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Speaking the Same Language: Communication Strategies for Bridging Divides with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss

An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

Release Date: 04/29/2025

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In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Lori Weigel, Principal at New Bridge Strategy, and Jonathan Voss, Former-Partner at Lake Research Partners and Founder of Voss Research and Strategy. Two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum who are united by a common mission: to help educational leaders communicate more effectively in deeply divided times.

Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss discuss how superintendents can use shared values and thoughtful language to build consensus, especially when facing complex issues like equity, trust in public schools, and community engagement. Drawing on decades of public opinion research, they share practical advice for crafting messages that resonate across political lines and drive meaningful action.

If you're a school leader, educator, or someone interested in shaping the future of education, don't miss this insightful conversation with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss.

Key Takeaways from the Episode:

  1. How bipartisan research partnerships can model effective collaboration for education leaders.

  2. Why values-based communication is critical in today’s polarized educational environment.

  3. The psychological and cultural nuances behind public perception of local vs. national schools.

  4. How shifting language can dramatically change public response to educational policies.

  5. Lessons in leadership from real-world decision-making scenarios involving school nutrition policies.

Episode Breakdown with Suggested Timestamps:

[00:00] – Introduction & Cultural Connections through Food
[04:25] – Deep Community Work: In vs. With a District
[06:00] – Guest Introductions: Lori Weigel & Jonathan Voss
[07:05] – Bridging Political Divides: Starting with Shared Values
[08:01] – Future-Oriented Messaging: Focusing on Student Outcomes
[12:19] – The Power of Language: Speaking the Community’s Language
[16:09] – Trust in Local Schools: Why Proximity Matters
[20:04] – How Terms Like “Diversity” and “Equity” are Perceived
[27:52] – Four Areas of Bipartisan Agreement in Education
[36:56] – After Action Review: School Lunch Policy Leadership Lesson
[41:41] – Reframing Narratives: Creating Common Ground Through Language
[50:44] – Reflection: Humility, Access, and Defining Leadership Identity
[58:02] – Closing Thoughts: Lessons on Imperfection and Leadership

Listening Links:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf
 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856
 Podcast Site: https://imperfectleader.com/podcasts/ 

Follow Our Guests:

Lori Weigel

Jonathan Voss


Follow the Host Peter Stiepleman on:

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An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at https://imperfectleader.com/