In this episode, I break down the 5 In/5 Out Process—a simple but powerful strategy every principal should implement before the school year ends. You’ll learn how this method helps eliminate learning gaps, reduces teacher overwhelm, and creates a seamless path for student success. Plus, I’ll share an unexpected benefit: how it can strengthen your school culture and foster shared accountability. So tune in to this episode to discover how you can give your teachers clarity and set your students up for success #LikeABuilder.
The Game-Changing Strategy No One’s Talking About -- And why you need it now
Release Date: 02/26/2025
You don't have to do it alone
School Leadership Reimagined
In this episode, I’m talking about the double isolation that so many principals silently carry: First, the weight of being the only one in their building who can’t show weakness, who’s expected to solve everything, and who rarely gets support in return. And second, the loneliness of being a Builder in a district full of status-quo thinking where no one else seems to believe that 100% student success is even possible. If you’ve ever felt like you’re the only one who wants more for your school, this episode is for you. I’ll share what’s really behind that isolation, why it’s not...
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Stop Chasing Compliance. Start Building Alignment
School Leadership Reimagined
It’s go-time. The halls are getting decorated, the PD agendas are set, and you’re knee-deep in first-day prep. But here’s the hard truth: all that effort? It won’t build alignment. And if you’re not intentionally building alignment from Day 1, the best you can hope for is short-term compliance—and even that fades by fall. In this episode, I’ll unpack: Why alignment feels impossible during the back-to-school scramble (and why it’s not your fault) The hidden trap even good principals fall into this time of year 3 simple shifts that can turn your staff from compliant to...
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3 Mistakes That Sabotage Staff Alignment Before the Year Even Starts
School Leadership Reimagined
Preservice week comes with a lot of pressure. You’re expected to set the tone, cast the vision, get everyone excited—and somehow make it all stick. But if you’ve ever walked into the year full of energy only to feel it unravel by October, this episode will show you why. I’m breaking down the three subtle mistakes that quietly sabotage alignment before the school year even begins, and how to avoid them. These aren’t about working harder or delivering the perfect motivational message. They’re about making small but powerful shifts that take the weight off your shoulders and set your...
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Why Staff "Buy-in" is a Trap
School Leadership Reimagined
For years, I believed that staff buy-in was the key to real school transformation. I thought that if I could just get everyone excited, inspired, and on board, the work would take care of itself. But I was wrong. In this episode, I’m breaking down why buy-in isn’t just ineffective, it’s actually a trap. Because if someone can buy in, they can also sell out. And that’s exactly what’s happening in schools everywhere. One minute your team’s nodding along, and the next they’re doing the opposite of what you agreed to. You’re not crazy. You’re not doing it wrong. You’ve just...
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Summer Rewind: The One Solution to Every "People" Problem
School Leadership Reimagined
We tend to treat people problems as if they are all different and require different solutions for each situation. But in today's episode, I’m going to make the case that every people problem you face -- whether it’s a resistant teacher, a toxic culture, or a broken relationship with your team -- are all different versions of the exact same problem: A lack of Alignment. And, I’m also going to show you how the solutions we’ve been taught to apply -- writing people up, having tough conversations, working on the relationship, etc. -- won’t solve these problems. However, there is a...
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Why your PLC’s aren’t working and what to do instead
School Leadership Reimagined
At their best, PLCs are a space where teachers solve real instructional problems, grow together, and make a measurable difference for students. But for too many schools, PLCs have become rigid, compliance-driven meetings that leave teachers disengaged and frustrated. In this episode, we unpack why most PLCs have lost their way—and what it takes to bring them back to life. You’ll discover the one thing every successful PLC does differently, the hidden reason your teams may be going through the motions, and a smarter way to reboot your PLCs so they actually improve instruction. If your teams...
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The Summer Reading List 2025
School Leadership Reimagined
It’s here! Our annual Summer Reading List episode, and it’s one of our most popular for a reason. This year, I’m sharing five non-education books every educator should read -- smart, practical, thought-provoking titles that weren’t written for school administrators but offer powerful insights every Builder can use. From rethinking professional development to designing systems that actually work, this year’s picks will help you design smarter systems, and create the kind of school culture where success becomes predictable. If you’re ready for fresh ideas, bold thinking, and a few...
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Borrower or Builder? Why Half-Building Won’t Get You to 100%
School Leadership Reimagined
You’ve got the vision. You’ve listened to the podcast. You’ve even started trying some Buildership moves in your school. But if you’re still piecing things together without a real plan or support, you’re not building—you’re borrowing. And borrowing might be the very thing holding you back. In this episode, we’re getting honest about what it really takes to go from “inspired” to in motion—and why dabbling in Buildership can’t deliver 100% success. This isn’t about pressure. It’s about possibility. Let’s talk about what shifts when you stop collecting strategies and...
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The moment I realized Summer Planning was a Lie
School Leadership Reimagined
If you’re always the one carrying the plan—chasing the deadlines, keeping the vision alive, and pushing things forward while your team drifts—this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing the moment I realized traditional summer planning was setting school leaders up to fail. I’ll tell you the story that changed everything for me, why most SIPs fall apart by October, and how you can shift from compliance-based plans to ones your team actually owns. If you’re already thinking about next year, this is the episode you need before you start planning so you can plan this summer...
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You’re about to waste another summer
School Leadership Reimagined
You’re probably wrapping up the school year and already planning for next year, believing better plans mean better results. But what if that belief is fundamentally flawed? In this episode, discover why even your best plans fall apart without a compelling vision. Learn why Builders spend their summers differently—crafting visions that truly align and energize their teams. Stop wasting time on tactics that won't stick and make this the summer you build something truly transformative #LikeABuilder.
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