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In this episode of the Lead Learn Laugh Grow podcast, host Randy Gooch converses with Josh Varner, a nationally recognized trauma-informed speaker and author. Josh shares his extensive experience working with individuals affected by childhood trauma, emphasizing the importance of connection in leadership. He discusses practical strategies for leaders and educators to support trauma-impacted individuals, including the significance of humor and storytelling in fostering trust. The conversation also explores the prevalence of trauma in society, the brain's response to trauma, and the need for resilience and perseverance. Josh introduces the 'relax, reconnect, reteach' approach, offering actionable insights for managing stress and digital addiction. This episode is packed with valuable advice for anyone looking to make a significant impact in their professional and personal lives.

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In this episode of Lead Learn Laugh Grow, host Randy Gooch continues his conversation with Dr. Scott Spurgeon, Superintendent of West-MEC. Dr. Spurgeon shares his insights on building organizational capacity through modeling behavior, fostering relationships, and demonstrating effective leadership. He discusses his bold vision for West-MEC, aiming to double its size and become a national leader in career and technical education. Dr. Spurgeon also touches on the importance of pursuing excellence, adapting to change, and his faith's role in guiding his leadership journey. Key takeaways focus on leading with purpose, learning continuously, and growing both personally and professionally.

More about Scott. CTE educational leader with 19+ years of senior district-level administration and 9 years of building leadership across diverse educational settings. Currently serving as Superintendent/CEO of WEST-MEC, a public CTE district in Arizona serving 45,000+ students across 12 districts. Previous leadership roles include superintendencies in Riverview Gardens (urban, 5,750 students), Belleville TWP (metropolitan, 5,000 students), and interim leadership of Rockwood School District (suburban, 22,700 students, Missouri's third-largest). Additional experience as Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and principal at all levels in districts ranging from 2,500 to 15,000 students. Demonstrated expertise spanning urban, suburban, and rural communities with proven results in student achievement and district improvement. Skilled independent educational consultant collaborating with districts to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

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Join us for a compelling conversation with Dr. Scott Spurgeon on the Lead Learn Laugh Grow podcast! Discover how Dr. Spurgeon's innovative vision is empowering students and pioneering new partnerships in the semiconductor and healthcare industries. Learn about the role of self-reflection, technology, and faith in driving leadership success. Catch part one of this insightful series and explore how you can lead with purpose and impact. 🔍👩‍🏫 #CTE #LeadershipInsight #EducationalInnovation

More about Scott. CTE educational leader with 19+ years of senior district-level administration and 9 years of building leadership across diverse educational settings. Currently serving as Superintendent/CEO of WEST-MEC, a public CTE district in Arizona serving 45,000+ students across 12 districts. Previous leadership roles include superintendencies in Riverview Gardens (urban, 5,750 students), Belleville TWP (metropolitan, 5,000 students), and interim leadership of Rockwood School District (suburban, 22,700 students, Missouri's third-largest). Additional experience as Associate Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and principal at all levels in districts ranging from 2,500 to 15,000 students. Demonstrated expertise spanning urban, suburban, and rural communities with proven results in student achievement and district improvement. Skilled independent educational consultant collaborating with districts to drive continuous improvement initiatives.

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In this episode of the 'Lead, Learn, Laugh, Grow' podcast, host Randy Gooch welcomes Dave Baker, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor from St. Louis, Missouri. Dave shares his journey from a 31-year career in public education to helping small, family-owned businesses scale and transition successfully. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, human and cultural capital, and personal leadership philosophies. Dave recounts his experiences and lessons in leadership, providing constructive insights for young leaders. Randy and Dave also discuss the crucial elements of trust, feedback, and building effective teams in both educational and business settings. Finally, Dave reflects on personal health goals and his aspirations for future business growth.

00:00 Introduction to Today's Episode

00:38 Meet the Host: Randy Gooch

01:26 Guest Introduction: Dave Baker

01:51 Dave Baker's Career Journey

02:51 The Importance of Human and Cultural Capital

04:34 Entrepreneurial Influence in Education

07:06 Leadership and Collaboration Insights

08:34 The Role of Feedback in Leadership

11:01 Decision Making and Trust in Leadership

12:43 Success, Failure, and Personal Growth

14:29 Influential Figures and Personal Stories

20:43 Challenges and Future Goals

22:33 Conclusion and Farewell

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In this episode of the Lead, Learn, Laugh, Grow podcast, hosts Randy Gooch introduces Judy McMurtry, CEO of JMXL Consultant and a dynamic leader with extensive experience in the aviation industry. Judy shares her inspiring journey from starting in reservations to becoming a manager at Delta Airlines and leading operations at Philadelphia International Airport. She highlights the importance of collaboration, risk-taking, and personal growth in effective leadership. Judy also discusses her faith and its role in her leadership style, future aspirations for creating an enterprise institution to support second-chance and immigrant individuals, and the transformational impact of value-based leadership programs led by the Maxwell Leadership Team.

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"Excited to share our latest podcast episode featuring Jarrod Lussier, who transitioned from being a master plumber to a leader in vocational education. Discover how Jarrod's unique background brings a fresh perspective to educational leadership and how CTE programs drive workforce readiness. Listen now! #VocationalEducation #CTE #Leadership"

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Randy Gooch talks with Dr. Jeff Lashley about the impact of leading with legacy in mind. Dr. Lashley, who recently retired as the president of Moberly Area Community College, discusses his post-retirement activities and the importance of mentorship, effective communication, and finding humor in leadership. The conversation highlights collaboration on community projects, the role of mentoring emerging leaders, and the necessity of having tough conversations. Dr. Lashley emphasizes the value of being genuine, appreciating the journey, and recognizing contributions from high-performing team members. He shares insights on continually learning from others and the importance of balancing work with levity for effective leadership.

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This podcast episode of 'Lead, Learn, Laugh, Grow' features a conversation with Lois Brace, the Executive Director of Presser Arts Center in Mexico, Missouri. The discussion delves into the historical background of Theodore Presser, a musician and composer who founded numerous concert halls across the U.S. The podcast highlights the role of Presser Arts Center in transforming Mexico, Missouri, into a regional arts hub, offering diverse programs ranging from culinary arts to theater. Lois describes upcoming projects, the center's robust growth, and its impact on the community, including initiatives for people with developmental disabilities. She also reflects on the leadership and community support that has been crucial to the center's success.

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