Transforming Education: Leadership Lessons

Why is forgiveness a key ingredient of leadership? Learn how in this episode with Dr. Jiying (Jenny) Song, professor and first editor of the newly released book, Servant Leadership and Forgiveness: How Leaders Help Heal the Heart of the World.

Sarah Brown-Wessling is nationally known as the 2010 National Teacher of the Year, as Iowa's representative from Johnston, Iowa! Sarah shares what it means to lead through collaboration and not competition, the importance of listening, and providing support to teachers to lead in their own space.

Guest Corey Westra is Commissioner of the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Corey shares about his journey in sports leadership, pursuing excellence, building strong relationships and the GPAC’s commitment to keep athletes playing safely in a pandemic.

As a consultant to the Iowa State Department of Education, Lora Rasey has had a front-row seat in establishing the Teacher Leadership Compensation Program. She shares about the impact of transforming teacher leadership in Iowa. Take away highlights of TLC and the goals for empowering shared leadership.

One of the most innovative educational leaders in the country, Devin Vodicka talks about efficacy and personalized learning. Using his own immigrant experiences, his influence as superintendent and chief impact officer embraces diversity, promotes a positive impact and empowers every learner.

Steve Connell shares his vision for building an award-winning Pride of the Dutch Marching Band and then NWC’s Athletic Band. The program, built on student leadership, led to empowering students and gaining incredible buy-in. He also talks about the rewards of teamwork, modeling, and above-all: having fun.

Sought-after Christian motivational speaker and Northwestern’s new VP for Athletics shares how God uses ordinary people to get through extraordinary circumstances. By focusing on not what we can accomplish, but what God can do through us, we create a sense of peace in a constantly changing world.

A superintendent of the year, author and national speaker, Joe Sanfelippo brings his electric inspiration to the podcast. In this episode, we connect on his practical advice for hacking leadership like giving others ownership in the process, creating value, and recognizing every moment matters. Oh and Go Crickets!

As Executive Director of School Administrators of Iowa, Dr. Roark Horn is guiding the leaders of our Iowa schools. He shares how we are responding to challenging and uncertain times and what he’s curious about in education. Listen to Roark discuss what part of normal we need to let go of and his advice to aspiring principals to be available, accessible and approachable.

Dr. Theresa Pedersen brings a pandemic perspective from the future as students begin to return to the classroom in Germany and her own classroom on the United States military base. She gives us insight into the German educational system and the response to COVID-19. Theresa shares her resources for virtual learning with her special education class.

Have you been struggling with the disappointment of canceled life events? Missing these big moments, or rituals, is hard for students, educators, parents and families. Lori Hayungs from the Science of Parenting Podcast joins Gary to talk about honoring these losses and the power of connection as we develop resiliency and grit in hard times.

In this episode, author and Tedx speaker Dr. Katie Martin relates the current state of education to the infamous story of Kodak. Education must adapt. Learning opportunities and teaching methods must evolve to match the ever-changing needs of today’s learners. She discusses the need for personalized learning for educators. Her challenge: “If we want to change how students learn, we must change how teachers learn.” Katie and Gary also discuss the role that collective efficacy has on personalized learning.

In this episode, Gary is joined by guest co-host Jeff Herzberg and guest Dr. Buddy Berry, superintendent of Eminence school district, KY. Dr. Berry takes us through his journey of reimagining Eminence Independent Schools to design a next generation "Dream School" rooted in personalized learning, and centered around innovation and creativity and also their quest to be the Disney World of Schools.

On this episode, Mark DeYounge joins the podcast to share his heart on leadership and navigating authenticity within today’s pull toward self-focus. We dive into how our own faith, woundedness, and perspective of work and rest intercede with our leadership approach.

Gary is joined by Eric Sheninger – former award-winning principal, now a consultant, speaker, author and thought leader on digital leadership. Eric gives us tips to stay relevant in the constant of changing times. By moving away from a “that’s the way we’ve always done it” mindset, we allow for better collaboration, true innovation and data informed pedagogy to transform teaching and learning in the 21st century.

Dr. David DeJong helps principals become superintendents at the University of South Dakota. He’s making a big impact on preparing education administrators. What do these educators need to know as they transition into leadership roles? How can leaders invest in inspiring leaders? The first step is realizing the importance of 3 key relationships. Tune in as David explains the power of mentoring and collaboration for the future of education.

Dana Schon joins this episode of Transforming Education. As the Professional Learning Director for School Administrators of Iowa, she’s one of the most influential persons in continuing education to Iowa’s school leaders. She shares 3 traits that define successful leaders and a crucial mindset shift for defining life-work balance. Dana debunks some of our perceptions for what makes a good leader and expectations for women.

Jimmy Casas, author, speaker and award-winning principal, joins the podcast to talk about his journey in education. He shares about the power of building a community of leaders to help establish and reach goals as well as strive for excellence. Every member of the organization has a position to impact the culture. Leaders can inspire and instill confidence in others by modeling excellence. Jimmy highlights his characteristics of effective leaders and the four most powerful words to begin collaboration, “I need your help”.

Dr. Ryan Wise, Executive Director of Education in Iowa joins us to preview our upcoming fall Leadership in Education Conference and discuss big topics on teacher leadership, the new Iowa instructional framework pilot program and how to effectively support building principals.

The 9th president of Northwestern College, Greg Christy shares the challenges in higher education and how he values a collaborative leadership style to overcome those challenges. Greg and Gary talk through the impact of personal hardships like cancer and how connecting through our stories powerfully transforms the narrative of living, leading & serving.

Aaron and Joe are well-respected leaders with tons of experience in high-pressure environments. They first met as NFL player and chaplain for the Green Bay Packers and now coach individuals and organizations through the Align Process. We dive into their journey and learn how to get better every day by aligning our time and purpose.

We have all experienced good and even poor customer service! This episode’s guest, Dr. Rebecca Hoey has discovered that caring well for students in higher ed. or any setting makes all the difference. She’s all about empowering her team, supporting women in leadership and making education accessible!

In this episode of Transforming Education: Leadership Lessons, Gary Richardson talks with top Edupreneur, author and speaker Angela Maiers. Founder of the Choose2Matter Movement, Angela discusses her passion for empowering others through mattering. Everyone is created for significance.

Northwestern College’s Gary Richardson is joined by Mr. Jeff Herzberg in this episode of Transforming Education: Leadership Lessons to discuss qualities of great leaders, leading as a disruptor and challenging educational leaders to bring awareness of mental health and trauma in schools.

Northwestern College’s Gary Richardson is joined by Dr. Ron Juffer to discuss leading through investing, serving and modeling. Ron gives his take on leadership qualities of effective leaders while also opining on the Cubs and offering our first book challenge.