Beyond the Bell: School Leadership Series

Jon Minton and George Laoo
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

School leadership doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. From daily challenges to unexpected wins, every leader has a story—and something to learn. Beyond the Bell takes you inside the real conversations of leadership, where current principals George Laoo and Jon Minton mix humor, research, personal stories, and honest insight to tackle what it really means to lead. Each episode delivers practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions with special guests to help both new and seasoned leaders thrive in the complexities of the role. Because the real work—and the real growth—of leadership happens Beyond the Bell.

Episodes

  1. 11/30/2025

    #8: Powering Down: Strength in Mindless Moments

    In this episode, George and Jon spend some time discussing an overlooked leadership habit: the way simple, mindless moments can actually help school leaders recharge. They share stories from their time as assistant principals, when these moments accidentally became part of the workflow, and how they have learned to use them intentionally as principals. There's also the tension leaders feel when stepping away, even briefly, and why the job’s “always on” nature makes it hard to slow down without guilt. Backed by research and practical examples, they explore how short mental breaks improve clarity, reduce stress, and help leaders return more focused and effective. Sometimes you can’t turn the job off, but you can turn it down. And those small pauses may be one of the most powerful tools you have to lead at your best.

    25 min

  2. 11/07/2025

    #7: Scaling Up with Dr. Mia Hyde

    In this episode of Beyond the Bell, we sit down with Dr. Mia Hyde to explore what it means to scale up in leadership and navigate change effectively. Mia explains that growth isn’t simply about doing more, it’s about guiding others through change with clarity and purpose. From the classroom to the state level, she reminds us that meaningful progress happens when leaders stay grounded, communicate with vision, and focus on people, not just processes. Leading change can stir up tough emotions, and Mia shares insight into what that experience looks and feels like when leading from the front.

    27 min

  3. 10/28/2025

    #6: Effectiveness Windows with Dr. Steve Long

    What if feeling ineffective doesn’t mean you’ve lost it, just that you’re between seasons of effectiveness? In this episode of Beyond the Bell, Steve Long joins in on a conversation to explore that idea through the lens of effectiveness windows, those seasons when everything seems to click… and the ones when it doesn’t. Drawing from years of leadership experience, Steve reflects on how his own effectiveness has shifted across different roles and seasons of his career. Together, Steve and Jon unpack why those highs and lows are natural, how self-awareness helps leaders recognize when their window is open or closing, and what it takes to stay steady when momentum dips. Whether you’re in a season of growth or grit, this episode reminds leaders that consistency, reflection, and perspective are what sustain true effectiveness over time.

    27 min

  4. 10/17/2025

    #5: Leading Within Yourself

    In this episode of Leading Within Yourself, Jon and George dig into what it really means to be emotionally ready to lead. They share personal stories from their own leadership journeys like the moments that tested their steadiness, the lessons they’ve learned about showing up each day with clarity and calm, and how emotional readiness shapes every decision they make. They didn't nail it overnight and quickly share how their struggles have helped them grow stronger and more reflective than ever. Created for aspiring school leaders, and for anyone seeking to lead from the inside out, this conversation digs into the inner work that drives intentional leadership and lasting growth. Listen in as Jon and George unpack how leading within yourself can help you become the leader your school and students need most.

    26 min

  5. 10/03/2025

    #4: Answering Tough Questions with Dr. Josh Carter

    In this one-on-one conversation, we sat down with Dr. Josh Carter, who at the time was serving as a principal in Johnson City, TN. Since then, Dr. Carter has transitioned into a district leadership role, bringing his perspective and experience to a broader level of impact. Our discussion was thoughtful and practical as Dr. Carter reflected on the challenges and opportunities principals face daily, how to build trust with staff, and the importance of keeping students at the center of decision-making. His wisdom on leadership transitions, team culture, and professional growth makes this interview a meaningful listen for current and aspiring leaders alike.

    21 min

  6. 09/25/2025

    #3: Mistaking Activity for Achievement

    In leadership, it’s easy to get busy and even easier to confuse busyness with progress. Mistaking Activity for Achievement pulls back the curtain on what really drives meaningful growth. In this episode, Jon and George tackle the difference between checking boxes and making a lasting impact, exploring the habits, mindsets, and decisions that separate genuine achievement from endless activity. Join in for an honest conversation, real-world stories, and practical insight for leaders who want to focus less on doing more and more on doing what matters most.

    22 min

  7. 09/08/2025

    #2: Getting Better at Getting Worse

    Failure isn’t the end of the story, it’s where the real learning begins. In this episode of Beyond the Bell, co-hosts Jon Minton and George Laoo unpack what it means to get better at getting worse. As school leaders, they know firsthand that mistakes, setbacks, and missteps are inevitable. But the way we respond to those moments can define our growth and leadership. Join Jon and George as they share personal stories from the frontlines of education, reflect on the lessons that failure has taught them, and explore how embracing the hard parts of leadership can lead to resilience, innovation, and stronger school communities. If you’ve ever wondered how to reframe failure as fuel for growth, this conversation will encourage you to lean in, reflect, and keep moving forward, even when things don’t go as planned.

    22 min

  8. 08/25/2025

    #1: Stuck in the Seat

    Spending too much time stuck in the office? Leaders want to stay accessible, but it’s easy to get trapped behind the desk. In this episode, George and Jon share their own experiences and practical strategies to help leaders step out, stay proactive, and build stronger connections. It’s not always easy but it’s essential for effective leadership.  Topics explored in this episode: Being proactive rather than reactive The importance of face-to-face communication Strategies for organizing time to get unstuck

    34 min
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

School leadership doesn’t stop when the final bell rings. From daily challenges to unexpected wins, every leader has a story—and something to learn. Beyond the Bell takes you inside the real conversations of leadership, where current principals George Laoo and Jon Minton mix humor, research, personal stories, and honest insight to tackle what it really means to lead. Each episode delivers practical strategies and thought-provoking discussions with special guests to help both new and seasoned leaders thrive in the complexities of the role. Because the real work—and the real growth—of leadership happens Beyond the Bell.

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