Cognia Leader Chat

Phil Lanoue is an experienced leader with impressive and thoughtful insights into leadership. Dr. Lanoue is the 2015 American Association of School Administrators National Superintendent of the Year, and the co-author of three books: Developing the Organizational Culture of the Central Office, The Emerging Work of Today’s Superintendent, and Navigating the Unknown in Education .

Overcoming life’s hurdles is relative. If you are challenged leading during these difficult times, this is the Leader Chat for you. Damon West, who once served a sentence in a maximum-security prison, now is a professor, best-selling author, and coveted speaker, joins us. His energy is infectious. Disclaimer: the audio issues at the beginning of the recording do get resolved a few minutes in.

In this inaugural Leader Chat, we are thrilled that the legend, Jon Gordon was able to join us. Dr. Jeff Rose talks with Jon about the challenge of leading with positivity during difficult times, Jon’s passion for supporting educators, and his upcoming visit to Atlanta. Jeff then goes on to describe the “why,” “what,” and ‘how” of our future Leader Chats.

We start this podcast with a big announcement. Exciting changes ahead! Then, best selling author and the master of motivation Jon Gordon talks with us about leading fueled by the power of positivity. 

Dr. Curtis Jones, Jr. 2019 National Superintendent of the Year! Dr. Jones, a passionate educator dedicated to developing students as scholars, leaders and good citizens, joined the Bibb County School District in April 2015. When he joined the district, Dr. Jones set one of his first long-term goals as raising the district’s graduation rate to 90 percent by 2025. The district has made great gains i...

Noelle Ellerson Ng joined AASA in 2007 as a policy analyst. As associate executive director, she directs the advocacy and governance efforts of AASA. In this role she spearheads the organization’s work with Congress and the U.S. Department of Education. Her team is responsible for representing the voice and priorities of the nation’s public school superintendents in all aspects of federal educatio...

Eric Lent is Chief Marketing Officer at World 50. Prior to World 50, Eric was the Senior Vice President, Upscale Brands at Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) where he was responsible for driving demand and achieving global growth objectives for a +$5 Bln business unit. Outside of work, Eric is an advisor to 48in48, an organization dedicated to building websites for nonprofits. Previously, he serv...

Dr. Tarece Johnson (goes by Dr. Tarece) is the first ever African American Female Board Member in Gwinnett County, GA. The first Black Board member was elected just two years ago. She earned a BA from La Universidad del Sagrado Corazón (Puerto Rico) and a MPA (Columbia University), a MBA (Emory University), and doctorate in education! She is an educational leader, entrepreneur, and teacher. She is...

Dr. Nicole Holmes is the Chief Academic officer in Cherokee County Schools. Dr. Holmes, who has 22 years of educational experience including 14 years in leadership, earned her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Spelman College followed by a master's degree in the field from Brenau University. She earned leadership and supervision certification from Jacksonville State University an...

Dr. Duke Bradley is the Deputy Superintendent/Chief of Schools for the Beauford County School District in South Carolina. Dr. Bradley holds a B.A. in English Literature from Morehouse College, M.A.T. from Brown University, a law degree from John Marshall Law School and a Ph. D. in Educational Leadership from The University of Southern Mississippi. He has also completed the Harvard University Gradu...

Dr. Reva Cosby is the Superintendent of Trotwood-Madison City Schools in Ohio, and the past superintendent of Healthy City Schools, near Cincinnati. We know women are underrepresented in top school district leadership roles. We also know men and men AND women of color are unrepresented as well. As we celebrate Black History Month, Reva's perspective honors her own accomplishments and gives us all...

Despite the well-known benefits, many leaders remain resistant to the whole idea of self-care. This resistance often stems from a feeling that self-care is a sign of weakness, a feeling that they just don’t have time, or just generally rolling their eyes at the entire concept. Based Palena's experience as a leadership coach, Dr. Neale offers several suggestions to help leaders see the benefits of...

Ever worry about future superintendent candidates? Are your curious about how to attract great leaders to your district? Hank Harris, president of Human Capital Enterprises, has worked with thousands of superintendents and district leaders. His insights are extremely helpful, and we look forward to continuing our discussion.

Tony Thomas (Superintendent) and Amy Sipes, Director of Human Resources for Northmont City Schools in Ohio transparently discuss strategies and the ups/downs of supporting students by having them in face-to-face instruction with teachers.

Luvelle Brown is an experienced educator who has held positions as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, school CIO, and Superintendent of Schools. Currently, Dr. Brown is serving as the Superintendent of the Ithaca City School District (ICSD) in Ithaca, New York. During his tenure in Ithaca, the Ithaca City School District has experienced unprecedented levels of success. He is the author of...

Kristin McKeown helps hard-working educators manage their stress, integrate mindfulness and meditation into their lives, and find the balance that allows them to be at their best. Kristin discusses with me her "why" and her methods to support dedicated teachers and leaders.

Glenn E. Singleton has devoted over thirty years to constructing racial equity worldwide and developing leaders to do the same. He is the author of Courageous Conversations About Race: A Field Guide for Achieving Equity in Schools (2006 & 2014), a protocol for sustained, deep dialog, and the creator Beyond Diversity, the curriculum that has taught hundreds of thousands of people how to use it. As...

Have you faced challenges leading people of various ages and generations through the emotional challenges of our COVID pandemic? Has supporting your students been tough? The answers to these questions are obviously, YES. As leaders, you are learners! So, join us! Dr. Tim Elmore is passionate about understanding the emerging generation and helping adults teach them how to become leaders in their sc...

Dr. Clayton Wilcox is a proven leader with a demonstrated record of accomplishment in the private and public sectors. He has served as a superintendent of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Washington County Public Schools, Pinellas County Schools, and East Baton Rouge Parish School System. In this Leader Chat, Clayton talks to us about his new book, A Crisis in Leadership. His honest insights are hel...

School District Leaders know first hand that political conflict impacts their leadership and those they serve whether it be local, statewide, or at the national level.  I invite you to listen to these Leading Ed members to hear their thoughts, ideas, and questions.

Maureen Downey a longtime reporter for the AJC where she has written editorials and opinion pieces about local, state and federal education policy for more than 20 years. She joins me to discuss the significance of our current educational challenges. You can contact her at maureen.downey@ajc.com  with questions, comments, or to submit a guest article.

Morcease Beasley, the superintendent of Clayton County Schools, shines as a leader of his schools and community during this time of need. His message inspires and gives us hope.

Dan Gordon, Senior Legal and Policy Advisor for Ed Council in Washington DC, joins me to talk about our future challenges and opportunities in schools due to our growing COVID pandemic.

Part 1. The decision to reopen schools is a complex and political lose-lose situation.

Imagine the weight on the shoulders of leaders, as they are forced to decide on closing down schools as we know it. The impact of doing for students and communities can easily be misunderstood. Brian Hightower, Superintendent of Cherokee County Schools, joins me as we discuss the critical factors that lead and guide such a difficult decisions.