Engaging Leadership CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil

Summary: In this engaging episode of the Engaging Leadership show, host CT Leong sits down with Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, the Superintendent of Uniondale Union Free School District. With a vibrant background in education and a passion for equity, Dr. Akil shares her journey from a high school teacher in New York City to her current leadership role. She discusses the unique and diverse community within Uniondale and the strides they are making in fostering leadership across the board.
Dr. Akil dives into the Uniondale Union Free School District's strategic approach to leadership development, equity in education, and the importance of investing in potential leaders. She emphasizes the role of mentorship, community building, and the impact of having diverse voices in decision-making positions. Engage with Dr. Akil's inspiring insights on building a robust talent pipeline, the necessity for coaching for new administrators, and the benefits of creating an inclusive environment that champions growth and innovation.
Key Takeaways:
Equity in Education: Dr. Akil stresses the importance of creating equitable policies that catalyze systemic change across all levels of education.Leadership Development: The district’s commitment to developing leaders from within by providing meaningful professional development and coaching.Investing in Potential: The approach to talent development is inclusive, allowing self-nominations and encouraging a culture where professional growth is prized.Community and Mentorship: Building communities of leaders through mentorship and creating environments where teachers and administrators feel valued and supported.Broadening Perspectives: The significance of having diverse voices in leadership to bring varied perspectives and innovative solutions to educational challenges.
Chapters:
0:00
Diversity and Leadership in Uniondale's Unique School District
5:01
The Journey from Teacher to Superintendent
11:43
Empowering Women and People of Color in Educational Leadership
16:08
Developing Leadership at All Levels in Education
27:36
Effective Leadership Development Without High Costs
35:00
Grassroots Leadership and Community Engagement in Education
Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Dr. Monique: linkedin.com/in/mdarrisaw/
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda
Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
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Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Intro
Engaging Leadership Outro

Summary:
Lisa Greene, superintendent of Kohler School District, joins Dr. Jim to discuss strategic retention and leadership development in small school districts. Greene shares insights from her 35+ years in education, emphasizing the importance of relationships, professional development, and committee structures to keep educators engaged and prevent burnout. Learn how smaller districts can create growth opportunities and build a cohesive, innovative team even with limited resources. Discover actionable tips on fostering a supportive environment and leveraging delegation to develop future leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Fostering Relationships: Building strong, intentional relationships with staff is crucial for retention and engagement in small school districts.Professional Development: Investing in professional development, such as sending educators to conferences, can re-energize staff and encourage knowledge sharing and innovation.Committee Structures: Utilizing committees with rotating leadership roles helps distribute workload and provide leadership opportunities.Community Engagement: Engaging families and the community supports school initiatives and fosters a collaborative environment.Clear Communication: Clearly defining the purpose and scope of committees ensures staff feel valued and are effectively contributing to the school's mission.

Chapters:
00:00
Strategies for Retaining Talent in Small School Districts
08:49
Building Relationships and Reducing Burnout in Small School Districts
15:19
Building Leadership Pipelines Through Relationship and Committee Structures
22:39
Leveraging Conference Learnings for District-Wide Professional Development
25:24
Building Community Support and Engagement in Education
30:08
Leveraging Delegation for Leadership Development and Team Retention

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Lisa Greene: greenel@kohler.k12.wi.us, 920-803-7201
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Outro
Engaging Leadership Intro

Summary:
Join Dr. Jim as he explores the unique strategies employed by Rob Stewart, district administrator for the Alma school district in Wisconsin, to attract and retain talent in a rural setting. Discover how community integration, a comprehensive mentorship program, hands-on professional development, and a strong cultural foundation can make all the difference. Learn valuable lessons on visibility, collaborative learning, and the importance of recognition in building a high-performing team, offering applicable insights for leaders in any rural organization.
Key Takeaways:
Local Talent Integration: Nearly 50% of Alma’s staff are former students, demonstrating strong community ties as a key element in their recruitment strategy.Community Relations: Initiatives like Alma Area Community Fest and local beautification projects integrate the school and local community, fostering a supportive environment.Mentorship Program: A detailed, multi-year mentoring structure for new teachers ensures they are well integrated, supported, and retained.Professional Development: A three-pronged professional development system ensures staff growth, leveraging in-house, systematic outside resources, and open-concept approaches.Cultural Simplicity: A simplified mission and vision centered on the acronym “WHY” (What is your purpose, How do you achieve it, and You decide every day) creates a clear, actionable culture within the district.

Chapters:
0:00
Overcoming Rural Recruitment Challenges in Education
4:57
Community Ties and Talent Attraction in Rural School Districts
7:57
Strengthening Community Through School Partnerships and Events
11:25
Integrating Education and Community for Workforce Development in Rural Areas
15:36
Comprehensive Mentorship Program for New Teachers
21:34
Innovative Professional Development Strategies in a Small School District
26:21
Simplifying Mission Statements for Effective School Culture
31:21
Leadership Lessons for Rural Organizations


Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Rob Stewart: https://www.alma.k12.wi.us/
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Outro
Engaging Leadership Intro

Summary: Superintendent Sue Lemon shares her journey, insights, and leadership wisdom honed during her tenure at Rosedale Union Elementary School District. Taking the helm right before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sue discusses the importance of community, structured hiring, and effective communication. She delves into how she navigated school closures, embraced input-driven decisions, and championed a student-centered culture. Sue offers invaluable advice on leadership, the power of asking questions, and cultivating a servant's heart. Join host CT Leong in uncovering the nuances of leading with humility and courage in education.
Key Takeaways:
Student-Centered Hiring Practices: Rosedale Union Elementary School District prioritizes hiring staff with a strong commitment to student-centric approaches, using specific interview techniques to ensure alignment with the district's values.Leadership Development: Sue emphasizes the importance of nurturing potential leaders within the district through mentorship, structured collaboration, and continuous professional growth.Crisis Management: The episode highlights the critical role of transparent and frequent communication during crises, as evidenced by Sue's approach during the pandemic.Decision-Making Framework: Sue discusses the importance of recognizing different types of decisions—those made by staff, by herself, and collaboratively—and the value of input from all levels.Trust and Humility: Trusting one's instinct, acknowledging mistakes, and being willing to adjust strategies as needed are key elements of effective leadership.
Chapters:
0:00
Building a Family Atmosphere in Rosedale Union Elementary School District
7:00
A Journey from Teacher to Superintendent Guided by Faith
13:15
Navigating School Closures and Reopenings During a Pandemic
19:41
Leadership, Decision-Making, and Learning from Mistakes
23:42
Systematic Leadership Development and School-Wide Collaboration
26:59
The Importance of Collaborative Decision Making in Leadership
Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Outro
Engaging Leadership Intro

Summary:
Dr. Jim and Steve Salerno, Superintendent of Mount Horeb School District, chat about K-12 education leadership. With a focus on reducing educator turnover, Steve shares his 30-year journey and the strategies that reshaped his district's culture. Learn how data-driven decisions, intentional leadership development, and aligning comp and benefits foster stability, hope, compassion, and trust.
Key Takeaways:
Leadership Stability is Crucial: Effective leaders at the building level are essential for improving teacher retention and student outcomes.Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing tools like Gallup's StrengthsFinder aids in recruiting and developing leaders aligned with the district's goals.Cultural Transformation: Honest assessments and collaborative efforts among staff to reset expectations and improve the school's culture are vital.Resource Alignment: Ensuring competitive compensation and benefits packages through operational referendums can stabilize the workforce.Persistent, Purposeful Development: Continuous professional development tailored to individual strengths is key to sustaining high performance.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic
00:31 Meet Steve Salerno: A Leader's Journey
01:22 The Importance of Building Leadership
04:03 Intentional Growth and Development
05:11 Using Data for Leadership Development
10:23 Focusing on Principals for Better Outcomes
13:06 Transforming School Culture
20:41 Engaging the School Board and Community
27:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Steve Salerno: 608-437-7010, https://www.mounthorebschools.org/ ic Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagerocket.co/hrimpact
Mentioned in this episode:
Engaging Leadership Outro
Engaging Leadership Intro

Summary:
Join host Dr. Jim as he sits down with Evan Wittenberg, Chief People Officer at Pivot Bio, to discuss navigating leadership in challenging environments. They chat about building managerial discipline, fostering learning agility, and the significance of developing internal subject matter experts. Evan shares his insights from various industries, highlighting the importance of embedding cultural values and collaborative learning. Listen in to uncover actionable strategies for strengthening leadership capabilities and fostering a growth-oriented culture in startups and beyond.
Key Takeaways:
Develop Management Capability: Even in fast-paced startup environments, it's crucial to focus on building robust people management skills among emerging leaders.Internal SME Utilization: Leveraging and spotlighting internal subject matter experts can enhance collaborative learning and standardize best practices across the organization.Systems Thinking: Encouraging managers to adopt a systems-thinking approach can help them see beyond immediate problems and consider broader organizational impact.Dual Career Paths: Establishing both people-management and technical expertise tracks can help retain talent and foster growth without forcing upward mobility.Leadership Behavior: Effective leadership is about behaviors aligned with the company’s values and culture—managers must model and reward these behaviors within their teams.

Chapters:
00:00
Evan Wittenberg's Leadership Philosophy Shaped by Global Adventures
03:12
Building Resilience and Strategic Discipline in Leadership
05:04
Learning Agility and Leveraging Experience in Leadership Development
08:15
First Principles in Agriculture and Business Sustainability
09:15
Vetting Learning Agility in Executive Hiring
12:17
Developing Effective People Managers Through Systems Thinking
17:20
Building Collaborative Leadership and Cross-Functional Development
21:17
Developing Leadership Skills Through Intentional Actions and Behaviors
29:59
Balancing Career Paths: ICs Versus People Managers
33:07
Building a Growth Mindset Organization Through Core Human Values
34:50
Prioritizing Solvable Problems in Startups for Organizational Effectiveness
36:21
Building Leadership Depth Through Collaborative Learning

Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk
Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung
Connect with Evan Wittenberg: linkedin.com/in/evan-wittenberg-b47250
Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda

Join us at HR Impact to learn and connect with a community of HR leaders just like you. This is the space where top people leaders share actionable insights and practical playbooks in fostering a high-performing workplace of the future.
Sign up as a member today for community updates on the latest HR...