The Dips of Doubt

When mistakes happen, do we instinctively look for someone to blame, or do we assume best intentions and focus on solutions? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the blame game mindset and how it can derail progress, morale, and trust in leadership. Tessa shares a powerful story about a workplace mishap that had everyone bracing for blame, and together, she and Susan unpack how leaders can s...

Bad days are inevitable, even for leaders. Like a crashing wave, they can knock us down, but the tide eventually recedes, giving us the chance to rise again. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of struggle and offer practical strategies to navigate hardship, tragedy, or overwhelming emotions. They remind us of the resilience within each of us and emphasize the importance of ack...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the essence of commitment, sharing a powerful definition: Commitment is what we do long after the mood has left us. As the excitement of the new year fades and goals or resolutions start to feel challenging, they reflect on how fleeting emotions often derail our personal and professional aspirations. Susan and Tessa provide thought-provoking questions to hel...

In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the idea of joy—both personal and professional. Inspired by a recent conference Susan attended, they discuss how the concept of joy didn’t initially resonate with her and how she reframed the message to explore what joy means in the context of leadership. While it’s easy to identify joy in personal aspects like family and friends, finding joy i...

Sleepless nights happen to the best of us, especially during stressful seasons of leadership. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of restless nights and how stress has impacted their ability to recharge. They dive into the critical role sleep plays in our success and offer practical strategies to quiet your mind, manage stress, and create a bedtime routine that sets you up for...

Do you ever feel like all eyes are on you or that people are saying unkind things behind your back? Susan and Tessa unpack this common leadership worry and offer a refreshing perspective: most people aren’t scrutinizing your every move. In fact, we often overestimate our importance in others’ minds. In this episode, they explore how to shift focus away from these fears and onto what truly matters—...

Susan and Tessa revisit the excitement of the new year and ask the big question: Have your resolutions, goals, or "one word" already taken a backseat? It's easy to lose momentum as the weeks roll on, but they’re here to remind you that it’s never too late to realign. In this episode, they explore how leaders can give themselves grace, embrace flexibility, and take small, meaningful steps toward pr...

In this week's episode, "Are You an Influencer as You Lead with Intention?", Susan and Tessa explore what it means to inspire and empower those around you, while discussing the critical difference between simply being a boss and becoming a true influencer within your organization. As the new year begins, they encourage leaders to adopt a mindset of intentionality, fostering trust and positive rela...

"What's Your Leadership Legacy?" challenges you to consider the lasting impact you want to make as a leader. Susan and Tessa delve into the profound question of how we leave our mark, emphasizing the importance of intentionality and prioritizing what truly matters in leadership. Through personal reflections and insights, they share their visions of leadership legacies and discuss the qualities, ch...

In the last episode of the year, "New Year, New Opportunity" invites you to hit pause and reflect on your leadership journey. Inspired by Mel Robbins’ quote, “You don’t know where you are going until you know where you have been,” Susan and Tessa dive into the power of reflection—not just in January but at key moments throughout the year. From setting checkpoints each semester to assessing monthly...

Ever found yourself dreading a task because of a past negative experience? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the hidden struggles leaders face when anxiety sneaks in—whether it’s from a tense meeting, a tough conversation with a parent, or other challenging moments. Through candid stories and relatable insights, they unpack how avoidance can creep into our professional lives a...

When adversity strikes or things go wrong, how do you respond? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore our natural tendencies to spiral into doom-and-gloom, worry, or frustration when faced with challenges. They unpack the brain's default reactions and share actionable strategies to navigate tough situations with resilience and clarity. Learn how to shift your mindset, stay grounded, and lead thr...

What do you do when your best-laid plans fall apart, an initiative flops, or a decision backfires? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the messy side of leadership, exploring how to handle failure and frustration without losing momentum. They share how reflecting on the experience, asking the tough questions, and celebrating small wins can turn setbacks into opportunities for growth. By shi...

In this episode, Susan starts the show sharing a vulnerable story about navigating frustration during a medical procedure and how her assumptions shaped her experience. This reflection sparks a deep conversation with Tessa about the importance of self-awareness in leadership. How often do we, as leaders, jump to conclusions, assume the worst, or fail to consider the needs of others? Together, they...

Appreciation shouldn’t be confined to a single day or week. It’s a daily practice that transforms campus culture. In this thoughtful episode, Susan and Tessa explore the importance of showing gratitude every day and ask, "Why wait for Teacher Week or Principal’s Day to celebrate our staff?" They discuss how personalized acts of appreciation, no matter how small, can make individuals feel seen, val...

Educators are often so focused on serving others that they neglect their own well-being. In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the importance of self-care, reminding leaders that they deserve "first-class care" too. They share personal stories of times they overlooked their own needs, highlighting the guilt that can come with stepping away from work. With empathy and encouragement,...

Overthinking can paralyze even the strongest leaders. In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the traps of fear, doubt, and overwhelming thoughts that can lead to indecision. Through relatable stories, memorable quotes, and practical strategies, they explore how to push past hesitation and make confident choices. They also discuss how overthinking can impact how staff perceives a leader and influe...

In this episode of the Dips of Doubt podcast, Susan and Tessa explore the profound impact of connection on leadership. They delve into the idea that effective leaders must cultivate a sense of belonging within their teams, tailoring their approach to the unique needs of each individual. Whether it's a seasoned veteran or a newcomer, everyone craves connection. Join Susan and Tessa as they discuss...

Feeling drained during this busy time of year? Susan and Tessa delve into the realities of emotional and physical fatigue, offering insights into why burnout hits so hard and how to manage it effectively. They discuss decision fatigue, inspired by examples like Einstein and Steve Jobs, who simplified choices to conserve mental energy. As leaders, our flexibility often adds to the number of decisio...

Have you ever paused to consider the power of a positive comment? A simple compliment, a kind gesture, or even a silent act of support can create ripples of positivity that extend far beyond our immediate circle. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive deep into the art of spreading positivity. They explore the pervasive nature of negativity in our daily lives and discuss the transformative impact o...

What drives you to push forward and achieve your goals? In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore the art of self-motivation and how leaders can fuel their growth every day. Drawing inspiration from Olympic athletes, they discuss strategies like goal visualization, speaking your aspirations aloud, and creating a clear pathway to success. Whether it's setting new challenges or refining your approach...

As leaders, we’re always in the spotlight, and our actions speak volumes. In this episode, Susan and Tessa delve into the reality that people are constantly observing us, whether on campus or in the community. They discuss how leaders represent their teams, schools, and districts, emphasizing the importance of modeling integrity, professionalism, and kindness. Through engaging stories and examples...

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the powerful adage, "Actions speak louder than words," challenging leaders to reflect on whether their behavior aligns with their promises. They explore the impact of saying one thing and doing another, emphasizing how it can erode trust and reliability among staff. With candid examples and practical insights, they discuss the importance of following through...

Susan and Tessa delve into the power of pausing and noticing moments of gratitude—both for ourselves and those around us. From journaling reflections to sharing appreciative words with colleagues or loved ones, they discuss simple yet impactful ways to cultivate gratitude regularly. They highlight how setting and technique matter, whether you’re speaking your thanks aloud, writing it down, or simp...

With the holiday season approaching, Susan and Tessa explore how shifts in routine and the prospect of long breaks can create challenges for students, especially those who rely on the stability of school as a safe space. As disruptions can often lead to heightened emotions and unregulated behaviors, they discuss ways educators can respond to student anxiety and de-escalate tense situations effecti...