The Dips of Doubt

In this episode, Susan and Tessa challenge the idea that leadership is defined by position. They explore how true leadership is rooted in humility, collaboration, and the willingness to put ego aside. A title doesn’t automatically make someone the smartest person in the room—or give them the right to ignore the wisdom and experience of others. Leadership can be demonstrated from any role, and ofte...

Susan and Tessa dive into one of the most overlooked but critical leadership skills—clear communication. Using Warren Buffett’s quote, “The most important investment you can make is in yourself. And one of the best ways to do this is to hone your communication skills,” they explore how miscommunication can create ripple effects across a campus. As the school year begins, this episode invites leade...

Ever notice how flight attendants never skip the safety briefing, even if most passengers have flown dozens of times? That’s because when it comes to crucial information, repetition matters. In this episode, Susan and Tessa draw inspiration from the runway to the school hallway, exploring how leaders must be just as intentional when onboarding new staff or reboarding returning team members. Too of...

Applause is wonderful. But what happens when the crowd is silent? In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa unpack an article that explores how we must teach our children to be proud of themselves, not just rely on external praise. The lesson doesn’t stop with childhood. As educators and leaders, we often make quiet, powerful differences that no one sees or acknowledges. There are no trophies fo...

In the hustle of meetings, emails, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to lead with your head down and your heart tucked away. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it truly means to lead with heart—not through grand gestures or expensive tokens, but by creating moments of intention, empathy, and genuine connection. They dive into the power of noticing others, offering space and grace, and...

What do you do when you’re surrounded by negativity? In this thoughtful episode, Susan and Tessa explore how to lead with intention when faced with negative voices in your school or workplace. They challenge the common reaction of labeling someone as a “negative person,” and instead ask, what’s really behind their outlook? Backed by brain science and personal reflection, they share how consistentl...

Ever feel like someone is deliberately trying to get under your skin? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional landmines of leadership—those moments when students, staff, or parents seem to poke at every nerve. But what if it's not really about you at all? Using the powerful quote from Conscious Discipline, “It’s happening in front of me, it’s not about me,” they break do...

No one really talks about the quiet grief that comes with stepping into leadership—until now. In this reflective and deeply human episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the often-unspoken losses that accompany a leadership title. One day you’re a peer, the next you’re “one of them.” Relationships shift. Conversations grow cautious. Trust must be re-earned, and suddenly, you’re standing in a space between...

Sometimes the school hallways aren’t the only places where bullying happens. In this honest and vulnerable episode, Susan and Tessa recount personal experiences where they were made to feel small—times they were belittled, called out publicly, or dismissed in ways that cut deep. These moments don’t just sting, they raise critical questions about how we handle adult-to-adult disrespect in our schoo...

Do we truly see what’s right in front of us? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack a common leadership tendency—focusing on what’s broken instead of what’s blooming. When we're constantly scanning for problems to solve, we can overlook the small wins, positive behaviors, and daily efforts that keep our schools moving forward. What if we shifted our lens? What if we made it a habit to catch peopl...

Think back to learning how to drive. You may have watched from the passenger seat, played racing video games, or confidently ridden the Cars attraction at Disneyland. But none of those experiences truly prepared you for the real thing, such as navigating traffic, understanding right-of-way, or parallel parking under pressure. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how that learning curve mirrors...

Leadership comes with many rewards but also with a heavy cost: time. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa open up about the guilt that often shadows school leaders as they juggle long hours, late-night events, and emotionally taxing decisions, all while trying to be present for the people they love most. From missing family dinners to feeling mentally drained at home, they share t...

A sigh, a smirk, a well-timed eye roll are all silent cues, which can speak volumes about a workplace culture. In this episode, Tessa kicks things off with a story that many of us have witnessed: a cashier fumbling through a transaction, surrounded by silent judgment—until one teammate steps in with empathy and calm. Susan and Tessa dive into the powerful ripple effect of small acts of support ver...

What if the most powerful leadership move you make today is simply noticing? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack what happens when we move past assumptions and lean into compassion. When a colleague hasn’t smiled in months, do we write them off—or do we pause and ask why? Through real stories and reflective dialogue, they explore how leaders can create emotionally connected environments by ask...

In this honest and empowering episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the fear many young leaders have of admitting, "I don't know." Early in leadership, we often feel pressure to have all the answers, hiding our uncertainties out of fear, ego, or insecurity. But the truth is, we don't know what we don't know—and that's okay. Susan and Tessa explore how to create a culture where vulnerability is seen as s...

In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dive into leadership insights inspired by Eric Danetz’s article highlighting four essential lessons from first responders. As school leaders, it can often feel like we’re constantly putting out fires, reacting to chaos, and managing emergencies on the fly. But how can we lead like a first responder with the important qualities, such as being steady, prepa...

In this important conversation, Susan and Tessa unpack the common leadership dilemma—how to hold others accountable without being labeled a micromanager. They explore what happens when leaders avoid addressing issues like tardiness or dress code violations out of fear of overstepping. Drawing from Brene Brown’s wisdom, “Clear is kind,” they emphasize that clarity in expectations is not only kind,...

In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa explore how our outlook, positive or negative, impacts our mindset, our leadership, and our daily productivity. Tessa shares how negativity often becomes our default setting, especially when one frustrating moment overshadows an otherwise good day. They discuss how our brains can trick us into thinking things are worse than they are, and why exercising t...

In this encouraging episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a concept from Tessa’s latest article—“Figure-out-able.” As leaders, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and fall into a spiral of doubt when challenges seem unsolvable. But with a shift in mindset, regulation strategies, and a little patience, even the toughest situations can be worked through. Susan and Tessa remind us that solutions often exist r...

As the school year winds down, it’s easy to feel like hitting a quick reset button and moving on—but real growth requires more than a simple reboot. In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa invite leaders to pause and truly assess the past year. Whether you faced scheduling frustrations, saw little movement in school culture, or neglected your own well-being, now is the time to stop, reflect, a...

In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy for leaders to spiral into the “what if” cycle, losing focus and direction. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the realities of leading when the future feels unclear and distractions are everywhere. They explore how to be intentional with your energy, how to redirect your mindset, and how to focus on what you can control. With thoughtful reflection and...

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt: Tessa Brock Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions.&nb...

In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional weight so many of us carry, both seen and unseen, in our daily roles as educators and leaders. Inspired by Tessa’s recent article, they dive into the metaphor of the “backpack” we all wear, filled with stress, responsibility, and personal challenges. Tessa shares a personal story about stepping into a leadership role for a committee...

In this episode, Susan shares a sweet and funny moment with her granddaughter, who has entered the “Why?” phase of childhood, responding to every request with that simple, yet profound question. While it may be endearing, and occasionally exhausting, this moment leads Susan and Tessa into a meaningful conversation about leadership and how we respond to the same question in our professional roles....

Do you ever feel a heaviness settle in as Sunday winds down? In this episode, Susan and Tessa open up about the all-too-common "Sunday Blues"—that anxious feeling as the week ahead begins to take over your thoughts. From staff meetings and to-do lists to tough conversations and deadlines, the mental load of leadership can make Sunday feel more overwhelming than restful. Susan and Tessa share simpl...