Collaborative Conversations: Equipping and Empowering Christian EdLeaders

The Collaborative

Hosted by The Collaborative team, Collaborative Conversations: Equipping and Empowering Christian EdLeaders engages Christian school leaders from across the country in meaningful dialogue shaped by faith, experience, and practice. Each episode explores the real issues facing Christian school leadership today, including sustainability, school culture, collaboration, innovation, and navigating complexity with wisdom and courage. Through honest conversation and shared insight, this podcast offers clarity, encouragement, and connection for those called to lead Christ-centered schools.

Episodes

  1. August EdLeader Event Preview: Unreasonable Hospitality in Christian Schools with Jim Mckenzie

    2d ago ·  Bonus

    August EdLeader Event Preview: Unreasonable Hospitality in Christian Schools with Jim Mckenzie

    What does it look like for a Christian school to practice “unreasonable hospitality”? In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, Joanna sits down with Christian school leader, author, and speaker Jim McKenzie to explore how schools can move beyond excellent service and create cultures where students, families, and staff truly feel seen, valued, and cared for. Drawing inspiration from the book Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara, Jim shares why hospitality is not just a business principle, but a deeply Christian practice rooted in the example of Jesus. Together, they discuss practical ways schools can build intentional, repeatable systems of care that shape school culture and strengthen community. In this conversation, you’ll hear: Why hospitality is about how people feel, not just what we doHow Christian schools can embody their mission through everyday interactionsJim’s “Always, If, Wow” framework for creating meaningful experiencesA powerful story of a student who simply “needed a win”Why every role in a school can contribute to a culture of hospitalityWhether you are a head of school, teacher, admissions leader, or support staff member, this episode offers practical encouragement and fresh vision for serving your school community with intentionality and grace. If you want to hear more, join us August 6, 2026 in Minneapolis at our upcoming event featuring Jim!

    16 min
  2. Growing in Your Leadership and Developing Leaders Around You with David Hoffner

    May 18

    Growing in Your Leadership and Developing Leaders Around You with David Hoffner

    In this episode, Joanna and Angela sit down with David Hoffner, Director of the Office of Faith Formation at Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis, to explore what faithful, grounded leadership development looks like in Christian schools.David brings a rare blend of pastoral depth, academic rigor, and practical wisdom to the conversation. He shares how his leadership style has evolved over nearly two decades at Minnehaha, what he looks for when identifying leadership potential in teachers and staff, and why he believes every teacher is already a school leader whether they hold that title or not.You'll hear him reflect on the biblical principles that shape how he leads, the habits that sustain him, and the advice that has stayed with him since his very first year in the classroom.This is the kind of iron-sharpens-iron conversation The Collaborative exists to create.   Learn more about The Collaborative's Mastermind, a leadership community built for Christian EdLeaders who want to lead with clarity and grow in community: https://beacollaborator.com/mastermind/

    54 min
  3. NACCAP Lunch & Learn: The Value of Christian Higher Education

    Apr 29

    NACCAP Lunch & Learn: The Value of Christian Higher Education

    What does it really mean to articulate the distinct value of a Christian education, especially when students and families are weighing post-secondary options? In this conversation, Angela sits down with Janet Pargeter from NACCAP, the North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals, to explore just that. From rankings and ROI to spiritual formation and vocational discernment, this session is designed to help Christian school leaders and educators confidently speak to what makes faith-based higher education worth choosing. Whether you are a dean, admissions counselor, guidance counselor, or school leader walking alongside high schoolers as they pray forward their next steps, this conversation offers practical language and renewed perspective for the work you are already doing. NACAP serves PreK-12 schools and higher education institutions across the country through conferences and membership opportunities. Learn more at beacollaborator.com. If you hold a principal or administrative license and are looking for continuing education units, our next Mastermind cohort begins August 2026. Learn more at beacollaborator.com/mastermind.

    34 min
  4. Honoring the People In Front of You with Kelly Mack

    Apr 20

    Honoring the People In Front of You with Kelly Mack

    In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, we sit down with Kelly Mack, Director of Guidance and Academic Programming at Concordia Academy, to explore what it truly means to show appreciation to teachers all year long. Drawing from her journey as both a classroom teacher and school leader, Kelly shares a powerful reminder: meaningful appreciation begins with truly knowing your people. When leaders take time to understand the daily realities, challenges, and unique needs of their teachers, appreciation becomes authentic, not performative. Together, we unpack simple, practical ways to build a culture where teachers feel seen, supported, and valued. From intentional hallway walkthroughs to personalized encouragement, Kelly highlights how small, consistent actions can have a lasting impact on teacher morale, retention, and overall school culture. We also lean into the tension leaders often face, balancing appreciation with accountability. Kelly offers wisdom on leading with clarity, respect, and empathy, reminding us that honoring teachers includes both encouragement and honest, growth-oriented conversations. Finally, this conversation calls in the broader school community, students and families, to play a role in affirming teachers through specific, timely words of gratitude. If you are seeking to strengthen your school culture and care well for your staff, this episode will both encourage and equip you. BONUS: We have created a way for you to show appreciation to those you lead. Download our ready-to-print appreciation cards and say "thank you" to those who support your school's mission everyday.

    36 min
  5. Preparing for MAYhem with Josh Thurston

    Mar 23

    Preparing for MAYhem with Josh Thurston

    May is one of the most meaningful (and most demanding) months in any school leader's calendar. In this episode, we sit down with Josh Thurston, Principal at North Heights Christian Academy, to talk about how to lead well when the calendar feels like it's running the show. Josh brings a refreshing perspective on the "fourth quarter" of the school year — one rooted in rhythms, intentionality, and keeping the mission front and center even when everything feels urgent. From protecting chapel time and creating space for staff worship, to asking the hard question of why your school does the events it does, Josh offers practical and faith-grounded wisdom for any leader navigating the beautiful chaos of spring. You'll walk away encouraged to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, to know your staff's gifts deeply enough to deploy them wisely, and to give yourself the grace to be human in a season that demands a lot. Whether you're a head of school, a principal, or a teacher leader, this conversation is for you. In this episode: leading with people first, protecting joy in busy seasons, the power of solitude, blocking your calendar with purpose, and why Christian education has an advantage.

    31 min
  6. Leading Effective Board Meetings with Dr. Bruce Locklear

    Feb 23

    Leading Effective Board Meetings with Dr. Bruce Locklear

    Join hosts Amanda and Joanna as they sit down with veteran school leader—and 2010 "High School Principal of the Year" (MN Association of Secondary School Principals)—Dr. Bruce Locklear to explore the art and science of leading effective board meetings. With decades of experience across seven school districts, Bruce shares hard-won wisdom on one of the most critical (and often challenging) responsibilities in Christian school leadership.  What You’ll Learn: Bruce unpacks what makes a board meeting truly effective by centering three essentials: mission alignment, communication clarity, and space for every voice. He shares practical strategies for building trust with your board chair, preparing well-crafted agendas, and following up with intention. You’ll hear stories and examples that emphasize why the real work of board leadership begins long before the meeting and continues after the room clears.  This episode also speaks directly to new leaders, offering encouragement rooted in patience, prayer, and the value of mentors. Ultimately, Bruce reminds us that leading a school board isn’t about control. It’s about partnership, stewardship, and surrendering outcomes to God’s leading.  Key Takeaways: Anchor decisions in mission, communicate with clarity, and invite authentic voice.Meet regularly with your board chair.Use agendas, shared docs, and prep conversations to avoid long, unfocused meetings.Always follow up: clarify assignments, check in, and serve board members well.Navigate misalignment with courage and keep the "main thing" the main thing.

    28 min
  7. How Themes Shape School Culture with Joel Nydam

    Jan 22

    How Themes Shape School Culture with Joel Nydam

    In this inaugural episode of Collaborative Conversations, we sit down with Joel Nydam, Lower School Principal at Legacy Christian Academy, to explore why choosing a theme—not just a goal—can transform a school’s focus, culture, and clarity. Joel shares practical ways he’s used themes to align teams, encourage staff, and ground school rhythms in Gospel purpose. We also talk about how leaders can discern their theme, keep it present throughout the year, and use it to foster shared language and lasting impact. If you’re feeling the tension between wanting focus and avoiding overload, this episode will offer both inspiration and next steps. Bonus: Joel also shares favorite books, creative routines, and why prayer—and board games—matter in leadership. Theme Spotlight: Exceptional Experiences through Radical ServanthoodBonus Resource: Our Theme Finder guide for personal and professional reflection

    29 min

  8. Jan 16

    Collaborative Podcast Trailer

    Launching January 2026

    22 sec
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.2
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Hosted by The Collaborative team, Collaborative Conversations: Equipping and Empowering Christian EdLeaders engages Christian school leaders from across the country in meaningful dialogue shaped by faith, experience, and practice. Each episode explores the real issues facing Christian school leadership today, including sustainability, school culture, collaboration, innovation, and navigating complexity with wisdom and courage. Through honest conversation and shared insight, this podcast offers clarity, encouragement, and connection for those called to lead Christ-centered schools.

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