WEP 264: Leading with a Servant Heart and the Power of Career Tech an Interview with Frank Polen hosted by Kelly Croy

Wired Educator Podcast Episode 264: Leading with a Servant Heart and the Power of CareerTech with Frank Polen

In this episode of the Wired Educator Podcast, host Kelly Croy sits down with Frank Polen, a seasoned educational leader with nearly three decades of experience in public education. Frank currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent and Director of Postsecondary Adult Education at Buckeye Career Center.

Frank shares his deeply moving and powerful personal journey—from growing up the youngest of four in a hardworking family where neither parent graduated high school, to riding the back of a garbage truck after initially stopping out of college, to finding his path back through a chance basketball coaching opportunity. Now a heavily decorated former principal and state-level leader, Frank dives into why Career and Technical Education (CTE) is essential for today's workforce and how true servant leadership can shift the culture of an entire community.

This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, finding the greatness in change, and maintaining an encouraging, servant heart in leadership.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• The Power of Resilience: Frank opens up about his non-traditional path through public education, the work ethic passed down by his parents, and how a rocky start in higher education ultimately fueled his passion for helping others succeed.

• The Vital Role of CareerTech: Why modern education must embrace Career and Technical Education to build infrastructure, support workforce development, and serve the "one size fits one" needs of diverse student populations.

• Leading as an Encourager: Moving beyond the textbook definition of servant leadership to actively celebrating, supporting, and lifting up the people you impact daily.

• Embracing Change with the Right Mindset: How to approach the upcoming school year like a "new album with new material," looking for the greatness in transitions rather than focusing on the obstacles.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Buckeye Career Center: Learn more about Frank's work in career and technical education for high schoolers and adult learners.

• The Drip Effect by Jimmy Casas and Jessica Cabeen : The perfect summer read for educators and leaders. Kelly Croy was fortunate to write one of the featured testimonials inside! Grab a copy for yourself and your team.

• Wired Educator Launch Team: One of Kelly's coaching clients has finished her book draft, hitting publication at the end of this summer! To apply for her launch team and get early updates, email [e-mail].

• Opening Day Keynotes: Kelly is currently booking keynotes for the 2026 and 2027 school years. Bring an inspiring, practical, and highly energetic message to your district by emailing [e-mail].

Connect With Frank Polen:

• Website: Buckeye Career Center

• Professional Alignment: 2025-2026 Ohio ACTE President-Elect

Connect With Kelly

• Website: kellycroy.com

• Join the KnockAbout Newsletter: Sign Up Here

Kelly's Books (Perfect for Your Summer Reading List!):

• Along Came a Leader – Discover the leader inside you and guide your school or organization to success.

• Unthink Before Bed – A beautifully illustrated book to help creative minds quiet their thoughts and rest.

• Meditations of the Nativity – A reflective, artistic guide through the Christmas season.

• Santa Every Day – A heartwarming tale about keeping the spirit of generosity alive all year long.

Subscribe and Share

If this episode moved you, share it with a teacher, a principal, or a parent who needs to hear it. Subscribe to the Wired Educator Podcast wherever you listen so you don't miss what's coming next. And come check out the new kellycroy.com , sign up for the KnockAbout Newsletter, and let's stay connected.

Go out there, stay positive, and make a difference in the lives of others. You're awesome.