Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers

Dr. Esther C. Bubb
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Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers is a weekly podcast where leadership meets behavior science, and where educators, clinicians, and humans grow. Hosted by Dr. Esther C. Bubb, EdD, BCBA, LBS, each Friday, the podcast brings dynamic conversations, lived experiences, and behavior-based leadership discussions from diverse guests. These episodes are designed to help you connect theory to practice, hear how leadership unfolds in complex systems, and consider how behavior is shaped, supported, and sustained in authentic contexts. As part of the Behaviorally Speaking Leadership Lab, a weekly leadership lab where change makers learn, test, and apply behavior-based strategies for real-world impact, Dr. Bubb invites you to listen actively, learn from lived expertise, and expand how you lead through connection and understanding. For more knowledge and learning, visit https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/. 

  1. 21h ago

    S3 E7: Leading Change Where You Are | How Trust, Advocacy, and Everyday Behaviors Create Lasting Community Impact

    What does leadership look like when people are facing grief, uncertainty, housing instability, immigration concerns, or other life challenges? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with Sonia A. Staples, Director of Constituent Services for Prince George's County, to explore how leadership shows up in moments when people need support the most. Drawing from her experiences as an immigrant, advocate, mother, and public servant, Sonia shares lessons about trust-building, communication, cultural humility, community engagement, and the behaviors that help people navigate complex systems. She discusses the importance of meeting people where they are, listening without judgment, advocating for marginalized voices, and helping communities recognize the power of their own voices. Throughout the conversation, Sonia offers practical wisdom for leaders who want to create meaningful change without losing themselves in the process. In this episode, you'll learn: Why leadership begins with service and human connection How trust is built through consistent communication and follow-through The role of advocacy in creating equitable outcomes Why cultural humility matters more than assumptions How everyday behaviors can influence systems and communities A powerful Monday Morning Move to help leaders prevent burnout and lead with intention Whether you lead a team, a family, a community initiative, or simply want to create positive change where you are, this conversation offers practical insights you can apply immediately. Connect with Dr. Esther Bubb If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible. Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share this episode with a colleague, supervisor, educator, or fellow leader ⭐ Visit Esther C. Bubb ABA Services for additional leadership resources, training, and professional development opportunities 🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com 📝 Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story. About Our Guest Sonia A. Staples, MSA, Director of Constituent Services, Prince George's County Sonia Staples was born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, and migrated to Washington, DC in 1993. She attended Calvin Coolidge High School, where her passion for advocacy and leadership first began through her involvement in student government and the International Students Association. She earned her undergraduate degree from Cheyney University of Pennsylvania in 2002. Sonia is the proud mother of four and believes deeply that her life has been enriched through advocacy, service, and intentional parenting. She is committed to shaping young minds by providing exposure, opportunity, and encouragement principles that guide both her family life and public service. In 2009, Sonia moved to Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she has remained actively involved in local politics and community advocacy. In response to the current climate of anti-immigration rhetoric and policy challenges, she has taken an active role in helping shape policies that uplift and protect immigrant communities. Sonia recently earned her Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Arizona Global Campus and has immediately enrolled in a Master of Public Policy program at the University of Baltimore. This academic path reflects her commitment to understanding where policy meets the people—particularly when decisions directly impact immigrant and historically underserved communities. By combining financial expertise with public policy training, Sonia brings a practical, informed perspective to governance and community leadership. Grounded in faith and service, Sonia is an active member of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Forestville and Christ Reigneth Chapel in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. She is member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

  2. Aug 14

    S3 E6: Leading Change That Sticks: Behavioral Secrets for Trust, Growth, and Impact with Laura Jenkins

    In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, host Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with special guest Laura Jenkins, M.Ed., Supervisor of Special Education. Together, they explore how long-lasting organizational, educational, and personal change starts at the foundational level of human behavior. Laura shares her transition from elementary and special education classroom teacher to administrative leader, dropping powerful insights on adult behavior, trust, and influence. Key Takeaways: Influence Over Authority: Why leadership isn't a title—it’s your everyday behavior. Adult vs. Student Outcomes: How refining adult behaviors directly drives student success and progress. Cut Through the Urgency: Practical ways to distinguish what is just "loud" from what is genuinely important. Building Deep Trust: Why rolling out one initiative with fidelity beats pushing multiple changes at once. The Monday Morning Move: A simple, high-impact question you can ask immediately to transform transactional chats into relational leadership. Connect with Dr. Esther Bubb If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible. Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share this episode with a colleague, supervisor, educator, or fellow leader ⭐ Visit Esther C. Bubb ABA Services for additional leadership resources, training, and professional development opportunities 🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com 📝 Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story. About Our Guest Laura Jenkins, M.Ed., Supervisor of Special Education Laura Jenkins is a dedicated educational leader with experience in both general and special education. She began her career as an elementary teacher before transitioning into special education, where she developed a strong commitment to supporting diverse learners and inclusive practices. During her career, she has served in leadership roles including Assistant Supervisor of a full-time Low Incidence Program and Interim Supervisor of a full-time Emotional Support Program. Laura currently serves as a Supervisor of Special Education, overseeing programming across several elementary schools within her school district. She values collaboration with educators, families, and stakeholders to promote student growth and success. Mrs. Jenkins holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Scranton, along with Special Education and Supervisor of Special Education certifications from Immaculata University.

  3. Aug 7

    S3 E5: Lead Where You Are | How Young Leaders Are Creating Solutions For Real Challenges in Grenada 🇬🇩

    Young Leaders of Grenada – Part III: How Young Leaders Are Creating Solutions For Real Challenges in Grenada What does it take to move beyond recognizing problems and begin creating meaningful solutions? In Part III of the Young Leaders of Grenada series, Dr. Esther Bubb is joined by an inspiring panel of emerging leaders—Zadie Barry, Brandon Felix, Paul McBurnie, Peter McBurnie, and Lily Welsh—for a timely conversation about solving community challenges through leadership, service, and collective action. Together, they explore real issues facing Grenadian youth—from mental health, civic participation, and youth disengagement to employment opportunities, brain drain, and community resilience. More importantly, they challenge listeners to look beyond symptoms, identify root causes, and recognize that lasting change begins with everyday leadership behaviors. Throughout the conversation, the panel shares personal experiences, practical solutions, and genuine leadership lessons on topics including: Why noticing a problem isn't enough—we must become part of the solution. The importance of servant leadership, humility, empathy, and collaboration. How small daily behaviors build trust, strengthen communities, and inspire change. Why youth disengagement, brain drain, and low civic participation are symptoms of deeper systemic challenges. How young people can create opportunities instead of waiting for them. The role of entrepreneurship, innovation, and community partnerships in shaping Grenada's future. Preserving Grenada's culture of resilience, togetherness, and service for the next generation. Drawing from both behavior science and leadership principles, Dr. Bubb reminds listeners that leadership is behavior—and every conversation, every action, and every choice influences the future of our communities. Whether you're a young leader, educator, parent, policymaker, or member of the Grenadian diaspora, this episode offers practical insights and inspiration for anyone committed to creating positive change where they are. Leadership doesn't begin with a title—it begins with a decision to serve. Connect with Dr. Esther Bubb If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible. Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share this episode with a colleague, supervisor, educator, or fellow leader ⭐ Visit Esther C. Bubb ABA Services for additional leadership resources, training, and professional development opportunities 🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com 📝 Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story. About Our Guests Guests Zadie Barry Zadie Barry is a youth leader and advocate whose work centers on youth empowerment, climate action, and responsible development, with a strong focus on creating practical opportunities for young people to lead and thrive. She is the founder of the Small Island Futures Foundation, where she drives initiatives that connect environmental awareness, mental well-being, and economic opportunity. She is also the founder and project lead for GND MindSpace, a youth-focused mental health initiative creating safe, accessible spaces for open conversations and support around well-being. With over five years of volunteer experience, Zadie has been an active member of the Youth Emergency Action Committee and serves as Vice-Chair for Communications with the Global Youth Biodiversity Network Caribbean Chapter, where she contributes to regional advocacy and youth engagement on environmental issues. She is also the voice behind The Youth Spotlight, a platform dedicated to highlighting young people who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. With a background in meteorology and a deep commitment to civic engagement, she brings a thoughtful and solution-oriented perspective to conversations around development, resilience, and youth leadership across the Caribbean. Brandon Felix Brandon Felix is a student at St. George’s University with a strong passion for leadership, faith, and youth development. He is deeply committed to mentoring and guiding young people, particularly within the communities of Hope, Marquis, and Mt. Fann. He currently serves as Youth President of the Marquis Pentecostal Church, where he leads youth initiatives, mentors young people, and creates spaces that encourage spiritual growth, discipline, and positive life choices. His leadership focuses on building a generation that is grounded in faith and empowered to make meaningful contributions to society. Brandon also serves as Treasurer for both the Marquis Pentecostal Church and the Northeastern Zone of the Pentecostal Assembly of the West Indies (PAWI), Grenada Youth Ministries, where he is responsible for financial oversight and accountability, as well as supporting the sustainability of youth programs and activities. In addition, he is a National Youth Ambassador, where he contributes to youth representation and remains engaged in national conversations surrounding youth development and community impact. Brandon is driven by a vision to use his leadership and influence to inspire change, strengthen communities, and empower the next generation. Paul McBurnie Paul McBurnie is an Attorney-at-Law at Ciboney Chambers, Grenada. He has been admitted to practice law in Grenada and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago and specializes in Litigation & Dispute Resolution as well as Conveyancing, Wills, Trusts & Succession, having recently assumed the role of Interim Head of the firm’s Conveyancing and Succession Department. Mr. McBurnie has appeared before the High Court and Court of Appeal in matters concerning contractual disputes, contentious probate, labor & employment, real property and public law. In his free time, Mr. McBurnie enjoys hiking, swimming, singing and photography. Peter McBurnie I am an adaptable and versatile individual with an academic background in Economics and International Business. Detail-oriented and dependable, I engage effectively with people across time zones and cultures, both independently and collaboratively.  I bring initiative, a broad perspective, and a strong sense of professionalism to every environment I join. Lily Welsh My name is Lily Welsh, and I am a passionate young professional from St. Mark, Grenada, dedicated to youth development, leadership, and community empowerment. I currently work as a Cybersecurity Officer within the Division of ICT in the Office of the Prime Minister, where I contribute to strengthening digital security and innovation. Beyond my professional role, I am actively involved in youth advocacy and national development through organizations such as the National Youth Ambassador Corps, Youth Parliament, and community initiatives. I am passionate about creating opportunities for young people, inspiring positive change, and using my voice to represent the needs of my generation. I am also someone who values growth, resilience, and service, and I believe in leading with purpose while making a meaningful impact wherever I serve.

  4. Jul 31

    S3 E4: Leading Beyond the Individual | Designing Systems That Create Meaningful Change

    In this episode, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with school-based behavior analyst and clinical leader Kelleen Corrigan to explore what it means to lead beyond direct service. From her roots in a service-oriented family to her work in clinical research at Drexel University and tiered school systems, Kelleen shares actionable insights on behavioral leadership, building alignment across multidisciplinary teams, and designing sustainable environments. Tune in to discover how to move from reactive behavior management to proactive system design, foster staff development through compassionate coaching, and lead with both precision and empathy. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why lasting behavior change begins with designing better systems—not fixing people. How leaders can shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive environmental design. Practical strategies for aligning educators, clinicians, administrators, and families around shared goals. How to translate behavior analytic principles into language that builds collaboration across disciplines. Ways reinforcement, coaching, and performance feedback strengthen confidence and leadership capacity. Why ethical leadership requires courage, transparency, and accountability beyond simple compliance. How small, coordinated wins build momentum for large-scale organizational change. Why relationships remain one of the most powerful behavior change technologies available to leaders. Memorable Quote "I don't aim for perfect agreement. I aim for coordinated action." — Kelleen Corrigan About Our Guest Kelleen Corrigan, MS, BCBA, NJ-LBA Kelleen is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and New Jersey–Licensed Behavior Analyst with over a decade of experience providing evidence-based behavioral assessment, intervention, and consultation across clinical, educational, and research settings. She currently serves as a behavior analyst in a New Jersey school district, where she delivers consultation services, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, and partners with district leadership to support and strengthen tiered systems of behavioral support. Kelleen also provides parent coaching and guidance to families within her local community. Her professional background includes leadership roles in both educational and behavioral healthcare organizations, where she has provided training, supervision, and mentorship to aspiring BCBAs, RBTs, and paraeducators. Earlier in her career, Kelleen worked at Drexel University’s A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, contributing to multiple federally funded research initiatives focused on early intervention, treatment matching, and social communication outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Committed to advancing high-quality care and professional development in the field, Kelleen has presented at professional conferences and contributed to peer-reviewed research on behavioral and developmental interventions. She is passionate about translating research into practical, sustainable strategies that meaningfully improve outcomes for individuals, families, and schools. Connect  If you're passionate about leadership, behavior science, education, and creating cultures where people flourish, you're in the right place. Because leadership isn't about changing people—it's about creating the conditions where people discover what's possible. Subscribe to Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers for conversations that bridge behavior analysis, leadership, education, and organizational change. If you enjoyed this episode: ⭐ Follow the podcast ⭐ Leave a rating and review ⭐ Share this episode with a colleague, supervisor, educator, or fellow leader ⭐ Visit Esther C. Bubb ABA Services for additional leadership resources, training, and professional development opportunities 🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com 📝 Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

  5. Jul 24

    S3 E3: Behind the Decisions | Ethics, Judgment, & the Conscience of Clinical Leadership

    Behind the Decisions: Ethics, Judgment & the Conscience of Clinical Leadership Every leadership decision tells a story. In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers, Dr. Esther Bubb sits down with Dr. Alissa Conway-Wortman, BCBA-D, to explore what happens behind the scenes of clinical leadership, where data, ethics, policy, and human impact intersect. Drawing on her experience as a clinical reviewer and behavior analyst, Dr. Conway-Wortman offers an inside look at the complex decisions that shape behavioral health services. Together, they discuss how leaders balance evidence with clinical judgment, protect the dignity of those they serve, and make thoughtful decisions when the answers aren't always clear. Their conversation explores: What clinical leadership really looks like beyond compliance and oversight Balancing data, clinical expertise, and individual context when making high-stakes decisions Why ethical decision-making requires both evidence and empathy How AI and technology can strengthen clinical practice without replacing professional judgment The importance of individualized care, generalization, and meaningful outcomes Strategies for leading through pressure while maintaining quality and integrity Why mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning remain essential to effective leadership The episode concludes with a practical Monday Morning Move that every leader can implement immediately: learning the value of pausing before responding, allowing thoughtful leadership to replace emotional reaction. Whether you are a behavior analyst, educator, healthcare professional, administrator, or emerging leader, this conversation offers practical insights into making decisions that honor both people and purpose. Leadership is revealed by how we navigate the decisions that aren’t easy. About Our Guest Dr. Alissa Conway-Wortman, Clinical Reviewer, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Dr. Alissa Conway is a BCBA‑D whose career spans residential treatment, NIH‑funded university research, clinic, and Medicaid utilization management. She earned her undergraduate degree from West Chester University and completed her master’s and doctorate at Western Michigan University, where her research interests focused on assessment and the quality of behavioral intervention. Now serving as a Medicaid clinical reviewer for ABA Services, Dr. Conway specializes in medical necessity determinations, policy interpretation, and complex case resolution. Her work reflects a deep commitment to elevating systems of care — ensuring that behavioral health services are ethical, effective, and accessible. She brings a leadership lens to every role she takes on, championing quality, clarity, and meaningful outcomes across the autism and behavioral health landscape. Connect 🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com 📝 Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers explores leadership through the lens of behavior science—translated into everyday life and practical for everyone. Every episode delivers actionable insights to help you build trust, strengthen culture, and create meaningful change. Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

  6. Jul 17

    S3 E2: Designing Systems That Work: Leadership, Behavior, and the Future of Special Education

    What does it take to design systems that truly support students, staff, and families? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with Dr. Kevin T. Kane, Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education at Neshaminy School District, for a thought-provoking conversation about leadership, behavior, systems thinking, and the future of special education. With more than two decades of experience in education, Kevin shares lessons from his journey as a teacher of students who are blind or visually impaired, school psychologist, special education administrator, and district leader. Together, we explore how leaders move beyond managing systems to intentionally designing them for impact. In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ Why effective leadership begins with behavior ✅ How trust becomes the foundation for influence ✅ The difference between compliance-focused leadership and capacity-building leadership ✅ How systems can either remove barriers or create them ✅ Why culture is built through repeated behaviors ✅ The role of belonging, kindness, and humility in leadership ✅ How districts are navigating attendance, engagement, and system redesign in a post-pandemic world ✅ Why leaders must become comfortable with being uncomfortable to create meaningful change Throughout the conversation, Kevin offers practical wisdom for current and aspiring leaders, including powerful reminders such as: "People will let you lead them if they trust you." "Culture is built by repeated behavior." "People don't want to follow a robot that's perfect. They want to follow a person." Whether you're an educator, administrator, behavior analyst, coach, consultant, nonprofit leader, or someone passionate about creating positive change, this episode offers practical insights for leading with purpose, humanity, and impact. Monday Morning Move This week, identify one barrier within a system you influence. Ask yourself: "What is one small change I can make to increase access, build trust, or strengthen belonging?" About Our Guest Kevin T. Kane, Ed. D, Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education Kevin Kane has spent more than 20 years in special education and pupil services. He currently serves as Assistant to the Superintendent for Pupil Services and Special Education at Neshaminy School District in southeastern Pennsylvania. He oversees special education, mental health services, school counseling, school health services, and compliance with federal and state requirements. He focuses on building systems that work for students and the people who support them, while helping staff and families navigate the day-to-day challenges of supporting students. He enjoys collaborating with teams to solve real problems. He began his career teaching students who are blind or visually impaired and was certified as an orientation and mobility specialist in central Pennsylvania. That early focus on independence continues to shape his work today. He later held leadership roles at Radnor Township School District and the Delaware County Intermediate Unit. He is known for a steady, practical leadership style and believes that a focus on belonging and kindness fosters a welcoming environment where all students are supported and challenged to learn. Connect 🌐 Esther C Bubb ABA Services: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com 📝 Behaviorally Speaking Blog: https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/blog Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers explores leadership through the lens of behavior science translated into everyday life and practical for everyone. Every episode delivers actionable insights to help you build trust, strengthen culture, and create meaningful change. Leadership is behavior. And behavior always tells a story.

  7. Jul 10

    S3 E1: Season 3 Premiere | From Momentum to Impact - What Season 2 Taught Us and Where We Lead Next

    Season 3 begins with celebration, reflection, and a renewed commitment to meaningful change. In this special season premiere of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb celebrates a major milestone—30 episodes and more than 2,000 downloads—and reflects on the lessons, conversations, and relationships that shaped Season 2. From engineering and education to healthcare, youth leadership, advocacy, and systems change, one theme emerged: Leadership is behavior. In this episode, Dr. Bubb revisits powerful insights from guests including Timothy Bubb, Thomas Fitti, Dr. Renisha James-Thomas, Dr. Briana Bronstein, Dr. Joseph Cautilli, Dr. Michael Weinberg, Valeria Pascale, Lynn Santilli Connor, Lauren Higgins, and an inspiring group of emerging Grenadian leaders. Together, these conversations explored mentorship, resilience, compassionate leadership, servant leadership, trust, psychological safety, community responsibility, and creating systems where people can thrive. In This Episode: Celebrating 30 episodes and 2,000+ downloads Season 2's biggest leadership lessons Why leadership is demonstrated through behavior, not titles The power of mentorship and developing future leaders Compassion, accountability, and systems change Youth leadership, resilience, and social responsibility A preview of the inspiring conversations coming in Season 3 Season 3 Preview This season, you'll hear from district leaders, clinicians, advocates, educators, and changemakers exploring leadership across systems, ethics, trust, inclusion, community impact, and sustainable change. Upcoming guests include Kevin Kane, Dr. Alissa Conway-Wortman, Kelleen Corrigan, Laura Jenkins, Sonia Pratt, Erin McGrenaghan, Julia Spychalski, and our youth leader panel. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're joining for the first time, this episode is an invitation to reflect, learn, and lead with greater intention. Because leadership is behavior, and behavior always tells a story. 🎧 Listen now and join us as we move from momentum to impact. About the Host Dr. Esther C. Bubb, EdD, BCBA, LBS Founder, Esther C. Bubb ABA Services Educational Leader | Behavior Analyst | Consultant | Trainer | Podcast Host | Blogger Dr. Esther C. Bubb is an educational leader, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, and professional development specialist dedicated to transforming practice and people through leadership. With more than two decades of experience across early childhood, special education, higher education, and organizational systems, she supports educators, leaders, and agencies in building capacity, strengthening programs, and achieving meaningful, sustainable outcomes. As the founder of Esther C. Bubb ABA Services, Dr. Bubb partners with schools, early childhood programs, agencies, and professionals to deliver evidence-based training, applied behavior analysis (ABA) services, and leadership-centered growth opportunities. Her work is grounded in data-informed decision-making, culturally responsive practice, and the belief that strong systems and skilled people create thriving learning environments for all children. Dr. Bubb’s expertise spans: Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and instructional coaching Early childhood education and early intervention Reducing challenging behavior, suspensions, and expulsions Systems-level compliance, programming, and continuous improvement Leadership development, professional learning communities, and capacity-building Interagency collaboration and organizational problem-solving Designing and implementing innovative, scalable training models A highly experienced leader, Dr. Bubb has served as Supervisor of Special Education for Early Childhood Programs, Early Intervention Program Supervisor, Coordinator of Student Services & Behavioral Supports, Director of Children’s Clinical Services, and Assistant Director of early childhood ABA programs. Across these roles, she has led complex multidisciplinary teams, developed large-scale ABA and behavioral initiatives, implemented compliance-driven systems, managed budgets and staffing structures, and supported districts in meeting state and federal mandates. Dr. Bubb is also an accomplished educator. She has taught graduate and undergraduate courses for Gannon University, Eastern University, St. Joseph’s University, and the University of the West Indies, including courses in ABA, assessment, ethics, consultation, leadership, and urban education. She has supervised dozens of aspiring BCBAs, RBTs, and educators from institutions across the country and contributed to national and state-level ABA and education initiatives, including collaborating with the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop the Behavior Analyst Certification & Staffing Policy Guideline (CSPG 203). A frequent presenter, Dr. Bubb has delivered trainings and conference sessions on behavior interventions, neurodiversity and inclusion, early childhood practices, compliance, ethics, and leadership. Her work has also extended to research, program development, and cross-agency collaborations with universities, state departments, and community organizations. Dr. Bubb holds an EdD in Special Education, a Principal PK–12 Certification, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and ABA, an MBA, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is the author of Be Your BEST: 4 Principles to Becoming Better Every Single Time and continues to champion equitable, high-quality learning experiences for all children. At Esther C. Bubb ABA Services, she brings her passion, experience, and leadership together to help professionals, programs, and entire systems grow through training that is practical, transformational, and rooted in behavior science.

  8. Jul 3

    S2 E10: Leadership During Uncertainty | Why Trust Changes Everything

    How do great leaders build trust when everything around them is changing? In this episode of Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change-Makers, Dr. Esther C. Bubb sits down with communications and corporate marketing leader Lauren Higgins to explore what it truly means to lead through uncertainty with humility, honesty, and purpose. As organizations navigate rapid technological advances, shifting priorities, artificial intelligence, and evolving workplace expectations, many leaders are asking the same question: How do we help people embrace change without losing trust, connection, or culture? Lauren shares practical leadership lessons drawn from more than 20 years of experience helping mission-driven organizations communicate change, align people around purpose, and create cultures where employees feel valued and empowered. Through personal stories and professional insights, she reminds us that leadership is not about having all the answers. It's about asking better questions, communicating with transparency, and treating people with dignity throughout the change process. Together, Dr. Bubb and Lauren discuss: Why humility is one of the strongest leadership behaviors • How honest communication strengthens trust during times of uncertainty • The connection between organizational culture and shared purpose • Why curiosity is more powerful than assumptions • Helping teams navigate resistance to change with empathy • Leading courageously while acknowledging what you don't know • The importance of values-based leadership in today's workplace • Balancing artificial intelligence with authentic human connection Lauren shares very personal stories—from corporate transformation to parenting through complex systems—that remind us that people don’t just want direction. They want connection, clarity, and purpose. Monday Morning Move: Start your next meeting by asking: “What’s our why?” Re-center your team on purpose, reconnect people to meaning, and move forward together. Key Takeaway: People don't resist change nearly as much as they resist feeling unheard, uninformed, or disconnected from purpose. Leaders who communicate with humility, honesty, and empathy create the psychological safety needed for people—and organizations—to grow. Whether you lead in education, healthcare, business, government, nonprofit organizations, or your local community, this conversation offers practical strategies you can begin using immediately to build stronger relationships, healthier workplace cultures, and more resilient teams. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who is committed to leading with purpose and creating meaningful change. Leadership is behavior, and behavior always tells a story. #Leadership #LeadershipDevelopment #ChangeManagement #OrganizationalCulture #BehaviorScience #EmotionalIntelligence #Communication #WorkplaceCulture #PsychologicalSafety #LeadershipPodcast #BehaviorallySpeaking #DrEstherBubb #LaurenHiggins About Our Guest Lauren Higgins is a communications and marketing leader with more than two decades of experience helping organizations turn compelling ideas into content that moves people to act. She believes that storytelling is one of the oldest tools we have for making sense of change. Whether it’s about helping people fulfill their retirement dreams, rethinking how a university engages its donors, or guiding a company through transformation, she always starts with the same question: What's the human side of the story here, and how do we tell it in a way that earns trust and inspires action? Most recently, Lauren worked at TIAA where she served as the Managing Editor for the TIAA TMRW publication, but that thread of working for mission-driven organizations carries through her career from Villanova University, Cambridge Associates, and The Vanguard Group. She attended the College of the Holy Cross and earned a B.A. in English and holds graduate degrees from Carnegie Mellon University in Professional Writing and from Drexel University in Business Administration. She’s also a certified Sommelier.

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Behaviorally Speaking: Leadership for Change Makers is a weekly podcast where leadership meets behavior science, and where educators, clinicians, and humans grow. Hosted by Dr. Esther C. Bubb, EdD, BCBA, LBS, each Friday, the podcast brings dynamic conversations, lived experiences, and behavior-based leadership discussions from diverse guests. These episodes are designed to help you connect theory to practice, hear how leadership unfolds in complex systems, and consider how behavior is shaped, supported, and sustained in authentic contexts. As part of the Behaviorally Speaking Leadership Lab, a weekly leadership lab where change makers learn, test, and apply behavior-based strategies for real-world impact, Dr. Bubb invites you to listen actively, learn from lived expertise, and expand how you lead through connection and understanding. For more knowledge and learning, visit https://esthercbubbabaservices.com/. 

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