Episode 47: What They Don’t Tell You About Being a Principal: Leadership, Isolation, and the Power of Community

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The principal’s chair looks different from the inside. We pull back the curtain on the quiet costs of leadership—why accountability requires real boundaries, why the job can feel isolating even in a busy building, and how to replace that isolation with a resilient network that actually gets it. Through candid stories and concrete examples, we map out the habits that keep leaders steady: clear communication, consistent expectations, and the courage to tell your school’s story before others write it for you.

You’ll hear how conversations with standout educators sparked practical changes you can implement right away. From piloting Magic School AI to save teachers time, to leaning into clarity so staff and students know the plan, to building a positive social media presence that reflects the real work happening on campus, we break down what moved the needle. We also talk about podcasts as free professional development and how growing a learning community can lead to surprising opportunities like conference presentations and guest trainings.

If you’re a principal, an assistant principal, or a teacher eyeing the big chair, consider this an honest field guide. We share the missteps, the pivots, and the wins—so you can lead with less guesswork and more confidence. Walk away with strategies to set boundaries without losing heart, build a network that keeps you grounded, and drive a culture where clarity lowers stress and amplifies learning. If this resonates, share it with a colleague who could use a boost, then subscribe and leave a review so more leaders can find it.

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Episode 21: Dr. Joe Sanfelippo

Episode 31: Dr. Darrin Peppard

Episode 36: Casey Watt

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