An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast
Welcome to An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, a series of conversations with leaders who look back at decisions they made and consider: * What happened? * What got overlooked? * What did they learn about relationships or what new relationships were formed? * What frustrated them? * What could they have done differently? * And in the end, what was something good that came out of their experience – because it is through one's mistakes where the greatest learning takes place. I'm Peter Stiepleman. I'm your host AND I'm an imperfect leader. I spent more than 20 years teaching and leading, first in the Oakland Public Schools in Oakland, CA and then in the Midwest – Missouri, to be exact – where I was a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent and the superintendent of the 4th largest school district in a state of more than 500 districts. I am constantly striving to learn from my experiences and from the experiences of other leaders. The aim of this podcast is to lift the learning and lift the imperfect leaders up. That way, when you hear the term imperfect, you’ll see strength, strength from the candor needed to recognize imperfection as a real advantage.
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The Tightrope of Leadership with Dr. Larry Cuban
02/03/2026
The Tightrope of Leadership with Dr. Larry Cuban
Leadership isn’t about finding the perfect solution. It’s about learning from the daily grind of complexity. In this week’s episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I had the chance to speak with , former superintendent, Stanford professor, and author. A few insights that stayed with me, especially for leaders working in high-stakes environments: 1️⃣ Conflict isn’t a failure, it’s the work: Dr. Cuban shared that he couldn’t recall a single conflict-free day as a superintendent. Leadership is a constant balancing act (boards, unions, families, and communities all pulling at once). 2️⃣ Be a “good enough” leader: Burnout often comes from chasing an ideal that doesn’t exist. Dr. Cuban argues for being good enough (not mediocre), but well-matched to your context. 3️⃣ Excellence can’t be mandated: Lasting improvement doesn’t come from top-down pressure. It comes from tapping into the wisdom of people doing the work every day. For school leaders, that often means buffering teachers from noise so they can teach, reflect, and grow. Leadership leaves scars. Systems resist change. And progress is rarely linear. But as Dr. Cuban reminds us, it’s the effort to adapt that defines a leader’s legacy. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Matt Pitman on the Shift from Being “Heard” to Being “Held” in School Leadership
01/27/2026
Matt Pitman on the Shift from Being “Heard” to Being “Held” in School Leadership
What if the problem in our schools isn’t a lack of voice, but a lack of connection? In this episode, I had the opportunity to sit down with , author of , for a conversation that challenged many of the leadership norms we’ve inherited, especially the idea that effective leaders must remain stoic, distant, or emotionally neutral. Matt makes a compelling case that this model is no longer serving our schools. Instead, he invites leaders to rethink community, voice, and presence; and to move from making people feel heard to making them feel truly held. Here are three insights from our conversation that every leader should wrestle with: 🎧 3 Leadership Reflections Worth Your Time 1. From “Heard” to “Held”: Surveys and listening sessions are easy. Accountability is harder. Matt argues that voice only becomes authentic when leaders publicly explain how stakeholder input shaped a final decision. When people can see their fingerprints on the outcome, trust grows. 2. Lead as a Human, Not an Automaton: The era of the emotionless leader is over. Matt encourages leaders to start meetings by naming how they’re actually showing up. That small act of vulnerability allows teams to “be human together” before tackling the work. 3. The 30/70 Rule of Ambition: In a powerful moment of reflection, Matt shares a lesson learned the hard way: it’s fine to be 30% ambitious about what’s next, but 70% of your energy must be devoted to the people you lead right now. This conversation is a timely reminder that connection isn’t soft leadership, it’s sustainable leadership. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Kaaren Andrews: If We Get Ninth Grade Right, Everything Changes
01/20/2026
Kaaren Andrews: If We Get Ninth Grade Right, Everything Changes
🎙️ New Episode Alert: If We Get Ninth Grade Right, Everything Changes In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast I get to talk with , National Director of the . This conversation zeroes in on why getting 9th grade right can dramatically improve graduation rates and disrupt long-standing inequities in our system. Here are three big ideas we dig into: 1️⃣ Ninth Grade: The Strongest Predictor of Graduation: Kaaren shares a powerful (and sobering) insight: students who are “on track” in ninth grade are three to four times more likely to graduate 🎓. 2️⃣ Going Upstream: From Remediation to Prevention: Using Archbishop Desmond Tutu’s river metaphor, Kaaren challenges us to stop pulling students out downstream and ask why they’re falling in upstream 🌊. Instead of relying on credit recovery after failure, her work centers on proactive ninth-grade success teams where students are truly seen and known. 3️⃣ Human-Centered Leadership: Progress Over Perfection: Kaaren leads with humility and heart. Her mantra is “progress over perfection” - a reminder to leaders to be honest, reflective, and willing to say, I got this wrong 🤝. 🎧 Tune in to hear how Kaaren Andrews and the Center for High School Success are partnering with 200+ schools to change the trajectory for students who need us most. #EducationLeadership #HighSchoolSuccess #NinthGradeMatters #EducationalEquity #AnImperfectLeader #StudentSuccess #K12Education ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Mandy Traylor Says Don’t Move the Fences: Leading with Care and Community in Veribest ISD
01/13/2026
Mandy Traylor Says Don’t Move the Fences: Leading with Care and Community in Veribest ISD
I’m excited to share the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, featuring , Superintendent of Veribest ISD. Mandy offers a powerful look at what it means to lead with transparency, humility, and deep community trust. A few takeaways that stayed with me 👇 🤝 Shared Vision, Real Buy-In: Through a Texas Strategic Leadership pilot, Mandy brought together the board, staff, and local businesses to define what a Veribest graduate should be. The result? A vision everyone owns because they created it together. 🎓 Preparing Students for Life: From Adulting 101 to Lady Falcon Self-Defense, Veribest ISD is equipping students with real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom. 💛 Relational, Human-Centered Leadership: Mandy defines an imperfect leader as someone confident enough to lead—and humble enough to admit mistakes. Her guiding wisdom: “Work hard and be nice to people” and “Don’t move fences until you know why they were built.” 🌱 Building culture is like tending a garden—you honor what’s already growing while nurturing what comes next. 🎧 Tune in to hear Mandy’s Veribest approach to leadership. #EducationLeadership #Superintendent #StudentSuccess #RelationalLeadership #TexasEducation #AnImperfectLeader ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Elena Aguilar on Why Presence Is a Leader’s Greatest Gift
01/06/2026
Elena Aguilar on Why Presence Is a Leader’s Greatest Gift
Are you leading from a place of fixing… or from a place of presence? 🌱 In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I had the honor of sitting down with Elena Aguilar, the visionary behind Transformational Coaching and author of eight bestselling books, including The Art of Coaching and Arise. 📚✨ Leadership can be a lonely journey. We’re often expected to have the answers, solve the problems, and move fast. But Elena reminds us that real transformation doesn’t come from quick fixes—it comes from going deeper and tending to the roots. 🌳 Here are four powerful takeaways from our conversation: 🔹 Prioritize Internal Healing: Your internal state shapes everything around you. As Elena shared, “What you can do of greatest benefit to the world is attend to your own healing.” 🔹 Focus on Your Sphere of Control: When external pressures feel overwhelming, resilience is built by going deeper into what you can influence. 🎯 🔹 Presence Is the Greatest Gift: So many leaders default to “fix-it mode.” But the most impactful thing you can offer is being fully present with the people you serve. 🤍 🔹 Embrace Your Imperfection: Perfection is, in Elena’s words, “absurd and unattainable.” Authentic leadership lives in humility, honesty, and being human. As Elena beautifully said during the episode: “The biggest gift you can give is to be absolutely present… The main thing is that you’re showing up, that you’re here.” 🎧 Listen to the full episode to explore how moving beyond compliance and leading from the heart can change both you and the communities you serve. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Dr. Bryan Luizzi: When Leadership Doesn’t Go as Planned (Remastered)
12/30/2025
Dr. Bryan Luizzi: When Leadership Doesn’t Go as Planned (Remastered)
The latest episode of An Imperfect Leader features , Superintendent of New Canaan Public Schools, and it’s a powerful reminder that leadership is less about having the answers and more about having the courage to step forward. From Connecticut classrooms to teaching and leading in Jordan, Bryan and I explore what it means to lead people in moments of uncertainty and change. 🎧 Three leadership themes to listen for: 1. Leading with “Yes” (and Courage, Not Recklessness): Bryan shares how a “lead with yes” mindset shaped his career and opened doors to unexpected opportunities. 2. Balancing Stewardship and Innovation: Great leaders honor what works while still pushing forward. Bryan tells the story of New Canaan’s transformation of a 1970s planetarium into The Dome, an immersive learning space where students create, not just consume. 3.Why Imperfection Matters: Perfection freezes leaders. Excellence invites learning. Bryan reflects on a major leadership misstep after returning from Finland and the hard lesson of confusing a technical fix with adaptive change. 👂 What leaders should listen closely for: • A good idea, poorly implemented, is a bad idea. • Why real leadership means involving people with you, not deciding for them. • How authenticity and truth-telling rebuild trust after failure. This episode is an honest look at learning in public and leading with humility and heart. 🎙️ Listen now and reflect on what it means to lead imperfectly. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Richard Lemons on Why You Can’t Talk People Into Change and What Actually Works
12/23/2025
Richard Lemons on Why You Can’t Talk People Into Change and What Actually Works
This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with , Executive Director of Partners for Educational Leadership, for a conversation that every system-level leader should spend time with. Richard has spent decades helping leaders tackle the hardest work in education: changing systems without losing our humanity. Here are three themes leaders should listen for: 1. You Can’t Talk People Into New Mental Models: Richard reminds us that deeply entrenched beliefs about schooling aren’t shifted by better arguments or smarter PowerPoints. They change through radically different experiences that disrupt assumptions and invite reflection. 2. Student Voice Cuts Through Ideology: When adults stop debating and truly listen to students, clarity emerges. Student voice has the power to quiet political noise and re-anchor leaders in purpose and moral urgency. 3. Imperfect Leadership Is the Only Way Forward: Richard reframes leadership growth as living in a space of being consciously imperfect (aware of what we don’t know and open to learning). This episode is a gift for superintendents, central office leaders, and anyone trying to lead systemic change while staying grounded in values. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Leading Without Flinching with Dr. Nyah Hamlett
12/16/2025
Leading Without Flinching with Dr. Nyah Hamlett
🎙️ New Episode of An Imperfect Leader Some conversations stay with you long after the recording ends. My conversation with is one of those. Dr. Hamlett, former superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and now Chief Equity & Development Officer for Montgomery County Public Schools, offers a deeply honest reflection on leadership under pressure. Here are three themes leaders should listen for in this episode: 🔹 1. “Don’t Flinch” Leadership: Listen for how Nyah defines leadership as choosing courage over convenience, especially when decisions are uncomfortable or unpopular. 🔹 2. Student Voice as Shared Power (Not a Checkbox): Listen for how student voice can sharpen decisions, even when leaders don’t ultimately go the students’ way. 🔹 3. Imperfect Leadership, Vulnerability, and Accountability: Listen closely to Nyah’s after-action reflection. It’s a masterclass in humility, learning in real time, and leading as a human being, especially when systems and personal wellbeing collide. This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about perfection. It’s about integrity, reflection, and the willingness to stand firm without flinching. 🎧 If you lead people (especially in complex systems) this one is worth your time. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Ben Thompson on Building Schools That Strengthen Communities
12/09/2025
Ben Thompson on Building Schools That Strengthen Communities
Facility planning and passing a facility bond can be among the most complex (and stressful!) challenges a superintendent faces. On this episode of An Imperfect Leader, I talk with , K-12 Director at and host of the . We explore how the spaces we design for learning can drive stronger student outcomes and strengthen community trust. Here are three takeaways I thought would be interesting for school leaders: Design Drives Outcomes: Ben reminds us there’s a direct link between the decisions we make about a space and the educational and social outcomes we want to achieve. Collaboration Comes First: High-quality school design depends on meaningful engagement with the people who will use the space every day. That includes curriculum leads, maintenance teams, guidance counselors, and students. ives. Process Protects the Future: In his “Imperfect Leadership in After Action” review, Ben shares how skipping engagement or speaking for others can undermine community buy-in. Most superintendents don’t come from a facilities or architecture background. We depend on experts to guide us, and this conversation is exactly that guide. Ben offers a blueprint for designing authentic engagement so communities hear directly from the leaders who shaped the decisions. 🎧 If you’re planning a renovation or thinking about a bond, this episode is for you. #K12Architecture #SuperintendentLeadership #SchoolDesign #ImperfectLeader ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Dr. Doug Bolton: Building Resilient Schools One Connection at a Time
12/02/2025
Dr. Doug Bolton: Building Resilient Schools One Connection at a Time
In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast we had the pleasure of talking with clinical psychologist, author of , and director of school consultation for Formative Psychological Services. In Doug breaks down what it means to lead in a moment when educators are carrying unprecedented levels of stress and trauma, and how leaders can build schools that feel safe, connected, and resilient. 🔍 In This Episode, We Dig Into: • Connection as the foundation for everything: Doug explains why belonging isn’t a nice to have. It directly boosts student achievement, improves mental health, reduces behavior issues, and increases attendance. And it starts with leaders creating that sense of belonging for staff first. • Why punishment doesn’t work — and what does: Misbehavior is often stress behavior. Instead of tightening rules, Doug urges leaders to double down on connection and regulation. Even simple practices like greeting students at the door can raise time on task by 20% and lower misbehavior. • Leading with clarity, vision, and psychological safety: Doug pushes leaders to go upstream: address root causes, build teams where every voice is heard, and create systems that support genuine regulation and trust. Start small, pilot ideas, and support one another along the way. This episode gives leaders practical, human-centered tools for navigating tough situations with curiosity, compassion, and steadiness. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Communication is a System: Lessons from Terrie Morgan
11/25/2025
Communication is a System: Lessons from Terrie Morgan
This week we’re sitting down with someone who has walked the walk for nearly four decades: , 2024 Kentucky Superintendent of the Year and a truly humble, student-centered leader from Hardin County Schools. Terrie brings warmth, honesty, and hard-earned wisdom from 36 years of service - and she doesn’t hold back. If you care about leading with heart and systems-level clarity, this is an episode you’ll want to save and share. 🌟 Here are some standout lessons you’ll hear: Put Students First - Every Time. Terrie’s guiding question: Can I defend this as best for kids? It shaped everything from sibling placement to trauma-informed decisions under the McKinney-Vento Act. Spot the Systemic Ripples. Missing staff input on a PreK–8 center created community “angst.” Terrie talks candidly about what she learned, and how leaders can avoid preventable unintended consequences. Communication is a System. Terrie starts with the Board and “boots on the road” (teachers, principals, staff) at the same time. Everyone deserves to feel informed and valued. Include All Stakeholders. Bus drivers, custodians, facilities teams (everyone!) needs to be in the loop, especially when it comes to safety channels and emergency communication. Model What Learning Looks Like. Terrie draws a sharp distinction between “not knowing yet” and “choosing not to learn.” Humility is the foundation of leadership growth. Plan, Check, Adjust. Repeat. Instead of a static strategic plan, she uses a scorecard and 45-day action cycles to stay responsive to students’ real needs. Terrie offers a masterclass in leading with humility while keeping your fiscal, human, and systemic responsibilities aligned. It’s real talk from a real leader. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Dr. Richard Ramos: Let Students Lead the Way
11/18/2025
Dr. Richard Ramos: Let Students Lead the Way
I’m excited to share my conversation with , Superintendent of the Miami Unified School District in Miami, Arizona. Dr. Ramos brings such heart to his work - lifting student voice, building true community partnerships, and embracing the beautiful messiness of leadership. Here are the three big themes from our conversation: Student Agency & Community Collaboration: How a simple idea (a Business Partner Café) became a student-led space where young people host, present, and guide conversations with local business partners. Innovation & Project-Based Learning: A look inside Miami’s Innovation Labs and how Dr. Ramos reframed summer school into an “Everyone Can Create” experience rooted in curiosity and strengths. Embracing Imperfection: A candid story about a costly mistake, a supportive superintendent, and the leadership lesson Dr. Ramos now carries with him: communicate, include others, and don’t lead in isolation. If you're passionate about student-centered learning and the human side of leadership, this episode will resonate. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ , one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based ! The Project’s ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, “gametivities”, and real conversations. We’re proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about . ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: Thinking Tools Studio: ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Leading with Heart: Dr. Darren Kennedy on the Human Side of School Leadership
11/11/2025
Leading with Heart: Dr. Darren Kennedy on the Human Side of School Leadership
In this episode, we are joined by , the High School Instructional Supervisor for Sumner County Schools (just outside Nashville, Tennessee). Dr. Kennedy, author of , shares powerful insights on creating transformational change in school culture and academics. Leaders, here are three things you will learn from this episode: The power of focusing on Tier One Instruction over Intervention: Darren recounts his experience as a principal of a turnaround middle school where an initial heavy reliance on supplemental intervention programs resulted in only marginal progress. Why values must be a collective aspiration: Darren emphasizes that values and beliefs must be established through an inclusive, collaborative process with the administrative team to form a unified coalition. The essential need for Human-Centered Leadership: Understand that leading an organization involves working with humans, and longevity in leadership requires mastery of the "human side of the work." This episode is a must-listen for anyone responsible for student success and leader development. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Paul Freeman on Courage, Conversation, and Confident Leadership
11/04/2025
Paul Freeman on Courage, Conversation, and Confident Leadership
How do we prepare students to become empathic individuals and global citizens in an increasingly complex world? Dr. , Superintendent of Guilford Public Schools and Connecticut’s Superintendent of the Year, joins An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast to discuss leading transformational change through confident vulnerability. Dr. Freeman shares how Guilford’s Portrait of a Graduate (POG) model guides instruction across all grade levels: developing students as adaptable learners, responsible collaborators, critical thinkers, effective communicators, empathic individuals, and global citizens. 💡 Highlights from the conversation: Making Thinking Visible: Moving from compliance to engagement. The Necessity of Discomfort: Encouraging deep, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations that build critical thinking. Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Continuing to build a diverse, inclusive community through professional learning and material audits. Deliberate Practice: Partnering with Harvard’s Ed Ethics team to help educators navigate complex discussions safely. After Action Review: Reflecting on lessons learned from retiring an offensive mascot and advancing social justice work. Dr. Freeman embodies confident vulnerability. He embodies the courage to lead with both strength and humility. Tune in for a truly inspiring conversation! ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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From Reflection to Renewal: Dr. John Anzalone and the North Star of Student-Centered Leadership
10/28/2025
From Reflection to Renewal: Dr. John Anzalone and the North Star of Student-Centered Leadership
In this week’s episode, we sit down with , Superintendent of the Camas School District (WA). Dr. Anzalone shares his powerful reflections on leadership and what it truly means to lead with humility. Here are 3 lessons on imperfect leadership and courageous strategy we learned from John: 🌟 1. Establish a Clear North Star: Every financial decision should point back to one thing: students. 💬 2. Lead with Courage and Vulnerability 🤝 3. Rebuild Trust from Within: 🎙️ Key Takeaway: Healthy systems are built on healthy relationships. Reflection, trust, and vulnerability aren’t signs of weakness.Tthey’re the heart of sustainable leadership. Listen to the full conversation and let us know your thoughts via . ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Dr. Deborah Wortham: How Leaders Set the Atmosphere for Success
10/21/2025
Dr. Deborah Wortham: How Leaders Set the Atmosphere for Success
I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with nationally recognized educator, author of the bestseller , and CEO of Wortham Educational Enterprises. Dr. Wortham shared powerful insights on how leaders move systems forward by focusing on culture, confidence, and consistency. If you’re leading a system and striving to create the conditions for lasting transformation, here are 3 key takeaways: ✨ 1. Setting the Atmosphere & Belief-Driven Leadership: Dr. Wortham grounds her leadership in creating a cultural field that gives people permission to grow, develop, and succeed. 🤝 2. Collaborate in Circles, Not Silos: Dr. Wortham structures collaboration through concentric circles: Teacher Circle, Student Circle, etc because “one is too small a number to achieve greatness.” 📚 3. Embrace a Learning Goal Orientation: Leadership means acknowledging imperfection and using it for growth. As Dr. Wortham reminds us: “It’s okay not to know, but it’s not okay not to know and not to learn.” 🎧 Tune in to the full conversation for powerful stories, including the secret behind her daily rallying cry: “Smart is not something you are; smart is something you get.” #EducationalLeadership #SettingTheAtmosphere #Superintendent #SchoolCulture #LeadershipDevelopment #CollectiveEfficacy #LearningGoalOrientation #ImperfectLeader ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Seeing the Unseen Child: David K. Richards and the Vision for Micro Schools
10/14/2025
Seeing the Unseen Child: David K. Richards and the Vision for Micro Schools
We recently had a powerful conversation with , nationally recognized education leader, innovator, CEO of , and host of the . The episode delves into an innovative model for educational leaders to consider. Here are three key takeaways from our conversation: 1. Understanding the Micro School Model A microschool is defined by its intimacy. David envisions Changemaker MicroSchools as small learning environments, which can range anywhere from five to 150 students. 2. Navigating Change: Disruption with Love Introducing bold ideas often means navigating resistance and naysayers. David advises leaders to get clear on their purpose and strategy and to strive to disrupt with love. When people push back, it is important to understand that resistance often stems from fear and a need to maintain safety (the survival instinct). 3. Embracing Vulnerability Leadership is inherently imperfect. David stresses that effective leadership is an inside-out process that requires vulnerability. Leaders should resist the urge to pretend they know everything, especially in new roles. A powerful leadership tool is the simple phrase, "I don't know [the answer], but I will find out for you," which liberates the leader and earns respect. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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What If AI Were Your Business Partner? A Conversation with Matt Leta
10/07/2025
What If AI Were Your Business Partner? A Conversation with Matt Leta
What If AI Were Your Business Partner? How can school leaders use AI as a thought partner and collaborator? The conversation around AI isn’t about the future anymore, it’s about now. This week’s episode is a thought-provoking one. I sit down with , founder and CEO of FutureWorks, a serial entrepreneur, and a forward-thinking voice on AI in leadership and education. Matt doesn’t just talk about AI. He lives it. In this conversation, he shares how he launched a company with AI as his business partner, what he learned from the experience, and how those lessons connect to leadership, resilience, and systems thinking. Here are three big takeaways from our conversation: AI as a Thought Partner and Collaborator: Imagine treating AI not as a tool, but as a colleague. Matt shares how FutureWorks was built on this idea. Resilience and Learning Through Failure: Matt opens up about nearly losing everything (an “eight-figure collapse”) that he now calls his real MBA. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership requires both courage and reflection, especially in times of crisis. Human Comfort and Change Management: Even the best technology fails if people aren’t ready for it. We explore how to help teams move from curiosity to confidence. This episode will stretch your thinking about what it means to lead—and learn—in the age of AI. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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John Rogers: The Future of Education Depends on Democracy
09/30/2025
John Rogers: The Future of Education Depends on Democracy
What does it really mean to lead for democracy in our schools today? This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with of UCLA’s School of Education and Information Studies for a powerful conversation on one of the biggest drains on schools today: culturally divisive conflict. Dr. Rogers makes a clear distinction between healthy political debate and the anti-democratic conflict fueled by violent rhetoric and misinformation. His : 💸 One midsize district spent $1M in staff time grappling with divisive conflicts. 🕰️ Another saw public records requests quadruple, eating up thousands of wasted hours. 💔 In high-conflict districts, 94% of superintendents said staff health (mental and physical) was negatively impacted. So what can school leaders do when the attacks often come from outside their circle of influence? Dr. Rogers points to three essential moves: ✨ Reclaim the Narrative: Reinforce the mission of public education as fostering a diverse, multiracial democracy. 🤝 Build Bridges: Create schools as “social centers” that bring communities together to solve problems. 🧩 Embrace Imperfect Leadership: Engage in shared inquiry and lean on the collective wisdom of your team and community. 🎙️ This is a must-listen episode for every superintendent, principal, and educational leader navigating today’s challenges. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: ------- Superintendent Support Reimagined! and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit: -------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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From Skepticism to Trust: Dr. Jason Radford’s Journey
09/23/2025
From Skepticism to Trust: Dr. Jason Radford’s Journey
Thrilled to welcome Dr. Jason Radford, recently-retired Superintendent of Oldham County Schools (KY), to An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast. His journey is a terrific example of trust, strategy, and servant leadership. Here are three big takeaways for all of us imperfect leaders: ✨ 1. Trust Through Transparency & Vulnerability: When trust was low and turnover high, Dr. Radford launched a “Rounding Roadshow” to connect with all 1,500 employees. In year one, he publicly shared the most critical feedback (including comments about himself). That honesty shifted the culture. By year three, 99% said the district was on the right track. 📚 2. Strategy That Reaches the Student’s Desk: Oldham County’s strategic plan boils down to one clear promise: every student feels known, valued, supported, loved, and safe. 🤝 3. Presence Heals: The Roadshows revealed staff were starved to hear directly from their superintendent. Showing up did more than close the gap between central office and schools. It created space for healing after the pandemic. Dr. Radford shared that the process healed him, too. 💙 A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Radford for modeling imperfect leadership with such honesty and care. Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: ------- Superintendent Support Reimagined! and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit: -------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Dr. Carl Cohn and Navigating the New Reality of Public School Leadership
09/16/2025
Dr. Carl Cohn and Navigating the New Reality of Public School Leadership
Public schools are now the "frontline of America’s intensifying cultural and political conflicts," and many superintendents find themselves unprepared for this new level of engagement. In my conversation with Dr. Carl Cohn, former superintendent in Long Beach and San Diego, McGraw Prize winner, and elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, we explored how the very nature of educational leadership has fundamentally changed. Dr. Cohn’s work with the California Collaborative for Educational Excellence (CCEE) and the Hewlett Foundation underscores what today’s leaders must embrace. 3 Key Shifts for Leaders to Pay Attention To: 1. 🏛️ From Instructional to Civic & Political Leadership Superintendents are no longer just instructional leaders. They must engage with communities, anticipate political dynamics, and navigate the rise of partisan school board elections. 2. 🌍 Navigating the “National Culture Wars Brought Local” Issues once confined to Washington now shape local boardrooms. Leaders must engage with diverse groups, including faith communities. 3. 📚 Equity as Action Equity isn’t about slogans. It’s about interventions that guarantee success for every child. That means investing in early education, providing summer enrichment, and ensuring no student falls through the cracks. Dr. Cohn and his Harvard colleague have developed . a practical guide for navigating these realities. As he reminds us, an imperfect leader accepts limitations but strives to do meaningful work, learning from mistakes and staying focused on the greater good. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: ------- Superintendent Support Reimagined! and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit: -------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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In the Future Business: Leadership Lessons with Lars Clemensen
09/09/2025
In the Future Business: Leadership Lessons with Lars Clemensen
This week, our guest is Lars Clemensen, the Superintendent of Hampton Bays Union Free School District and President of NYSCOSS. Lars shares profound insights on leadership, community connection, and what it truly means to prepare students for a dynamic future. This episode offers lessons for all educational leaders. Here are three things we encourage you to listen for: 💡 Schools as the "Future Business" and Community Investment: Lars describes schools as being "in the future business" and emphasizes that budget expenses should be seen as investments in a stronger community, not just costs. 💡 Mastering Crisis Communication with Transparency: Lars offers a candid "after-action review" of his leadership during COVID-19. He reflects on the critical importance of a disciplined, transparent communication plan and the order of informing stakeholders to maintain trust and prevent groups from feeling devalued. 💡 Intentional, Child-Centered Career Development: Learn about Hampton Bays' innovative approach to student pathways, moving beyond a "scavenger hunt" for diplomas. This conversation is a powerful reminder of a superintendent's belief in opportunity and how meaningful relationships are essential for effective leadership, especially when navigating challenges. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: ------- Superintendent Support Reimagined! and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit: -------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Daniel Sobel: Elevating Inclusive Education with the Rise of the Practitioner
09/02/2025
Daniel Sobel: Elevating Inclusive Education with the Rise of the Practitioner
📢 New Podcast and New Season! Elevating Inclusive Education with Daniel Sobel on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast! 🎧 We are thrilled to share the beginning of season 4 with this episode featuring , an internationally respected voice in inclusion education, and the founder and chair of the International Forum of Inclusion Practitioners. Daniel champions student participation and belonging while tackling systemic issues like teacher training. In this insightful conversation, we dive into two crucial areas: 1. The Power of Teacher Upskilling for Inclusive Classrooms: Daniel emphasizes that upskilling teachers is the number one strategy to meet the diverse needs of all children in the classroom. He highlights that investing just 5% of the cost of traditional interventions into teacher development could achieve a 95% efficacy rate in addressing inclusion issues. 2. The Vision Behind the Inaugural : As the founder and president of the first-ever World Inclusion Congress, Daniel shares his ambitious vision for this global event, taking place October 15th-17th in Kazakhstan. The Congress aims to “set our own agenda” for inclusion, elevating the “rise of the practitioner voice.” It will bring together major international bodies like UNESCO and UNICEF, approximately 50 education ministers, world development banks, and over 5,000 participants from across the globe. The goal is to collaborate, identify challenges, capture best practices, and produce a white paper to be launched at the United Nations in New York. Join us to gain essential insights for system leaders committed to supporting all children and to learn how we can collectively advance inclusive education worldwide! Learn more about the World Inclusion Congress: ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: ------- Superintendent Support Reimagined! and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit: -------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Dr. Jenn Lowery: Progress Over Perfection
08/26/2025
Dr. Jenn Lowery: Progress Over Perfection
🎙️ Final Episode of Season 3! 🎧 Don't miss the powerful insights from our conversation with Dr. Jenn Lowery, former Superintendent of Tea Area School District in South Dakota (now the , as we wrap up an incredible Season 3 of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast! 🎉 Dr. Lowery led one of the fastest-growing districts in South Dakota, having grown to over 2000 students today. She shares invaluable lessons on leading through significant growth and challenging times. Here are 2 big takeaways from this inspiring episode: Progress Over Perfection & Community-Driven Leadership 🤝🚀: Jenn's leadership evolved from an "I" to a "we" approach, recognizing that "perfection... paralyzes people" and gets in the way of progress. As she wisely puts it, "The superintendent didn't have the solution. The community team had the solution"! The Power of Your Moral Compass Question ❤️🧭: Jenn revealed her guiding moral question for all difficult decisions: "Is it good enough for my own three children? More importantly, is it good enough for your children, or grandchildren?". This approach helps leaders stay grounded and move from mere compliance to genuine transformation. This episode is packed with lessons for aspiring and established leaders alike, emphasizing the importance of collective aspiration and systems thinking for real impact. Huge thanks to Dr. Jenn Lowery for sharing her journey and wisdom. And we wish her great success in her new leadership role in Harrisburg, South Dakota! 🙏 ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: YouTube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: ------- Superintendent Support Reimagined! and I are creating a reflective, virtual Community of Practice designed exclusively for Superintendents and Senior District Leaders. While calling it An Imperfect Leadership Community of Practice makes sense, I keep advocating for Talk Supt 🙂. Want to learn more? Check out our video here 👇 or visit: -------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Dr. Eric Knost: Where Imperfection Defines Perfection in Leadership
08/19/2025
Dr. Eric Knost: Where Imperfection Defines Perfection in Leadership
New school year is in full swing for many and is just weeks away for others! As leaders, we often strive for perfection, but what if embracing imperfection is our greatest strength? In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we're honored to host Dr. Eric Knost, a former superintendent with 34 years of experience in the education field, including 17 years as a superintendent and deputy superintendent in three different school districts. Eric shares his journey, emphasizing that prioritizing people, honesty, and vulnerability are the true hallmarks of effective leadership. This episode offers profound insights for all school leaders: Learn why Eric believes “imperfection defines perfection” in leadership, and how embracing your humanistic qualities makes you more real and impactful. Discover the power of human connection and relationships, exemplified by his own bus driver, Mr. Roberts. Hear how he passionately advocates for people-centered cultures over compliance-driven ones, believing bureaucracy should be removed from education when possible. Gain insights from his “500-year flood” experience, where vulnerability transformed his leadership and fostered a deeper sense of belonging with his community and staff. This episode is a must-listen for school leaders seeking to cultivate empathy, compassion, and authentic connection in their districts this coming year. Tune in and prepare to lead with heart. Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: Youtube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? understands the critical need for qualified professionals in your schools. They recognize that communication lies at the heart of academic success. Don't let open positions hinder your students' progress. Partner with Empat Speech today and ensure every child in your district has access ot the speech therapy they deserve. -------- 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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The Best Award? A Student’s Respect – Dr. Mark Bedell on Leading with Purpose
08/12/2025
The Best Award? A Student’s Respect – Dr. Mark Bedell on Leading with Purpose
Get ready for an insightful conversation on the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast featuring the esteemed Dr. Mark Bedell, Superintendent of Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Mark’s journey and leadership offer powerful lessons on authentic impact, learning from challenges, and leading with humility. Mark is celebrated for leading Kansas City Public Schools to full accreditation status for the first time in over 20 years, a testament to his transformative leadership. But as you'll hear, his most cherished accolades come directly from the students he serves. Here are some profound themes from our discussion that truly resonated with me: Prioritizing Authentic Student Impact over Accolades: Mark consistently emphasizes that the most meaningful recognition comes from the students whose lives he touches, underscoring a deep commitment to their well-being and success. Embracing Imperfection and Leading with Humility: Mark's definition of an “imperfect leader” centers on being genuinely human, acknowledging mistakes, and fostering a culture of grace and collaboration. Strategic Innovation and Learning from Mistakes: Mark's willingness to experiment and then rigorously analyze the outcomes, even failures, demonstrates his commitment to continuous improvement and systems thinking. This episode is a masterclass in leadership, offering raw honesty about challenges and powerful insights into how to genuinely serve a community's children. Mark’s dedication to understanding the full ecosystem of education, including navigating complex relationships with charter schools, truly stands out. Tune in to hear the full story and gain actionable insights for your own leadership journey! Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: Youtube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? understands the critical need for qualified professionals in your schools. They recognize that communication lies at the heart of academic success. Don't let open positions hinder your students' progress. Partner with Empat Speech today and ensure every child in your district has access ot the speech therapy they deserve. -------- 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Michael Nelson Sees the Good: How Proximity and Relationships Lead to Student Success
08/05/2025
Michael Nelson Sees the Good: How Proximity and Relationships Lead to Student Success
Dive into the latest episode of "An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast" featuring the incredible , former Superintendent of Enumclaw School District and former Assistant Executive Director for professional learning for the Washington Association of School Administrators. This conversation offers profound insights into what truly drives educational success. Michael’s dedication to student achievement, especially for First Nations/Native students in Enumclaw, led to remarkable results, including 100% graduation rates for students in the cultural program and rates 33 percentage points higher than the national average for Native American students overall. Three themes to pay attention to: Cultivating Authentic Relationships and Cultural Understanding: Mike emphasizes that true student success stems from deep connections and understanding of community cultures. The Power of Proximity and Accessible Leadership: Mike’s leadership style centers on being present and removing barriers, a lesson learned from mentors and personal experience. Humble, Self-Reflective Leadership and “Seeing the Good”: Mike champions continuous self-assessment and a positive outlook as cornerstones of effective leadership. This episode is packed with lessons on empathy, resilience, and the profound impact one leader can have by prioritizing relationships and humility. Mike's reflection on an early leadership challenge as a 29-year-old principal also offers powerful insights into learning from mistakes and the importance of truly listening to others' values. As I reflected on our conversation, it's clear that “no one cares about what you know. They wanna know how you make them feel.” Tune in to hear the full story and gain actionable insights for your own leadership journey! Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: Youtube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? understands the critical need for qualified professionals in your schools. They recognize that communication lies at the heart of academic success. Don't let open positions hinder your students' progress. Partner with Empat Speech today and ensure every child in your district has access ot the speech therapy they deserve. -------- 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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Nothing for Them, Without Them: Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil's Humble, Reflective Leadership
07/29/2025
Nothing for Them, Without Them: Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil's Humble, Reflective Leadership
📢 Encore Episode: A Must-Listen for School Leaders! 🎧 As educators across the country gear up for a new school year, we’re bringing back one of our most powerful conversations featuring Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Superintendent of the Uniondale School District in New York. 🙌 Dr. Darrisaw Akil led a massive cultural and educational shift in a district that had been facing significant challenges. This episode is full of honest reflections and practical leadership lessons. Here are 3 big takeaways: 🌿 Imperfect Leadership as a Strength Dr. Darrisaw Akil defines an imperfect leader as someone "always reflecting, always searching internally." She shares how taking responsibility for a failed tech rollout actually built trust. 📘 Equity = Opportunity + Support Equity isn’t a buzzword for Dr. Darrisaw-Akil. It’s about making sure every child is prepared to lead, not just follow. She’s opened access to AP/IB courses, added summer supports and bootcamps, and even brings back alumni to mentor current students. 🗣️ Community Voice + Data = Real Change “Know your numbers, without judgment,” she says. But more importantly: “the answer is in the room.” Her strategic plan was built with families and students. Her motto? “Nothing for them. Without them.” 🎙️ This episode is a must-listen for any leader looking to build authentic community partnerships and center equity every step of the way. Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: Youtube (video of conversation): Instagram: Tiktok: ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? understands the critical need for qualified professionals in your schools. They recognize that communication lies at the heart of academic success. Don't let open positions hinder your students' progress. Partner with Empat Speech today and ensure every child in your district has access ot the speech therapy they deserve. -------- 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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The Heart of the School with Matt Hornbeck
07/22/2025
The Heart of the School with Matt Hornbeck
Hello Imperfect Leaders! It's summer!! And for leaders, that means reflection. And it means planning for the coming year. It is for that reason that this week's episode is an encore episode specifically picked with your upcoming year in mind. INTRO: This week, Matt Hornbeck is my guest. He is the principal of in Baltimore, Maryland. Here are 3 things you won't want to miss in this episode: The Transformative Power of Restorative Practices: Learn how Hampstead Hill has achieved remarkable success in increasing joy, improving attendance, reducing tardies, and directly linking these to academic achievement, ultimately becoming the top-performing school in its district for reading and math. Matt explains how restorative practices work, from community-building circles used at least three times a week to the "magic" of restorative conferences that involve asking "What happened?", "Who is affected?", and "What do you need to move on?" to resolve conflicts and build empathy. Embracing Imperfect Leadership: Discover Matt Hornbeck's philosophy of an "imperfect leader" – someone who embodies vulnerability and openness to discussion, striving to lead with consensus and humanity. This leadership style involves admitting mistakes, owning challenges, and allocating resources equitably to solve problems, rather than offering excuses. Innovative Solutions to Real-World School Challenges: Hear how Matt implemented creative solutions to address staff attendance challenges, moving beyond rigid policies to a flexible, human-centered approach that significantly improved instructional minutes and fostered a "happy workforce". This episode is a must-listen for aspiring, new, and established leaders looking to cultivate resilient, thriving educational environments. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts! BIO: is an established leader in Baltimore, Maryland. Before becoming a principal at Hampstead Hill Academy, a Baltimore City charter school, he was an educational consultant with large urban districts on resource allocation and principal training. He holds a master’s degree in Educational Administration as well as a law degree. ----- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by . Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ Imperfect Leaders! Are you facing challenges filling open Speech-Language Pathologist positions within your district? understands the critical need for qualified professionals in your schools. The recognize that communication lies at the heart of academic success. Don't let open positions hinder your students' progress. Partner with Empat Speech today and ensure every child in your district has access ot the speech therapy they deserve. -------- 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 . Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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What Community Really Means: Lessons from the Bronx with Dr. Meisha Porter
07/15/2025
What Community Really Means: Lessons from the Bronx with Dr. Meisha Porter
The most unexpected thing happened the other day. My car was on the fritz, and to my surprise, the mechanic offered to swing by my house. That alone was generous. He popped the hood, diagnosed the issue, and had it fixed in no time. Now, just when I thought the day couldn’t get any more unusual, he spotted a ukulele sitting on my table. Without missing a beat, he grabbed a guitar from his truck. Minutes later, we were strumming in my driveway - two strangers improvising a melody with no script, no pressure… just music. Of course, my schedule had other plans. But in that moment, I heard myself say: lean in. Lean in to the unexpected. Embrace the shift. Accept the new rhythm. 🎧 And that’s exactly what my guest did, but on a massive scale. Today on An Imperfect Leader, I’m joined by Dr. Meisha Porter. She was called to lead during one of the most demanding chapters in public education. In my story, we were just noodling around. In Meisha’s story, as the former Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, she was conducting a full symphony - publicly, urgently, and with grace. In this encore episode, Meisha shares a powerful, never-before-told story about her time as Chancellor. Welcome to An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast. Thanks for tuning in! 👩🏾🏫 BIO – DR. MEISHA PORTER: Dr. Meisha Porter is the inaugural President and CEO of The Bronx Community Foundation. Many know her as the former Chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, the first Black woman to ever hold the position. That means she led the largest school system in the country responsible for educating 1.1 million students across more than 1,800 schools. Dr. Porter’s career reflects a deep commitment to equity, leadership, and student success. Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: Instagram: Tiktok: -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to to learn more. ------ ------ 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 Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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