Episodes

As leaders, are we truly listening or are we letting our biases choose a side before we hear the full story? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of impartial listening when working with staff, students, and parents. They discuss how easy it is to stop listening once we think we know the answer and how that can impact trust and decision-making. Through personal insights and practical strategies, they break down how to stay curious, gather facts, and use a problem-solving model...

As leaders, we have all asked the question, should I just do this tomorrow? Susan and Tessa dive into the all-too-relatable feeling of overwhelm when the "to-do list" keeps growing and motivation seems out of reach. They share personal stories of procrastination and the stress that comes with putting things off. But more importantly, they offer practical strategies to break the cycle, such as tackling the toughest task first, breaking work into manageable chunks, using lists for momentum, delega...

Tessa kicks off this episode with a storytelling game where each twist flips between "fortunately" and "unfortunately," challenging everyone listening to find the silver lining in every setback. This playful exercise reflects a powerful leadership mindset—choosing growth over defeat. As leaders, tough moments will come, but like the tide, challenges roll in and eventually recede. Susan and Tessa share real leadership stories, discuss emotional resilience, and explore strategies for self-regulati...

As a leader, you’re constantly moving from one challenge to the next, but are you taking care of yourself in the process? In this episode, Susan and Tessa ask the tough questions: Are you eating? Taking breaks? Breathing? Leadership fatigue is real, and without intentional moments of rest, our decision-making, energy, and well-being suffer. Join the conversation as they share practical strategies, useful gadgets, and simple ways to refuel—whether it’s the right snacks, movement, or mental resets...

Stepping into leadership is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming, frustrating, and downright exhausting. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share their differing perspectives on what it feels like to be a new leader, from the struggles of navigating uncharted territory to the thrill of making an impact. They dive into the highs and lows, the uncertainty of not having a roadmap, and the incredible opportunity to shape a team and culture. Whether you’re a brand-new leader or guid...

As leaders, we are often the ones others turn to in times of crisis. But what do you say when a staff member is facing a personal tragedy? How do you offer support without overstepping? In this heartfelt conversation, Susan and Tessa share personal stories, words of encouragement, and practical strategies for navigating these difficult moments with compassion and care. From knowing when to simply listen to finding meaningful ways to help, this episode provides guidance on being a steady presenc...

"I'm a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring good-enoughist." — Brené Brown Perfection is a heavy burden, especially for leaders. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the inner chatter that tells us we have to be the best at everything—but is that even possible? Spoiler: It’s not. Join the conversation as they unpack how to prioritize what truly needs your time and energy, let go of unrealistic expectations, and embrace being good enough in the areas that don’t require perfection. Lea...

Is the traditional "Sandwich Model" of feedback—praise, critique, praise—really the best way to help your staff grow? In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dissect this well-known method, sharing why it might not be as effective as we think. They explore the potential pitfalls, like diluting important feedback or leaving staff confused about what really needs improvement. Susan and Tessa offer fresh strategies to create feedback environments where staff feel comfortable, respected, and gen...

What do leadership, waiting tables, and training orca whales have in common? More than you think! In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how leadership mirrors the service mindset of a waiter or waitress—anticipating needs, supporting your team, and ensuring everyone thrives. But what happens when stress and overwhelm creep in, causing that servant mindset to slip? Tessa shares a fascinating story about orca whale training and how it connects to leadership: we don’t lower expectations, but we...

When mistakes happen, do we instinctively look for someone to blame, or do we assume best intentions and focus on solutions? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the blame game mindset and how it can derail progress, morale, and trust in leadership. Tessa shares a powerful story about a workplace mishap that had everyone bracing for blame, and together, she and Susan unpack how leaders can shift from pointing fingers to problem-solving. Tune in for practical strategies to navigate adversi...

Bad days are inevitable, even for leaders. Like a crashing wave, they can knock us down, but the tide eventually recedes, giving us the chance to rise again. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of struggle and offer practical strategies to navigate hardship, tragedy, or overwhelming emotions. They remind us of the resilience within each of us and emphasize the importance of acknowledging tough moments without dwelling in them. Tune in for thoughtful insights and tactics to h...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the essence of commitment, sharing a powerful definition: Commitment is what we do long after the mood has left us. As the excitement of the new year fades and goals or resolutions start to feel challenging, they reflect on how fleeting emotions often derail our personal and professional aspirations. Susan and Tessa provide thought-provoking questions to help leaders evaluate their dedication and strategies to stay steadfast in pursuing professional goals...

In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the idea of joy—both personal and professional. Inspired by a recent conference Susan attended, they discuss how the concept of joy didn’t initially resonate with her and how she reframed the message to explore what joy means in the context of leadership. While it’s easy to identify joy in personal aspects like family and friends, finding joy in the challenges and demands of our professional roles can feel much harder. Join Susan and Tessa a...

Sleepless nights happen to the best of us, especially during stressful seasons of leadership. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of restless nights and how stress has impacted their ability to recharge. They dive into the critical role sleep plays in our success and offer practical strategies to quiet your mind, manage stress, and create a bedtime routine that sets you up for restful nights. Whether it’s calming your thoughts or breaking the cycle of late-night overthinking,...

Do you ever feel like all eyes are on you or that people are saying unkind things behind your back? Susan and Tessa unpack this common leadership worry and offer a refreshing perspective: most people aren’t scrutinizing your every move. In fact, we often overestimate our importance in others’ minds. In this episode, they explore how to shift focus away from these fears and onto what truly matters—serving your team, staying grounded in your purpose, and being the best version of yourself. In the ...

Susan and Tessa revisit the excitement of the new year and ask the big question: Have your resolutions, goals, or "one word" already taken a backseat? It's easy to lose momentum as the weeks roll on, but they’re here to remind you that it’s never too late to realign. In this episode, they explore how leaders can give themselves grace, embrace flexibility, and take small, meaningful steps toward progress. Remember, every day is a new opportunity to reflect, refocus, and keep moving forward on you...

In this week's episode, "Are You an Influencer as You Lead with Intention?", Susan and Tessa explore what it means to inspire and empower those around you, while discussing the critical difference between simply being a boss and becoming a true influencer within your organization. As the new year begins, they encourage leaders to adopt a mindset of intentionality, fostering trust and positive relationships. With insights on creating a warm, inviting culture and being open to feedback, this conve...

"What's Your Leadership Legacy?" challenges you to consider the lasting impact you want to make as a leader. Susan and Tessa delve into the profound question of how we leave our mark, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and prioritizing what truly matters in leadership. Through personal reflections and insights, they share their visions of leadership legacies and discuss the qualities, characteristics, and actions that create meaningful, lasting influence. This episode is a heartfelt ex...

In the last episode of the year, "New Year, New Opportunity" invites you to hit pause and reflect on your leadership journey. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ quote, “You don’t know where you are going until you know where you have been,” Susan and Tessa dive into the power of reflection—not just in January but at key moments throughout the year. From setting checkpoints each semester to assessing monthly progress, they discuss how to evaluate your goals, identify what’s working, and embrace change for ...

Ever found yourself dreading a task because of a past negative experience? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the hidden struggles leaders face when anxiety sneaks in—whether it’s from a tense meeting, a tough conversation with a parent, or other challenging moments. Through candid stories and relatable insights, they unpack how avoidance can creep into our professional lives and hold us back. But it’s not all doom and gloom—Susan and Tessa share practical strategies to face ...

When adversity strikes or things go wrong, how do you respond? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore our natural tendencies to spiral into doom-and-gloom, worry, or frustration when faced with challenges. They unpack the brain's default reactions and share actionable strategies to navigate tough situations with resilience and clarity. Learn how to shift your mindset, stay grounded, and lead through adversity without turning obstacles into catastrophes. This empowering conversation will help y...

What do you do when your best-laid plans fall apart, an initiative flops, or a decision backfires? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the messy side of leadership, exploring how to handle failure and frustration without losing momentum. They share how reflecting on the experience, asking the tough questions, and celebrating small wins can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. By shifting from emotional reactions to a data-driven focus, leaders can uncover valuable lessons and crea...

In this episode, Susan starts the show sharing a vulnerable story about navigating frustration during a medical procedure and how her assumptions shaped her experience. This reflection sparks a deep conversation with Tessa about the importance of self-awareness in leadership. How often do we, as leaders, jump to conclusions, assume the worst, or fail to consider the needs of others? Together, they explore how self-reflection, pausing, and empathizing can transform our reactions and help us show ...

Appreciation shouldn’t be confined to a single day or week. It’s a daily practice that transforms campus culture. In this thoughtful episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of showing gratitude every day and ask, "Why wait for Teacher Week or Principal’s Day to celebrate our staff?" They discuss how personalized acts of appreciation, no matter how small, can make individuals feel seen, valued, and connected. From sticky notes to handwritten cards, they share practical ideas for building ...