret was different than other Leader Chats, in a good way. Enjoy this discussion as they talk about her book, Who Do We Choose To Be: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, & Restoring Sanity.

David Esmie is not an educator by trade. Rather, guided by his own experiences in the finance industry, he has chosen to dedicate himself to influencing typically underrepresented youth to pursue careers in finance. He and Jeff are friends, and our listeners will appreciate them comparing notes and talking strategy on how David is impacting future financiers.

Imagine an educational leader who has empathy for the challenges faced in the classroom, one who is able to create systems focused on the learner and the teacher. Also, think of a leader who embraces innovation and is able to create a culture that finds a balance of autonomy and fidelity for the organization. This person is Devin Vodicka! In this Leader Chat, he and Jeff engage in a conversation about what ‘Leaner Centered Leadership’ really is and why it’s needed.