Every leader faces a defining moment—the choice to grow or fold. Inspired by Dawn Staley’s powerful words, this post explores how true leadership is forged in discomfort, resilience, and the quiet grind between where you start and where you finish. Growth isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty, courageous, and deeply human. When you choose to grow instead of folding, you model strength, inspire others, and expand what’s possible for your team, your legacy, and yourself.

Just as nature shifts from fall to winter, organizations move through their own seasons—growth, transition, recovery, and reset. Great leaders know how to read the moment and adapt their style accordingly. This post explores how to align your leadership with the season you’re in, bringing clarity, courage, and purpose to every phase of change.

Our brains are hardwired for connection and stories. This podcast is all about amplifying both. Now more than ever our stories matter. On this episode of The Your Story Matters Podcast I had a conversation with Dr. Cindy Petersen & Dr. Marilou Ryder. Dr. Cindy Petersen was 2019 ACSA's Exemplary Woman in Education as well as ACSA Region 3's Outstanding Woman Leader for 2020. Cindy earned the recognition of ACSA Region 3 Superintendent of the Year in 2013 and again in 2020. I

In a world obsessed with self-care, Adam Grant reminds us that kindness is the real catalyst for wellbeing. Generosity not only uplifts others—it strengthens our own resilience, connection, and joy. As leaders, simple acts of kindness can ripple through teams, building trust, morale, and a culture where everyone thrives.

Leaders are often told to “leave feelings at the door,” but that’s not just bad advice—it’s impossible. Emotions shape how we communicate, make decisions, and inspire others. In Embracing Emotions, part of the Courageous Leadership: Bits of Courage series, explore key lessons from No Hard Feelings by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy on emotional fluency, boundaries, and vulnerability—showing that the future of leadership isn’t less emotional, it’s more human.

Rethinking What Leadership Looks Like explores the shift from executive presence to authentic leadership—moving beyond bias to inspire trust, courage, and connection.