Engaging Leadership

CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil
  • 5.0 (17)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Engaging Leadership

Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country. In their own words, these leaders share their daily challenges, breakthrough moments, and the practical approaches they use to build and support high-performing teams. Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or aspiring educational leader, you'll find actionable insights you can use right away. Want to stay connected with more stories from innovative education leaders? Visit engagingleadershipshow.com and subscribe to our weekly updates.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Breaking Down Barriers: Building Trust in Educational Environments

    Summary: Dr. Jim chats with Dr. Jeff Gorman, interim superintendent in Robbinsville, NJ, to explore the nuances of educational leadership and organizational transformation. With three decades in education, Dr. Gorman shares insights on fostering trust, dismantling silos, and leveraging talent to drive academic success. The discussion highlights the importance of consistent leadership, clear communication, and the impact of past educational frameworks. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on enhancing leadership capabilities within the K-12 system, focusing on cultivating enduring educational environments. Key Takeaways: Trust and Transparency: Building trust through transparency and communication is paramount in transforming educational leadership and operations.Leadership from the Front: Effective leaders model the behavior they expect from their team, demonstrating commitment and reducing the gap between saying and doing.Breaking Down Silos: Overcoming fragmented communication and action across districts requires a strategic approach to unify efforts and drive successful teaching outcomes.Systematic Improvements: Creating systems that support sustainment of successful practices across transitions encourages continuous improvement in educational environments. Chapters: 00:00 Transformative Leadership and Student-Centered Educational Reform 04:12 Building Trust and Leadership in Organizational Transformation 10:07 Building Trust and Leadership in a School District 18:55 Leadership Strategies for Unleashing Talent and Building Trust 27:50 Effective Leadership in Small School Districts 31:46 Building Lasting Educational Systems for Future Success 38:01 Leadership and Community Engagement in Education 40:28 Building Trust and Transparency in Leadership Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Jeff Gorman: linkedin.com/in/jeff-gorman-88a63114 Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    43 min

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    Building for the Future: Creating 21st Century Learning Spaces in Rural Districts

    Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he hosts Jennifer Brown, Superintendent of Cadillac Area Public Schools, for a conversation on transforming a rural district in Northern Michigan into a future-ready educational environment. Discover how a failed referendum acted as a catalyst for change, leading to improved infrastructure, enhanced programming, and strong community and business partnerships. Jennifer shares insights into leadership transitions, the importance of communication, and balancing hands-on and hands-off approaches. Learn how this journey revitalized school pride and positioned the district for long-term success. Key Takeaways: Leadership Transition and Growth: Jennifer emphasizes the importance of confidence and calculated risk-taking when transitioning from teaching to administration.Community Engagement: The significance of engaging with community stakeholders to align educational strategies with local needs is essential for advancing school districts.Addressing Infrastructure Needs: Implementing strategic realignment to optimize infrastructure can pave the way for efficient educational programming.Programmatic Innovation: Expanding programs like STEM and arts involves both enhancing existing offerings and creatively communicating these benefits to stakeholders. Chapters: 00:00 Building a Future Ready District After a Failed Referendum 09:16 Revamping School Infrastructure and Programs Through Community Engagement 16:37 Elementary Business Partnerships Enhance Career Awareness and Community Connection 18:55 Revamping School Infrastructure for 21st Century Learning 26:10 Building Strong Foundations for Successful District Leadership Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Jennifer Brown: https://www.cadillacschools.org/ Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    31 min

  3. 2 DAYS AGO

    Breaking Communication Barriers in Education Leadership

    Summary: Join Dr. Jim and Dr. Jill Ries as they explore effective communication strategies in small organizations. Dr. Ries, a seasoned educator and superintendent, shares insights on fostering transparency, building relationships, and applying the ladder of inference in decision-making. Discover how open dialogue and strategic planning can bridge execution gaps and enhance team collaboration. Learn practical steps for reshaping communication cultures, even in tight-knit settings, to boost student learning outcomes and community engagement. Perfect for leaders seeking to refine their communication approach and foster a thriving organizational environment. Key Takeaways: The foundation of successful leadership lies in cultivating strong relationships and fostering a trusting environment among staff.Employing the "ladder of inference" helps in recognizing biases and broadening perspectives during decision-making processes.Effective communication requires both transparency and a consideration of various stakeholders’ viewpoints to facilitate alignment on organizational goals.In smaller educational settings, communication tends to be immediate, necessitating thoughtful preparation and clarity to prevent misinformation. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic 00:37 Jill Ries- A Journey in Education 01:53 Building Relationships and Leadership Philosophy 05:27 Effective Communication and Influence 08:19 Challenges in a Small District 13:29 Implementing the Ladder of Inference 14:55 Practical Applications and Impact 24:11 Advice for Superintendents 29:13 Conclusion and Key Takeaways Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Jill Ries: linkedin.com/in/jill-ries-phd Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    32 min

  4. JAN 17

    Reviving a School District: Strategies for Financial Turnaround

    Summary: Dr. Jim explores financial turnaround strategies for school districts with declining enrollment alongside expert Doug Gee. With insights from Gee’s extensive experience, listeners learn about successful approaches to rebuilding community trust, enhancing student programs, and managing school finances effectively. Gee shares how relationship building, transparency, and strategic innovation — including introducing impactful programs like Project Lead the Way and AG/FFA — can transform and stabilize a school district. This episode provides actionable insights for educational leaders facing similar challenges. Key Takeaways: Building strong and transparent relationships with community stakeholders, staff, and board members is critical for successful leadership.Implementing new programs geared towards student interests and community needs can significantly improve student enrollment figures.Financial forecasting and strategic planning are essential tools in managing school district budgets and ensuring long-term financial stability.The conversion from master contracts to handbooks can facilitate more flexible and ongoing collaboration with teachers’ unions. Chapters: 00:00 Financial Turnaround Strategies in Declining Enrollment School Districts 03:45 Rebuilding Trust and Relationships in a Challenged School District 10:43 Transforming Negotiations Through Handbook Transition and Early Retirement 15:29 Innovative Educational Programs Boost Enrollment and Community Engagement 26:23 Building Trust and Financial Stability in School Districts Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Doug Gee: https://www.clearlakeschools.org/ Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    33 min

  5. JAN 16

    The Heart of Leadership: Dedication to Community and Inclusivity in Education

    Summary: Join CT as he engages with Dr. Daniel McGarry, Superintendent of Upper Darby School District, to discuss the impact of hands-on leadership in fostering an inclusive and thriving educational community. Dr. McGarry shares his inspiring journey from student to superintendent, emphasizing the importance of empathy, mentorship, and building authentic connections within a diverse district. Learn how he cultivates leadership from within, addresses challenges with collaboration, and creates opportunities that empower both educators and students. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders aiming to create lasting, positive change in education. Key Takeaways: Empathy Drives Connection Dr. McGarry emphasizes understanding students' diverse backgrounds to foster an inclusive and supportive educational environment. Leadership by Example His hands-on approach focuses on being accessible, relatable, and actively involved in addressing the needs of the district. Cultivating Leaders from Within Upper Darby invests in leadership pipelines, promoting teachers to administrative roles while fostering mentorship and collaboration. Practical Problem-Solving Hiring practices prioritize authenticity, humility, and the ability to handle real-world challenges over perfection. Diversity as a Strength With over 80 languages spoken and a global representation in the student body, the district views diversity as a unique advantage that enhances the educational experience. Reflective Leadership Continuous self-assessment and a willingness to admit shortcomings are central to Dr. McGarry’s leadership philosophy. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 02:16 Diversity in Schools 06:57 Community Strengths 12:30 Personal Journey 22:53 Leadership Style 30:40 Hiring Approach Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Daniel McGarry: upperdarbysd.org Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    43 min

  6. JAN 15

    Building Future-Ready Schools with Innovative Community Partnerships

    Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he explores the essential topic of preparing students for the future world of work with Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD. With insights into innovative educational approaches and facility design, Dr. Terry shares how his district integrates career, college, and community learning. Discover how fluid organizational structures and strategic community partnerships can transform education, driving student success beyond traditional metrics. Whether you're an educator or student, gain valuable perspectives on fostering future-ready skills that resonate with today's evolving workforce demands. Key Takeaways: Mentorship and Leadership: Dr. Terry underscores the importance of mentorship and maintaining a flat organization to nurture leadership and facilitate open communication across all levels.Fostering Innovation: His leadership cultivated a district-wide innovation culture, evident in Forney ISD's pioneering educational approaches and facilities designed to integrate community and career experiences.Experiential Learning's Importance: Emphasizing brain-compatible learning, Dr. Terry demonstrates how experiential learning plays a crucial role in transitioning school-taught knowledge to job-ready skills.Community and Business Partnerships: The development of multi-purpose educational facilities that also serve community and business needs highlights a unique method for enhancing educational experiences.Execution Over Planning: Advocating for action-oriented leadership, Dr. Terry encourages educational leaders to move beyond planning to implementation, learning through the process. Chapters: 00:00 Equipping Graduates With Job Ready Skills in Education 01:35 Mentorship and Leadership Development in Education 07:01 Flat and Fluid Leadership in Fast-Growing School Districts 13:32 Innovative Education: Bridging Traditional Learning with Future Skills 20:28 Innovative Multi-Use Facility Integrates Education and Community Needs 23:26 Innovative Education and Community Impact in Forney 27:54 A Community Hub for Events and Engagement 28:13 Innovative Leadership and Courageous Action in Education Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Justin Terry: https://www.forneyisd.net/ Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    34 min

  7. JAN 14

    Leveraging AI for High-Value Teaching in K-12

    Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he explores the transformative power of AI in the K-12 education space with Dr. Brian Graham, Superintendent of Grand Island Central School District. Discover how AI tools are reshaping learning by enhancing critical thinking, reducing teacher workload through differentiated instruction, and overcoming challenges of integration in education. Dr. Graham shares insights on leveraging AI for improved student outcomes and maintaining educational integrity, even amidst change resistance. Tune in for an insightful discussion on the future of AI in education. Key Takeaways: AI has the potential to revolutionize K-12 education by reducing manual workload and enhancing personalized learning experiences for students.Tools like Khanmigo utilize Socratic methods to tutor students, fostering critical thinking rather than spoon-feeding answers.Resistance to technology and change can be mitigated by demonstrating AI’s capacity to preserve educational quality and integrity.The integration of AI in educational settings supports differentiated instruction, helping teachers cater to diverse student needs efficiently. Chapters: 00:00 Leveraging AI to Enhance K-12 Education 05:04 Leveraging AI to Enhance Reading Accessibility for Children 07:16 Finding Joy and Resilience in Educational Leadership 11:25 Grand Island's Unique Schools and Scenic Location 13:25 Balancing Innovation and Tradition in Educational Leadership 18:30 Integrating AI in Education Amid Privacy and Plagiarism Concerns 23:53 Balancing AI Integration and Genuine Learning in Education 24:31 Evolution of Study Aids from CliffNotes to Online Tools 25:21 Transforming Education Through AI and Critical Thinking Skills 29:59 AI Tools Revolutionizing Education Through Differentiated Learning 35:24 Leveraging AI Tools for Educational Efficiency and Innovation 39:23 Leveraging AI in K-12 Education for Enhanced Student Learning Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Dr. Brian Graham: linkedin.com/in/brian-graham-ed-d Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    47 min

  8. JAN 10

    The Role of Education Leadership and Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

    Summary: Explore the transformative leadership journey of Mika Salas, superintendent of Carbon School District, as she discusses vital community roles beyond academic education. With Dr. Jim, Mika highlights strategies for building robust district cultures, prioritizing student well-being, and fostering collective teacher efficacy. Discover how innovative community partnerships and resource allocation can drive student success, especially in rural areas facing economic challenges. This episode unpacks leadership insights and models that enable schools to become engines of opportunity and support, aiming to move students and communities beyond survival. Key Takeaways: Visible Leadership: Emphasize the importance of district leaders being present and engaged within their schools to better understand both positive practices and areas requiring improvement.Role of Schools: Schools must extend their impact beyond academics to address students' basic needs and prepare them for successful futures.Community and Resource Allocation: Successful districts build strong community partnerships and strategically allocate resources at the frontline to address issues more effectively.Effective Leadership: Hiring strong, visionary principals is crucial for the success of schools within a district. Chapters: 00:00 Building School Cultures to Elevate Communities Beyond Survival 02:14 Leadership Through Service and Community Engagement 06:24 Leadership Styles and Building Effective School Districts 14:06 Balancing Basic Needs and Academic Success in Schools 22:34 Community Support and Strategic Resource Allocation in Schools 26:34 Building Resilient School Cultures Through Leadership and Expectations 33:00 Effective Leadership Through Visibility and Strategic Resource Allocation Connect with Dr. Jim: linkedin.com/in/drjimk Connect with CT: linkedin.com/in/cheetung Connect with Mika Salas: linkedin.com/in/mika-salas-0612a868 Music Credit: Shake it Up - Fesliyanstudios.com - David Renda  Join us at Engaging Leadership to learn and connect with a community of leaders in education 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 leadership resources and exclusive event invites: www.engagingleadershipshow.com/subscribe

    36 min
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5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Each week we sit down with inspiring leaders who are transforming education and creating positive outcomes for students across the country. In their own words, these leaders share their daily challenges, breakthrough moments, and the practical approaches they use to build and support high-performing teams. Whether you're a principal, superintendent, or aspiring educational leader, you'll find actionable insights you can use right away. Want to stay connected with more stories from innovative education leaders? Visit engagingleadershipshow.com and subscribe to our weekly updates.

Information

  • Creator
    CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    200
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil
  • Show Website
    Engaging Leadership

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