An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

Peter Stiepleman

Welcome to An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, a series of conversations with leaders who look back at decisions they made and consider: * What happened? * What got overlooked? * What did they learn about relationships or what new relationships were formed? * What frustrated them? * What could they have done differently? * And in the end, what was something good that came out of their experience – because it is through one's mistakes where the greatest learning takes place. I'm Peter Stiepleman. I'm your host AND I'm an imperfect leader. I spent more than 20 years teaching and leading, first in the Oakland Public Schools in Oakland, CA and then in the Midwest – Missouri, to be exact – where I was a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent and the superintendent of the 4th largest school district in a state of more than 500 districts. I am constantly striving to learn from my experiences and from the experiences of other leaders. The aim of this podcast is to lift the learning and lift the imperfect leaders up. That way, when you hear the term imperfect, you'll see strength, strength from the candor needed to recognize imperfection as a real advantage.

  1. 3d ago ·  Video

    (VIDEO) Leading with Curiosity with Max Silverman: The Power of Noticing and Wondering

    We are heading back into the archives for a very special encore episode of An Imperfect Leader! When I first spoke with Max Silverman, the Executive Director of the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), our audience was much smaller. His insights on how we lead schools and support principals are more relevant today than ever. Max (now in an emeritus/advisor role at CEL) is one of those leaders who combines deep expertise with incredible humility. In this episode, we dive into: The Power of Simple Tools: Max shares a mantra that has stuck with me: "Simple tools lead to complex thinking, and complex tools lead to simple thinking."  The Anatomy of Instruction: True leadership expertise can only be developed "in the presence of students." We talk about moving beyond spreadsheets to develop "habits of thinking"—noticing, wondering, and hypothesizing about what is actually causing learning. The After Action Review: Max gets vulnerable about a major decision to convert a comprehensive high school into three small schools.  Moving at the Speed of Trust: Vital advice for any leader on the importance of "seeing the unseen" and prioritizing relationships over ego. Whether you are a head of school, a superintendent, a principal, or a teacher leader, Max's perspective on humanizing the work is a must-listen. Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.  Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 3 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more.    ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  2. 3d ago

    (AUDIO) Leading with Curiosity with Max Silverman: The Power of Noticing and Wondering

    We are heading back into the archives for a very special encore episode of An Imperfect Leader! When I first spoke with Max Silverman, the Executive Director of the University of Washington Center for Educational Leadership (CEL), our audience was much smaller. His insights on how we lead schools and support principals are more relevant today than ever. Max (now in an emeritus/advisor role at CEL) is one of those leaders who combines deep expertise with incredible humility. In this episode, we dive into: The Power of Simple Tools: Max shares a mantra that has stuck with me: "Simple tools lead to complex thinking, and complex tools lead to simple thinking."  The Anatomy of Instruction: True leadership expertise can only be developed "in the presence of students." We talk about moving beyond spreadsheets to develop "habits of thinking"—noticing, wondering, and hypothesizing about what is actually causing learning. The After Action Review: Max gets vulnerable about a major decision to convert a comprehensive high school into three small schools.  Moving at the Speed of Trust: Vital advice for any leader on the importance of "seeing the unseen" and prioritizing relationships over ego. Whether you are a head of school, a superintendent, a principal, or a teacher leader, Max's perspective on humanizing the work is a must-listen. Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.  Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 3 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more.    ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  3. Jul 28

    Why Humanizing the Superintendency Matters More Than Ever with Dr. Rachel White (Encore Episode)

    We are bringing back one of our most impactful conversations for an encore episode of An Imperfect Leader! Have you ever wondered why, in a profession where over 70% of teachers are women, only 28% of superintendents are? Or why so many leaders feel they have to be "perfect" just to survive? Dr. Rachel White joined us to dive into her groundbreaking work with The Superintendent Lab. She didn't just look at the numbers; she hand-collected data on nearly 13,000 leaders because a national database simply didn't exist. One of her most startling finds? One in five superintendents is named John, Matthew, or Michael. In this episode, we explore: Mirrors and Windows: How leadership serves as a "mirror" for students to see their potential and a "window" for the community to understand diverse lived experiences. The Hall of Mirrors: A candid look at how school boards sometimes hire based on fit, which can inadvertently reinforce the status quo. Leading with Curiosity: Moving away from hierarchy and toward a coaching stance that ripples through an entire system. Legislative Storytelling: Why superintendents need to be proactive partners with state legislators—not just the "no" people who call when they're angry. Dr. White reminds us that every data point is a human being with a family, a story, and a why. If you're looking for a way to lead that centers on empathy and research-driven insight, you won't want to miss this. -------  Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------     The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  4. Jul 21

    (AUDIO) Leading without Flinching with Nyah Hamlett (Encore Episode)

    Some conversations stay with you long after the recording ends. My conversation with Dr. Nyah Hamlett is one of those.  In this encore episode, Dr. Hamlett, former superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and now Chief Equity & Development Officer for Montgomery County Public Schools, offers a deeply honest reflection on leadership under pressure.  Here are three themes leaders should listen for: 1. "Don't Flinch" Leadership: Listen for how Nyah defines leadership as choosing courage over convenience, especially when decisions are uncomfortable or unpopular. 2. Student Voice as Shared Power (Not a Checkbox): Listen for how student voice can sharpen decisions, even when leaders don't ultimately go the students' way.  3. Imperfect Leadership, Vulnerability, and Accountability: Listen closely to Nyah's after-action reflection. It's a masterclass in humility, learning in real time, and leading as a human being, especially when systems and personal wellbeing collide.  This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about perfection. It's about integrity, reflection, and the willingness to stand firm without flinching. #DontFlinch #CourageOverConvenience #AuthenticLeadership #VulnerabilityInLeadership #EducationalLeadership #Superintendents #PublicEducation #EdLeadership #EquityInEducation #StudentVoice #RestorativePractices #SystemsThinking #EquityAndEmpathy #ImperfectLeader #PodcastRoleNetwork #LeadLearner #Podcasserole ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.   Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  5. Jul 21

    Hallmark, Not Lifetime: Dr. Stephen Pruitt on Loving the Profession Again (Encore Episode)

    📢 What an incredible conversation with Dr. Stephen Pruitt, President of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). 🎧 In this encore episode, we dove deep into education, leadership, and driving real change. Here are the key takeaways: 🤝 Stakeholder vs. Shareholder: Dr. Pruitt made a powerful distinction: education needs fewer "stakeholders" and more "shareholders". What does that mean? Shareholders are people invested in a common vision who feel true ownership of the process. ✍️ Redefining Standards: Standards, he explained, are a contract between the State Department of Education and teachers. It's about shared agreement and collaboration, not top-down mandates. 🧠 Harvesting Wisdom: The development of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) was a masterclass in inclusive design: 26 lead states, 40 writers, and countless public reviews to make sure every voice was heard. 🤔 Unintended Consequences: As Kentucky's Commissioner of Education, Dr. Pruitt created an "Unintended Consequences Committee" to catch potential negative outcomes before they happened. Genius. ⚛️ Systems Thinking: Drawing on his background as a chemist, he emphasized viewing education (and the workforce pipeline) as one interconnected system. Real change requires addressing every part of it. 💔 The Three Phases of Crisis: From navigating a school shooting, Dr. Pruitt identified three critical phases: prevention, management, and recovery. The recovery phase (especially social, emotional, and mental health support) is too often overlooked. 🚧 Removing Barriers: After the tragedy at Marshall County High School, his focus was removing barriers to recovery: excusing students from state tests, prioritizing community needs, and asking the essential question: "Are you removing barriers to recovery, or are you creating more?" 📚 We also discussed the SREB Journal of Education Practices and Trends, a resource built to bridge research and practice. Find it by searching "journal" at sreb.org. 🌟 The biggest takeaway? True leadership means embracing imperfection, staying a lifelong learner, and empowering others. As Dr. Pruitt put it: "We need to treat education and our profession more like a Hallmark movie and less like a Lifetime movie." Let's choose to love this profession. ❤️ #Education #EducationLeadership #K12Education #SchoolLeadership #EdChat #NGSS #StandardsBasedEducation #CrisisManagement #SystemsThinking #TeacherLeadership #SREB #EducationPolicy #SchoolSafety #ResilientLeadership #LifelongLearning #EducationPodcast #Podcasserole -------  Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------     The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  6. Jul 14 ·  Video

    (VIDEO) When Kids Ran the Nation: Jennifer Light Offers Lessons in Democracy from Junior Republics

    I am thrilled to share an encore release of a very special crossover episode between our podcast, An Imperfect Leader, and Mason Pashia's  Getting Smart Podcast (also a proud member of the Podcasserole Network!). Together, we sit down with Dr. Jennifer Light, a professor at MIT, to explore the the history of Junior Republics and the cutting-edge work of Embodied Education. Here are two key takeaways from our conversation: 🏙️ The Legacy of Junior Republics: Imagine a miniature city or nation run entirely by kids. Starting in 1895, Junior Republics gave children the power to act as senators, run businesses, and even debate major issues like women's suffrage (often reaching progressive conclusions long before adults did). This "radical student agency" reminds us that when we trust young people with real-world responsibility, they are capable of extraordinary things. 🏃‍♂️ The MIT Project on Embodied Education: We also took a deep dive into how movement and physical activity can be integrated into academic instruction to enhance learning, creativity, and executive function. Dr. Light shared how her team at MIT is designing "games" to teach complex subjects like Algebra.  Sometimes, the best ideas for the future are waiting for us in the past. #EducationInnovation #StudentAgency #EmbodiedLearning #Leadership #JuniorRepublics #GettingSmart #MIT #AnImperfectLeader #EducationHistory #Podcasserole -------  Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------     The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  7. Jul 7 ·  Video

    (VIDEO) Leading Without Flinching with Dr. Nyah Hamlett (ENCORE EPISODE)

    Some conversations stay with you long after the recording ends. My conversation with Dr. Nyah Hamlett is one of those.  In this encore episode, Dr. Hamlett, former superintendent of Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools and now Chief Equity & Development Officer for Montgomery County Public Schools, offers a deeply honest reflection on leadership under pressure.  Here are three themes leaders should listen for: 1. "Don't Flinch" Leadership: Listen for how Nyah defines leadership as choosing courage over convenience, especially when decisions are uncomfortable or unpopular. 2. Student Voice as Shared Power (Not a Checkbox): Listen for how student voice can sharpen decisions, even when leaders don't ultimately go the students' way.  3. Imperfect Leadership, Vulnerability, and Accountability: Listen closely to Nyah's after-action reflection. It's a masterclass in humility, learning in real time, and leading as a human being, especially when systems and personal wellbeing collide.  This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about perfection. It's about integrity, reflection, and the willingness to stand firm without flinching. #DontFlinch #CourageOverConvenience #AuthenticLeadership #VulnerabilityInLeadership #EducationalLeadership #Superintendents #PublicEducation #EdLeadership #EquityInEducation #StudentVoice #RestorativePractices #SystemsThinking #EquityAndEmpathy #ImperfectLeader #PodcastRoleNetwork #LeadLearner #Podcasserole ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.   Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

  8. Jun 30 ·  Video

    (VIDEO) Laser Focus: James Lane and Cutting Through Initiative Fatigue to Save the Learning Moment

    What happens when you trade a massive suburban district for a rural community with only 1,200 students? According to my latest guest, it might just be the best career move you'll ever make. I recently sat down with Dr. James F. Lane, former acting Assistant Secretary of the US Department of Education and author of Leading with Laser Focus. James shared how cutting his teeth in a small rural district forced him to do "every job"—from HR and finance to literally walking through the mud to assess construction sites. We went deep on how that "boots on the ground" experience prepared him for state and national leadership, and why he believes the best leaders are simply "the best at getting better." Three takeaways you won't want to miss: Innovation = Newer AND Better: James challenges the educational platitude of being innovative. He notes, "We tend to get caught up in what's newer and forget to actually make sure it's better." If it's not improving outcomes for kids, it's just a "new shiny thing" contributing to initiative fatigue. The Voice for Students Guardrail: Whether in a principal's office or the US Department of Ed, James's North Star was being a voice for students.  Humility as a Team Sport: No leader is perfect, and James embraces that. His advice? Surround yourself with people who fulfill your imperfections so you can be as close to perfect as a team as possible. If you are a leader struggling with "initiative fatigue" or trying to navigate a career transition with grace, this conversation is for you. #EducationLeadership #SuptChat #EdChat #RuralEducation #K12 #Innovation #LeadingWithLaserFocus #AnImperfectLeader #PublicEducation   ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr.  Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 3 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more.    ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.

See All (213)

5
out of 5
97 Ratings

About

Welcome to An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, a series of conversations with leaders who look back at decisions they made and consider: * What happened? * What got overlooked? * What did they learn about relationships or what new relationships were formed? * What frustrated them? * What could they have done differently? * And in the end, what was something good that came out of their experience – because it is through one's mistakes where the greatest learning takes place. I'm Peter Stiepleman. I'm your host AND I'm an imperfect leader. I spent more than 20 years teaching and leading, first in the Oakland Public Schools in Oakland, CA and then in the Midwest – Missouri, to be exact – where I was a teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent and the superintendent of the 4th largest school district in a state of more than 500 districts. I am constantly striving to learn from my experiences and from the experiences of other leaders. The aim of this podcast is to lift the learning and lift the imperfect leaders up. That way, when you hear the term imperfect, you'll see strength, strength from the candor needed to recognize imperfection as a real advantage.

Information

You Might Also Like