Episodes

Fairness in leadership isn’t about keeping score or handing out identical treatment—it’s about building trust in the unseen moments and setting a standard your team can believe in. In this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa peel back the layers of what it really means to be a fair leader, weaving in real stories and hard truths from the workplace. They explore how favoritism (or even the perception of it) can quietly erode morale, why consistency matters more than “sameness,” and how con...

Some leadership challenges feel less like a straight path and more like an amusement park ride you didn’t choose—spinning, looping, and returning to the same spot over and over. In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the exhausting cycle of recurring conflicts and unresolved conversations that leave leaders dizzy and teams stalled. They offer practical ways to step off the ride, from asking better questions and clarifying expectations to creating shared commitments everyone can stand behind. A...

In this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa explore what it really means to lead with courage. They discuss the challenges of speaking the truth, having difficult conversations, and creating a culture of clarity and respect. Drawing on ideas from Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead, they share how being “clear is kind” can prevent misunderstandings, build trust, and unlock the potential of every team member. Through candid examples, they highlight the importance of honesty, curiosity, and early ac...

Some days, leadership feels like climbing a hill that keeps getting steeper—your legs burn, the air thins, and you wonder if you’re ever going to reach the top. In this vulnerable and energizing episode, Susan and Tessa talk about what it means to lead through the moments when doubt creeps in and progress stalls. Through honest storytelling and personal reflection, they explore how discomfort isn't a detour, but part of the journey. Tessa paints a vivid metaphor of trudging uphill, reminding us...

In this honest episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa share transparent reflections on the routines that shape their mornings and evenings as leaders. Susan explains how early morning exercise and a quiet start set her up for the day, while Tessa discusses the power of intentional habits like keeping a to-do list and writing down late-night thoughts. Together, they explore the impact of small moments, from connecting with family to asking themselves empowering questions at bedtime. Tune in fo...

On this episode of Dips of Doubt, Susan and Tessa explore the difference between what you intend as a leader and how your actions are actually experienced by your team. With honest stories, including a lesson learned from feedback given behind closed doors. In addition, they highlight the importance of slowing down, being mindful, and making every interaction count. The hosts share practical tips for fostering honest conversation and ensuring people leave meetings feeling valued, not drained. T...

Imagine this: the principal's office is empty. The nameplate is gone, the atmosphere feels lighter, and whispers of "finally" float down the hall. But just as the door closed on one chapter, a new one opens—and in walks you. Now what? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the unspoken tension of leadership transitions—when staff are hopeful for change but hesitant to trust again. They unpack what it means to inherit culture, not just a position. With vulnerability, strategy, and a few gentl...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa challenge the idea that leadership is defined by position. They explore how true leadership is rooted in humility, collaboration, and the willingness to put ego aside. A title doesn’t automatically make someone the smartest person in the room—or give them the right to ignore the wisdom and experience of others. Leadership can be demonstrated from any role, and often, the best solutions come from those closest to the problem. Tessa shares a powerful story from th...

Susan and Tessa dive into one of the most overlooked but critical leadership skills—clear communication. Using Warren Buffett’s quote, “The most important investment you can make is in yourself. And one of the best ways to do this is to hone your communication skills,” they explore how miscommunication can create ripple effects across a campus. As the school year begins, this episode invites leaders to pause and reflect: Are you speaking with clarity and intention? Are your goals being heard th...

Ever notice how flight attendants never skip the safety briefing, even if most passengers have flown dozens of times? That’s because when it comes to crucial information, repetition matters. In this episode, Susan and Tessa draw inspiration from the runway to the school hallway, exploring how leaders must be just as intentional when onboarding new staff or reboarding returning team members. Too often, we assume everyone remembers the playbook—shared commitments, procedures, and core values—but t...

Applause is wonderful. But what happens when the crowd is silent? In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa unpack an article that explores how we must teach our children to be proud of themselves, not just rely on external praise. The lesson doesn’t stop with childhood. As educators and leaders, we often make quiet, powerful differences that no one sees or acknowledges. There are no trophies for staying late, solving a problem behind the scenes, or showing compassion in a tough moment, yet th...

In the hustle of meetings, emails, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to lead with your head down and your heart tucked away. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it truly means to lead with heart—not through grand gestures or expensive tokens, but by creating moments of intention, empathy, and genuine connection. They dive into the power of noticing others, offering space and grace, and showing appreciation in small but meaningful ways. Leading with heart may slow the pace for a moment...

What do you do when you’re surrounded by negativity? In this thoughtful episode, Susan and Tessa explore how to lead with intention when faced with negative voices in your school or workplace. They challenge the common reaction of labeling someone as a “negative person,” and instead ask, what’s really behind their outlook? Backed by brain science and personal reflection, they share how consistently viewing someone in a negative light creates neural pathways that can lock in our perception—and t...

Ever feel like someone is deliberately trying to get under your skin? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional landmines of leadership—those moments when students, staff, or parents seem to poke at every nerve. But what if it's not really about you at all? Using the powerful quote from Conscious Discipline, “It’s happening in front of me, it’s not about me,” they break down how to shift from reactive to reflective. Are we misreading the moment? Are we absorbing someone...

No one really talks about the quiet grief that comes with stepping into leadership—until now. In this reflective and deeply human episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the often-unspoken losses that accompany a leadership title. One day you’re a peer, the next you’re “one of them.” Relationships shift. Conversations grow cautious. Trust must be re-earned, and suddenly, you’re standing in a space between connection and authority. Together, they explore the internal and external changes that happen the...

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...

Do we truly see what’s right in front of us? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack a common leadership tendency—focusing on what’s broken instead of what’s blooming. When we're constantly scanning for problems to solve, we can overlook the small wins, positive behaviors, and daily efforts that keep our schools moving forward. What if we shifted our lens? What if we made it a habit to catch people doing the right thing, to write a quick note of appreciation, or to give a specific shout-out dur...

Think back to learning how to drive. You may have watched from the passenger seat, played racing video games, or confidently ridden the Cars attraction at Disneyland. But none of those experiences truly prepared you for the real thing, such as navigating traffic, understanding right-of-way, or parallel parking under pressure. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how that learning curve mirrors the journey of leadership. They reflect on the early stage of being unconsciously incompetent, whe...

Leadership comes with many rewards but also with a heavy cost: time. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa open up about the guilt that often shadows school leaders as they juggle long hours, late-night events, and emotionally taxing decisions, all while trying to be present for the people they love most. From missing family dinners to feeling mentally drained at home, they share their personal stories of guilt and grace. But this conversation isn’t about shame—it’s about reclaim...

A sigh, a smirk, a well-timed eye roll are all silent cues, which can speak volumes about a workplace culture. In this episode, Tessa kicks things off with a story that many of us have witnessed: a cashier fumbling through a transaction, surrounded by silent judgment—until one teammate steps in with empathy and calm. Susan and Tessa dive into the powerful ripple effect of small acts of support versus subtle (or not-so-subtle) disrespect. They ask the hard question: Who do we want to be, together...

What if the most powerful leadership move you make today is simply noticing? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack what happens when we move past assumptions and lean into compassion. When a colleague hasn’t smiled in months, do we write them off—or do we pause and ask why? Through real stories and reflective dialogue, they explore how leaders can create emotionally connected environments by asking intentional questions, listening without judgment, and refusing to let anyone feel invisible. Th...

In this honest and empowering episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the fear many young leaders have of admitting, "I don't know." Early in leadership, we often feel pressure to have all the answers, hiding our uncertainties out of fear, ego, or insecurity. But the truth is, we don't know what we don't know—and that's okay. Susan and Tessa explore how to create a culture where vulnerability is seen as strength, questions are welcomed, and growth is celebrated. This conversation encourages leaders to e...

In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dive into leadership insights inspired by Eric Danetz’s article highlighting four essential lessons from first responders. As school leaders, it can often feel like we’re constantly putting out fires, reacting to chaos, and managing emergencies on the fly. But how can we lead like a first responder with the important qualities, such as being steady, prepared, and effective under pressure? Susan and Tessa explore the importance of delegating and empoweri...

In this important conversation, Susan and Tessa unpack the common leadership dilemma—how to hold others accountable without being labeled a micromanager. They explore what happens when leaders avoid addressing issues like tardiness or dress code violations out of fear of overstepping. Drawing from Brene Brown’s wisdom, “Clear is kind,” they emphasize that clarity in expectations is not only kind, but necessary for a healthy culture. They discuss how accountability requires consistent communicati...