Episodes

Educators are often so focused on serving others that they neglect their own well-being. In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the importance of self-care, reminding leaders that they deserve "first-class care" too. They share personal stories of times they overlooked their own needs, highlighting the guilt that can come with stepping away from work. With empathy and encouragement, they explore the concept of self-compassion and provide diverse strategies to make self-care a prior...

Overthinking can paralyze even the strongest leaders. In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the traps of fear, doubt, and overwhelming thoughts that can lead to indecision. Through relatable stories, memorable quotes, and practical strategies, they explore how to push past hesitation and make confident choices. They also discuss how overthinking can impact how staff perceives a leader and influence team dynamics. Tune in to learn how to trust yourself, seek the right support, and apply powerfu...

In this episode of the Dips of Doubt podcast, Susan and Tessa explore the profound impact of connection on leadership. They delve into the idea that effective leaders must cultivate a sense of belonging within their teams, tailoring their approach to the unique needs of each individual. Whether it's a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, everyone craves connection. Join Susan and Tessa as they discuss the power of connection, the importance of adapting leadership styles, and practical tips for foster...

Feeling drained during this busy time of year? Susan and Tessa delve into the realities of emotional and physical fatigue, offering insights into why burnout hits so hard and how to manage it effectively. They discuss decision fatigue, inspired by examples like Einstein and Steve Jobs, who simplified choices to conserve mental energy. As leaders, our flexibility often adds to the number of decisions we face daily, and knowing when our brains need a break is critical. They also tackle compassion ...

Have you ever paused to consider the power of a positive comment? A simple compliment, a kind gesture, or even a silent act of support can create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond our immediate circle. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive deep into the art of spreading positivity. They explore the pervasive nature of negativity in our daily lives and discuss the transformative impact of shifting our focus to the positive. Together, they unravel why we default to negativity and offer...

What drives you to push forward and achieve your goals? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the art of self-motivation and how leaders can fuel their growth every day. Drawing inspiration from Olympic athletes, they discuss strategies like goal visualization, speaking your aspirations aloud, and creating a clear pathway to success. Whether it's setting new challenges or refining your approach, they share practical tips to help you stay motivated, focused, and on track to live your dreams. J...

As leaders, we’re always in the spotlight, and our actions speak volumes. In this episode, Susan and Tessa delve into the reality that people are constantly observing us, whether on campus or in the community. They discuss how leaders represent their teams, schools, and districts, emphasizing the importance of modeling integrity, professionalism, and kindness. Through engaging stories and examples, they illustrate how both positive and negative behaviors ripple outward, shaping the environment a...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the powerful adage, "Actions speak louder than words," challenging leaders to reflect on whether their behavior aligns with their promises. They explore the impact of saying one thing and doing another, emphasizing how it can erode trust and reliability among staff. With candid examples and practical insights, they discuss the importance of following through and caution against overpromising. Tune in to learn how consistent actions can build your credibili...

Susan and Tessa delve into the power of pausing and noticing moments of gratitude—both for ourselves and those around us. From journaling reflections to sharing appreciative words with colleagues or loved ones, they discuss simple yet impactful ways to cultivate gratitude regularly. They highlight how setting and technique matter, whether you’re speaking your thanks aloud, writing it down, or simply holding it in mind. In this episode, discover methods to foster gratitude in your daily life and ...

With the holiday season approaching, Susan and Tessa explore how shifts in routine and the prospect of long breaks can create challenges for students, especially those who rely on the stability of school as a safe space. As disruptions can often lead to heightened emotions and unregulated behaviors, they discuss ways educators can respond to student anxiety and de-escalate tense situations effectively. Susan and Tessa also address the difficult realities some students face during the holidays, f...

As November brings on the rush of holiday stress and shifting dynamics among students, staff, and parents, leaders can find themselves in "survival mode". In this episode, Susan and Tessa talk about the power of gratitude during this busy season and the importance of reflecting on the positive impact you’re making, even when times are tough. Drawing on scientific research, they share strategies to move past “survival mode” by identifying key challenges, breaking them down into manageable steps, ...

Setting boundaries is essential for leaders, especially those who strive to please others or aim to advance in their careers. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how to establish healthy limits to prevent burnout and support mental health while upholding a reputation for hard work and service. They share real-life examples of saying "no" in a way that maintains respect and authenticity and emphasize the importance of delegating tasks to empower those around you. This discussion provides pra...

Rebuilding trust with staff members who have disengaged can be challenging, but it’s crucial for a healthy school culture. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share effective strategies for reconnecting with shut-down staff and creating a transparent feedback environment. They discuss the importance of assessing campus culture carefully, keeping an eye out for pitfalls like relying on the same voices, receiving insincere feedback, and neglecting to provide a safe space for open dialogue. Susan and ...

In this important episode, Susan and Tessa tackle a common challenge many leaders face: when a meeting takes an unexpected turn, leaving you feeling attacked or where the conversation becomes negative. They share three essential strategies to help leaders confidently address these situations, turning them into opportunities for growth. With a focus on confronting the issue head-on, Susan and Tessa offer insights on how to guide future meetings toward healthier, more effective communication, ensu...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa begin with a powerful question: "Have you ever wished for a clean slate?" They dive into how leaders and educators can shift their mindset when working with students, particularly those with challenging behaviors. By approaching students with an open heart, grace, and a sense of delight—rather than expecting difficulties—educators can foster a more positive environment for growth. Susan and Tessa emphasize the importance of focusing on each student’s promise and ...

During this awesome episode, Susan and Tessa explore the concept of "Go Slow to Go Fast," discussing how leaders often face overwhelming demands and responsibilities. They emphasize the importance of taking time to process and reflect before jumping into action. Leadership is a marathon, not a sprint—by slowing down, leaders can prioritize effectively, strategize thoughtfully, and make more impactful decisions. Susan and Tessa also highlight the power of delegation and fostering a team mentality...

In this powerful episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the essential role of parent support in a school’s success. As a leader, providing parents with the right resources, transparency, and empathy strengthens communication and builds trust. They explore how deeper connections with parents through programs like PTA, along with regular gratitude and "positive phone calls," can make a significant impact on student learning and school culture. Tune in to hear practical strategies for fostering stronge...

As the school year gains momentum, it’s crucial to pause and evaluate your progress as a leader. It’s the perfect time to reflect on personal and campus goals—are you progressing as planned, or do adjustments need to be made? Join the discussion as Susan and Tessa share strategies on visualization, using data to assess your progress, and identifying areas that need a course correction. They emphasize the importance of being intentional with your growth and provide actionable insights to ensure y...

In this insightful episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the tough reality of leadership—knowing you can’t please everyone. They explore the reflective questions leaders should ask when faced with negativity or dissatisfaction from staff, and how to avoid getting stuck in a negative mindset. Susan and Tessa discuss what aspects of the situation leaders can control and provide strategies to shift your mindset, helping you rise above negativity and focus on being the best leader you can be. Tune in for ...

In this important episode, Susan and Tessa explore the profound impact of brain regulation in education, focusing on how our brains respond to stressful situations. They share strategies for educators to manage their own triggers and avoid escalating conflicts with students, parents, or co-workers. By understanding the brain's "fear state" and "survival mode," Susan and Tessa discuss how to recognize the triggers that cause dysregulation and how to navigate the fight-or-flight response. As leade...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa offer practical email strategies to help leaders stay organized and on top of their inbox. They share tips like archiving emails to reduce clutter, scheduling messages to send during appropriate business hours, and delegating tasks to team members for better support. Learn how to efficiently manage your inbox by deleting unnecessary emails and saving important ones in designated folders. Tune in for actionable email hacks that will help you boost productivity, cu...

In this powerful episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the art of self-organization and the importance of closing the loop in delegation. They discuss strategies for staying organized, from breaking down tasks into "good, better, and best" categories to ensuring follow-through on delegation. By closing the loop, leaders can ensure tasks are completed efficiently without loose ends and frustration. Susan and Tessa share actionable tips on how to streamline responsibilities, prioritize effectively, a...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the importance of embracing your blind spots as a leader to grow and improve. They explore how being open to feedback, both positive and constructive, is key to becoming the best version of yourself. By building genuine connections with staff and fostering healthy relationships, leaders can cultivate a culture of healthy dialog. Susan and Tessa emphasize the need to listen to the message of the feedback rather than getting hung up on the delivery, and h...

Mistakes are inevitable when working with people, but in this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the tough yet rewarding process of owning and fixing them. They discuss how navigating the messiness of human relationships requires both humility and strategy, offering practical advice on how to repair mistakes while maintaining trust and respect. Through real-life examples, Susan and Tessa explore how leaders can approach difficult situations with accountability and grace. Tune in to discover how ...