The Dips of Doubt

Sometimes as leaders, our enthusiasm can unintentionally overshadow others. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a story from Tessa’s recent newsletter blog about leading a staff birthday celebration and realizing afterward that she had inadvertently taken over the event, leaving little room for others to contribute. Tessa shares her reflections on the experience and the importance of being...

What does it really mean to “fake it till you make it” in leadership? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the phrase and explore the balance between confidence and authenticity. As new leaders, it's common to step into roles without having all the answers—so how do we navigate that tension without feeling like a fraud? Tessa shares the powerful quote, “Set your goals so high, you have to becom...

As a leader, it can feel like no matter what decision you make—someone will be upset. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the all-too-familiar “Blame Game,” where staff, students, or parents point fingers, and leaders are left carrying the weight. They unpack how blame can trigger defensiveness, shut down healthy communication, and block opportunities for growth. Instead of spiraling into g...

Taking risks is part of leadership but what happens when the outcome stings? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a powerful article Tessa shared, sparking a vulnerable conversation about stepping into opportunity, facing rejection, and wrestling with the bruised ego that often follows. They explore what it means to take a leap of faith, even when the results don’t go your way. From family d...

It’s a celebration! In this milestone episode, Susan and Tessa reflect on the incredible journey to 100 episodes and express heartfelt gratitude to the people who helped make it all possible—family, friends, special guests, and most importantly, you, the listeners. They pull back the curtain to share behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned along the way, and what it’s really been like building...

Not every "no" is the end of the road. In fact, it might just be the redirection you needed. In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa kick off the conversation with a personal story about a missed opportunity that, at the time, felt like failure. Susan shares what it was like to not receive a position she deeply wanted, only to discover later that something even better was waiting. Together, the...

Leadership often comes with the pressure to perform, to be liked, and to constantly prove your worth. But what if that mindset is doing more harm than good? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dig into the emotional weight leaders carry when trying to be everyone’s favorite. Through stories, quotes, and hard-earned lessons, they explore how to stay grounded in your values, remain self-aware, and not...

In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to overlook the power of two simple words: Thank you. But do they really matter? Shouldn’t staff just do their jobs without expecting recognition? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the significance of gratitude in the workplace and how appreciation (or the lack of it) impacts morale, motivation, and decision-making. They share practical exa...

In this powerful episode, Susan and Tessa explore the power of our thoughts with the quote, "We become what we think about." Susan shares a personal story about how receiving a poor medical test result affected not just her mindset but even her physical actions, which highlights how our thoughts can derail us more than reality itself. As leaders, self-doubt and negative thinking can chip away at o...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the chaos of leadership and the challenge of managing endless details. Using the metaphor of a snow globe, they remind us that even in the middle of a storm, the snow eventually settles. They introduce the strategy of closing the loop to help leaders stay on top of the details while maintaining clarity and focus. Leadership isn’t just about managing tasks...

What does it truly mean to be a professional? As leaders, we often assume professionalism is understood, but it requires continuous teaching, modeling, and reinforcement. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the three pillars of professionalism and how they shape a thriving educational culture. Tessa introduces The Class Tool , a framework that helps educators assess their ability to create...

In this powerful episode, Tessa kicks off the conversation with a story about a flight attendant who effortlessly blended playfulness, relationship-building, and firm expectations to create a positive experience for passengers. As Tessa made her way to her seat, she heard the attendant declare, “We are going to shower everyone with kindness, y’all!” This moment sparked a deeper reflection on leade...

Leadership is tough, and every day presents new challenges. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into what it means to be a “diamond leader” by exploring the qualities that make leaders worth following. They discuss the importance of trust, honesty, and grace while acknowledging that no one is perfect. If we’re not careful, our actions can harm relationships and school culture, making it even mor...

As a new leader, knowing when to speak up and when to stay silent can be a challenge. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the struggles of stepping into leadership and the pressure to share ideas, give input, or voice objections. They discuss how silence, observation, and assessment can be some of the most powerful tools for a young leader. Sometimes the best way to lead is to listen first. T...

Have you ever given feedback at the wrong time and instantly regretted it? In this episode, Tessa shares a personal story about holding back her instinct to critique her daughter’s swim performance because sometimes timing is everything. As leaders, we may have the best intentions but if we deliver feedback too soon it can feel more like criticism than support. Susan and Tessa break down the impor...

As leaders, we often feel the pressure to do it all, but should we? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the power of delegation, drawing insights from Chris Donnelly’s Step by Step newsletter. They explore a thought-provoking definition of delegation and why it's a critical skill for leadership growth. By lightening the load, empowering others, and fostering collaboration, delegation not on...

As leaders, are we truly listening or are we letting our biases choose a side before we hear the full story? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of impartial listening when working with staff, students, and parents. They discuss how easy it is to stop listening once we think we know the answer and how that can impact trust and decision-making. Through personal insights and prac...

As leaders, we have all asked the question, should I just do this tomorrow? Susan and Tessa dive into the all-too-relatable feeling of overwhelm when the "to-do list" keeps growing and motivation seems out of reach. They share personal stories of procrastination and the stress that comes with putting things off. But more importantly, they offer practical strategies to break the cycle, such as tack...

Tessa kicks off this episode with a storytelling game where each twist flips between "fortunately" and "unfortunately," challenging everyone listening to find the silver lining in every setback. This playful exercise reflects a powerful leadership mindset—choosing growth over defeat. As leaders, tough moments will come, but like the tide, challenges roll in and eventually recede. Susan and Tessa s...

As a leader, you’re constantly moving from one challenge to the next, but are you taking care of yourself in the process? In this episode, Susan and Tessa ask the tough questions: Are you eating? Taking breaks? Breathing? Leadership fatigue is real, and without intentional moments of rest, our decision-making, energy, and well-being suffer. Join the conversation as they share practical strategies,...

Stepping into leadership is exciting, but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming, frustrating, and downright exhausting. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share their differing perspectives on what it feels like to be a new leader, from the struggles of navigating uncharted territory to the thrill of making an impact. They dive into the highs and lows, the uncertainty of not having a roadmap, a...

As leaders, we are often the ones others turn to in times of crisis. But what do you say when a staff member is facing a personal tragedy? How do you offer support without overstepping? In this heartfelt conversation, Susan and Tessa share personal stories, words of encouragement, and practical strategies for navigating these difficult moments with compassion and care. From knowing when to simply...

"I'm a recovering perfectionist and an aspiring good-enoughist." — Brené Brown Perfection is a heavy burden, especially for leaders. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the inner chatter that tells us we have to be the best at everything—but is that even possible? Spoiler: It’s not. Join the conversation as they unpack how to prioritize what truly needs your time and energy, let go of unrea...

Is the traditional "Sandwich Model" of feedback—praise, critique, praise—really the best way to help your staff grow? In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dissect this well-known method, sharing why it might not be as effective as we think. They explore the potential pitfalls, like diluting important feedback or leaving staff confused about what really needs improvement. Susan and Tessa offe...

What do leadership, waiting tables, and training orca whales have in common? More than you think! In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore how leadership mirrors the service mindset of a waiter or waitress—anticipating needs, supporting your team, and ensuring everyone thrives. But what happens when stress and overwhelm creep in, causing that servant mindset to slip? Tessa shares a fascinating sto...