Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership

What can we learn from the people leading some of Michigan’s most impactful educational organizations? In this special leadership mashup episode of Standing Tall | Voices in Leadership, we’ve compiled some of the most memorable insights from 12 outstanding education leaders from across Michigan. From building trust and navigating change to developing teams and staying mission-focused, these leader...

Featured Episodes & Draft Picks Pick Guest & Leadership Role Featured Highlight & Episode Link #1 Dr. John VanWagoner (Superintendent, Traverse City Area Public Schools) Innovating Mid-Flight with Dr. John VanWagoner Randy’s top pick emphasizes the necessary rhythm of shifting between active work on the "dance floor" and systemic foresight from the "balcony." #2 Michelle Barry (Director, Ignite Pa...

Key Discussion Points The Journey from Classroom to Strategy: Karle shares how her decade of experience teaching middle school science and serving as an instructional coach shaped her minimalist, intentional approach to educational technology. She emphasizes that tech shouldn't be used just because it is digital, but rather to enhance existing best practices. Navigating the Tool Landscape: Rather...

Paul Kurdziel (referred to as "PK" by his students) is a "Big Red" alumnus and the current Coordinator of Alternative Education and Career Placement at the Muskegon Community Education Center (MCEC). With three decades in the field, Paul has served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, becoming a "mentor to many" leaders in the West Michigan area.     Key Discussion Points   The Philos...

Key Takeaways The Power of Belonging: Why "belongingness" is the guiding light for every decision at Orchard View. Capacity Management: The "plate" analogy—why leaders must take inventory of what they are asking of their staff before adding more. Restorative Leadership: How modeling restorative circles for staff leads to better conflict resolution with students. The Three Buckets of Influence: Ana...

Key Takeaways for Leaders Visibility is Non-Negotiable: Impactful leadership happens in the hallways, at lunch tables, and during "Crew Time," not behind a closed office door. The "Coffee Guy" Philosophy: Small, consistent acts of service—like brewing the morning coffee—build massive amounts of relational capital with staff. Vulnerability Creates Connection: Being "real" and sharing your personal...

Key Takeaways for Leaders The "Felt" Culture: Culture isn't just a mission statement on a wall. It’s the audible sound of students encouraging one another and the tangible "vibe" you feel the moment you walk through the doors. The Power of "Best for Kids": Learn how to use a single, simple question to filter every decision, from budget allocations to new recess rules. Systems with a Soul: Janelle...

Guest: Paul Klimza Principal at Reeths-Puffer Elementary School Paul Klimza brings over three decades of experience to the table, specializing in school culture, special education, and alternative learning. His leadership philosophy is rooted in his own experience as a student who felt "unseen," driving him to create an environment where every student is given an opportunity to shine. Key Discussi...

In this episode of Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership , host Randy Lindquist sits down with Michelle Barry , the visionary leader behind Ignite Pathways in Woodbine, Iowa. Michelle shares her journey from a general education teacher to a pioneer in Career and Technical Education (CTE), explaining how she works at the intersection of education and workforce development to change student lives.    ...

In this episode, we sit down with Sean, the Superintendent at Eaton RESA, to discuss his unique path from the classroom to higher education coaching and back to district leadership. Sean shares his philosophy on building high-trust environments, why he believes leaders should "barrier bust" rather than just provide solutions, and how the "AI revolution" is forcing a 200-year-old system to finally...

Episode Highlights & Key Concepts The Unconventional Path to Leadership: John discusses his unique "top-down" career trajectory, moving from high school social studies teacher to the Michigan Department of Education before returning to local and regional leadership. Building the Plane While Flying It: A look into John's entrepreneurial leadership style, where he advocates for launching innovative...

Key Takeaways for Leaders Framework Over Compliance: PBIS should be a tool to address strategic challenges like chronic absenteeism and test scores, not just a set of rules to follow. The Interconnected Systems Framework (ISF): A strategy for schools and community partners to move beyond just sharing information to authentic, shared decision-making. Moving Beyond "Person-Dependency": Why systems m...

Episode Summary In this special end-of-year mashup, we dive into the lessons that define high-impact leadership. From the precision of a Ferrari pit crew to the "monastic" focus of Victor Hugo, we explore how educational leaders can break out of their silos to create more efficient, connected, and focused school cultures. Key Takeaways for Leaders Cross-Pollination: How a London hospital reduced e...

Key Takeaways for School Leaders Growth Without "Collateral Damage" Ambition is critical, but it cannot come at the expense of your people. Smies explains why growth must be managed carefully to avoid leaving a "wake" of burnt-out staff behind. The "Three-Legged Stool" of Sustainability For any district or organization to thrive, growth must happen simultaneously in three areas: volunteers (staff/...

Multiplier Mindset: Moving Beyond Unilateral Leadership In this episode, we sit down with Ron Gorman, who shares his journey from a second-grade teacher in Grand Rapids to becoming the Superintendent of Kent ISD . Ron discusses the unique challenges of leading at the county level, the shifting landscape of vocational education, and the critical "soft skills" that define successful district leaders...

Episode Summary What does it mean to be "kindly accountable"? In this episode, Randy sits down with Liz Calvert, the principal of Madison High School in Virginia, to discuss her journey as an educator and leader. Liz shares her compelling argument for change, rooted in her own children's experience, which sparked her mission to equip students with "durable skills". Liz offers powerful advice on ho...

In this episode, Randy Lindquist sits down with Jim Alston, Superintendent of Kelloggsville Public Schools , to discuss his powerful leadership journey as a first-generation college graduate inspired by his own middle school teacher. Jim shares how his leadership philosophy evolved from "my way or the highway" to a relationship-centered approach focused on one simple question: "Is it what's best f...

In this conversation, you'll learn Dr. Timmis's core philosophies on leadership, including his powerful hiring question, "Do you love to win, or do you hate to lose?", and why he gives his staff the "absolute freedom to fail forward" . Key Takeaways Hire competitors who hate to lose. Dr. Timmis only hires administrators who hate to lose because they learn from setbacks and are driven to improve an...

In this special season finale, we revisit the most powerful insights, quotes, and lessons shared by the incredible leaders who joined us on Season 1 of Standing Tall. From mindset shifts to moments of courage, this highlight reel captures the heart of what it means to lead with purpose, authenticity, and vision. Whether you’re listening again or catching up for the first time, these are the takeaw...

In this special episode, we sit down with Superintendent Randy Lindquist and his father, former superintendent Larry Lindquist, for a heartfelt conversation about leadership, legacy, and the evolution of education. Spanning decades of public service, this father-son dialogue offers a glimpse into how the role of a school leader has changed—and what’s remained timeless. From the challenges of leadi...

In this episode, you’ll learn:   Why you should never “skip the ending” How temporal landmarks influence memory and motivation ( Daniel Pink – When ) How to build unforgettable peak moments ( Chip & Dan Heath – The Power of Moments ) Why gratitude rewires your brain for better outcomes ( Chase Mielke – The Burnout Cure ) The impact of crystal-clear vision on team resilience (the story of Hiroo Ono...

Guest: Dr. Debbie McFalone, Leadership Facilitator, Author, and Founder of Live Well, Lead Strong Key Topics Covered: Leadership Journey : Debbie shares pivotal moments from her career as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and now a full-time coach and consultant. Core Values in Leadership : Learn why courage and integrity are non-negotiables in effective school leadership, and how to align you...

 Topics Discussed: • Transitioning from counselor to administrator • Building school culture through daily interactions and hiring • The importance of belonging—for students, staff, and families • The role of national networks in educational leadership • “Happy chickens lay eggs”—why staff wellness matters • Patrick Lencioni’s Hungry, Humble, Smart hiring model • Why instructional leadership begin...

Big Takeaways: • Radical Redesign Over Tinkering: Real educational transformation requires rethinking school design from the ground up—not just tweaking existing models. • Student-Centered, Real-World Learning: Students should work on their world problems, not just “real world” problems, to make learning personally relevant and motivating. • Flexible, Project-Based High School Models: Purdue Polyt...

Key Takeaways: • Authentic Leadership: Discover the significance of leading with authenticity and how it fosters trust within educational communities. • Navigating Financial Challenges: Learn strategies for making compassionate decisions during financial constraints. • Fostering Collaboration: Understand the importance of uniting diverse school districts under a shared vision. • Preparing for the...