The Aspiring School Leader Podcast

Waiting is killing your leadership career — and 2026 won’t wait for you. If you’re an aspiring school leader still waiting for permission, this episode is your wake-up call. Too many aspiring school leaders stay stuck because they’re waiting to be chosen, promoted, or validated. In this episode of the Aspiring School Leader Podcast, Dr. Donovan Smalls II explains why 2026 must be your Green Light...

Why Qualified Aspiring School Leaders Still Fail Interviews Most aspiring school leaders do the coursework and complete the internship — yet still walk into interviews feeling unprepared. The problem isn’t qualifications. It’s that their mindset hasn’t shifted into leadership yet. In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II breaks down three foundational mindset shifts that immediately strengthen schoo...

Most aspiring school leaders think low staff morale is a “culture” issue. What if the root cause is a systems issue? In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II breaks down the four critical systems that destroy staff morale when they’re unclear, inconsistent, or nonexistent: 1️⃣ Discipline Systems – Clear pathways, accountability levels, consistent follow-through. 2️⃣ Instructional Monitoring & Su...

The REAL Reason New Leaders Crash After November (Not Burnout) If you're a new school leader and November already feels heavier than it should... pay attention. Most leaders don’t “burn out” in their first year. They collapse because they walk straight into the Leadership Dip without knowing it exists. And if you misdiagnose this dip as burnout, you’ll make decisions that destroy your confidence,...

What makes an Assistant Principal vital to a school’s success? In this conversation, Principal Baruti Kafele sits down with Dr. Donovan Smalls II, Principal Arlette Melo Johnson, and Dr. Sonia Matthew to unpack the real work of school leadership—reflection, alignment, humanity, and purpose. This episode challenges every AP, teacher, and school leader to go beyond titles and build a culture where l...

What if the best instructional leadership doesn’t start with a rubric, but with people? In this episode, I sat down with Principal Jeff Linden to unpack how my journey from PE teacher and college professor to assistant principal has been shaped by calm under pressure, disciplined time management, and a people-first approach that lifts instruction across a building. We dive into the pivotal COVID m...

Leadership is not about your job description—it’s about stepping into your lane, inspiring others, and creating lasting growth. #Leadership #SchoolLeadership #InstructionalLeadership #Impact What are Instructional Leadership Strategies, and how can they help you grow as a school leader? In this episode, I share three essential strategies that every aspiring school leader must know to build influen...

From the classroom to the principal’s office: How did Jeff Linden make it happen? In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II talks with Jeff Linden about his journey from teaching students in PE and math to leading an entire school. Dr. Donovan Smalls II talks with Jeff Linden about: ✅How to successfully transition from teacher to principal ✅Mindset shifts for aspiring school leaders ✅Leadership st...

Getting the job — or getting passed over — can come down to one simple leadership story mistake. In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II shows you how to avoid that mistake and craft a story that makes the hiring panel say, ‘We need you on our team!’ Need LEADERSHIP interview preparation? 👉🏾 Visit my website: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 👉🏾 Wha...

How to Answer Leadership Interview Questions with Confidence in 2025 #schoolleadership #leadershipinterview #interviewquestions — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Whether you’re interviewing for an assistant principal, supervisor, or other school leadership role, tough interview questions can feel overwhelming. LEADERSHIP interview preparation: https://donovansmalls2.com/coachin...

Sweaty palms, racing heart, or a blank mind during your school leadership interview? You’re not alone. Learn how to stay confident, calm, and completely prepared! In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II shares three strategies for aspiring school leaders to overcome interview anxiety and shine under pressure. ⏱️ CHAPTERS: 0:00 – Introduction: Why Interview Anxiety Happens 6:43 – Strategy 1: Reframe...

Leadership is not just a title it is about inspiring others, guiding them the right way, and creating positive change. What is Leadership? How to Lead with Influence & Impact In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II explains the true meaning of leadership and shares four important leadership skills that every aspiring school leader should know. This episode is especially helpful if you want to l...

Dreaming of becoming a school leader? Start by acing your interview! In this video, Dr. Donovan Smalls II breaks down what makes a WINNING school leadership interview and shares 3 ways you can work with him, actionable steps to help you ace your interview and confidently step into your first leadership role. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming interview or planning your leadership journey, th...

If you’re an aspiring school leader, you might be tempted to rush the process and chase the title. But here’s the truth, leadership readiness is about becoming the leader schools need, not just arriving at the role. In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 essential keys to leadership readiness so you can position yourself for success, grow with purpose, and be fully prepared when opportunity knocks....

Are you an aspiring school leader who's tired of being overlooked, rejected, or “almost chosen” for leadership roles? This episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast is for educators who feel stuck, frustrated, and ready to walk away from the dream of becoming an assistant principal, instructional coach, or school administrator. But before you give up on your education leadership journey, hear...

Are you an aspiring school leader looking for real-world insights that actually shift how you lead? In this episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I’m breaking down 3 powerful lessons I took away from attending a national school leadership conference — and how you can use them to level up, whether you're interviewing for your first role or already leading without the title.   ✅ Lesson 1:...

Are you spending your summer updating your resume or watching leadership webinars — but still not landing the job? The truth is, some aspiring school leaders don’t get hired because they miss the real work that makes you stand out in interviews and thrive as a leader. In this episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I reveal four overlooked yet powerful summer strategies that will give you a...

🔥 If you’re an aspiring school leader, chances are you’ve believed at least one of these three lies. I know I did when I was starting out. These false beliefs are keeping you stuck — and in this episode, I am calling them out so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. In this episode, we break down: → Why waiting doesn’t build readiness — and what does. → Why your unique leadership voic...

🎯 Should You Really Be a School Leader? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions First Before you spend your summer chasing school leadership roles, you need to hear this. In today’s episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I’m challenging you to pause and reflect on four brutally honest questions that will help you decide if you’re truly ready to step into leadership. Whether you're feeling stuck in...

Welcome to The Aspiring School Leader Podcast—your weekly guide to landing your first leadership role and leading with clarity, confidence, and impact. In this short trailer, Dr. Donovan Smalls II—educator, bestselling author, and school leadership coach—shares what this podcast is all about and how it will help you prepare for leadership interviews, navigate complex school dynamics, and step into...