The Catholic School Leaders Podcast

John Mihalyo
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Leadership in a Catholic school can be a challenging vocation. Whether you are in a current leadership role at your school or are aspiring to be a future leader, this podcast will help you walk with other exceptional leaders from all over the country to grow Catholic education for the next generation.

  1. Creating a Strong Leadership Team in Your Catholic School

    FEB 3

    Creating a Strong Leadership Team in Your Catholic School

    The Catholic School Leaders PodcastHost: John Mihalyo Guest: Dr. Trevor Timmerberg, Assistant Superintendent, Archdiocese of Louisville Episode Overview Being a principal can be a lonely job. In this episode, John and Dr. Trevor Timmerberg unpack how a strong, healthy leadership team helps you lead with clarity, build trust, and move your school forward—without carrying everything on your own. What You’ll Learn Mission-driven vs. maintenance-driven leadership teamsHow to choose the right people (not just the right positions)The right team size and meeting lengthHow to prevent “meetings after meetings”Simple agenda structures that drive action and accountabilityEmpowering others to lead (so it’s not all on you)Key Takeaway A great leadership team strengthens culture, improves decisions, and keeps your school focused on mission—not just managing the daily fires. Call to Action Need help building or refining your leadership team? Reach out to John Mihalyo to talk about your school.

    55 min
  2. Is Your Catholic School the Next Indiana University Football Team?

    JAN 26

    Is Your Catholic School the Next Indiana University Football Team?

    Episode Summary In this episode of the Catholic School Leaders Podcast, John uses the turnaround of Indiana University football to challenge Catholic school leaders to rethink what’s possible for their schools. Indiana went from an afterthought to a national champion because leadership refused to accept average. Catholic schools can experience the same kind of transformation—when culture, expectations, and people are aligned. Key Takeaways Every turnaround starts with “no more.” Stop accepting excuses and lowering expectations.Culture comes before results. Strong schools expect excellence—they don’t just hope for it.People matter most. Hire for culture, not just experience, and support people to rise to high expectations.Success must be sustainable. One good year isn’t success—consistent growth is.There are no shortcuts. Real change takes time, investment, and commitment.Final Thought Five years from now, your Catholic school can be the standard—but only if you start building that culture today. Ready to Take the Next Step? If you want help moving your school forward, visit www.elementaryadvancement.com to connect and explore resources. Schedule a time to meet with me here!

    19 min
  3. Why Visibility, Collaboration, and Clarity Matter in Catholic Schools

    JAN 21

    Why Visibility, Collaboration, and Clarity Matter in Catholic Schools

    The Catholic School Leaders PodcastHost: John Mihalyo Guest: Sarah Schneider, Associate Director of Enrollment, Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE) Episode Summary In this episode, John sits down with Sarah from the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence in Minnesota to discuss how collaboration, visibility, and intentional leadership are driving enrollment growth and strengthening Catholic school communities. Sarah shares how CSCOE supports 151 Catholic schools across Minnesota through enrollment support, professional development, grants, and shared learning—helping schools avoid isolation and move forward together. The conversation focuses on the real challenges principals face when wearing multiple hats, and practical ways leaders can stay visible, build relationships, and use time more intentionally. This episode is packed with realistic advice for principals, pastors, and Catholic school leaders navigating limited time, limited resources, and big expectations. Key Topics Covered What the Catholic Schools Center of Excellence (CSCOE) is and how it supports schoolsWhy collaboration matters more than competitionThe reality of principals wearing “all the hats”Why visibility of school leaders builds trust and enrollmentSimple ways principals can use video and social media effectivelyScheduling time intentionally instead of reacting all dayHow transparency builds trust with parents and staffThe importance of knowing and clearly articulating your school’s differentiatorWhy Catholic schools must confidently share what makes them uniqueSchedule a Time to Meet with John Mihalyo Here Visit the Catholic Schools Center for Excellence website here.

    37 min
  4. From Chaos to Clarity: Creating an Advancement Strategy That Works

    JAN 13

    From Chaos to Clarity: Creating an Advancement Strategy That Works

    The Catholic School Leaders PodcastHost: John MihalyoTitle: From Chaos to Clarity: Creating an Advancement Strategy That Works Episode Summary In this episode, John continues his planning series by focusing on why Catholic schools need a clear advancement game plan—and why advancement is about far more than raising money. Without a plan, fundraising feels chaotic, rushed, and inconsistent. John explains what happens when schools rely on hope instead of strategy, and how intentional advancement planning builds trust, strengthens donor relationships, and creates long-term sustainability. Listeners will learn how strong advancement efforts move from transactional giving to meaningful partnerships that support the school’s mission for years to come. Key Takeaway Strong advancement doesn’t happen by accident. It requires clear planning, consistent communication, and a mission-driven approach that builds trust and sustainability. Call to Action Need help building an advancement plan that works?👉 Visit elementaryadvancement.com or click the link here to schedule a conversation with John.

    36 min
  5. Hope Is Not a Strategy: Why You Need a Game Plan for Enrollment!

    12/19/2025

    Hope Is Not a Strategy: Why You Need a Game Plan for Enrollment!

    Hope Is Not a Strategy: Building a Real Enrollment Game Plan Host: John Mihalyo Episode Summary In this episode, John explains why hope, tradition, and “we’ve always done it this way” are not strategies for enrollment growth. Schools that lack a clear game plan end up reacting, scrambling, and relying on luck instead of intentional, data-driven decisions. John kicks off a new series focused on building strategic plans for enrollment, advancement, leadership, and culture—starting with enrollment. Key Topics Why hope is not a strategyWhat happens when schools don’t have an enrollment planInconsistent follow-up, unclear messaging, and weak toursThe importance of marketing to current familiesWhy consistency matters in tours and communicationRecruiting for graduation, not just enrollment dayWhat a strong enrollment game plan includes:A clear process from inquiry to first day of schoolDefined roles and responsibilitiesConsistent, personalized follow-upKey Takeaway Predictable enrollment results come from intentional planning. When everyone knows the plan, enrollment becomes less stressful—and more effective. Call to Action Want help creating an enrollment game plan that works?👉 Click the calendar link here to schedule a conversation with John.

    23 min
  6. Buy It Nice or Buy It Twice: How Smart Schools Think About Money

    12/12/2025

    Buy It Nice or Buy It Twice: How Smart Schools Think About Money

    As Catholic school leaders prepare for budgeting, tuition setting, and planning for the months ahead, many struggle with how to spend money wisely. In this episode, John explores two common extremes: fear-based spending that leads to cutting corners, and undisciplined spending that creates confusion and shortfalls. The answer lies in strategic, mission-driven investment that strengthens schools for the long term. This episode challenges leaders to move beyond scarcity or carelessness and instead invest with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Key Takeaways Fear-based spending hurts mission, morale, and growthCheap choices often cost more in the long runSpending should be intentional, strategic, and aligned with missionWise investments produce real ROI in enrollment, advancement, and cultureStrong schools balance stewardship with confidence—not fearCall to Action If you’re ready to invest in your school with clarity and a clear game plan—without fear or overspending—I’d love to talk. Schools I work with are seeing meaningful growth in enrollment, advancement, and leadership. 👉 Learn more or schedule a conversation with John Mihalyo here. Visit Elementary Advancement Solutions at www.elementaryadvancement.com

    27 min
  7. New Workshop Announcement: The Five Reasons You Keep Missing Your Enrollment Goal

    12/01/2025

    New Workshop Announcement: The Five Reasons You Keep Missing Your Enrollment Goal

    Title: New Workshop Coming December 11th!Host: John Mihalyo Episode Overview In this short episode, John introduces an upcoming free workshop for Catholic school leaders: “The Five Reasons Your School Is Consistently Missing Its Enrollment Goal.” The workshop will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 12 PM EST and will break down the often-overlooked factors behind enrollment shortfalls—and how to correct them before they impact your budget and school stability. What You’ll Hear About Why enrollment growth is the number one driver of school sustainabilityCommon mistakes that keep schools from hitting enrollment goalsThe stress schools face when they enter a new year under-enrolledHow strengthening your enrollment systems can turn stress into stabilityDetails on how to register for this free workshop and what you’ll gain from attendingWorkshop Registration Register for the free December 11th workshop at www.elementaryadvancement.com — and explore additional resources while you're there. Want Personalized Support? Want to reach out directly to talk more about their enrollment challenges and how coaching can help? Click here to set up a time!

    6 min
  8. What Black Friday Teaches Us About Recruitment in Catholic Schools

    11/28/2025

    What Black Friday Teaches Us About Recruitment in Catholic Schools

    Catholic School Leaders Podcast:What Black Friday Teaches Us About Recruitment in Catholic SchoolsHost: John Mihalyo As Black Friday ads start flooding inboxes and stores jump straight into holiday sales, John invites Catholic school leaders to look at what these shopping “mega-events” can teach us about enrollment. From excitement and anticipation to joy and commitment, the emotions shoppers experience on Black Friday mirror what families should feel during your school’s recruitment process. In this episode, John unpacks how schools can harness that same energy to build stronger interest, deeper engagement, and meaningful partnerships with future families. In This Episode Excitement: Are you building buzz around next school year the way retailers build hype for Black Friday?Anticipation: What are you doing today to make future families eager for their “first day” with you?Visitors: Just like holiday shoppers, some families are ready to enroll—and others are just browsing. How are you welcoming both?Joy: When families tour, are they leaving with the feeling that they’ve found something special?Happiness & Mission: Enrollment should feel like joining a community rooted in faith, joy, and partnership—not just signing paperwork.John challenges leaders to bring Black Friday–level enthusiasm into their recruitment efforts and create schools where families feel the same happiness every day that they feel when an exciting package arrives at their doorstep. Connect With John Looking to build enrollment excitement at your school?Set up a conversation with John by clicking here! 📍 Website: www.elementaryadvancement.com

    13 min
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Leadership in a Catholic school can be a challenging vocation. Whether you are in a current leadership role at your school or are aspiring to be a future leader, this podcast will help you walk with other exceptional leaders from all over the country to grow Catholic education for the next generation.

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