The Aspiring School Leader Podcast

If you’re an aspiring school leader, you might be tempted to rush the process and chase the title. But here’s the truth, leadership readiness is about becoming the leader schools need, not just arriving at the role. In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 essential keys to leadership readiness so you can position yourself for success, grow with purpose, and be fully prepared when opportunity knocks....

Are you an aspiring school leader who's tired of being overlooked, rejected, or “almost chosen” for leadership roles? This episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast is for educators who feel stuck, frustrated, and ready to walk away from the dream of becoming an assistant principal, instructional coach, or school administrator. But before you give up on your education leadership journey, hear...

Are you an aspiring school leader looking for real-world insights that actually shift how you lead? In this episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I’m breaking down 3 powerful lessons I took away from attending a national school leadership conference — and how you can use them to level up, whether you're interviewing for your first role or already leading without the title.   ✅ Lesson 1:...

Are you spending your summer updating your resume or watching leadership webinars — but still not landing the job? The truth is, some aspiring school leaders don’t get hired because they miss the real work that makes you stand out in interviews and thrive as a leader. In this episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I reveal four overlooked yet powerful summer strategies that will give you a...

🔥 If you’re an aspiring school leader, chances are you’ve believed at least one of these three lies. I know I did when I was starting out. These false beliefs are keeping you stuck — and in this episode, I am calling them out so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. In this episode, we break down: → Why waiting doesn’t build readiness — and what does. → Why your unique leadership voic...

🎯 Should You Really Be a School Leader? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions First Before you spend your summer chasing school leadership roles, you need to hear this. In today’s episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I’m challenging you to pause and reflect on four brutally honest questions that will help you decide if you’re truly ready to step into leadership. Whether you're feeling stuck in...

Welcome to The Aspiring School Leader Podcast—your weekly guide to landing your first leadership role and leading with clarity, confidence, and impact. In this short trailer, Dr. Donovan Smalls II—educator, bestselling author, and school leadership coach—shares what this podcast is all about and how it will help you prepare for leadership interviews, navigate complex school dynamics, and step into...