Make Your Move: Marlon Styles on Purpose, Perspective, and the Power of Encouragement This episode is all about reconnecting with purpose, finding encouragement in the demanding work of school leadership, and rediscovering the joy of leading. I've built the publishing package around your actual conversation with Marlon, keeping the tone warm, professional, energetic, and focused on encouraging registration for the 2026 IASP Fall Professionals Conference. What keeps school leaders moving forward when the work gets heavy? Sometimes, it begins with reconnecting to the people, purpose, and passion that brought us into leadership in the first place. In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany Barrett welcomes Marlon Styles, former superintendent, educational leader, author of Make Your Move, and closing keynote speaker for the 2026 IASP Fall Professionals Conference. Marlon offers an energetic preview of his upcoming keynote, challenging Indiana school leaders to reconnect with their compelling reason, embrace encouragement, and recognize the power of perspective and connection. He also shares why leadership is not simply about making your next move, but about becoming the kind of leader who is ready to make it. Together, Tiffany and Marlon explore the importance of protecting time to think, encouraging one another, inspiring meaningful change, and treating joy as an asset. In this episode: Reconnecting with the people and purpose behind your leadership Giving and receiving encouragement Becoming the leader capable of making your next move Creating the conditions for meaningful change Protecting time for reflection Finding joy, connection, and renewed energy in leadership Join us November 22–24, 2026, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis for the IASP Fall Professionals Conference, where Marlon will deliver the Tuesday closing keynote. Visit the IASP website for conference details and registration. Lead on, Indiana! Episode highlights and memorable moments Reconnect with your compelling reason. Marlon challenges leaders to remember not only why they lead, but whom they lead for. Encouragement matters. Leaders need to receive encouragement as intentionally as they give it. Become before you move. Leadership growth is about becoming capable of making the next move, not merely making it. Protect time to think. Reflection is a leadership responsibility, not a luxury. Treat your joy as an asset. A powerful reminder Marlon credits to his grandmother, Geraldine Watson.