An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

Peter Stiepleman
An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

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. 4D AGO

    Crisis to Clarity: Essential Lessons for Superintendents from Communications Expert Veronica Sopher

    This week, we had an incredibly conversation with Veronica Sopher, an award-winning media-trained public information officer and founder of Veronica Sopher K12 Communications Consulting. With 25+ years of experience counseling school leaders, Veronica shared invaluable wisdom on navigating the complexities of educational leadership. 🏫💡   We delved into how superintendents can build trust and shape compelling narratives, especially during high-stakes moments and crises. Veronica's approach starts with a fundamental question: What problem are we trying to solve?   We explored the powerful role of emotion, particularly fear, in community interactions. Veronica shed light on how deep-seated fears often drive public conversations, even when they manifest as anger.   This episode is a must-listen for anyone in educational leadership looking to enhance their communication strategies, manage crises with clarity, and embrace their journey of growth. Veronica's advice on separating emotion from the issue and prioritizing clarity over mere transparency is truly transformative. Follow Guest Veronica Sopher on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/veronicavsopher/ Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. ------ -------------------------------- 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 https://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.

    58 min
  2. JUN 7

    What 30+ Years in the Superintendency Taught Dr. Dennis Peterson About Leadership Today

    In this week’s episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent Dr. Dennis Peterson to explore the shifting landscape of school leadership over the decades. 👇 💡 Key Insights: 🔄 Leadership Has Evolved: From autocratic to inclusive, with school boards now at the center of decision-making. 🧭 Courageous, Inclusive Leadership Matters: Superintendents must proactively build trust with boards, unions, and the broader community. 🏫 Strategic Open Enrollment: Dennis shares how Minnetonka used open enrollment to grow enrollment, expand programs, and better serve students. 🔍 Lessons from Mistakes: A bond issue in Rockwood, MO taught the importance of diverse input and financial agility. 🎧 Tune in for wisdom from a leader who’s seen—and shaped—the evolution of public education. Follow Guest Dennis Peterson on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dennis-peterson-11775616/ Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. ------ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 https://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.

    54 min
  3. JUN 3

    The Power of Wholehearted Leadership with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver

    🌟 The Power of Wholehearted Leadership: 4 Key Insights from Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 🌟 In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we have an incredible conversation with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy. Some key takeaways from our conversation include: 📖 1. Stories Are the Shortest Distance Between People "Stories are the connective tissue that holds us all together. The space to share who we are - being fully human - doesn't happen by accident." 🤝 2. Wisdom Is Everywhere - Embrace Shared Leadership "The most important ideas for school improvement should come from our communities. Wisdom is ubiquitous. So too is leadership." 🏛️ 3. Origin Stories Always Matter "When I could understand how much this project meant to the original creators, it changed the ownership everyone had." Honor those who came before! 💎 4. Lead with Values & Embrace Imperfection "Get really clear on your core values - they become your compass for every decision. We're all becoming, and there's power in acknowledging we're imperfect." Kathryn's after-action story about a curriculum project gone wrong → transformed into an award-winner shows the magic that happens when leaders choose vulnerability and repair over defensiveness. 🔄✨ Follow Guest Kathryn-Fishman Weaver LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathryn-fishman-weaver-ph-d-65a91479/ Order her book here! Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 https://imperfectleader.com/

    55 min
  4. MAY 27

    Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno and How Schools Make Race: What They Miss by Staying in "Sesame Street"

    This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we talk with UCLA's Dr. Laura Chavez Moreno, author of "How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America". Dr. Chavez Moreno's work challenges us to think beyond superficial approaches to racial identity in schools. Here are three key themes and insights from our conversation: Schools implicitly make race through practices and policies. Beyond explicit lessons on race, schools reinforce racial ideas through their structures. As Dr. Chávez Moreno explains, "Schools make race through implicit ways also... through the policies and the practices that they engage in". This includes practices like tracking, which has been shown to be "very racialized", placing students in different classes that reinforce societal racial hierarchies. Moving beyond the "multicultural approach" is essential. While lessons on diversity and inclusion are foundational in early years ("staying in Sesame Street"), students need to progress to a deeper understanding of race and racism as they move through K-12 education. We need a commitment to teach about racial issues throughout a student's career, differentiating content by grade level much like we do with subjects like math.  Embracing imperfection in leadership and teaching is vital. The concept of a "perfect leader" or "perfect teacher" is unattainable. Dr. Chávez Moreno resonated with the podcast's title, stating, "There is not a perfect leader. Everyone will have some... things that they wish they could have done better." This applies not only to leadership but also to concepts like language proficiency, where pursuing an "idealized bilingual person is very problematic." Recognizing that we are always learning allows for growth and transparency. This conversation challenges us to reflect on how our educational systems, policies, and individual interactions contribute to racialization. It highlights the need for ongoing commitment and a progressive approach to teaching about race. Listen to the full episode of An Imperfect Leader wherever you get your podcasts. Find Dr. Chávez Moreno's book at major bookstores and Harvard Education Press. #EducationLeadership #RaceInEducation #Racialization #LatinxStudies #BilingualEducation #SchoolPolicy #EducationalEquity #ImperfectLeader #AmbitiousTeaching #EthnicStudies #HowSchoolsMakeRace Follow Guest Laura Chávez_Moreno:  LinkedIn: https://seis.ucla.edu/faculty/laura-c-chavez-moreno/ Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 https://imperfectleader.com/

    49 min
  5. MAY 20

    Beyond the Checklist: Jill Molli and Leading School Culture with a Conscious Bullseye

    🚀 New episode alert! 🎧 Tune into the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast featuring Jill Molli, Chief Growth Officer for Conscious Discipline. We had a truly insightful conversation about how conscious leadership can drive significant culture shifts in education! Here are a few key takeaways from our discussion: 🎯 Transforming Culture: Shifting culture isn't about checklists and compliance. Jill suggests leaders "shift from your checklist in your brain and move to a bullseye." This means focusing on building internal skills at the core of the system. 🧘‍♀️ Leading with Self-Regulation: When faced with challenges or upset individuals, leaders must pause and regulate their own responses, rather than reacting impulsively. A powerful mantra shared was, "this experience is happening in front of me, not to me." This mindful approach is crucial for navigating difficult situations effectively. 🌱 Implementing Change Effectively: To avoid "initiative fatigue" and build genuine buy-in, Conscious Discipline advises districts to "first start with the willing." This approach allows success and curiosity to spread organically throughout the organization. 🤝 Building High-Performing Teams: Creating a strong leadership team requires valuing different perspectives and skill sets. Visionaries need colleagues who are systems thinkers and can focus on implementation details to turn big ideas into reality. Listen to the full episode to learn more about conscious leadership and its proven impact on school climate, student outcomes, and teacher wellbeing! Follow Guest Jill Molli on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jill-molli/ Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 https://imperfectleader.com/

    51 min
  6. Restorative Practices for School Leaders to Embed Systems & Shift Adult Culture with Nicholas Bradford

    MAY 13

    Restorative Practices for School Leaders to Embed Systems & Shift Adult Culture with Nicholas Bradford

    In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Nicholas Bradford, Founder and Executive Director of the National Center for Restorative Justice. Nicholas is also the co-author of A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice in Schools: Practical Philosophy, Useful Tools, and True Stories. He shares how building authentic relationships and embedding restorative systems, rather than isolated programs, is critical for cultivating trust, accountability, and resilience in schools. Nicholas Bradford discusses how restorative practices are proactive efforts to build culture and reduce burnout among school leaders. He explains how schools can move beyond punitive models and create environments that empower students, staff, and communities. If you're a school leader, educator, or someone interested in shaping the future of education, don't miss this insightful conversation with Nicholas Bradford Key Takeaways from the Episode: How adult culture defines school culture and sets the tone for student behavior. The impact of consistent, daily relationship-building practices on trust. The distinction between consequences and punishment within restorative frameworks. Practical stories illustrating restorative justice in real school environments. Why leaders must embrace mistake-making and imperfection to strengthen school systems. Episode Breakdown with Suggested Timestamps:  [00:00] – Light Introduction & Setting the Scene in Columbia, MO  [07:10] – Meet Nicholas Bradford: Founder, National Center for Restorative Justice  [08:08] – Embedding Restorative Practices into School Culture  [10:27] – Why Adult Culture Sets the Tone for School Culture  [13:29] – Trust is Built in Drops: Pre-Crisis Connection Matters  [16:18] – Real-World Tools from Bradford’s Book on Restorative Justice  [19:43] – Consequences vs. Punishment: What Accountability Really Looks Like  [25:46] – True Story: School Fire & Transforming Harm into Repair  [28:25] – What “Imperfect Leadership” Means: Embracing Mistakes  [32:52] – Adapting Training Models Post-COVID: In-Person vs. Remote  [38:01] – Emotional Safety & Why Relationships Are Central to Change  [41:27] – Supporting Leaders Through Crisis & Avoiding Burnout  [43:15] – Benefits of In-Person Trainings & Cross-Pollination  [44:15] – Where to Find Nicholas & Upcoming Events  [45:05] – Closing Reflections: Coffee Fights, Trust Drips, and Real Culture Change Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856 Podcast Site: https://imperfectleader.com/podcasts/ Follow Our Guest Nicholas Bradford on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradfordnicholas/ Website: https://nationalcenterforrestorativejustice.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rjfacilitator/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Real-World-Guide-Restorative-Justice-Schools/dp/1787755711  Follow the Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 2 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 https://imperfectleader.com/

    1 hr
  7. How This Principal Fixed a Failing School Culture to Hit the Top 5% - Amy Galloway

    MAY 6

    How This Principal Fixed a Failing School Culture to Hit the Top 5% - Amy Galloway

    In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Dr. Amy Galloway, former principal, state education leader, and co-founder of Pivot School Improvement Leaders. As a school leader, Amy led one of Tennessee’s most dramatic school turnarounds, moving a neighborhood school in Nashville from the bottom 5% to the top 5% in just four years. She later served at the Tennessee Department of Education, where she supported principals, assistant principals, and supervisors across the state. Dr. Amy Galloway reflects on the challenges leaders face in times of transition, from navigating isolation and accountability to rebuilding school culture with clarity and purpose. She shares what happens when principals are left out of key initiatives and how leaders can better align their actions with their values. If you're a school leader, educator, or someone thinking about how to lead change in schools, don’t miss this thoughtful and practical conversation with Dr. Amy Galloway. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Why principal isolation is intensified in times of crisis and what to do about it. How to rethink evaluation systems as part of a leader’s growth journey. The importance of owning the school culture and involving students and families. Lessons from a hiring mistake that reshaped Amy’s leadership philosophy. How intentionality and honest reflection define an “imperfect” yet impactful leader. Episode Breakdown with Suggested Timestamps:  [00:00] – Introduction & Host's Recent Experiences in Boston [01:04] – The Music Metaphor: Every Role is Essential in Leadership [02:47] – Going with Your Gut: What It Really Means [06:21] – Introduction of Amy Galloway: Background and Leadership Journey [08:17] – Post-COVID Challenges for Educators and School Leaders [12:44] – Evaluations vs. Continuous Development for Leaders [16:28] – Pivot Framework: Core Principles for School Improvement [20:38] – Urgency in Educational Leadership: Strategic Planning and Cultural Change [23:07] – Building Trust Through Relationships in Leadership [25:42] – Reflecting on Leadership Mistakes: A Hiring Decision [29:05] – Trust, Reflection, and Growth in Leadership [34:43] – Reflection on Leadership Mistakes and Key Learnings [35:58] – Advice for Aspiring Leaders: The Importance of Self-Reflection [39:05] – Final Reflections on Leadership and Continuous Growth [50:00] – Final Thoughts: Leadership is a Journey of Growth Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856 Podcast Site: https://imperfectleader.com/podcasts/ Follow Our Guest Dr. Amy Galloway: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-galloway-46b03a61/ Pivot School Improvement (Website): https://www.pivotleaders.org/ Pivot School Improvement (LinkedIn): https://www.linkedin.com/company/pivot-school-improvement-leaders/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amy_galloway/  Follow the Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 https://imperfectleader.com/

    54 min
  8. Speaking the Same Language: Communication Strategies for Bridging Divides with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss

    APR 29

    Speaking the Same Language: Communication Strategies for Bridging Divides with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss

    In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Lori Weigel, Principal at New Bridge Strategy, and Jonathan Voss, Former-Partner at Lake Research Partners and Founder of Voss Research and Strategy. Two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum who are united by a common mission: to help educational leaders communicate more effectively in deeply divided times. Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss discuss how superintendents can use shared values and thoughtful language to build consensus, especially when facing complex issues like equity, trust in public schools, and community engagement. Drawing on decades of public opinion research, they share practical advice for crafting messages that resonate across political lines and drive meaningful action. If you're a school leader, educator, or someone interested in shaping the future of education, don't miss this insightful conversation with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss. Key Takeaways from the Episode: How bipartisan research partnerships can model effective collaboration for education leaders. Why values-based communication is critical in today’s polarized educational environment. The psychological and cultural nuances behind public perception of local vs. national schools. How shifting language can dramatically change public response to educational policies. Lessons in leadership from real-world decision-making scenarios involving school nutrition policies. Episode Breakdown with Suggested Timestamps: [00:00] – Introduction & Cultural Connections through Food [04:25] – Deep Community Work: In vs. With a District [06:00] – Guest Introductions: Lori Weigel & Jonathan Voss [07:05] – Bridging Political Divides: Starting with Shared Values [08:01] – Future-Oriented Messaging: Focusing on Student Outcomes [12:19] – The Power of Language: Speaking the Community’s Language [16:09] – Trust in Local Schools: Why Proximity Matters [20:04] – How Terms Like “Diversity” and “Equity” are Perceived [27:52] – Four Areas of Bipartisan Agreement in Education [36:56] – After Action Review: School Lunch Policy Leadership Lesson [41:41] – Reframing Narratives: Creating Common Ground Through Language [50:44] – Reflection: Humility, Access, and Defining Leadership Identity [58:02] – Closing Thoughts: Lessons on Imperfection and Leadership Listening Links: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/26Y4nEEwL9mLzrxUh17NWf Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/an-imperfect-leader-the-superintendents/id1644897856 Podcast Site: https://imperfectleader.com/podcasts/  Follow Our Guests: Lori Weigel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-weigel-260805b/  Organization: New Bridge Strategy – https://newbridgestrategy.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/loriconserv  Jonathan Voss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonovoss/  Website: https://www.linkedin.com/company/vossstrategy/  Organization: Lake Research Partners – https://www.lakeresearch.com/jonathan-voss  Follow the Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to https://www.overyondr.com/ to learn more. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 https://imperfectleader.com/

    1h 9m
5
out of 5
87 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.

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