ECE CEO Biography: What It Takes To Lead and win featuring Dean Pappous, CEO of The Gardner School
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Release Date: 06/13/2025
ECE CEO Biography: The Architecture of Leadership, Insights from Jason Lody CEO of Eventus Education
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Join Tony D’Agostino for an exclusive, premium podcast series that dives into the journeys of top leaders in Early Childhood Education. Each episode uncovers the real stories behind ECE CEOs, their biggest wins, toughest lessons, and what sets them apart in the worlds of childcare, Montessori, and early learning. In this episode, Tony sits down with Jason Lody, CEO of Eventus, to explore what it means to lead with vision and authenticity in early education. From pivotal moments that shaped his leadership journey to the guiding principles that drive Eventus’ innovative approach, Jason...
info_outline
ECE CEO Biography: A Mission-Driven Journey to Transform Early Childhood Education with Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Join Tony D’Agostino for an exclusive, premium podcast series that dives into the journeys of top leaders in Early Childhood Education. Each episode uncovers the real stories behind ECE CEOs, their biggest wins, toughest lessons, and what sets them apart in the worlds of childcare, Montessori, and early learning. In this episode, Tony sits down with Jo Kirchner, CEO of Primrose Schools, to explore what it means to lead with purpose in early education. From defining moments that shaped her path to the mission-driven principles that guide her work, Jo shares insights every aspiring ECE leader...
info_outline
ECE CEO Biography: Building Legacy Leadership with CEO of Lionheart, Jeff Lamb
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Join Tony D’Agostino for an exclusive, premium podcast series that dives into the journeys of top leaders in Early Childhood Education. Each episode uncovers the real stories behind ECE CEOs, their biggest wins, toughest lessons, and what sets them apart in the worlds of childcare, Montessori, and early learning. In this episode, Tony sits down with Jeff Lamb, CEO of Lion Heart Academy, to get his insight on what leadership means. From pivotal moments in his career to the core values that shape his approach, Jeff opens up with insights every aspiring ECE leader needs to hear. If...
info_outline
ECE CEO Biography: What It Takes To Lead and win featuring Dean Pappous, CEO of The Gardner School
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Get ready for an episode that radiates entrepreneurial grit and multi‑industry leadership! In this edition of the ECE CEO Biography podcast on Inspire Care 360, host Tony D’Agostino sits down with Dean Pappous, CEO of The Gardner Schools, to unpack his transformative journey—from launching startups across sectors to heading one of America’s leading early childhood education networks. 🎧 Who Should Tune In? 🎧 "Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360" is a must-listen for childcare center owners, operators, educators, and anyone passionate...
info_outline
ECE CEO Biography: From Startup to Success, Founder and CEO at Explore Montessori & academy, Jessica Dehn’s Journey in Childcare Leadership
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Join us on this episode of ECE CEO Biography: Sage Wisdom for Childcare Leaders as host Tony D’Agostino, Founder & CEO of Inspire Care 360, sits down with Jessica Dehn, an award-winning entrepreneur transforming the childcare industry. Jessica shares her journey from launching multiple education startups to scaling businesses and navigating the challenges of ECE leadership. Hear how her passion for innovation and business strategy has shaped her path and what lessons she has for fellow childcare business owners. Key Takeaways: • How Jessica built and expanded multiple childcare...
info_outline
ECE CEO Biography: The Leadership Mindset With Debra Milner, CEO of KidsPark
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Join Tony D’Agostino for an exclusive, premium podcast series spotlighting the journeys of top leaders in Early Childhood Education. Each episode dives deep into the real stories behind ECE CEOs, their biggest wins, lessons learned, and what truly set them apart in childcare, Montessori, and early learning. In this episode, we sit down with Debra Milner, CEO of KidsPark, to explore The Leadership Mindset that has driven her success. From career-defining moments to leadership philosophies, Debra shares powerful insights that every aspiring ECE leader should hear. Level up your leadership game...
info_outline
EP # 48 | Creating a Culture of Accountability Featuring Brett Neller, CEO of LineLeader
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
Join Tony D’Agostino and Brett Neller as they explore how childcare business owners can foster accountability, keep their teams on the same page, and build a thriving center. Learn practical strategies to create a strong leadership foundation, set clear expectations, and empower your staff to take ownership, so your business runs smoothly and efficiently. Tune in for insights you can put into action today. We’ll cover: • Setting up a clear operating model for your center • Creating an ops calendar to keep everything on track • Defining big goals that inspire and drive success...
info_outline
ECE CEO Biography: Unlocking Success with Kathy Ligon, CEO and Founder of HINGE Advisors
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
In this episode, Kathy Ligon, CEO and founder of HINGE Advisors, shares her journey in early childhood education with host Tony D'Agostino, CEO and founder of Inspire care 360. She discusses strategies for building successful educational ventures, aligning personal values with business goals, and leading with purpose. Kathy also highlights key trends in the industry and offers practical advice for organizational growth and success. Key Takeaways • Practical strategies for growing educational organizations while maintaining quality and integrity. • Effective leadership is critical to...
info_outline
EP # 47 | What Does a Winning Team Look Like? Featuring Aleta Mechtel: Business & Childcare Leadership Coach
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
In this episode, Tony D’Agostino, Founder and CEO of Inspire Care 360, sits down with Aleta Mechtel, Business & Childcare Leadership Coach, to explore what it takes to build and sustain a high-performing team in the childcare industry. Aleta shares valuable insights on: • The key qualities of successful childcare teams • Leadership strategies to strengthen team cohesion and morale • Practical tips for recruiting, retaining, and motivating top talent From redefining roles and leveraging partnerships to fostering employee engagement and growth, this conversation is...
info_outline
ECE CEO Biography: Navigating Childcare Leadership with Richie Huffman, President & CEO of Celebree School
Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360
In this episode, Richie Huffman, President & CEO of Celebree School, shares the personal experiences and early inspirations that shaped his journey as a leader in the childcare industry with host Tony D'Agostino, founder and CEO of Inspire Care 360. From family influences to pivotal career moments, Richie provides valuable insights for childcare business owners looking to grow and lead with purpose. • How early life experiences can inspire and shape leadership styles. • Key lessons Richie learned while building Celebree School into a leading childcare franchise. • Strategies...
info_outlineGet ready for an episode that radiates entrepreneurial grit and multi‑industry leadership! In this edition of the ECE CEO Biography podcast on Inspire Care 360, host Tony D’Agostino sits down with Dean Pappous, CEO of The Gardner Schools, to unpack his transformative journey—from launching startups across sectors to heading one of America’s leading early childhood education networks.
🎧 Who Should Tune In? 🎧
"Leading the Way in Child Care: Insights from ECE Innovators by Inspire Care 360" is a must-listen for childcare center owners, operators, educators, and anyone passionate about the well-being of those who nurture and educate our youngest learners. If you're seeking innovative solutions to enhance your childcare or daycare business, this podcast is the place to be.
Inspire Care 360 is your childcare business partner. We help independently owned early learning childcare schools become more efficient and profitable.
Schedule a tour with our team to learn more about IC360 Membership:
www.inspirecare360.com
What do you get as an Inspire Care 360 Member? Click below to learn more:
https://bit.ly/3FeU8fF
Want to join our mailing list?
Email us at info@inspirecare360.com
Follow along below for updates:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/InspireCare360
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/inspirecare360
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspirecare-360
https://linktr.ee/InspireCare360