Episodios

  • In the Mess Together: Milena Garganigo on Systems Thinking and Supporting Teachers

    In the Mess Together: Milena Garganigo on Systems Thinking and Supporting Teachers
    Apr 14 2026
    How can we move from traditional schooling to truly empowered learning? In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Dr. Milena Garganigo, Assistant Superintendent for the Clayton School District, to discuss breaking traditional leadership models and centering student agency. Here are three key themes from their conversation: 1. The Five Pillars of Empowered Learning: Dr. Garganigo unpacks a framework designed to personalize education through five key components: Path, Place, Pace, Voice, and Choice. A standout insight is her definition of Path. It isn't just about the activities a student does, but rather the various modalities they use to demonstrate knowledge. 2. Leadership Through "Side-by-Side" Presence: To break the mental model of the distant central office, Milena and her team utilize a backup system where central office administrators are physically present in buildings to support staff and students. She emphasizes being "in the mess" with teachers, serving as a co-researcher and thinking partner rather than a top-down evaluator. 3. Building Trust to "Burn" Trust: Citing a concept attributed to Jamie Almanzán (and originally to Hattie), Milena discusses the necessity of building enough trust with staff to be able to "burn it" when making difficult decisions. Listen to the full episode to hear more about leading with empathy and systems thinking! #EducationLeadership #EmpoweredLearning #StudentAgency #ImperfectLeader #SystemsThinking #ClaytonSchools #ProfessionalLearning #EducationalEquity ------ Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    1 h
  • Craig Randall: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth Through Trust-Based Observations

    Craig Randall: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth Through Trust-Based Observations
    Apr 7 2026
    Are we observing for compliance or for growth? In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, Craig Randall, author of Trust-Based Observations, describes how we can transform school culture by reimagining the way we support our teachers. Here are three big takeaways from our conversation: 🛡️ Lowering Vulnerability to Encourage Risk-Taking: Traditional, high-stakes observations often lead to trauma, stress, and anxiety, causing teachers to play it safe. Craig reminds us that "the way you get people to take risks is lower vulnerability. The way you lower vulnerability is by building trust." 🌟 Moving from a Deficit to a Strengths-Based Mindset: When we attach numerical ratings to pedagogy, we inadvertently start looking for what's wrong. Craig argues that "when I start to put a number on you, I start to look at what's wrong with you. It subconsciously develops a deficit mindset." 💬 The Power of Reflective Questions: The magic of a trust-based model happens in the follow-up conversation. Instead of telling, leaders should start by asking: "What were you doing pedagogically to help the students learn yesterday?" and "What might you do differently?" #Leadership #Education #TrustBasedObservations #SchoolCulture #TeacherGrowth #ImperfectLeader #PsychologicalSafety #StrengthsBased Leadership ------ Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    57 m
  • Closing the Trust Gap with Dr. Cory Scheer

    Closing the Trust Gap with Dr. Cory Scheer
    Mar 31 2026
    This week, we're chatting about organizational trust with Dr. Cory Scheer, founder of TrustCentric Consulting and author of Closing the Trust Gap. If you think your team trusts you, you might want to check the data. Research shows that leaders typically have a "31% on average, higher perception of how trust is doing versus frontline employees." Here are three big themes from our conversation that every leader needs to hear: The "Three-Legged Stool" of Trust: Trust isn't a vague soft skill. It's a measurable structure. Cory breaks it down into three essential building blocks: competency, problem solving, and care for others. As he says, "If you only have two of them, but one of them is less, it's gonna feel really wobbly and kind of wonky".Active Listening is Leadership: Want to strengthen the "care" pillar? Stop looking for perks and start listening. Cory notes that "active listening is the most effective way to strengthen trust for the care for others." Clarify Truth, Inspire Belief: Cory challenges every leader to ask themselves two fundamental questions: "Am I clarifying truth? Am I inspiring belief?" When we co-create a collective aspiration or a shared truth, we move away from scattered, unfocused energy and toward a culture where trust can actually thrive. #Leadership #Trust #ClosingTheTrustGap #Education #ActiveListening #ImperfectLeader #StrategicPlanning ------- Follow Cory Scheer here: https://dot.cards/trustcentric Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    59 m
  • Ahead of the Curve: Heather Naro on Personalizing Learning and Human-Centered Leading

    Ahead of the Curve: Heather Naro on Personalizing Learning and Human-Centered Leading
    Mar 24 2026
    I am thrilled to share my latest conversation with Dr. Heather Naro, Head of School at Schutz American School in Alexandria, Egypt. Heather brings over three decades of experience in international education to a discussion centered on inclusion, culture, and the pursuit of better. Here are three key themes from our conversation: The Radical Shift Toward Inclusion: Since 1992, the number of international schools has grown from fewer than 1,000 to nearly 15,000. More importantly, the philosophy has shifted from "exclusive" environments to more inclusive systems. Human-Centric Leadership: Heather advocates for a people first leadership style, especially in international settings where staff often live and work in close proximity. By caring for the whole beings of her teachers (from airport pickups to shared Thanksgiving dinners), she fosters a collaborative culture where educators feel valued and empowered to go the extra mile. The Necessity of Intercultural Competence: Leading across borders requires a deep understanding of one's own cultural lens. Heather is intentional about helping her teams navigate the continuum of cultural competence, ensuring they understand the unique norms of their host country. A huge thank you to Lori Boll of SENIA International for this introduction to a new colleague and friend! Check out the full episode to hear Heather deconstruct the challenges of Head of School transitions and why she believes that if you aren't an imperfect leader, you're doing something wrong. @Academy for International School Heads (AISH) #InternationalEducation #Leadership #Inclusion #InterculturalCompetence #ImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #PersonalizedLearning #EducationGrowth ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    1 h y 7 m
  • The Pursuit of Better: Measuring Process Over Outcomes with Dan James

    The Pursuit of Better: Measuring Process Over Outcomes with Dan James
    Mar 17 2026
    This week on An Imperfect Leader, I had the chance to sit down with Dan James, founder of Story 19 Consulting and a former U.S. Paralympic coach, for a thoughtful conversation about leadership and what he calls the "pursuit of better." Here are a few ideas from our conversation that stayed with me: From Subject Matter Expert to Leader of Scale: Many of us move into leadership because we were strong practitioners. But leading at scale requires a very different skill set. As Dan put it, the craft of being a great teacher is very different from the work of leading an entire school system. . Clarifying Your Ultimate Impact: Sustaining leadership over time requires something deeper than the job itself. Dan encourages leaders to stay grounded in their why behind the work. One question he asks leaders is simple but profound: What is your ultimate impact in this life? Measuring the Process, Not Just the Outcome: Growth rarely looks perfect. Dan talked about the importance of accepting "skinned knees" along the way. In his coaching practice, the focus isn't on perfection, it's on the pursuit of better. If you're thinking about leadership, growth, and staying grounded in purpose, I think you'll enjoy this one. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    51 m
  • When Kids Ran the Nation: Jennifer Light Offers Lessons in Democracy from Junior Republics

    When Kids Ran the Nation: Jennifer Light Offers Lessons in Democracy from Junior Republics
    Mar 10 2026
    I am thrilled to share a very special crossover episode between our podcast, An Imperfect Leader, and Mason Pashia from the Getting Smart Podcast! Together, we sat down with Dr. Jennifer Light, a professor at MIT, to explore the the history of Junior Republics and the cutting-edge work of Embodied Education. Here are two key takeaways from our conversation: 🏙️ The Legacy of Junior Republics: Imagine a miniature city or nation run entirely by kids. Starting in 1895, Junior Republics gave children the power to act as senators, run businesses, and even debate major issues like women's suffrage (often reaching progressive conclusions long before adults did). This "radical student agency" reminds us that when we trust young people with real-world responsibility, they are capable of extraordinary things. 🏃‍♂️ The MIT Project on Embodied Education: We also took a deep dive into how movement and physical activity can be integrated into academic instruction to enhance learning, creativity, and executive function. Dr. Light shared how her team at MIT is designing "games" to teach complex subjects like Algebra. Sometimes, the best ideas for the future are waiting for us in the past. Check out the full episode now! 🎧 #EducationInnovation #StudentAgency #EmbodiedLearning #Leadership #JuniorRepublics #GettingSmart #MIT #AnImperfectLeader #EducationHistory ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Haley Spira-Bauer Is Clear: Adaptability Is Not Optional

    Haley Spira-Bauer Is Clear: Adaptability Is Not Optional
    Mar 3 2026
    This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast I'm joined by Hayley Spira-Bauer, COO and Chief Academic Officer at Fullmind and host of the Learning Can't Wait Podcast. In a world where the education landscape is constantly shifting, Hayley makes a compelling case that adaptability isn't optional, it's essential. We explore how strong leaders connect the dots of data through storytelling - transforming numbers into a shared purpose and collective action. In a powerful "After Action Review," Hayley shares a hiring mistake from early in her tenure and the lesson that reshaped her approach: skills can be developed, but values and mission alignment are foundational. If you believe leadership is about learning in public, growing through missteps, and staying anchored to purpose, this episode is for you. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    1 h
  • Beyond the "Testing Obsession": A Conversation with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum

    Beyond the "Testing Obsession": A Conversation with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum
    Feb 24 2026
    I recently sat down with Dr. Jason Van Heukelum, Superintendent of Winchester Public Schools, to talk about what it really means to lead in a messy, high-pressure moment for public education. Jason embraces being an "imperfect" leader. In a field often paralyzed by the pressure for perfection, that mindset matters. Three takeaways that stayed with me: 🏛️ A Cathedral to Possibility: Winchester's Emil and Grace Shahadah Innovation Center brings students together to explore a true buffet of options. It's about social cohesion and shared opportunity, not silos. 🔄 Doubling Down on Agency: Amid post-pandemic test score panic, Jason felt the pressure to retreat to compliance. Instead, he's recommitting to student agency and project-based learning through the district's Elevate 2030 plan. 🏃‍♂️ Run Toward a Vision: Jason's advice to aspiring leaders: don't run away from what you dislike. Instead, run toward something you believe in. Lead toward possibility. Toward humanity. If you haven't seen it, the documentary Multiple Choice (produced by previous podcast guest Ted Dintersmith) captures this spirit beautifully. What would it look like for more of us to lead this way? #ImperfectLeader #StudentAgency #EducationInnovation #PublicEducation #Elevate2030 ------- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ YouTube (video of conversation): https://youtu.be/VkKiXpczSEAhttps://www.youtube.com/@animperfectleaderleadershi5144/featured Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animperfectleader/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@animperfectleader Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress. Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by Yondr. Schools around the world are seeing the damaging effects of phones on student engagement, social development, and mental health. Yondr has developed a unique product and program to allow schools to become phone-free, from arrival to dismissal. Learn why 1 Million Students use Yondr every day. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. MAXIMIZE LEARNING POTENTIAL. Go to overyondr.com to learn more. ------ The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project! The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations. We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding process to receive the 10% discount. Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems. Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization. Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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    1 h y 8 m