School Culture By Design

Phil Boyte
  • 5.0 (26)
  • COURSES
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY
School Culture By Design

During 30+ years of wandering the continent, visiting schools and listening to school people share their joys and frustrations, Phil Boyte has learned a lot about building great school culture. In this podcast you will hear examples Phil has seen work to enhance school culture, stories from some of his heroes in education and simple ideas to start implementing on your campus today! We invite you along on this listening journey. You will hear simple and transformative stories about building community, vulnerability, and trust on your campus. No matter what role you play, we believe everyone has a hand in creating a school no one will want to leave.

  1. MAY 14

    Episode #127 - One Heart, One Mind: Leading with Joy and Connection with Guest Rob Sousa

    In this energizing conversation, Phil Boyte sits down with Principal Rob Sousa to unpack how he cultivates a culture of joy, connection, and service on his campus. From empowering staff to lead meetings to creating laugh-filled weekly newsletters (complete with baby name polls!), Rob shares practical strategies for building a team that feels seen, supported, and inspired. Tune in to hear how their “one heart, one mind” approach turns everyday leadership into something extraordinary.

    28 min

  2. APR 30

    Episode #126 - Rooted in People with Guest Dr. Jacqueline Johnson

    In this episode, Dr. Jacqueline Johnson shares how she built connection and culture during her first year as principal at Lockport Township High School in Illinois. From storytelling and team retreats to monthly themed events and fun traditions like “Three Fun Facts and a Weird Thing,” she’s focused on making her team feel seen, supported, and human. Despite early challenges like safety incidents, Jacqueline prioritized visibility, collaboration, and joy—believing that strong relationships are the foundation of great schools.

    27 min

  3. APR 16

    Episode #125 - Clarity, Consistency, and a Dash of Fun with Guest Bentli Lewis

    In this vibrant and heart-filled conversation, Phil Boyte has a conversation with Bentli Lewis, a middle school principal who believes school should feel like an experience—not just for kids, but for adults, too. From inflatable dragon costumes to competitive staff egg hunts, she shares how her team creates joy and connection on campus every week. But the real magic? Her leadership philosophy centers on communication, consistency, and visibility. She opens up about earning trust after leadership turnover, hosting pulse checks, and engaging in courageous conversations—all while keeping student and staff well-being front and center. If you want your school to feel more like summer camp and less like a stress zone, this one’s for you.

    27 min

  4. APR 2

    Episode #124 - The Power of the Pause: Small Moments, Lasting Impact

    In this episode, Phil Boyte and Shyana Frost explore how simple pauses can create deeper connections. From a barista’s unexpected kindness to a school leader’s thoughtful follow-up, they share powerful stories that highlight the impact of slowing down and truly seeing people. Tune in for practical ways to bring more presence and care into your daily interactions both at home and at work.

    25 min

  5. MAR 7

    Episode #123: Avoiding the Gotcha Culture

    Every interaction—whether in a meeting, hallway, or casual drop-in—should build trust, confidence, and connection. But too often, staff feel watched instead of supported. In this episode, Phil Boyte and Shyana dive into the subtle yet powerful ways leaders can transform a gotcha culture into one where staff welcome visitors with confidence. Through tiny moments of presence, intentional encouragement, and shared leadership, we explore how to build a school environment rooted in trust. Tune in for real stories and practical strategies to shift mindsets, strengthen relationships, and create a culture where every visit feels like a celebration of growth. Learn more about building trust with your team: https://learningforliving.com/ School Culture Summit: https://learningforliving.com/school-culture-summit People First Cohort: https://learningforliving.com/peoplefirstcohort Tiny Moment Challenge: https://learningforliving.com/tiny-moment-challenge

    23 min

  6. 12/11/2024

    Episode #122 – Finish Strong: Inspiring Insights with Phil Boyte and Shyana Frost

    In this uplifting episode, Phil and Shyana dive into the powerful concept of “a mint in your tongue”—a fresh perspective on leaving a lasting impact. Discover practical strategies to uplift and encourage staff and students as the semester closes out, while also prioritizing your own well-being during the holiday season. Tune in to gain actionable tips and inspiration to close the year on a high note!

    25 min

  7. 09/11/2024

    Episode #121 - The Contagious Power of the Energy We Bring - Guest Danny Steele

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we dive into the world of Danny Steele, a veteran educator with 31 years of experience as a Principal, Assistant Principal, Teacher, Coach, and Assistant Professor. Celebrated as Alabama’s ‘Secondary Assistant Principal of the Year’ in 2005 and ‘Secondary Principal of the Year’ in 2016, Danny’s approach centers on the contagious power of positive energy. He emphasizes the importance of remembering your 'why,' bringing positive energy, and fostering an environment where vulnerability is embraced.  Join us as we explore his insights on inspiring growth, valuing contributions, and making a meaningful impact in any room you enter.

    36 min

  8. 07/17/2024

    Episode #120 - Empowering those around you - Guest Efa Huckaby & Dana Johnston

    Join us as we welcome our longtime friend, Efa Huckaby, the 2024 ACSA Secondary School Principal of the Year for California, and Dana Johnston, Assistant Principal from Liberty High School.  Grab a notepad as they discuss how they have taken a PEOPLE FIRST approach to fostering TRUST across their school.  They share practical ideas, such as Monday morning check-in’s, Efa’s approach for empowering his administrative team, and the benefits of leveraging simple huddle-up time to support one another.  All great reminders as you prepare to kick off the new school year.

    41 min
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5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

During 30+ years of wandering the continent, visiting schools and listening to school people share their joys and frustrations, Phil Boyte has learned a lot about building great school culture. In this podcast you will hear examples Phil has seen work to enhance school culture, stories from some of his heroes in education and simple ideas to start implementing on your campus today! We invite you along on this listening journey. You will hear simple and transformative stories about building community, vulnerability, and trust on your campus. No matter what role you play, we believe everyone has a hand in creating a school no one will want to leave.

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