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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(VIDEO) Leading Without Flinching with Dr. Nyah Hamlett
07/07/2026
(VIDEO) Leading Without Flinching with Dr. Nyah Hamlett
Some conversations stay with you long after the recording ends. My conversation with is one of those. In this encore episode, 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: 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. #DontFlinch #CourageOverConvenience #AuthenticLeadership #VulnerabilityInLeadership #EducationalLeadership #Superintendents #PublicEducation #EdLeadership #EquityInEducation #StudentVoice #RestorativePractices #SystemsThinking #EquityAndEmpathy #ImperfectLeader #PodcastRoleNetwork #LeadLearner #Podcasserole ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: Website: Instagram: 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 ------- , 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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(VIDEO) Laser Focus: James Lane and Cutting Through Initiative Fatigue to Save the Learning Moment
06/30/2026
(VIDEO) Laser Focus: James Lane and Cutting Through Initiative Fatigue to Save the Learning Moment
What happens when you trade a massive suburban district for a rural community with only 1,200 students? According to my latest guest, it might just be the best career move you’ll ever make. I recently sat down with , former acting Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Education and author of . James shared how cutting his teeth in a small rural district forced him to do "every job"—from HR and finance to literally walking through the mud to assess construction sites. We went deep on how that "boots on the ground" experience prepared him for state and national leadership, and why he believes the best leaders are simply "the best at getting better." Three takeaways you won't want to miss: Innovation = Newer AND Better: James challenges the educational platitude of being innovative. He notes, "We tend to get caught up in what's newer and forget to actually make sure it's better." If it’s not improving outcomes for kids, it’s just a "new shiny thing" contributing to initiative fatigue. The Voice for Students Guardrail: Whether in a principal's office or the US Department of Ed, James’s North Star was being a voice for students. Humility as a Team Sport: No leader is perfect, and James embraces that. His advice? Surround yourself with people who fulfill your imperfections so you can be as close to perfect as a team as possible. If you are a leader struggling with "initiative fatigue" or trying to navigate a career transition with grace, this conversation is for you. #EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #RuralEducation #K12 #Innovation #LeadingWithLaserFocus #AnImperfectLeader #PublicEducation ------- 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 3 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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Laser Focus: James Lane and Cutting Through Initiative Fatigue to Save the Learning Moment
06/30/2026
Laser Focus: James Lane and Cutting Through Initiative Fatigue to Save the Learning Moment
What happens when you trade a massive suburban district for a rural community with only 1,200 students? According to my latest guest, it might just be the best career move you’ll ever make. I recently sat down with , former acting Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Education and author of . James shared how cutting his teeth in a small rural district forced him to do "every job"—from HR and finance to literally walking through the mud to assess construction sites. We went deep on how that "boots on the ground" experience prepared him for state and national leadership, and why he believes the best leaders are simply "the best at getting better." Three takeaways you won't want to miss: Innovation = Newer AND Better: James challenges the educational platitude of being innovative. He notes, "We tend to get caught up in what's newer and forget to actually make sure it's better." If it’s not improving outcomes for kids, it’s just a "new shiny thing" contributing to initiative fatigue. The Voice for Students Guardrail: Whether in a principal's office or the US Department of Ed, James’s North Star was being a voice for students. Humility as a Team Sport: No leader is perfect, and James embraces that. His advice? Surround yourself with people who fulfill your imperfections so you can be as close to perfect as a team as possible. If you are a leader struggling with "initiative fatigue" or trying to navigate a career transition with grace, this conversation is for you. #EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #RuralEducation #K12 #Innovation #LeadingWithLaserFocus #AnImperfectLeader #PublicEducation ------- 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 3 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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Beyond the Three-Year Myth: The Truth About the Superintendency
06/23/2026
Beyond the Three-Year Myth: The Truth About the Superintendency
If you feel like your "number one love"—instructional leadership—is constantly being pushed to the background by budget spreadsheets, you aren’t alone. I recently had a fantastic conversation with (Columbia University's Teachers College) and (Seton Hall University) about the . We did some serious "myth-busting" that every school leader and board member needs to hear. Here are 3 themes from our talk to keep on your radar: The Money Matters Paradox: While most superintendents identify as instructional leaders, 54% reported that finance issues actually consume the bulk of their attention. In rural districts, that number jumps to nearly two-thirds. Curriculum and instruction? That ranked 10th on the list. As Anne put it, while instruction is the heart of the work, "it's money that matters" when it comes to daily time management. Shattering the 3-Year Tenure Myth: We’ve all heard that the average superintendent only lasts three years. It turns out that's true in some contexts. The actual reported aggregate average is 5.4 years. In fact, nearly 25% of respondents have been in their positions for nine years or more. Stability is possible! The Power of Complementary Associations: You don’t have to be the perfect leader who knows everything. Chris emphasized that one of the most important skills for a leader is knowing who to surround yourself with to fill your own gaps in expertise. Leading is a systems approach, not a solo performance. #SuptChat #EdLeadership #AASA #SchoolBoard #EducationFinance #AnImperfectLeader #K12Education #SuperintendentStudy ------- 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 3 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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(VIDEO) Beyond the Three-Year Myth: Anne LoBue and Chris Tienken Share the Truth About the Superintendency
06/23/2026
(VIDEO) Beyond the Three-Year Myth: Anne LoBue and Chris Tienken Share the Truth About the Superintendency
If you feel like your "number one love"—instructional leadership—is constantly being pushed to the background by budget spreadsheets, you aren’t alone. I recently had a fantastic conversation with (Columbia University's Teachers College) and (Seton Hall University) about the . We did some serious "myth-busting" that every school leader and board member needs to hear. Here are 3 themes from our talk to keep on your radar: The Money Matters Paradox: While most superintendents identify as instructional leaders, 54% reported that finance issues actually consume the bulk of their attention. In rural districts, that number jumps to nearly two-thirds. Curriculum and instruction? That ranked 10th on the list. As Anne put it, while instruction is the heart of the work, "it's money that matters" when it comes to daily time management. Shattering the 3-Year Tenure Myth: We’ve all heard that the average superintendent only lasts three years. It turns out that's true in some contexts. The actual reported aggregate average is 5.4 years. In fact, nearly 25% of respondents have been in their positions for nine years or more. Stability is possible! The Power of Complementary Associations: You don’t have to be the perfect leader who knows everything. Chris emphasized that one of the most important skills for a leader is knowing who to surround yourself with to fill your own gaps in expertise. Leading is a systems approach, not a solo performance. #SuptChat #EdLeadership #AASA #SchoolBoard #EducationFinance #AnImperfectLeader #K12Education #SuperintendentStudy #Podcasserole ------- 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 3 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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The Monopoly is Over: Brian Stephens and Why Public Schools Must Compete or Risk Becoming Dinosaurs
06/16/2026
The Monopoly is Over: Brian Stephens and Why Public Schools Must Compete or Risk Becoming Dinosaurs
Is the era of the public school monopoly officially dead? According to my guest, , the answer is a resounding yes. And if school leaders don't adapt, they risk becoming "dinosaurs." Brian is a combat veteran, attorney, and the leader of CAISSA K-12, a firm that has helped return over 30,000 students to traditional public schools. In our conversation, we tackled the hard truth about declining enrollment and how districts can reclaim their narrative in a competitive market. Here are themes from our talk that every educator and superintendent should hear: Accepting the End of the Monopoly: Brian argues that leaders must stop acting like they are the only game in town. He notes, "The monopoly's over with." To thrive, schools must treat families like customers and understand that competition from charters, private schools, and unschooling is the new reality. Leading with Emotion to Change the Narrative: While educators love data, Brian points out that data alone doesn't move people. To recruit families back, you have to win their hearts first. He explains, "We're not led with facts and data. We're led with emotion, and we use facts to support those decisions." Successful districts find their stories and use them to build an emotional connection with the community. The Difference Between Being "Nice" and Being "Kind": In a powerful leadership lesson, Brian deconstructs a mistake he made early in his career: going along to get along. He realized that true support means telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. He advocates for clear-is-kind leadership: giving authentic feedback that actually helps a district improve rather than just making people feel good. Public schools are doing incredible work, but as Brian reminds us, "they didn't understand how great they were." It's time to stop being the best-kept secret and start advocating for the programs we offer every day. #PublicEducation #SchoolLeadership #EnrollmentMarketing #AnImperfectLeader #EducationReform #SuptChat #EdChat #ReclaimTheNarrative #Podcasserole ------- 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 3 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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(VIDEO) The Monopoly is Over: Brian Stephens and Why Public Schools Must Compete or Risk Becoming Dinosaurs
06/16/2026
(VIDEO) The Monopoly is Over: Brian Stephens and Why Public Schools Must Compete or Risk Becoming Dinosaurs
Is the era of the public school monopoly officially dead? According to my guest, , the answer is a resounding yes. And if school leaders don't adapt, they risk becoming "dinosaurs." Brian is a combat veteran, attorney, and the leader of CAISSA K-12, a firm that has helped return over 30,000 students to traditional public schools. In our conversation, we tackled the hard truth about declining enrollment and how districts can reclaim their narrative in a competitive market. Here are themes from our talk that every educator and superintendent should hear: Accepting the End of the Monopoly: Brian argues that leaders must stop acting like they are the only game in town. He notes, "The monopoly's over with." To thrive, schools must treat families like customers and understand that competition from charters, private schools, and unschooling is the new reality. Leading with Emotion to Change the Narrative: While educators love data, Brian points out that data alone doesn't move people. To recruit families back, you have to win their hearts first. He explains, "We're not led with facts and data. We're led with emotion, and we use facts to support those decisions." Successful districts find their stories and use them to build an emotional connection with the community. The Difference Between Being "Nice" and Being "Kind": In a powerful leadership lesson, Brian deconstructs a mistake he made early in his career: going along to get along. He realized that true support means telling the truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. He advocates for clear-is-kind leadership: giving authentic feedback that actually helps a district improve rather than just making people feel good. Public schools are doing incredible work, but as Brian reminds us, "they didn't understand how great they were." It's time to stop being the best-kept secret and start advocating for the programs we offer every day. #PublicEducation #SchoolLeadership #EnrollmentMarketing #AnImperfectLeader #EducationReform #SuptChat #EdChat #ReclaimTheNarrative #Podcasserole ------- 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 3 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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(VIDEO) Zaretta Hammond on Reclaiming Cognitive Justice and the Power of the "First Pancake"
06/09/2026
(VIDEO) Zaretta Hammond on Reclaiming Cognitive Justice and the Power of the "First Pancake"
Are we settling for "belonging" in our schools while leaving student brainpower underdeveloped? I recently had a deep, transformative conversation with , author of . We moved past the surface-level "equity talk" to discuss what it really takes to move a student from a dependent learner to a cognitively independent one. Zaretta’s insights on cognitive justice and intelligent failure are essential. Here are 3 themes from our talk that will matter to leaders: Cognitive Justice is the True Moral Imperative: Equity isn't just about celebrating flags or hosting potlucks. Zaretta challenges us to look deeper. True justice means ensuring every student has the "cognitive resources" to accelerate their own learning. Embrace the "First Pancake": Learning requires a safe space for "intelligent failure." Zaretta uses a brilliant metaphor for new initiatives: when making pancakes, that first one is not quite right. As leaders, we have to use that information to "adjust the batter" rather than abandoning the work when it gets messy. The Discipline of Assessing Current Reality: Don't assume your systems (like PLCs) are functioning just because people nod their heads. Zaretta shared a powerful lesson on "due diligence" after realizing a school she was coaching called every meeting a PLC, but lacked true team continuity. If you’re ready to stop "plugging and playing" strategies and start building real teacher capacity, this episode is a must-listen. #CognitiveJustice #ZarettaHammond #InstructionalEquity #AnImperfectLeader #ScienceOfLearning #EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #Podcasserole ------- 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 3 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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Zaretta Hammond on Reclaiming Cognitive Justice and the Power of the "First Pancake"
06/09/2026
Zaretta Hammond on Reclaiming Cognitive Justice and the Power of the "First Pancake"
Are we settling for "belonging" in our schools while leaving student brainpower underdeveloped? I recently had a deep, transformative conversation with , author of . We moved past the surface-level "equity talk" to discuss what it really takes to move a student from a dependent learner to a cognitively independent one. Zaretta’s insights on cognitive justice and intelligent failure are essential. Here are 3 themes from our talk that will matter to leaders: Cognitive Justice is the True Moral Imperative: Equity isn't just about celebrating flags or hosting potlucks. Zaretta challenges us to look deeper. True justice means ensuring every student has the "cognitive resources" to accelerate their own learning. Embrace the "First Pancake": Learning requires a safe space for "intelligent failure." Zaretta uses a brilliant metaphor for new initiatives: when making pancakes, that first one is not quite right. As leaders, we have to use that information to "adjust the batter" rather than abandoning the work when it gets messy. The Discipline of Assessing Current Reality: Don't assume your systems (like PLCs) are functioning just because people nod their heads. Zaretta shared a powerful lesson on "due diligence" after realizing a school she was coaching called every meeting a PLC, but lacked true team continuity. If you’re ready to stop "plugging and playing" strategies and start building real teacher capacity, this episode is a must-listen. #CognitiveJustice #ZarettaHammond #InstructionalEquity #AnImperfectLeader #ScienceOfLearning #EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #Podcasserole ------- 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 3 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. Melissa Sadorf and Why Rural Schools are the Soul of Their Communities
06/02/2026
Dr. Melissa Sadorf and Why Rural Schools are the Soul of Their Communities
What does it actually mean to be a "resilient" leader? Is it just about weathering the storm, or is it about what you build while the storm is still raging? I recently had a conversation with , Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and author of . Melissa has spent over 30 years as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and she deeply understands the unique, multiplex relationships that define rural education. Whether you lead a small rural district or a large urban system, Melissa’s insights on leading through loss and building authentic credibility are universal. Here are 3 themes from our talk that you should pay attention to: The "Multi-Hat" Generalist: In rural districts, the organizational chart is flat. A superintendent might also be the principal, the HR director, and even the backup bus driver. This makes them high-level generalists with a real understanding of how every part of a school system actually works. The School as a Community Anchor: A rural school is often the largest employer and the primary gathering space in a town. Melissa reminds us that school closures aren't just administrative decision. They are the potential "erasure of a community's identity." Vulnerability as the Currency of Credibility: Melissa argues that imperfection isn’t a liability; it’s a strength. Being transparent about mistakes and uncertainty is what builds the deepest trust with your staff and board. As Melissa beautifully put it: "Resilience isn't because there's an absence of loss. It's really... what you build in the presence of loss." Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader here! #RuralEducation #LeadershipResilience #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolBoard #SuptChat #EdChat #NREA #RuralSchools ------- 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 3 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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(VIDEO) Dr. Melissa Sadorf and Why Rural Schools are the Soul of Their Communities
06/02/2026
(VIDEO) Dr. Melissa Sadorf and Why Rural Schools are the Soul of Their Communities
What does it actually mean to be a resilient leader? Is it just about weathering the storm, or is it about what you build while the storm is still raging? I recently had a conversation with , Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association and author of . Melissa has spent over 30 years as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, and she deeply understands the unique, multiplex relationships that define rural education. Whether you lead a small rural district or a large urban system, Melissa’s insights on leading through loss and building authentic credibility are universal. Here are 3 themes from our talk that you should pay attention to: The "Multi-Hat" Generalist: In rural districts, the organizational chart is flat. A superintendent might also be the principal, the HR director, and even the backup bus driver. This makes them high-level generalists with a real understanding of how every part of a school system actually works. The School as a Community Anchor: A rural school is often the largest employer and the primary gathering space in a town. Melissa reminds us that school closures aren't just administrative decision. They are the potential "erasure of a community's identity." Vulnerability as the Currency of Credibility: Melissa argues that imperfection isn’t a liability; it’s a strength. Being transparent about mistakes and uncertainty is what builds the deepest trust with your staff and board. As Melissa beautifully put it: "Resilience isn't because there's an absence of loss. It's really... what you build in the presence of loss." Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader here! #RuralEducation #LeadershipResilience #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolBoard #SuptChat #EdChat #NREA #RuralSchools ------- 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 3 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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(VIDEO) Heidi Sipe: Leading with Clarity and Compassion
05/26/2026
(VIDEO) Heidi Sipe: Leading with Clarity and Compassion
What does it mean to be a nationally recognized rural leader while navigating the messy, imperfect realities of the superintendency? In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, I sit down with , Superintendent of Umatilla School District, to discuss how she has led her district for 19 years through innovation and intense challenge. Here are a few topics from our conversation that every education leader should hear: Empowering Teacher Agency with Structured Systems: Heidi shares how her district uses a color-coded intervention system (Green, Orange, Red) that authorizes teachers to make immediate decisions for students without waiting for administrative approval. It’s a masterclass in building shared leadership that prioritizes child needs over bureaucracy. Solving Chronic Absenteeism through Radical Partnerships: When healthcare access became a barrier to attendance, Umatilla didn't just track data, they partnered with a local physician to provide well-child checks and treatment for minor illnesses directly through the school. It’s a powerful example of looking outside the system to solve internal challenges. Leading with Transparency During a Crisis: Heidi reflects on her Grim Reaper nickname earned during the recession when she had to cut $1.9 million from a $13 million budget. She discusses the painful but right decision to deliver news of potential layoffs in person, looking every impacted staff member in the eye rather than sending a letter. Heidi’s story is a reminder that while the work is impossibly difficult, leading with a human heart and a clear system makes all the difference. #SchoolLeadership #RuralEducation #SystemsThinking #AnImperfectLeader #TeacherAgency #SuperintendentLife #EducationInnovation #NREA #Podcasserole ------- 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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Heidi Sipe: Leading with Clarity and Compassion
05/26/2026
Heidi Sipe: Leading with Clarity and Compassion
What does it mean to be a nationally recognized rural leader while navigating the messy, imperfect realities of the superintendency? In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, I sit down with , Superintendent of Umatilla School District, to discuss how she has led her district for 19 years through innovation and intense challenge. Here are a few topics from our conversation that every education leader should hear: Empowering Teacher Agency with Structured Systems: Heidi shares how her district uses a color-coded intervention system (Green, Orange, Red) that authorizes teachers to make immediate decisions for students without waiting for administrative approval. It’s a masterclass in building shared leadership that prioritizes child needs over bureaucracy. Solving Chronic Absenteeism through Radical Partnerships: When healthcare access became a barrier to attendance, Umatilla didn't just track data, they partnered with a local physician to provide well-child checks and treatment for minor illnesses directly through the school. It’s a powerful example of looking outside the system to solve internal challenges. Leading with Transparency During a Crisis: Heidi reflects on her Grim Reaper nickname earned during the recession when she had to cut $1.9 million from a $13 million budget. She discusses the painful but right decision to deliver news of potential layoffs in person, looking every impacted staff member in the eye rather than sending a letter. Heidi’s story is a reminder that while the work is impossibly difficult, leading with a human heart and a clear system makes all the difference. #SchoolLeadership #RuralEducation #SystemsThinking #AnImperfectLeader #TeacherAgency #SuperintendentLife #EducationInnovation #NREA #Podcasserole ------- 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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Moving from Command-and-Control to Shared Stewardship: Jesse Boise and 25 Years of Coherence at Hillsdale High
05/19/2026
Moving from Command-and-Control to Shared Stewardship: Jesse Boise and 25 Years of Coherence at Hillsdale High
How do you keep a school transformation alive for 25 years when most initiatives fizzle out after three? Jamie Almanzán recently sat down with , Assistant Principal at Hillsdale High School, to talk about the staying power of and what it truly means to lead with humility. Hillsdale is a "living artifact" of what happens when a school commits to a collective vision rather than a collection of individual classrooms. Whether you are a superintendent or a site leader, Jesse’s insights on coherence are a game-changer. Here are some themes from his conversation that you won’t want to miss: The Power of Looping and "Kid Talk": At Hillsdale, students stay with the same cohort of 112 students and four core teachers for two years. This "looping" allows for deeper relationships and more flexible interventions. They even have a weekly ritual called "Kid Talk," where teachers, counselors, and specialists sit down to discuss every single student’s needs and successes. Leading by a Constitution: Hillsdale isn't run by command and control. Instead, they are guided by a . As Jesse notes, this means leaders must be "stewards" of the school’s values rather than individual actors. It’s about being "greater than the sum of [your] parts". The Strength of the Imperfect Leader: Jesse shared a powerful story about a time he fell short by letting his own biases drive a committee meeting. He and Jamie discussed how humble leadership (admitting mistakes publicly and acting as a tool for staff support) is actually the strongest form of leadership. If you’re looking for a roadmap on how to align your school’s structures with your deepest values, this episode is a must-listen. Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast here! #EducationLeadership #SmallLearningCommunities #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #TeacherRetention #EdChat #SuptChat #Podcasserole #Imperfect 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 . 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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(VIDEO) Moving from Command-and-Control to Shared Stewardship: Jesse Boise and 25 Years of Coherence at Hillsdale High
05/19/2026
(VIDEO) Moving from Command-and-Control to Shared Stewardship: Jesse Boise and 25 Years of Coherence at Hillsdale High
How do you keep a school transformation alive for 25 years when most initiatives fizzle out after three? Jamie Almanzán recently sat down with , Assistant Principal at Hillsdale High School, to talk about the staying power of and what it truly means to lead with humility. Hillsdale is a "living artifact" of what happens when a school commits to a collective vision rather than a collection of individual classrooms. Whether you are a superintendent or a site leader, Jesse’s insights on coherence are a game-changer. Here are some themes from his conversation that you won’t want to miss: The Power of Looping and "Kid Talk": At Hillsdale, students stay with the same cohort of 112 students and four core teachers for two years. This "looping" allows for deeper relationships and more flexible interventions. They even have a weekly ritual called "Kid Talk," where teachers, counselors, and specialists sit down to discuss every single student’s needs and successes. Leading by a Constitution: Hillsdale isn't run by command and control. Instead, they are guided by a . As Jesse notes, this means leaders must be "stewards" of the school’s values rather than individual actors. It’s about being "greater than the sum of [your] parts". The Strength of the Imperfect Leader: Jesse shared a powerful story about a time he fell short by letting his own biases drive a committee meeting. He and Jamie discussed how humble leadership (admitting mistakes publicly and acting as a tool for staff support) is actually the strongest form of leadership. If you’re looking for a roadmap on how to align your school’s structures with your deepest values (and most people who know me, know how important values!), this episode is a must-listen. Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast here! #EducationLeadership #SmallLearningCommunities #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #TeacherRetention #EdChat #SuptChat #Podcasserole ------- 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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Defining the 'What' and Delegating the 'How': AJ Crabill and Mastering the Board-Superintendent Relationship
05/12/2026
Defining the 'What' and Delegating the 'How': AJ Crabill and Mastering the Board-Superintendent Relationship
Is your school board focused on the right things, or is it caught in a "dumpster fire" of adult drama? I recently had an terrific conversation with , author of , about how to move from dysfunctional governance to a system that actually serves children. AJ has seen it all. From serving as a parent leader to becoming a state agency leader and a national governance director, we dove deep into why school boards often fail and, more importantly, how they can become effective. Here are some themes from our conversation: Student Outcomes vs. Adult Inputs: One of the biggest mistakes boards make is trying to "own" the strategic plan. AJ argues that the board's unique expertise is representing the vision and values of the community by defining student outcomes (the "what"). The superintendent then owns the "adult inputs" and the strategic plan (the "how") to get there. Authority is Collective, Not Individual: It’s a common trap: an individual board member tries to go "rogue" to fix a specific issue. AJ reminds us that state law affords zero authority to individual board members. True power only exists when the board acts collectively, ensuring the entire community has a voice in the system. Mindset is the Ultimate Lever: We often try to "professional development" our way out of problems with more knowledge and skills. While those are necessary, mindset is the foundation because it’s how a leader makes meaning of the world. If you’re ready to stop "pretending to govern" and start making a real impact on student achievement, this episode is for you. Some superintendents might not agree with the advice. If that's you, I want to know! Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast. #SchoolBoard #EducationLeadership #StudentOutcomes #AnImperfectLeader #Governance #EdChat #SuptChat #Podcasserole ------- 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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Lead Collectively with Peter Dewitt and Michael Nelson: Moving From Intent to Lasting Impact
05/05/2026
Lead Collectively with Peter Dewitt and Michael Nelson: Moving From Intent to Lasting Impact
Are you leading in isolation? Education leadership can often feel like a lonely journey - navigating everything from systemic challenges to the day-to-day realities of school life. In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with veteran educators and co-authors Peter DeWitt and Michael Nelson to discuss their transformative framework for collective leadership. In our conversation as well as in their work with the , they challenge the traditional top-down approach, moving beyond mere good intentions to create lasting impact through collective efficacy. Drawing on their latest book, , they share how leaders can dismantle silos and build a culture where every student and adult feels seen and heard. Whether you are a principal, superintendent, or teacher leader, this episode offers a roadmap to move from shared belief to impactful action. It's so worth the listen! Three Themes to Listen For: Leadership as an Invitation to Belong: Using the unexpected example of Bad Bunny’s halftime performance, Peter and Michael explain how leadership should serve as an intentional invitation to widen the circle of who belongs. The Three-Legged Stool of Collective Action: Michael and Peter introduce a powerful framework for stability in leadership. Shifting the Focus from Fixing Teachers to Modeling Actions: A core takeaway is the moment when leaders stop asking how to fix others and start asking, "What leadership moves am I taking?" #EducationLeadership #CollectiveEfficacy #AnImperfectLeader #LeadCollectively #InstructionalLeadership #SchoolCulture #SystemicThinking #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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Be Bold or Go Home: Mike Miles on Rapid Systemic Transformation and the Houston Promise
04/28/2026
Be Bold or Go Home: Mike Miles on Rapid Systemic Transformation and the Houston Promise
In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Mike Miles, Superintendent of Houston ISD, to discuss his career in driving high-performance cultures and rethinking how schools prepare students for the future. This conversation provides a deep look into what he describes as the largest and fastest transformation of a large urban district in the history of Texas. Here are three important themes from the conversation, featuring word-for-word quotes from Superintendent Miles: 1. Rapid Transformation Through Organizational Coherence: Mike believes that significant school improvement does not have to be an incremental, multi-year process. He attributes the district’s ability to move from 121 D and F-rated campuses to zero Fs in just two years to organizational coherence. 2. Preparing Students with Human Competitive Advantages: A major focus in Houston is cultivating human skills that AI cannot replicate, such as empathy, critical thinking, and team leadership. 3. Bold Leadership in a Fast-Moving World: Mike believes leaders need to be bold and willing to redesign entire systems rather than settling for the status quo. Mike warns that most districts are overcome by events (OBE) because the future is moving faster than traditional strategic plans can accommodate. ------- 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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Reclaiming the Human Connection: Douglas Reeves on AI, Ethics, and Leadership
04/21/2026
Reclaiming the Human Connection: Douglas Reeves on AI, Ethics, and Leadership
How can artificial intelligence actually make us more human? In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Dr. Douglas Reeves to discuss his timely new book, Here are three essential themes from our conversation: 1. Reclaiming Time for the Human Side of Leadership: Dr. Reeves argues that AI’s greatest gift to administrators is the gift of time. By leveraging AI to handle administrative burdens leader can get out from behind their desks. 2. Moving from Cheating to Critical Editing: Rather than viewing AI solely as a cheating machine, the discussion shifts toward teaching students to be better than AI. 3. Challenging the Bottom Feeder and Addressing Bias: Dr. Reeves describes AI as a bottom feeder because it scoops up from the Internet all the things that we have put in there for the last 50 years. Educators must teach students to think critically to identify societal errors and biases reflected in AI and then challenge it. ------- 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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In the Mess Together: Milena Garganigo on Systems Thinking and Supporting Teachers
04/14/2026
In the Mess Together: Milena Garganigo on Systems Thinking and Supporting Teachers
How can we move from traditional schooling to truly empowered learning? In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with , Assistant Superintendent for the Clayton School District, to discuss breaking traditional leadership models and centering student agency. Here are three key themes from their conversation: 1. The Five Pillars of Empowered Learning: Dr. Garganigo unpacks a framework designed to personalize education through five key components: Path, Place, Pace, Voice, and Choice. A standout insight is her definition of Path. It isn’t just about the activities a student does, but rather the various modalities they use to demonstrate knowledge. 2. Leadership Through "Side-by-Side" Presence: To break the mental model of the distant central office, Milena and her team utilize a backup system where central office administrators are physically present in buildings to support staff and students. She emphasizes being "in the mess" with teachers, serving as a co-researcher and thinking partner rather than a top-down evaluator. 3. Building Trust to "Burn" Trust: Citing a concept attributed to Jamie Almanzán (and originally to Hattie), Milena discusses the necessity of building enough trust with staff to be able to "burn it" when making difficult decisions. Listen to the full episode to hear more about leading with empathy and systems thinking! #EducationLeadership #EmpoweredLearning #StudentAgency #ImperfectLeader #SystemsThinking #ClaytonSchools #ProfessionalLearning #EducationalEquity ------ 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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Craig Randall: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth Through Trust-Based Observations
04/07/2026
Craig Randall: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth Through Trust-Based Observations
Are we observing for compliance or for growth? In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, , author of Trust-Based Observations, describes how we can transform school culture by reimagining the way we support our teachers. Here are three big takeaways from our conversation: 🛡️ Lowering Vulnerability to Encourage Risk-Taking: Traditional, high-stakes observations often lead to trauma, stress, and anxiety, causing teachers to play it safe. Craig reminds us that "the way you get people to take risks is lower vulnerability. The way you lower vulnerability is by building trust." 🌟 Moving from a Deficit to a Strengths-Based Mindset: When we attach numerical ratings to pedagogy, we inadvertently start looking for what’s wrong. Craig argues that "when I start to put a number on you, I start to look at what's wrong with you. It subconsciously develops a deficit mindset." 💬 The Power of Reflective Questions: The magic of a trust-based model happens in the follow-up conversation. Instead of telling, leaders should start by asking: "What were you doing pedagogically to help the students learn yesterday?" and "What might you do differently?" #Leadership #Education #TrustBasedObservations #SchoolCulture #TeacherGrowth #ImperfectLeader #PsychologicalSafety #StrengthsBased 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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Closing the Trust Gap with Dr. Cory Scheer
03/31/2026
Closing the Trust Gap with Dr. Cory Scheer
This week, we're chatting about organizational trust with founder of TrustCentric Consulting and author of Closing the Trust Gap. If you think your team trusts you, you might want to check the data. Research shows that leaders typically have a "31% on average, higher perception of how trust is doing versus frontline employees." Here are three big themes from our conversation that every leader needs to hear: The "Three-Legged Stool" of Trust: Trust isn't a vague soft skill. It’s a measurable structure. Cory breaks it down into three essential building blocks: competency, problem solving, and care for others. As he says, "If you only have two of them, but one of them is less, it's gonna feel really wobbly and kind of wonky". Active Listening is Leadership: Want to strengthen the "care" pillar? Stop looking for perks and start listening. Cory notes that "active listening is the most effective way to strengthen trust for the care for others." Clarify Truth, Inspire Belief: Cory challenges every leader to ask themselves two fundamental questions: "Am I clarifying truth? Am I inspiring belief?" When we co-create a collective aspiration or a shared truth, we move away from scattered, unfocused energy and toward a culture where trust can actually thrive. #Leadership #Trust #ClosingTheTrustGap #Education #ActiveListening #ImperfectLeader #StrategicPlanning ------- Follow Cory Scheer here: 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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Ahead of the Curve: Heather Naro on Personalizing Learning and Human-Centered Leading
03/24/2026
Ahead of the Curve: Heather Naro on Personalizing Learning and Human-Centered Leading
I am thrilled to share my latest conversation with Dr. Heather Naro, Head of School at Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt. Heather brings over three decades of experience in international education to a discussion centered on inclusion, culture, and the pursuit of better. Here are three key themes from our conversation: The Radical Shift Toward Inclusion: Since 1992, the number of international schools has grown from fewer than 1,000 to nearly 15,000. More importantly, the philosophy has shifted from "exclusive" environments to more inclusive systems. Human-Centric Leadership: Heather advocates for a people first leadership style, especially in international settings where staff often live and work in close proximity. By caring for the whole beings of her teachers (from airport pickups to shared Thanksgiving dinners), she fosters a collaborative culture where educators feel valued and empowered to go the extra mile. The Necessity of Intercultural Competence: Leading across borders requires a deep understanding of one's own cultural lens. Heather is intentional about helping her teams navigate the continuum of cultural competence, ensuring they understand the unique norms of their host country. A huge thank you to Lori Boll of SENIA International for this introduction to a new colleague and friend! Check out the full episode to hear Heather deconstruct the challenges of Head of School transitions and why she believes that if you aren’t an imperfect leader, you’re doing something wrong. @Academy for International School Heads (AISH) #InternationalEducation #Leadership #Inclusion #InterculturalCompetence #ImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #PersonalizedLearning #EducationGrowth ------- 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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The Pursuit of Better: Measuring Process Over Outcomes with Dan James
03/17/2026
The Pursuit of Better: Measuring Process Over Outcomes with Dan James
This week on An Imperfect Leader, I had the chance to sit down with , founder of and a former U.S. Paralympic coach, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership and what he calls the “pursuit of better.” Here are a few ideas from our conversation that stayed with me: From Subject Matter Expert to Leader of Scale: Many of us move into leadership because we were strong practitioners. But leading at scale requires a very different skill set. As Dan put it, the craft of being a great teacher is very different from the work of leading an entire school system. . Clarifying Your Ultimate Impact: Sustaining leadership over time requires something deeper than the job itself. Dan encourages leaders to stay grounded in their why behind the work. One question he asks leaders is simple but profound: What is your ultimate impact in this life? Measuring the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Growth rarely looks perfect. Dan talked about the importance of accepting “skinned knees” along the way. In his coaching practice, the focus isn’t on perfection, it’s on the pursuit of better. If you’re thinking about leadership, growth, and staying grounded in purpose, I think you’ll enjoy this one. ------- 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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When Kids Ran the Nation: Jennifer Light Offers Lessons in Democracy from Junior Republics
03/10/2026
When Kids Ran the Nation: Jennifer Light Offers Lessons in Democracy from Junior Republics
I am thrilled to share a very special crossover episode between our podcast, An Imperfect Leader, and from the ! Together, we sat down with , a professor at MIT, to explore the the history of Junior Republics and the cutting-edge work of Embodied Education. Here are two key takeaways from our conversation: 🏙️ The Legacy of Junior Republics: Imagine a miniature city or nation run entirely by kids. Starting in 1895, Junior Republics gave children the power to act as senators, run businesses, and even debate major issues like women's suffrage (often reaching progressive conclusions long before adults did). This "radical student agency" reminds us that when we trust young people with real-world responsibility, they are capable of extraordinary things. 🏃♂️ The MIT Project on Embodied Education: We also took a deep dive into how movement and physical activity can be integrated into academic instruction to enhance learning, creativity, and executive function. Dr. Light shared how her team at MIT is designing "games" to teach complex subjects like Algebra. Sometimes, the best ideas for the future are waiting for us in the past. Check out the full episode now! 🎧 #EducationInnovation #StudentAgency #EmbodiedLearning #Leadership #JuniorRepublics #GettingSmart #MIT #AnImperfectLeader #EducationHistory ------- 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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Haley Spira-Bauer Is Clear: Adaptability Is Not Optional
03/03/2026
Haley Spira-Bauer Is Clear: Adaptability Is Not Optional
This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast I’m joined by , COO and Chief Academic Officer at Fullmind and host of the . In a world where the education landscape is constantly shifting, Hayley makes a compelling case that adaptability isn’t optional, it’s essential. We explore how strong leaders connect the dots of data through storytelling - transforming numbers into a shared purpose and collective action. In a powerful “After Action Review,” Hayley shares a hiring mistake from early in her tenure and the lesson that reshaped her approach: skills can be developed, but values and mission alignment are foundational. If you believe leadership is about learning in public, growing through missteps, and staying anchored to purpose, this episode is for you. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. ------- 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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Beyond the “Testing Obsession”: A Conversation with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum
02/24/2026
Beyond the “Testing Obsession”: A Conversation with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum
I recently sat down with , Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools, to talk about what it really means to lead in a messy, high-pressure moment for public education. Jason embraces being an “imperfect” leader. In a field often paralyzed by the pressure for perfection, that mindset matters. Three takeaways that stayed with me: 🏛️ A Cathedral to Possibility: Winchester’s Emil and Grace Shahadah Innovation Center brings students together to explore a true buffet of options. It’s about social cohesion and shared opportunity, not silos. 🔄 Doubling Down on Agency: Amid post-pandemic test score panic, Jason felt the pressure to retreat to compliance. Instead, he’s recommitting to student agency and project-based learning through the district’s . 🏃♂️ Run Toward a Vision: Jason’s advice to aspiring leaders: don’t run away from what you dislike. Instead, run toward something you believe in. Lead toward possibility. Toward humanity. If you haven’t seen it, the documentary Multiple Choice (produced by ) captures this spirit beautifully. What would it look like for more of us to lead this way? #ImperfectLeader #StudentAgency #EducationInnovation #PublicEducation #Elevate2030 ------- 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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Ted Dintersmith on Building Schools Full of Purpose and Promise
02/17/2026
Ted Dintersmith on Building Schools Full of Purpose and Promise
🚨 Are schools preparing students for a world that no longer exists? I recently had the privilege of sitting down with the force behind Most Likely to Succeed and Multiple Choice, and author of What School Could Be (with a new book on math coming soon!). Our conversation centered on one big idea: the status quo isn’t enough anymore. 🤖 AI changes the game: If we’re training students to do what computers now do best, we’re aiming at the past. We need to shift from compliance and percentile rankings to creativity, empathy, purpose, and real problem-solving. 🛠️ Career-connected learning is for everyone: Innovation Centers across the country are giving graduates (college-bound or not) hands-on experiences in fields from cybersecurity to advanced trades, so they graduate with multiple pathways, not just one. 🌟 The change is already happening: Not through mandates, but in "bright spots” where students tackle authentic community challenges. If you care about reimagining school, I hope you’ll listen. 🎧 #EducationInnovation #AIinEducation #FutureOfWork #StudentAgency #WhatSchoolCouldBe ------- 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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Winning Screen Time: Patrick Green on Curiosity, Creativity, and Student Agency
02/10/2026
Winning Screen Time: Patrick Green on Curiosity, Creativity, and Student Agency
In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, I sat down with , author of , to explore how schools can move beyond compliance and toward deeper focus, connection, and self-management in the digital age. Here are three ideas that really stood out during our conversation: 1️⃣ From compliance to self-management: We often say we want creativity and collaboration, yet we still design systems around compliance. Patrick challenges that mismatch. The real goal isn’t control. It’s helping students develop self-management. 2️⃣ Leading with curiosity, not “tech panic”: How we approach students about technology matters. Patrick shared a moment when his initial reaction to students gaming caused them to scatter. They sensed fear, not curiosity. His takeaway was powerful: validate the student before questioning the behavior. 3️⃣ The underrated skill of being alone with your thoughts: In a world of constant consumption, students are losing opportunities for quiet reflection. Patrick reframes what we often call “boredom” as unstructured thinking time and sees it as the kind that sparks creativity and problem-solving. As leaders, the question becomes: What are we saying and what are students actually hearing? When our “why” aligns with students’ need for autonomy and connection, we move from a culture of banning to one of thriving. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here! #AnImperfectLeader #EducationLeadership #DigitalWellness #StudentEngagement #SchoolCulture #FocusAndBelonging #SelfManagement #EdLeadership #PhoneFreeSchools ------- 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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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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