Principal Pep Talks

Sage B. Hobbs
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Education

Listen to feel inspired, validated, and appreciated in under 10 minutes. With wisdom, candor and humor, Sage B. Hobbs shares real stories from more than 20 years in education, coupled with current research and tools that you can actually use to improve your practice (and your happiness). Sage is an executive coach for school principals (and other do-good leaders), a retired school counselor, keynote speaker, author and facilitator. She's an expert in communication and emotional intelligence, who leans into challenging topics and advocates for equity in education and beyond. As a lifelong educator, married to a lifelong educator, raising kids - this show is a big THANK YOU to tireless educators everywhere.

  1. Hope and Resilience in Education with Dr. Katy Anthes: From Polarization to Progress

    Jun 18

    Hope and Resilience in Education with Dr. Katy Anthes: From Polarization to Progress

    When I was introduced to today's guest,  Dr. Katie Anthes, I was beyond eager to hear about her work as the former Colorado's Commissioner of Education - during the pandemic! She was faced with unprecedented challenges in political polarization, faced death threats for her efforts, and leaned in hard to the power of listening in navigating choppy waters.   In today's episode, Dr. Anthes shares her extensive experience in education leadership, navigating political polarization, and the importance of authentic listening and self-care for leaders. Discover practical insights on managing conflict, setting boundaries, and fostering hope in challenging times. Listen to hear Dr. Antes talk about:   Navigating political polarization in education The importance of authentic listening and empathy Self-care and boundary setting for leaders Strategies for managing conflict and disagreement Building hope and resilience in leadership The role of compromise and incremental progress Leadership lessons from the COVID pandemic The importance of diverse perspectives in decision-making BIO Dr. Katy Anthes is the creator and director of the FORWARD initiative at the Public Education and Business Coalition (PEBC) as well as a founder and partner of The Third Mile Group, a social policy consulting firm. The FORWARD Initiative — from polarization to progress— prepares leaders in public policy to prevent and manage political polarization in their communities and workplaces. Formerly, Anthes was the Commissioner of Education in Colorado from 2016- 2023, and is widely respected for her commitment to listen to diverse perspectives and develop solutions that are founded on productive middle ground. As Commissioner, Anthes worked with the Colorado State Board of Education, the Legislature and the Governor to craft and implement a vision of education for Colorado.    She led the Colorado Department of Education, an $8 billion dollar agency, dedicated to helping districts achieve great things for students. During her time as Commissioner, she served on the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Board of Directors and the Education Commission of the States (ECS), Steering Committee. Dr. Anthes was with CDE since 2011, serving as chief of staff, interim associate commissioner for achievement and strategy and executive director of educator effectiveness.    Prior to CDE and the Third Mile Group, she had seven years of research, policy work and leadership experience at the Education Commission of the States focusing on school and district leader effectiveness. Anthes holds a Ph.D. in public policy and a master's degree in public affairs from the University of Colorado Denver. She did her undergraduate work at the University of Oregon   Resources mentioned: Public Education & Business Coalition (pebc) FORWARD Initiative: https://www.pebc.org/forward-from-polarization-to-progress/ Learn more about Sage's work at https://sagebhobbs.com/   Please connect with us! Sage B. Hobbs - LinkedIn  Katy Anthes - LinkedIn  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Katie Anthes 02:41 Navigating Political Polarization in Education 05:23 The Journey into Education and Leadership 09:54 Overcoming Challenges During the Pandemic 15:25 The Importance of Listening and Conflict 18:15 Self-Care and Boundaries in Leadership 25:43 The Future of School Leadership and Hope

    35 min
  2. Transforming Education with William Robinson: Hope, Partnership, and Leadership

    Jun 15

    Transforming Education with William Robinson: Hope, Partnership, and Leadership

    My guest today is someone I admire greatly and whose reputation precedes him many times over. I was honored to host William Robinson, a leader driven by a deep commitment to equity and system change in education. We  explore William's journey from childhood in underfunded schools of the Arkansas Delta to leading transformational education initiatives all over the country through his work at the University of Virginia in their Partnership for Leaders in Education. William emphasizes the human element in systemic reform and the importance of deep partnership for lasting impact. He offers real world experience matched with incredible expertise and layered with remarkable humility. Everyone can learn from this conversation. Key Takeaways and Food for Thought: William's personal story of attending underfunded schools and how his motivation is rooted in community and systemic inequities System design and collective action in school turnaround efforts Three reflective questions to manage overwhelm Leveraging mindfulness for our own wellbeing Creativity as a leadership competency The importance of human-centered approaches and integrating lived community experiences Strategies for leader resilience, including reflection, deep focus, and stakeholder engagement The power of relational leadership in building trust and unlocking potential The role of hope, purpose, and next-generation leadership in advancing educational equity Practical advice for staying resilient and intentional in complex system work "Mic-drop" quotes: "There's no better place to live your purpose than being an educator." "Those who seek to solve all of their challenges at once often don't solve any." William Robinson "Resist the temptation to fall in love with solutions. Instead, try very hard to fall in love with the problem and learn other peoples' perspectives about it." "How do we manifest our belief in people more readily?" "Relational work is not a "check box," but essential to unleashing human possibility." "Hope is abundant when you get to meet with the people that I do. There are exemplars across the country." Resources mentioned: UVA PLE Website Guest's Bio: William Robinson is a collaborator, operator and systems thinker that facilitates teams and diverse stakeholders across organizations towards understanding and addressing complex challenges. Servant leader with passion for creating equitable conditions where every citizen can thrive and where more leaders grow into their potential to confront systemic challenges standing in the way.   As Executive Director at University of Virginia Partnership for Leaders in Education, orchestrated turnaround, growth, and reinvention of national leaders in educational transformation field: Drive strategy, recruitment, and team building for forerunner in leadership capacity-building and education system redesign recognized by multiple academic journals for significant student learning impact. Oversee and integrate strategy and adult learning excellence, operations, client service, fundraising, and rebranding. Led towards both quadrupling of annual new partners, revenue and  partners extending their relationship with an organization that has now worked in 32 states. Champion forward-thinking practitioner resources leveraged by hundreds of school districts and 20 state educational agencies to rethink and redesign their approaches including new "exploring new frontiers" report.   Supported other philanthropic, social sector, higher education, and K-12 entities to advance transformation strategy and operations. General management expertise in designing and leading world-class adult learning, team building, strategy execution, policy and resource shifts, and cross-sector connections towards teams being more responsive to their community's needs.   Timestamps:    00:00 - Introduction to William Robinson and his transformative work in education 02:20 - William's childhood in Arkansas and early influences 04:24 - Recognizing systemic challenges and pursuing social change through education 06:13 - The importance of collective ownership and systems transformation 07:13 - Building capacity and leadership development in underserved communities 09:16 - Talent, system incentives, and the human element in school reform 10:36 - Balancing data with community insights for system change 12:06 - The UVA turnaround program and partnership approach to teacher and student well-being 13:41 - Leadership expectations, partnership, and high standards 16:33 - Overcoming overwhelm and maintaining resilience as a leader 18:14 - Reflective practices for focus and purpose amidst systemic challenges 20:20 - Supporting state leaders and navigating political and policy uncertainty 33:33 - Hope inspired by exemplar schools and next-gen student leadership 35:01 - The future of education driven by purpose and innovation 36:54 - Connecting with UVA's Partnership for Leaders in Education

    34 min

  3. Apr 21

    Principal Pep Talks: How Vulnerable Leadership Transformed Trust in Education with Dr. Tiffany Rehbein

    Ever since I started coaching school leaders, I've been inspired by their ability to juggle a million demands, build relationships with diverse constituents, and keep their focus on student learning as the primary goal through it all. I've been fortunate to work with Dr. Tiffany Rehbein for a few years and now I have the honor of sharing her journey in educational leadership here on the show!   Dr. Rehbein openly discusses the challenges of feeling overwhelmed, the importance of self-care, and the power of vulnerability in building trust with staff. She emphasizes the need for effective communication and the significance of using one's voice in leadership roles. Dr. Rehbein also expresses hope for the future of school leadership, highlighting the importance of student voices and mentorship in shaping the next generation of educators.   Listen to hear Dr. Rehbein talk about:   Leadership often comes with feelings of overwhelm and how reflection can mitigate that feeling. Prioritizing tasks is essential for effective leadership and how she's figured out how to do it when a million things are coming at you. Self-care habits are crucial for maintaining wellbeing. For her, it's outdoor time, yoga, reading, journaling… even though she's from "old school Montana, where yoga wasn't a thing." How admitting that she messed up changed everything with trust on her teams. Writing her story for her local newspaper and how sharing her story humanized her in the superintendent role. How she's gotten out into the community to build relationships with the schools more actively…"Oh, it's really you!" Why student voices are key to understanding educational needs. Rural schools and leadership - how it's different. How she uses courage to try new things in her own growth and leadership. What gives her hope about the future of schools   BIO Dr. Tiffany Rehbein is an accomplished educational leader with over 20 years of experience dedicated to student success and curriculum innovation. Currently serving as the Superintendent of the Anaconda School District in Anaconda, Montana, Dr. Rehbein's career includes roles as a teacher, instructional coach, district administrator, and principal. A proud Montanan, Dr. Rehbein was born and raised in Richey, Montana, (pop. 161) and earned degrees from the University of Montana, including bachelor's in Journalism and English Literature and an M.A. in English Teaching. Her doctorate is in Curriculum and Instruction. Beyond her commitment to education, she is passionate about the Montana Grizzlies and the Colorado Rockies, and she is a fan of poetry, books, and writing. Dr. Rehbein has a wife and two sons, both of whom are on college wrestling teams.  Resources mentioned: Charlie Donlea, Guess Again Brene Brown, Strong Ground: The Lessons of Daring Leadership, the Tenacity of Paradox, and the Wisdom of the Human Spirit Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Intrigue (* the author's name was incorrect in the interview) Laramie Dean, Haunt Me, Then (they went to high school together) Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Leadership and Overwhelm 03:01 Leadership Habits and Wellbeing 06:04 The Power of Vulnerability in Leadership 12:02 Building Trust Through Communication 17:51 Finding Your Voice as a Leader 21:04 Hope for the Future of School Leadership 24:02 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

    28 min
  4. EP 15 "Reminder: Your Job Is Not Your Life" Pep Talk

    04/04/2024

    EP 15 "Reminder: Your Job Is Not Your Life" Pep Talk

    "You will like your job more, and have more happiness in your life, if your life is bigger than your work." - Sage  In the concluding episode of our 15-part series, we delve into the theme of crafting an identity beyond our professional roles.  I share insights from my own journey, transitioning from a decade-long career in school counseling, and the profound self-discoveries that came with it. To wrap up, I offer a reflective exercise designed to encourage you to contemplate your identity beyond work. Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk: Exploring the deep connection between our jobs and our sense of self Lessons learned from my personal shift in career paths and the impact on my identity A final, thought-provoking exercise to inspire and empower you Connect and find more resources: The Principal Leadership Program Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation Speaking Let's connect on LinkedIn! Love the show? Please tell all your colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show.  Thank you :)

    8 min
  5. EP 14 "Your Communication Can Be a Superpower or a Toxin" Pep Talk

    04/03/2024

    EP 14 "Your Communication Can Be a Superpower or a Toxin" Pep Talk

    "People are messy. Human beings are complicated. We're big balls of feelings and reactivity. So communication is really hard, it's nuanced. It has subtlety, it has artistry. But it also has skills that can be learned." - Sage    In this episode, we delve into the essence of communication and the art of doing it effectively. I share the tenets of the Communication for Connection framework so you can have a tangible tool to implement in your crucial roles.   Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk:   What it means to communicate for connection 5 key components of this powerful framework Why compassion is both critical and challenging     Connect and find more resources: The Principal Leadership Program Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation Speaking My Book: Naked Communication Let's connect on LinkedIn! Love the show? Please tell all your colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show.  Thank you :)

    12 min
  6. EP 13 "This Job Is Impossible!" Pep Talk

    04/02/2024

    EP 13 "This Job Is Impossible!" Pep Talk

    "Yes, you have to attend to this crazy job and all that comes up. But, how you attend to all the things matters." - Sage    In this episode, we look at what we can do to counter the endless things that get thrown at you as a principal. I emphasize the critical nature of HOW you tackle your various responsibilities and obstacles and why it's essential to deliberately make time to embrace and appreciate the joy inherent in your role.    Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk:   The importance of HOW you address everything on your plate Cultivating your emotional intelligence skills Carving out time for the joy in your job  Connect and find more resources: The Principal Leadership Program Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation Speaking Let's connect on LinkedIn! Love the show? Please tell all your colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show.  Thank you :)

    9 min
  7. EP 12 "Leading Schools in Politically Charged Times" Pep Talk

    04/01/2024

    EP 12 "Leading Schools in Politically Charged Times" Pep Talk

    "I've heard again and again [leaders] wondering how to manage supervising school events if it becomes legal for parents to carry guns to these events. Again, there's no training on this." - Sage    In this episode, I highlight the pressures of polarizing cultural events using a real example of a principal who navigated the controversy of a Black Lives Matter poster in a teacher's classroom. As we touch upon modern dilemmas faced by educators, I remind you that school leaders are tasked with dealing with WAY more than most graduate programs provide in terms of conflict resolution and de-escalation. AND, despite that, you've still got what it takes!   Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk: The complex challenges of modern education The pressure for school leaders to maintain a productive learning environment despite unprecedented political circumstances  How to navigate real time challenges when politics and strong beliefs enter the school culture  Connect and find more resources: The Principal Leadership Program Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation Speaking Let's connect on LinkedIn! Love the show? Please tell all your friends and colleagues about it! And rate it and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show.  Thank you :)

    8 min
  8. EP 11 "I'm Drowning and Overwhelmed!" Pep Talk

    03/31/2024

    EP 11 "I'm Drowning and Overwhelmed!" Pep Talk

    "...If you really were in danger and facing down a lion, you would be breathing heavily, probably out of your mouth. So, when we breathe deeply through our nose, we can automatically send a message to our body that we're safe. We're okay." - Sage    In this episode we talk about what you can do right now to mitigate feeling like you're drowning in your job. I give three "nuggets" to try in your day- to-day and, as always, leave you with a reminder of how ridiculously important the work you do is!    Key takeaways from today's Pep Talk: We reiterate the importance of breathing from episode three "Peeing Meditation."  Being resourced. When you feel like you're in over your head, who or what could help?  The four D's of productivity and seeing what's most urgent in a situation. Connect and find more resources: The Principal Leadership Program Executive Coaching, Training & Facilitation Speaking Let's connect on LinkedIn! Love the show? Please tell all your friends and colleagues about it! And rate and review it on Apple Podcasts. Just a few short words really helps folks to find the show.  Thank you :)

    9 min
See All (18)

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Listen to feel inspired, validated, and appreciated in under 10 minutes. With wisdom, candor and humor, Sage B. Hobbs shares real stories from more than 20 years in education, coupled with current research and tools that you can actually use to improve your practice (and your happiness). Sage is an executive coach for school principals (and other do-good leaders), a retired school counselor, keynote speaker, author and facilitator. She's an expert in communication and emotional intelligence, who leans into challenging topics and advocates for equity in education and beyond. As a lifelong educator, married to a lifelong educator, raising kids - this show is a big THANK YOU to tireless educators everywhere.

Information

  • Creator
    Sage B. Hobbs
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Principal Pep Talks

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