Do You Have Bullies in the Workplace?
Sometimes the school hallways aren’t the only places where bullying happens. In this honest and vulnerable episode, Susan and Tessa recount personal experiences where they were made to feel small—times they were belittled, called out publicly, or dismissed in ways that cut deep. These moments don’t just sting, they raise critical questions about how we handle adult-to-adult disrespect in our schools and organizations.
Drawing inspiration from communication expert Jefferson Fischer, they explore practical ways to respond when a colleague crosses the line. From calm but firm responses to situational strategies, Tessa offers language that helps leaders navigate uncomfortable moments without escalating them. They also stress the importance of following HR and district policies while upholding a culture of psychological safety.
Leadership requires empathy, but not at the expense of allowing someone to bulldoze their way through interactions. This episode is a call to protect your staff, honor every voice at the table, and ensure that assertiveness never comes at the cost of someone else's dignity.
The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:
Tessa Brock
Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.
Susan Rosenthal
Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.
