Summary: Dr. Jim chats about the importance of collaborative leadership and creating a leader-full organization with Dr. Alena Zachary-Ross, CEO of AZR Leads and superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools. Discover how Dr. Ross emphasizes listening, working with unions, and empowering educators. She shares her journey in building the "Rising Leaders" program, growing teacher leaders, and enhancing student support amidst a competitive landscape. Key takeaways include fostering agency, collaboration, and internal leadership development—essential strategies for any district leader aiming to build a resilient, high-performing team. Key Takeaways: Leadership Collaboration: Successful transformation in education requires a collaborative approach, involving teachers, unions, and boards to ensure trust and shared goals.Listening as a Leadership Tool: Effective leadership starts with active listening, posing questions, and engaging stakeholders before implementing change.Grow Your Own Programs: Establishing leadership development initiatives like the "Rising Leaders" cohort can significantly enhance instructional quality and emotional support within schools.Resourceful Leadership: Even without extensive funding, districts can foster leadership and professional growth through book studies, instructional rounds, and leveraging existing resources.Empowering Educators: Programs that empower teachers to lead from where they stand help in creating a nurturing environment for both educators and students. Chapters: 00:00 Leadership and Transformation Through Collaboration and Listening 09:42 Building Strong Districts Through Teacher Leadership and Cohort Models 15:06 Creating a Fair Selection Process for Educational Program Applicants 16:34 Empowering Teachers Through Building-Level Leadership and Support Networks 20:53 Collaborating with Unions to Implement New Educational Programs 25:13 Empowering Educators Through Leadership Programs 29:25 Building a Successful Leadership Program Through Collaboration and Feedback Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Alena Ross: linkedin.com/in/alenazacheryross Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future. Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest leadership resources and exclusive event invites: k12.engagerocket.net