WEP 263: Bobby Dodd and Dr. Ben Johnson - Intentional Influence: Harnessing Culture Mapping to Build Commitment
Release Date: 05/19/2026
WEP 263: Bobby Dodd and Dr. Ben Johnson - Intentional Influence: Harnessing Culture Mapping to Build Commitment
The Wired Educator Podcast
WEP 263: Bobby Dodd and Dr. Ben Johnson - Intentional Influence: Harnessing Culture Mapping to Build Commitment In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy talks with Bobby Dodd and Dr. Ben Johnson, authors of . This conversation is all about how leaders can better understand the real relationships, influence, trust, and momentum inside their schools. Bobby and Ben explain culture mapping and how it helps leaders stop guessing and start leading with greater clarity, purpose, and intentional influence. In this episode, you will learn: • Why the official organizational chart...
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WEP 262: Answering Why an Interview with Mark Perna Hosted by Kelly Croy
The Wired Educator Podcast
The Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 262: "Answering Why" with Mark Perna I first heard Mark Perna speak at Kalahari in Sandusky a few months back, and I'll be honest. I counted him out at first because he didn't come from a traditional educator's background. Five minutes in, I realized I was listening to one of the greatest educators I've ever met. This conversation is a game changer. We dig into the engagement gap, the real role of AI in preparing students for the future, and how to give hope and opportunity to the bottom half of the class, the top half, and everyone in between. You're going...
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WEP 261: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships in the Age of AI
The Wired Educator Podcast
WEP 261: Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships in the Age of AI Guest: Casey Cuny, 2024 California Teacher of the Year "AI can be an engine for equity, but only if we maintain the heartbeat of the classroom: the relationship." In this high-energy, live-recorded episode, Kelly Croy sits down with Casey Cuny, the 2024 California Teacher of the Year. Recorded live at the 3rd Annual SEL Symposium, Casey shares his moving journey from a 13-year-old bone cancer patient to a leader in educational innovation. Casey and Kelly dive deep into how AI shouldn't just be a tool for "offloading" work, but a...
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WEP 260: Leading with Heart, Hustle, and Pride an Interview with Mark Bagley Hosted by Kelly Croy
The Wired Educator Podcast
Episode 260: Leading with Heart, Hustle, and Pride" with Mark Bagley By Kelly Croy This is the Wired Educator Podcast, Episode 260! I am so excited for you to hear this conversation. I’m sitting down with a good friend, a colleague, and a truly great leader in Ohio: Mark Bagley, the Superintendent of Van Wert City Schools. In this episode, we learn exactly what it takes to lead a district with authenticity and how to make a real difference in the lives of both colleagues and children. Mark is a "servant leader" in the truest sense of the word. Whether it’s picking up trash, helping in a...
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WEP 259: Lifted to Lead: Resilience and Advocacy with Dr. Stefan Bean Hosted by Kelly Croy
The Wired Educator Podcast
WEP 259: Lifted to Lead: Resilience and Advocacy with Dr. Stefan Bean Hosted by Kelly Croy Episode Description: In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy sits down with Dr. Stefan Bean, Superintendent of Orange County, California, to discuss a journey of resilience that is unlike anything you’ve ever heard. Dr. Bean oversees the education of over 450,000 students, but his story begins as a refugee of the Vietnam War. Stricken with polio and brought to the U.S. during Operation Babylift, Dr. Bean shares how a single teacher’s belief in his potential transformed his life....
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WEP 258:The Magic of Customer Service in Education an Interview with Greg Honchel Hosted by Kelly Croy
The Wired Educator Podcast
In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy sits down with Greg Honchel, Educational Sales Consultant with IXL Learning, to explore a powerful idea that often gets overlooked in schools: customer service. Yes… customer service. Greg shares how putting students first, communicating with clarity, and building authentic partnerships can transform not only business relationships but classrooms, districts, and student outcomes. This is a conversation about leadership, intentional technology use, and how small acts of service create lasting impact. You are going to love this episode....
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WEP 257: Lead From Who You Are, an Interview with Joe Sanfelippo
The Wired Educator Podcast
Wired Educator Podcast Episode 257 Lead From Who You Are with Dr. Joe Sanfelippo In Episode 257 of the Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy interviews Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, nationally recognized speaker, former superintendent, and author of the new book . It has been 122 episodes since Joe’s last appearance on the podcast, making this conversation both timely and meaningful. Together, Kelly and Joe explore leadership identity, consistency, self-awareness, and what it truly means to show up for others during challenging seasons in education. This episode blends practical leadership insight with...
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WEP 256: Using AI Effectively in Teaching an Learning, an Interview with William Grube and Host Kelly Croy
The Wired Educator Podcast
Wired Educator Episode 256: Show Notes Summary In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, host Kelly Croy interviews William Grubie, an expert in educational artificial intelligence. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in the classroom, the importance of training educators to effectively use AI tools, and the impact of AI on teaching and learning. William shares his journey into the world of AI, practical applications for educators, and success stories from schools that have embraced AI. The conversation also touches on the misconceptions...
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WEP 255: Rigor Through Relationships an Interview with Joe Miller
The Wired Educator Podcast
Show Notes: Rigor Through Relationships with Joe Miller Episode Guest: Joe Miller, Port Clinton High School ELA Teacher & Symposium Founder Host: Kelly Croy Episode Overview "We learn for life, not for school." In this episode of The Wired Educator, Kelly Croy sits down with Joe Miller, the driving force behind the 3rd Annual SEL and Mental Wellness Symposium. Joe isn't just a dedicated High School ELA teacher; he is a masterclass in leadership who leads from the classroom. Today, Joe and Kelly discuss the "heart of the work"—the transformative power of prioritizing student well-being...
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WEP 254: The Greatest Year of Your Life with Kelly Croy
The Wired Educator Podcast
What if this year did not just happen to you, but you designed it on purpose? In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, I reflect on the power of goal setting, intention, and personal growth for educators and leaders. This is not about resolutions that fade by February. It is about choosing focus, taking action, and building momentum in your work, your health, and your life. I share my personal priority for the year with a strong focus on physical well-being and explain why choosing one clear priority can unlock progress in every other area. We explore why sharing goals creates...
info_outlineWEP 263: Bobby Dodd and Dr. Ben Johnson - Intentional Influence: Harnessing Culture Mapping to Build Commitment
In this episode of The Wired Educator Podcast, Kelly Croy talks with Bobby Dodd and Dr. Ben Johnson, authors of Intentional Influence: Harnessing Culture Mapping to Build Commitment.
This conversation is all about how leaders can better understand the real relationships, influence, trust, and momentum inside their schools. Bobby and Ben explain culture mapping and how it helps leaders stop guessing and start leading with greater clarity, purpose, and intentional influence.
In this episode, you will learn:
• Why the official organizational chart rarely tells the whole story
• How influence, not authority, often moves people
• Why trust is a form of currency in leadership
• How culture mapping helps leaders see the invisible relationships inside an organization
• How to identify informal influencers, committed team members, and areas of resistance
• Why leadership begins with relationships
• How leaders can build commitment instead of relying on compliance
Kelly also shares some personal news, including becoming a grandfather to Margot, his newly revamped website, upcoming speaking opportunities, and his new leadership coaching cohort.
Bobby Dodd is an award-winning educational leader currently serving as the Assistant Principal at May River High School in South Carolina. He is a former NASSP National Digital Principal of the Year and has led some of the largest high schools in Ohio. Bobby is known for building strong communities, both in-person and online, and for helping educators use connection, communication, and leadership to move schools forward.
Dr. Ben Johnson is the Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Schools for Bismarck Public Schools in North Dakota. He is a researcher and practitioner whose work focuses on professional capital, leadership, and the invisible connections that drive organizational success.
Pick up a copy of the book here:
Intentional Influence: Harnessing Culture Mapping to Build Commitment
Visit Kelly’s website:
www.kellycroy.com
Book Kelly to speak at your school, district, conference, or leadership event:
www.kellycroy.com
Subscribe to The Wired Educator Podcast and share this episode with an educator or leader who wants to build stronger relationships, greater trust, and a healthier school culture.