Transforming Education: Leadership Lessons

Mastermind with Daniel Bauer Daniel Bauer is an unorthodox Ruckus Maker who has mentored thousands of school leaders through his Better Leaders Better Schools blog, books, podcasts, and powerful coaching experiences. In this episode, we discuss his latest book Mastermind: Unlocking Talent Within Every School Leader. He shares valuable resources for leaders like the ABCs of a mastermind group and t...

As an international speaker and author, Joe Beckman’s mission is to reclaim human connection in school communities throughout the world. He has shared his message of hope to over 1000 schools. In this episode, we talk about self-worth, resiliency and his own gratitude practice. Joe brings his infectious energy, humor and passion to Northwestern College as the Leadership in Education Conference key...

In this episode, we talk with educators Dr. Laurie Barron and Dr. Patti Kinney. Dr. Barron is currently the superintendent at Evergreen Public Schools in Kalispell, Montana and was recently named Montana’s superintendent of the year in 2021. Dr. Kinney has been a teacher and administrator at the middle levels of education in the state of Oregon where she was named the Oregon Assistant Principal-of...

Brooklyn-based educator, Cornelius Minor inspires students to believe anything is possible. He also works with teachers, school leaders, and community-based organizations to support equitable literacy reform. We discuss his latest book, We Got This , which explores how the work of creating more equitable school spaces is embedded in our everyday choices—specifically in the choice to really listen...

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Rahn Franklin and Dr. Val Stokes about inclusive excellence and their passion for cultivating inclusion on an educational campus. They share the foundational goals: build belonging and dignify differences. We also discuss how can prioritize diversity and embed equity, access and inclusion into systems. Book Recommendations: The Liturgy of Politics: Spiritual Forma...

This episode welcomes Jenn David-Lang to the podcast. With over 25 years of experience in education and as the founder of The Main Idea, she’s passionate about supporting school leaders with really relevant professional learning. This episode is packed with bite-sized takeaways on current education ideas and practices! We discuss the C’s of change, coping with stress, proactively preventing burnou...

Red Raider head football coach, Matt McCarty joins this episode. We reflect on an unconventional season, which ended in Northwestern’s incredible NAIA national runner-up achievement. Coach McCarty shares his journey to coaching and leadership philosophy. His emphasis on building a special culture that focuses on the process and how pursuing excellence every day has driven player and coach buy-in....

Education and assessment/grading enthusiast, Dr. Matt Townsley joins this episode! As a former district administrator and secondary teacher, he has firsthand experience implementing and leading lasting grading reform. He shares the strengths of standards based grading to create meaningful student grades. Along with strategies for district leaders are the 3 P’s for leading change and major barriers...

When teams believe they have the ability to make a difference, exciting things can happen in school. How can leaders help build this collective efficacy? Global speaker, leadership coach, author, Education Week column writer, and former teacher and principal, Peter DeWitt joins the podcast. From his vast work in schools, he offers research-based wisdom on school leadership, including the "Six Infl...

Levi Wiersma and Joshua Rathbun conclude the Young Leaders Series. We discuss the concept of kingdom entrepreneurship from the 100X Podcast and how to sell yourself from the 10 Minute Entrepreneur. As aspiring business leaders, Levi is curious about how technology will continue to evolve as a contribution or divergence for human connection, and Josh is curious about how to lead a team professional...

Senior business majors, Sutton Derr and Michael Love join this week’s podcast. They review episodes from Business with Purpose, the Andy Stanley Podcast and the Side Hustle Show. They discuss finding a fulfilling life’s work and recognizing the distractions that leaders face. We also talk about the process of becoming a strong leader, which includes having patience with the process, preparing to g...

Entrepreneurship students, Makenzie Fink and Jonathan Gabrielse breakdown leadership lessons from The 10 Minute Entrepreneur Podcast with Sean Castrina and the EntreLeadership Podcast with Daniel Tarday and guest Mathew McConaughey. Key takeaways include risk-taking, re-inventing yourself, brain dumping, optimizing your strengths and the importance of developing new leadership muscles. To listen t...

Throughout the Young Leaders series, we’ll be talking with entrepreneurship students for a quick take on popular leadership podcasts. They share the episode’s big ideas and how those ideas inspire leadership growth. In this episode, Mia Hoogeveen and Dominic Seivert explain the Seven Virtues of Leadership from Andy Stanley’s interview with Habitat International CEO, Jonothan Reckford. Hear how it...

Inspiring future leaders and developing an entrepreneurial mindset are significant passions for Professor Erica Vonk. As director of the new Center for Innovation and Leadership at Northwestern, Erica partners with college students to develop entrepreneurial skills. In this episode, she shares her approach to empowering young leaders. We talk about the value of creating psychological safety, faili...

In the final episode of the Legacy Leaders Series, we talk with one of Northwestern’s most legendary coaches, Larry “Bubb” Korver. His ability to build relationships has been the catalyst for influencing a magnitude of servant leaders since 1967. We talk about his philosophy to make athletes better than they ever thought they could be both on the football field and off. His simple challenge "do yo...

From coaching consecutive national championship teams to helping lead a city through a pandemic, Earl Woudstra shares what keeps him grounded. We talk about who's inspired him and discuss his own core values including treat others with respect, do your best, do everything to God’s glory, and just do the right thing. Resources: orangecityiowa.com facebook.com/cityoforangecityia Book Recommendations...

The stronger the healthcare system, the stronger the community. Orange City Area Health System CEO Marty Guthmiller’s leadership lessons include tips to a strong community. He provides advice on hiring with the acronym “DHB: Decent Human Beings”. We also reflect on "who are we when things don't go right?". Resources: ochealthsystem.org facebook.com/orangecityareahealthsystem/ Book Recommendations:...

In this episode of the Legacy Leaders series, we welcome Congressman-elect Feenstra, representative of Iowa’s 4th district. He shares his journey to politics. We discuss what motivates a legacy leader and the opportunity to listen well before emerging as an empowering voice for others.

In this new series called Legacy Leaders, we’re talking to thought leaders who are - you’ve guessed it - leaving a positive legacy. Our first guest, Les Douma shares his wisdom and rich experiences in education. We discuss his principles of culture and leveling up: from good to great leadership.

Why is forgiveness a key ingredient of leadership? Learn how in this episode with Dr. Jiying (Jenny) Song, professor and first editor of the newly released book, Servant Leadership and Forgiveness: How Leaders Help Heal the Heart of the World. Resources: Servant-Leadership and Forgiveness: How Leaders Help Heal the Heart of the World Book Recommendations: White Awake TThe New Jim Crow: Mass Incarc...

Sarah Brown-Wessling is nationally known as the 2010 National Teacher of the Year, as Iowa's representative from Johnston, Iowa! Sarah shares what it means to lead through collaboration and not competition, the importance of listening, and providing support to teachers to lead in their own space. Resources: sarahbrownwessling.com twitter.com/SarahBWessling www.instagram.com/sarahbrownwessling www....

Guest Corey Westra is Commissioner of the Great Plains Athletic Conference. Corey shares about his journey in sports leadership, pursuing excellence, building strong relationships and the GPAC’s commitment to keep athletes playing safely in a pandemic. Book recommendations Attitude: Develop a Winning Mindset on and off the court Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike John Wooden’s Pyramid of Su...

As a consultant to the Iowa State Department of Education, Lora Rasey has had a front-row seat in establishing the Teacher Leadership Compensation Program. She shares about the impact of transforming teacher leadership in Iowa. Take away highlights of TLC and the goals for empowering shared leadership. Resources: Educateiowa.gov – Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) System

One of the most innovative educational leaders in the country, Devin Vodicka talks about efficacy and personalized learning. Using his own immigrant experiences, his influence as superintendent and chief impact officer embraces diversity, promotes a positive impact and empowers every learner. Resources: www.altitudelearning.com twitter.com/dvodicka linkedin.com/dvodicka twitter.com/AltitudeLearn f...

Steve Connell shares his vision for building an award-winning Pride of the Dutch Marching Band and then NWC’s Athletic Band. The program, built on student leadership, led to empowering students and gaining incredible buy-in. He also talks about the rewards of teamwork, modeling, and above-all: having fun.