Leadership Conversations with Jonno White Podcast

Name: Jeff Lestz

Current title : CEO

Current organisation: Genistar

Jeff Lestz came from an orphaned background and lived homeless on the streets of Chicago from the age of 13-15. His story of going from tragedy to triumph will inspire you. He has built successful businesses in the USA and U.K. Jeff and his wife have lived in the U.K. for the past 19 years.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)

https://store.consultclarity.org/lead...

The Leadership Conversations Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41...

The Jonno White Leadership Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr...

The Leadership Question of the Day Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2...

Clarity Website

https://www.consultclarity.org/

7 Questions on Leadership Series

https://www.consultclarity.org/large-...

We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!

https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques...

Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing List

https://www.consultclarity.org/subscribe

Jonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Out

https://store.consultclarity.org/step...

Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Jethro Jones, an education consultant and host of the Transformative Principal podcast. Jethro shares his experiences from his years as a school principal, emphasizing how inspiring others and leading with vision are crucial elements of effective leadership. Whether you're an educator or a leader in any field, this conversation is packed with insights on how to build a thriving, vision-driven culture.

Jethro begins by recounting his journey from leading a group of young boys in his church to becoming a school principal. He quickly learned that having a title wasn’t enough to inspire others—it required building relationships and helping people see a greater vision. This lesson carried through his leadership journey and became a foundation for his approach to working with school leaders today.

The conversation explores the challenges of maintaining motivation in the face of burnout, particularly for teachers and school leaders. Jethro shares his perspective on the importance of understanding the difference between serving sacrificially and serving with purpose. He explains how focusing on putting others first doesn’t have to mean exhausting yourself to the point of burnout. Instead, he advocates for prioritizing tasks that truly serve the needs of students and teachers, rather than getting bogged down by unnecessary requirements.

Jethro dives deep into the idea of personalized learning and how it can transform education. He explains why allowing students to connect their passions with their learning can create more meaningful experiences and how this approach can be adapted to leadership in any organization. By focusing on what makes each person unique, Jethro demonstrates how leaders can inspire their teams to take ownership of their roles and contribute to a shared vision.

Another key theme is the power of clarity in leadership. Jethro emphasizes that being clear about your vision and expectations makes it easier to have honest, respectful conversations with your team. He shares stories of how, when he clearly communicated his vision for student-focused education, it not only led to better outcomes but also helped identify who was truly aligned with that vision.

Throughout the episode, Jethro offers practical advice for leaders who want to build a strong culture within their teams. He challenges leaders to ask themselves how they can create an environment where people feel valued, heard, and excited to contribute. By sharing his own successes and failures, Jethro provides a roadmap for how to develop a leadership style that is both impactful and sustainable.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to inspire others, cultivate a vision-driven culture, and navigate the complexities of leadership in education or any other field. Tune in to learn how you can lead with authenticity, clarity, and purpose.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White speaks with Gez Mulvahil, Executive Officer of the Australian Catholic Primary Principals Association (ACPPA). With over 30 years of experience in Catholic education, including eight years as a school principal, Gez brings a wealth of knowledge about leadership in education, the complexities of school management, and the personal challenges leaders face in their roles.

Gez begins by sharing her journey from growing up in a small country town to becoming a principal in Darwin, emphasizing the importance of community. She reflects on how the tight-knit environment of her childhood shaped her leadership style, focusing on the value of connection, trust, and relationship-building in school settings. Gez's story highlights how great leaders foster a strong sense of belonging and mutual support within their teams, schools, and communities.

As the conversation continues, Gez offers valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by school principals. She discusses the often-overlooked reality of leadership loneliness, explaining how principals are often the "keepers of secrets" and how isolating it can be to carry the weight of confidential information about staff, students, and families. Gez opens up about how she managed this loneliness and stresses the importance of having strategies and support systems in place to deal with it.

One of the key themes in this episode is the balance between administrative duties and maintaining a strong school community. Gez candidly shares her experience navigating the steep learning curve of school administration—budgeting, human resources, and compliance—while also working to sustain the positive culture established by her predecessor. She reflects on how crucial it is for school leaders to develop their own toolkit to manage the evolving demands of leadership, and how adaptation and continuous learning are essential for success.

Gez also touches on the significance of storytelling in leadership. She explains why honoring a school's history and culture is vital when stepping into a leadership role. She believes that every school has a foundational story, and staying connected to that narrative is key to building trust and continuity, even as changes occur. Gez shares practical advice for new leaders on how to understand and respect a school's legacy while making necessary updates and improvements.

Throughout the episode, Gez highlights the importance of teamwork. She explains how building a strong leadership team and cultivating a supportive environment can significantly impact a principal's effectiveness. Gez introduces a unique concept she used called "tapping out," where team members could step in for one another during high-pressure moments, helping to alleviate stress and maintain a collaborative dynamic.

This episode is filled with practical advice and reflections for school leaders, educators, and anyone in leadership roles who wants to create a strong community and navigate the complexities of their responsibilities. Gez’s candid stories and actionable insights offer a refreshing take on leadership, making this episode a must-listen for anyone striving to lead with authenticity, adaptability, and heart.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, host Jonno White engages in a compelling conversation with Holly Blair, the Executive Director of the Maine Principals Association. Holly’s story is one of transformation, resilience, and impactful leadership. From her humble beginnings as a quiet freshman in a small-town church group to leading statewide educational initiatives, Holly’s journey is filled with invaluable lessons for leaders at all levels.

Holly reflects on her first foray into leadership during her freshman year of high school. Thrust into a position of influence at a young age, she shares how this early experience shaped her understanding of leadership and set the stage for her future roles. Holly’s story is a testament to how stepping out of your comfort zone can reveal hidden strengths and set the foundation for a lifetime of leadership.

Moving through her career, Holly recounts the unique challenges of being a teaching principal in some of Maine’s most remote and under-resourced schools. She discusses the balancing act of leading while teaching and the critical lessons she learned about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of community in leadership. This theme dives deep into the complexities of leadership in education, offering insights that are relevant to anyone managing multiple roles.

One of the highlights of Holly’s career has been her commitment to mentorship. She shares how she grew a fledgling mentorship program from just five participants to over 110, making a lasting impact on educational leadership in Maine. Holly’s approach to mentorship emphasizes the importance of support networks, continuous learning, and the personal fulfillment that comes from guiding others on their leadership journey. Listeners will gain practical tips on how to build and sustain effective mentorship programs.

Holly’s role at the Maine Principals Association has allowed her to influence educational leadership on a statewide scale. She talks about the initiatives she’s led, including organizing large-scale conferences and advocating for educational leaders at the state and national levels. This section of the episode explores the broader impact a leader can have when they leverage their experiences and networks to create positive change on a larger scale.

In addition to her leadership roles, Holly is also a published author. She discusses her book, You Are Number One, which explores the neuroscience behind why we remember certain teachers and how these principles can be applied to leadership. Holly’s insights into brain science and leadership philosophy provide a unique perspective on how leaders can make a lasting impact on those they serve. This theme will resonate with listeners interested in the intersection of education, leadership, and personal development.

Holly also opens up about the ongoing challenge of maintaining a work-life balance, particularly in demanding leadership roles. She shares candid reflections on how she manages to stay grounded and why she believes that achieving this balance is crucial for long-term success. This theme offers valuable advice for leaders who are struggling to juggle their professional responsibilities with personal well-being.

Join us for an insightful episode filled with powerful stories, practical leadership advice, and a deep dive into the experiences that have shaped Holly Blair’s impactful career. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or simply someone interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration to help you on your journey. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn from one of Maine’s most influential educational leaders.

Dr. Holly Blair is an educator, speaker, state executive director, college professor, and author of You Are #1: The Science and Reasons Behind Why We Remember Some of Our Teachers, Forever. Available at Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B09VFY6S3V

Name: Raymond J. Schmidt

Current title: Head of Upper School

Current organisation: Escuela Internacional Sampedrana

How Would Your School Community Describe You?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NLBb3iTm005zHYlj1TpBZbU1Fyu50BDi/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Schmidt has been an education professional for nearly 30 years. He began his teaching career in Chicago in 1994 and that new teaching journey carried him to Arizona and then Alaska. During that time, he ascertained his Master’s Degree in Education and began teaching aspiring educators at university and in the classroom. By 2009, Dr. Schmidt began his first official education leadership position as an advisor to school principals in Abu Dhabi, UAE. From there he served as an instructional coach in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Those opportunities ignited a passion for enhancing his educational leadership skills and he returned to the States to complete his Administrative Services Credential coursework. While completing said coursework, he served first as an executive director and middle school principal and then as a lower school principal in south-central Los Angeles. In 2018, he accepted a lower school head position at Colegio Americano de Guatemala in Guatemala City. While serving the CAG community, he completed his doctorate degree in educational leadership and published peer-reviewed research on educational leadership decision-making. Since then, and currently, he is serving as the head of upper school at Escuela Internacional Sampedrana in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

It is Dr. Schmidt’s belief that all members of a global society should have access to robust educational programs, and it is a great honor to apply the expertise acquired in his professional and scholarly career toward building a future of life-long learners around the globe. He strives to be a leader who is deeply committed to the success of all stakeholders by being organized, informative, and supportive, utilizing coaching styles that cater to varying personalities and abilities. He endeavors to challenge himself and others to think critically. Having this conviction combined with being community-minded has led to strong, long-lasting relationships with students, faculty, parents, and beyond.

How Would Your School Community Describe You?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NLBb3iTm005zHYlj1TpBZbU1Fyu50BDi/view?usp=sharing

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Free Download of The Leadership Survival Guide (10 World-Class Leaders Reveal Their Secrets)

https://store.consultclarity.org/lead...

The Leadership Conversations Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/4IB6V41...

The Jonno White Leadership Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/2p8rvWr...

The Leadership Question of the Day Podcast

https://open.spotify.com/show/6eZ4lZ2...

Clarity Website

https://www.consultclarity.org/

7 Questions on Leadership Series

https://www.consultclarity.org/large-...

We'd Love To Interview YOU In Our 7 Questions On Leadership Series!

https://www.consultclarity.org/7-ques...

Subscribe To Clarity's Mailing List

https://www.consultclarity.org/subscribe

Jonno White's eBook Step Up or Step Out

https://store.consultclarity.org/step...

Jonno White's Book Step Up or Step Out (Amazon)

https://www.amazon.com/Step-Up-Out-Di...