Leadership Lessons

Why the Butterflies Still Matter

The back-to-school season inspires excitement and commitment in educators and families alike. Despite years of experience, the anticipation remains vital for fostering student success. Collaboration and collective leadership are emphasized, as is the importance of emotional support alongside academic achievement. This year, a renewed focus on togetherness can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.

When to Stick to the Plan—and When to Pivot: 5 Leadership Lessons

A split-screen image showing a suited figure standing between two contrasting worlds: on the left, a blueprint-filled engineering workspace with technical drawings and drafting tools; on the right, a scenic, winding path through green hills with a compass and natural light, symbolizing the contrast between technical planning and exploratory journey.

Successful leadership today requires a balance between technical expertise and adaptive strategies to tackle diverse challenges effectively. Embrace this duality to enhance team performance.

HOPE

The article emphasizes the importance of Hope as a crucial predictor of success and well-being for students, especially in overcoming trauma, and advocates nurturing this quality in education.

The Four Steps to Becoming a ‘Leadership Artist’

Two open hands covered in colorful paint against a bright yellow background, symbolizing creativity, self-expression, and the artistry of leadership.

Superintendents are encouraged to embrace reconstruction in education post-pandemic, utilizing kintsugi principles to foster resilience and innovation through community engagement and reevaluating goals.

Winds in the East, Mist Coming In

Close-up of a dandelion releasing seeds into a clear blue sky, symbolizing change, transition, and new beginnings—echoing the sentiment of ‘Winds in the East, Mist coming in.’

July and August bring leadership changes in schools, highlighting transitions amid the pandemic. Leaders serve roles evolving with time, creating lasting impacts while facing difficult decisions to move on.

Don’t Want Enemies…Don’t Choose Leadership

A red paper boat leading a group of blue and teal boats on a light blue background, symbolizing leadership, standing out, and the challenges of being out front.

I was recently watching an episode from season six, episode two, of The Crown. Spoiler alert: stop reading if you are a loyalist to the show and haven’t watched this far. The episode focuses on the relationship between the Queen and then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Towards the end of the episode the Queen cautionsContinue reading “Don’t Want Enemies…Don’t Choose Leadership”

Finding Joy

A solitary tree covered in frost stands in a snowy field under a pale gray sky, symbolizing resilience, quiet reflection, and the ongoing search for joy after the pandemic.

In a reflective message, the author shares mixed memories of 2020, emphasizing the importance of family time and creating lasting joyful moments despite pandemic challenges.

I love me…

Silhouette of a person leaning against a heart-shaped tree under a starry sky and crescent moon, set against a twilight horizon—symbolizing love, vulnerability, and reflection during uncertain times.

The author reflects on stress and vulnerability, emphasizing the importance of being genuine rather than merely appearing healthy, while encouraging self-compassion amidst challenges.

Public Schools Serve as the Bedrock

The Statue of Liberty standing tall against a backdrop of clouds and blue sky, symbolizing freedom, civic values, and the foundational role of public education in democracy.

The 19th Anniversary of 9/11 is a day of reflection, highlighting unity and the importance of public schools during challenging times like the COVID pandemic.

“If Not Now, When?”- Hillel the Elder

A smiling family of six posing together in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, with children holding a Tinker Bell figure—capturing joy, connection, and family adventure.

This is the author’s first attempt at blogging, inspired by newfound stillness during the pandemic, prompting reflections on leadership, life, and the importance of timely expression.