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Gilbert, Dave, and Michael sit down with Dr. Mike Finnegan from Oklahoma State University for a candid, "unplugged" look at the leadership journey. Dr. Finnegan shares personal stories from his career, illustrating that leadership is a continuous evolution rather than a destination. The group explores essential leadership traits, emphasizing the non-negotiable roles of ethics and inclusion in building modern, healthy organizations. They then take a deep dive into the leader’s responsibility to foster confidence and capacity in others, ensuring the next generation of talent is prepared to step up. Dr. Finnegan also shares practical advice on identifying and avoiding common leadership mistakes that can derail a team's culture.

To wrap things up, the hosts and Dr. Finnegan get personal with a unique scenario. They reveal the one song and one movie they would choose to keep if they were restricted to just one of each for the rest of their lives.

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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In this episode of EdLeadership on Tap, "Building a Collaborative School Culture," Gilbert, Dave and Michael break down the essential ingredients for moving a school from isolated silos to a unified team.

They emphasize the necessity of a shared collaborative vision. It’s not enough to just say "work together"; leaders must clearly define what collaboration looks like in practice to ensure everyone is moving in the same direction.

Accountability can be a dirty word in education, but the hosts argue that holding staff to high standards is an act of kindness. They discuss strategies for maintaining clear expectations without sacrificing professional relationships.

Collaboration doesn't happen by accident. The co-hosts emphasize that if a leader values teamwork, they must reflect that priority in the master schedule by protecting and prioritizing time for educators to meet.

For the On Tap segment Gilbert, Dave and Michael reveal which car best describes their personality and leadership style, leading to some fun (and surprisingly revealing) comparisons.

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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In this episode Gilbert, Dave and Michael dive into the chaotic reality of leadership during a crisis. When the pressure is on and the stakes are high, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. The hosts break down the essential mindset shifts and actionable strategies needed to steer your school or organization through turbulent times.

The hosts talk about the importance of grounding yourself in your purpose, communicating clearly and often, embracing adaptability, building collective resiliency and above all, supporting your people.

For the On Tap segment Gilbert, Dave and Michael share what would be their last meal. Can you tie Hamburger Helper, Bloomin' Onion and Blue Bell Butter Pecan ice cream to the host that selected it?

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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In this episode of EdLeadership on Tap, co-hosts Gilbert Gonzalez, Dave Denning, and Michael Crow are joined by guest Chansi Shope, a Licensed Professional Counselor and experienced school counselor. The discussion centers on the vital intersection of leadership and mental health in the high-stakes environment of school administration. The team explores how the unique pressures of school leadership—ranging from crisis management to staff morale—impact the mental well-being of administrators. Chansi shares insights on how leaders can navigate these demands without compromising their effectiveness, emphasizing that a leader's mental health is a foundational element of a positive school culture. The episode outlines actionable ways to maintain a healthy mindset.

The episode concludes with the "On Tap" segment, where the hosts and Chansi step away from professional talk to share their most iconic characters from a movie or TV series.

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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In this In The Chair episode we sit down with Dr. Cody Koontz the veteran educator who is the principal of Marcus High School in the Lewisville ISD. Drawing on his experience as the founding principal of Coppell High School's 9th grade campus, Dr. Koontz explores the foundational elements of transformative school leadership. Dr. Koontz shares his commitment to a "servant leadership" model that helps create an environment where every student and staff member feels at home and genuinely cared for. Dr. Koontz reflects on the people who shaped his career from his early days to his current role.

For the On Tap segment we discuss our most impressive sports records. Find out who Cecil Isbell is and why he was in the conversation. Let us know if you agree on who we include in this segment.

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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In this brief holiday episode Gilbert, Dave and Michael share their favorite things about the holidays in education. They then share their favorite Christmas gift. They conclude by presenting their version of a Visit From St. Nicholas.

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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Join Gilbert, Dave and Michael for an inspiring conversation with Ted Willmann, a leader whose career path exemplifies adaptability and the enduring power of fundamental leadership principles. In this episode, Ted shares his unique professional journey, which began on the football field as a coach and evolved into an impactful role in educational administration.

Discover the leadership lessons Ted learned in the high-stakes environment of competitive sports and how he effectively transferred those vital skills—communication, team building, strategy, and resilience—into the administrative setting of a school. Whether you are an educator, a coach, or a professional in any field looking to refine your leadership style, Ted’s story offers actionable insights into translating experience across different roles and inspiring those around you.

For the On Tap Segment your co-hosts and Ted share their favorite Texas high school football players of all time.

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.

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In this episode Gilbert, Dave and Michael tackle a critical but often challenging aspect of school administration: effectively documenting teacher performance.

The episode opens by defining the core purposes of documentation—from ensuring legal compliance and supporting HR decisions to facilitating professional growth. The hosts then outline various types of documentation, distinguishing between informal notes, formal observation reports, and performance improvement plans.

A major portion of the discussion is dedicated to the common barriers administrators face, such as time constraints, discomfort with difficult conversations, and the emotional toll of critical feedback. To counter these challenges, the hosts share key characteristics of effective documentation: it must be clear, objective, concise, and consistently guided by factual data and evidence.

Ultimately, the episode emphasizes that the primary goal isn't just compliance, but culture. The hosts encourage school leaders to use documentation as a tool for fostering a coaching and growth-oriented environment, rather than a punitive one, thereby sustaining staff morale and building a positive school climate.

For the On Tap segment Gilbert, Dave and Michael share the musical artist they would pay $500 to see in concert.

Website: www.edleadershipontap.com

Email: info@edleadershipontap.com

The content of this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they are affiliated with. This podcast is not intended to replace professional advice, mentorship, or official training programs. Listeners are encouraged to adapt the strategies discussed to their unique contexts and consult with relevant experts when making decisions.