Beyond the Bell: School Leadership Series

Recorded live at the NASSP Leadership Awards and Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., this conversation with Justin Wax is packed with energy, optimism, and practical leadership wisdom. From the moment we sat down, it felt less like an interview and more like a conversation with someone I had known for years, a testament to Justin’s ability to connect with people and make them feel valued. In...

In this episode of Beyond the Bell, Jon sits down with Colorado High School Principal of the Year ToniJo Niccoli, principal of New Meridian High School and the district’s Career and Technical Education Center in northern Colorado. Toni Jo shares her unique journey into education, from originally planning to become a kindergarten teacher to finding her passion working with students in alternative e...

In this episode of Beyond the Bell , we sit down with David Wiedlich for a conversation that challenges the way we think about leadership, resilience, and longevity in the role. Together, we explore what it means to lead through those pressures with intention. From the concept of trauma-informed leadership to the importance of self-awareness and sustainability, this conversation goes beyond strate...

In this episode, George and Jon spend some time discussing an overlooked leadership habit: the way simple, mindless moments can actually help school leaders recharge. They share stories from their time as assistant principals, when these moments accidentally became part of the workflow, and how they have learned to use them intentionally as principals. There's also the tension leaders feel whe...

In this episode of Beyond the Bell , we sit down with Dr. Mia Hyde to explore what it means to scale up in leadership and navigate change effectively. Mia explains that growth isn’t simply about doing more, it’s about guiding others through change with clarity and purpose. From the classroom to the state level, she reminds us that meaningful progress happens when leaders stay grounded, communicate...

What if feeling ineffective doesn’t mean you’ve lost it, just that you’re between seasons of effectiveness? In this episode of Beyond the Bell , Steve Long joins in on a conversation to explore that idea through the lens of effectiveness windows, those seasons when everything seems to click… and the ones when it doesn’t. Drawing from years of leadership experience, Steve reflects on how his own ef...

In this episode of Leading Within Yourself , Jon and George dig into what it really means to be emotionally ready to lead. They share personal stories from their own leadership journeys like the moments that tested their steadiness, the lessons they’ve learned about showing up each day with clarity and calm, and how emotional readiness shapes every decision they make. They didn't nail it overn...

In this one-on-one conversation, we sat down with Dr. Josh Carter, who at the time was serving as a principal in Johnson City, TN. Since then, Dr. Carter has transitioned into a district leadership role, bringing his perspective and experience to a broader level of impact. Our discussion was thoughtful and practical as Dr. Carter reflected on the challenges and opportunities principals face daily,...

In leadership, it’s easy to get busy and even easier to confuse busyness with progress. Mistaking Activity for Achievement pulls back the curtain on what really drives meaningful growth. In this episode, Jon and George tackle the difference between checking boxes and making a lasting impact, exploring the habits, mindsets, and decisions that separate genuine achievement from endless activity. Join...

Failure isn’t the end of the story, it’s where the real learning begins. In this episode of Beyond the Bell , co-hosts Jon Minton and George Laoo unpack what it means to get better at getting worse. As school leaders, they know firsthand that mistakes, setbacks, and missteps are inevitable. But the way we respond to those moments can define our growth and leadership. Join Jon and George as they sh...

Spending too much time stuck in the office? Leaders want to stay accessible, but it’s easy to get trapped behind the desk. In this episode, George and Jon share their own experiences and practical strategies to help leaders step out, stay proactive, and build stronger connections. It’s not always easy but it’s essential for effective leadership.  Topics explored in this episode: Being proactive ra...