The Department Chair Leadership Podcast

In this episode, middle school math teacher Jackie Mjoen shares how being a cancer survivor has shaped the way she teaches, leads, and encourages others to grow through resiliency and confronting hard things. She talks about transforming math anxiety into resilience through her “math pit” framework, creating a safe space for students to struggle, and using empathy, curiosity, and authenticity to b...

In this episode, Carolyn Mattiske, Founder and CEO ofPeople Culture Institute, LLC, returns to discuss the critical role of resiliency in leadership. She emphasizes that resiliency is a skill set that can be developed and is essential for leaders to support themselves and their teams. The conversation explores the importance of creating a supportive environment, the integration of mindfulness prac...

In this episode Dr. Brandi Kelly shares her extensiveexperience in education, discussing her transition from K-12 leadership to coaching and writing. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, resilience, and community in leadership, drawing from her personal experiences. Dr. Kelly shares her HOPE system, which focuses on habits, optimistic outlook, purpose, and excellence, and discusses he...

In this episode, I go solo and reflect on the top 10 leadership lessons I’ve learned in the past 10 years as a formal, titled leader. Take the time to listen and let me know if you agree or have others that you have found! I’m currently booking speaking and training for the 2026 2027 academic year, focusing on training leaders in K-12, Higher Education and the Corporate Space. Email me at chris@cj...

In this episode of the Department Chair Leadership Podcast , I sit down with a true icon of American sports, Sue Enquist. With over 45 years of experience at UCLA as a student,coach, administrator, and professor, Sue is a 6-time Hall of Famer and an 11-time NCAA Softball Champion. Holding the NCAA career record for winning percentage, her legacy extends far beyond the diamond. Most recently, she s...

In this episode, Dr. Greg Tiemann shares his extensiveexperience in educational leadership, discussing his journey, philosophy, and insights on building trust, navigating conflict, and fostering a positive school culture. He emphasizes the importance of strategic planning, celebrating small wins, and being visible as a leader to build connections within the school community. Dr. Tiemann also highl...

In this episode, Leighton Dempster, head rifle coach at Army West Point, shares her journey from NCAA athlete to coach, emphasizing the importance of leadership, authenticity, and resilience. She discusses the unique challenges faced by cadets at West Point and the lessons learned through coaching in a military environment. The conversation highlights the significance of failure in personal growth...

What does it take to lead the charge in preparing the next generation of teachers? In this episode, hear from one of the nation's foremost experts, Dr. Rodrick Lucero. As both a Professor and Executive Director for Educator Certification and Preparation at Texas A&M University's School of Education and Human Development and the CEO of the National Center for Clinical Practice in Educator Prepa...

In this episode, Patrick Crowdis, Finance Director for Dodge City Public Schools and former Superintendent, Principal, and Teacher shares his non-traditional journey into education, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and personal growth in leadership roles. Dr. Chris Jochum ⁠⁠Book Chris for your next event⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Get the Book-The Department...

In this episode, Dr. Chris Hobbs, Head of School at Indian Rocks Christian School, shares his extensive journey in Christian education, highlighting the importance of leadership, faith, and personal growth. He discusses the significance of establishing a positive culture, navigating conflict, and the role of continuous professional development in effective leadership. Dr. Hobbs emphasizes the need...

In this episode, Dr. Dana Goodier shares her extensive experience in education, focusing on leadership, advocacy for world languages, and the importance of creating a positive school culture. She discusses her journey from teaching to formalized leadership roles, the challenges of advocating for foreign language programs, and the significance of conflict resolution in educational settings. Dr. Goo...

In this episode, Brad Black, CEO of HumanEx Ventures, onceagain joins the podcast and in addition to giving invaluable advice on leadership, talent, culture, and teams, also highlights the upcoming HumanEx Summit in Omaha, NE.   Dr. Chris Jochum ⁠⁠Book Chris for your next event⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effect...

In this episode, Dr. Anne Schmitz shares her journey to becoming a department chair in higher education, discussing the challenges and rewards of leadership. She emphasizes the importance of treating leadership as a new area of research, the necessity of developing a leadership philosophy, and the role of AI in enhancing leadership skills. Dr. Schmitz provides valuable advice for new department ch...

Dr. Jim Sutfin, former Superintendent of Millard Public Schools (Nebraska), and current HumanEx Senior Associate and Leadership Consultant draws upon over 30 years of experience as an educator, sharing valuable insights about leadership, creating positive learning environments for students, navigating conflict, and how to develop a strong organizational culture and climate. Dr. Chris Jochum Contac...

In this episode, I explore how the instruments used to evaluate employees’ yearly performance should be aligned with the organization’s culture, climate, and core values. I discuss how our daily habits and behaviors directly impact organizational outcomes and advocate for prioritizing morale before metrics. My key message: thoughtfully design your assessments to elevate your organization by reinfo...

In this episode, Dr. Brad Badertscher, Professor of Accountancy and Department Chair at the University of Notre Dame, talks about his leadership journey and how he has been able to lead a student-focused, faculty-driven culture. He also shares valuable insights on balancing research excellence with innovative leadership, the power of recognition, and the importance of pursuing personal goals and s...

In this episode, an award-winning educator and leader, Dr. Nason Lollar, talks about his new book, The 5 Principles of Education Professionalism. A must read for educational leaders at all levels. Dr. Chris Jochum Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠ ⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠   Dr. Nason Lollar Having served twe...

In this episode, experienced department chair, Dr. Benjamin Myers, discusses his new book, “The New Department Chair: 100 Daily Reflections for Mindfully Designing Your Term.” Dr. Chris Jochum Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠ ⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership⁠ ⁠X ⁠LinkedIn⁠   Dr. W. Benjamin Myers Dr. W. Benjamin Myers is a professor of...

Todd Bloomer talks about his new book and shares proven strategies he’s learned about thriving as an educational leader at any level. Dr. Chris Jochum Book Chris for your next event Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠ ⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Mr. Todd Bloomer Born in New York, now calling San Antonio, Texas ho...

What happens when you focus on values instead of titles? Dr. Dennis shares how she navigated organizational change as an interim academic dean by anchoring her leadership in four core principles: partnerships, collegiality, care, and joy. Her powerful message reminds us that while titles may be temporary, integrity endures. Join us for an inspiring conversation about authentic leadership during ti...

Dr. Chris Jochum Book Chris for your next event Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠ ⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership⁠ ⁠Twitter⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Mr. Martin Silverman Martin Silverman is a father, grandfather, husband, and long-time educator in beautiful San Antonio, Texas.  He has been committed to providing the best educational experience for t...

Dr. Chris Jochum ⁠Book Chris for your next event⁠ ⁠Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership⁠⁠ ⁠⁠X⁠⁠ ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Brad Black Brad Black currently serves as President and CEO of HUMANeX Ventures, an organization that helps businesses, school districts, and athletic teams by implementing tailored processes that i...

Dr. Chris Jochum Book Chris for your next event Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠ ⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership⁠ ⁠X⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Brad Black Brad Black currently serves as President and CEO of HUMANeX Ventures, an organization that helps businesses, school districts, and athletic teams by implementing tailored processes that identify, a...

Dr. Chris Jochum Book Chris for your next event Contact Chris for training, coaching or speaking⁠ ⁠Get the Book-The Department Chair: A Practical Guide to Effective Leadership⁠ ⁠X⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Dr. David Arencibia Dr. David Arencibia is a highly regarded educator with over two decades of experience as a school leader, dedicated to cultivating cultures of success. He is a sought-after keynote speaker...

Dr. Bhavna Sharma-Lewis is in her 15th year as Superintendent of Schools in Diamond Lake District 76 in Mundelein, Illinois about 40 miles north of Chicago. Listen to this episode to learn about how she takes a community-wide approach to building a strong culture, climate, and supporting core values based on “Sparkle On”. Dr. Chris Jochum Book Chris for your next event Contact Chris for training,...