What if two simple practices could significantly improve your district's culture? Tune in as Superintendent Kevin Case of Douglas School District joins Dr. Janet Pilcher to discuss the impact of intentional rounding and heartfelt recognition. They'll talk about how leaders going first in these practices creates a ripple effect, building an environment where employees, families, and students feel valued and supported. Learn how these essential tactics can strengthen your district from within.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What are some tangible results of prioritizing a people-first approach in education?
• How do districts use intentional rounding and recognition to strengthen their culture?

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Transform Culture with Reward and Recognition, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

What inspires the Glencoe School District to keep working toward excellence every day? For Superintendent Dr. Catherine Wang, it all comes back to the students. Tune in as she shares with Dr. Janet Pilcher how her commitment to organizational development is shaping a thriving school district where leaders are empowered to reflect, learn, and grow. You'll also hear how they've transformed new staff onboarding to build a foundation of support and belonging for all new hires.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How does a district build highly aligned leaders?
• What is the importance of having those directly involved in the work contribute to problem-solving?

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: The Relentless Pursuit of Consistent Growth, Leadership Development is a Must-Have, Pause, Reflect, and Plan for Progress

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

How does a high-achieving district continue to elevate its performance? According to Dr. Kelly Tess, Superintendent of Winnetka Public Schools, the answer lies with leaders who never stop learning and who embrace simplicity in their strategic approach. Tune in as she joins host Dr. Janet Pilcher to share how she and her team are relentlessly pursuing consistent student growth. Learn how high-achieving school district strategies and practices like comprehensive coaching, instructional consistency, and leadership vulnerability drive excellence and help everyone find meaning in their work.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• Why is it important for a high-performing district to continue to focus on improvement?
• What are the benefits of a simplified strategic plan for the team and community?
• How does a coaching model support the development and growth of leaders' skills to deliver on the strategic plan?

Recommended Resources: From a System of Schools to a School System, Leadership Development is a Must-Have

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Behind every educator is a driving purpose. For Jill Robinson-Wolgamott, Director of Teaching and Learning for K-5 in Bethel School District, that "why" is a powerful story of overcoming obstacles and dedicating her career to literacy education. Join host Dr. Janet Pilcher as Jill shares her inspiring journey, prompting us to reflect on our own driving purpose. You'll also learn how Bethel is achieving impressive literacy results and creating a strong culture of collective responsibility.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How do strategic tools drive widespread instructional improvement, specifically in literacy education?
• What impact does rounding have in fostering a culture of connection, trust, and gratitude?
• What's the essential fuel that drives and sustains all meaningful change?

Recommended Resources: Strengthen Your Team by Hardwiring Gratitude, Connecting to Purpose Gives us Courage

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

It's one thing to talk about service excellence, another to define it collaboratively and actually put it into practice. Join Dr. Janet Pilcher and Superintendent Dr. Derek Bub to learn how West Ada School District actively engages diverse voices to define shared service standards and uses a feedback process to build understanding and drive improvement.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• Why is it beneficial to involve a cross-functional team in defining service standards?
• How can a school district use its defined service excellence standards in practical ways, such as hiring and employee expectations?
• Why is closing the feedback loop by following up on survey results critical, and how can it be done effectively?

Recommended Resources: Focus on Service Excellence, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Develop and Apply Standards of Excellence

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Why should educational leaders consider adopting a startup mentality? Dr. Janet Pilcher answers this question and guides you through the essential leadership and mindset shifts needed to thrive in today's evolving educational landscape. Tune in and learn which behaviors to embrace and which foundational principles to uphold.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What's the difference between leading with a legacy mentality and leading with a startup mentality?
• How can educational systems move from good to great?
• What are some characteristics of a startup that educational systems need to incorporate into their business model?

Recommended Resources: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams, The ABCs of Effective Goals

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

In Martin County School District, if it's important enough to measure, it's important enough to improve. Join Superintendent Michael Maine as he sits down with Dr. Janet Pilcher to discuss his data-driven approach to continuous improvement. Listen now to hear how the district strategically gathers and shares feedback, transforming it into action plans that drive lasting change.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How can organizations create a continuous improvement cycle using data and feedback effectively?
• In what ways do feedback loops improve communication and understanding across departments?
• How can leaders create a culture where feedback is welcomed?

Recommended Resources: Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Feedback is a Gift…or is it?, Cascade and Execute Your Strategic Plan 

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she thoughtfully revisits the highlights and key takeaways from Studer Education's recent virtual Destination High Performance conference. Listen as she describes the four essentials elements at the core of leadership and emphasizes what it means to do work that is purposeful, worthwhile, and makes a positive impact.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What are some foundational tactics that develop trust between leaders and their employees?
• What are the four leadership essentials?
• What comes first: culture or strategy?

Recommended Resources: The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Stomp Out We/They Culture, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to access the conference sessions on demand.

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Don't miss this special cross-over episode with our partners at Escambia County Public Schools and their Voices United in Education podcast. Meredith Hackwith Edwards interviews Dr. Robin Largue, a retired Leader Coach from Studer Education. Dr. Largue shares how the strategic use of data and goals, combined with strong leadership and relationships, build thriving and high-performing schools.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How does coaching bring together parents, students, and school staff to support every child's success?
• How does leadership extend beyond a title?
• What are specific daily actions leaders can take to positively impact the culture? 

Recommended Resources: Transform District Culture with People-First Strategies, How Three School Districts Are Solving Problems and Driving Student Excellence, Grow Your People

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"An organization with a hero is a sign of weakness,” begins Dr. Heidi Eliopoulous, Superintendent of the School District of Altoona. Join her and Dr. Janet Pilcher as they dismantle the myth of the lone-ranger leader, focusing on the impact of collective growth. Discover why investing in leadership development, particularly developing leadership teams in school systems, is a "must-have," not a "nice-to-have." Listen as Heidi shares tactics that drive improvements in student well-being and academic performance, empowering you to create meaningful change in your district.

This episode addresses questions such as: 

• What impact does leadership development have on students and families?
• What are some tools and tactics used for leadership development?
• How does a focus on leader development translate into the creation of a more positive and supportive culture within the school district?

Recommended Resources: Stomp Out We/They Culture, Boost Employee Retention Through Leadership Development, Leadership Development is a Lifeline

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Whether you're building a championship team or a successful organization, consistent effort and a structured approach will get you to the finish line. At El Dorado County Office of Education, short cycles of improvement are a core part of their winning strategy. Tune in as Dr. Janet Pilcher sits down with Dr. Ed Manansala, Superintendent of Schools, to hear how he leads short cycles of improvement to drive real change. He’ll also share specific examples of how these cycles are applied to improve processes in multiple departments, from transportation to IT. Listen now as Dr. Manansala highlights how this focus on improvement fuels his team's success, and learn how you can apply it with your own teams.

 This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How do short cycles of improvement provide accountability and focus?
• How do you know when to scale improvements? 
• Why is it important to honor the voice of students and staff in the improvement process? 

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement, Becoming an Improvement Organization, Bridging Community Divides

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Strong cultures empower winning strategies, and well-executed strategies reinforce strong and healthy cultures. But how do you actually begin the work of transforming a school district's culture? Join Dr. Adam Leckie, Superintendent of Casa Grande Elementary School District, as he discusses with Dr. Janet Pilcher how centering his faculty, staff, and students is the core of driving substantial improvement. Listen as he unpacks strategies that build this culture, empowering his team to execute with excellence. 

 This episode addresses questions such as: 

• How can a people-first approach be practically implemented to empower those leading daily improvement initiatives?
• What are practical ways to show gratitude and service to the people within a school district? 
• How can data-driven insights be used to accurately measure improvement and guide strategic decisions?

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: People-First Leadership in Classrooms and Communities, The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude and Continuous Improvement in the Casa Grande Elementary School District

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Are you seeing the impact you want from your organization's efforts? Tune in now and discover strategies to enhance operational efficiency with Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Pat Greco. Gain insights on improving processes, maximizing outcomes, and identifying hidden inefficiencies. If you’re committed to better serving your employees, students, and families, listen now to learn how to drive peak operational efficiency.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How does a focus on operational excellence contribute to an organization’s financial health?
• How does the rounding process contribute to process improvement and employee engagement?
• How can leaders harness the expertise of their employees to identify and eliminate process barriers?

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: The Culture-Strategy Equation: Reflections from the AASA Conference, Lean In, Stay Curious, and Other Leadership Lessons, Grow Your People

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Do you want to see your district’s strategy thrive? Start with your culture. Dr. Janet Pilcher and Dr. Pat Greco unpack the crucial link between school district culture and strategic execution, sharing inspiring examples from superintendents and partners at AASA‘s NCE conference. Listen now to learn how to build a foundation for lasting impact and uncover the essential area that many leaders overlook.

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop, Lean In, Stay Curious, and Other Leadership Lessons, Grow Your People

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Following the AASA conference and reflecting on recent episodes, Dr. Janet Pilcher highlights the importance of feedback loops in improving organizational performance. Listen as she emphasizes how leaders can use surveys and rounding conversations to gather input, identify areas for improvement, make data-driven decisions, and optimize performance so students can achieve better outcomes.

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Drive Student Achievement with Scorecards, From a System of Schools to a School System, Fuel Success with a Feedback Loop

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

When Superintendent Dr. Shawn Tennenbaum looks back at his career and wishes he’d started one thing sooner, it’s rounding. Tune in as he explains how the practice of rounding has transformed the San Benito High School District—from the boardroom to the classroom. Listen now to learn how this approach to gathering feedback and integrating it with district services surveys creates a feedback loop that drives positive and lasting change.

Destination High Performance K12 Leadership Conference: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Rounding for Results, Create Connections Through Rounding, Strengthening School Board Collaboration to Drive District Success 

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

Showing gratitude is an often overlooked yet essential practice for leading organizations effectively. Listen as Dr. Janet Pilcher reveals three practical ways to embed gratitude into your organization and connect your team to their purpose.

Recommended Resources: Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude and Continuous Improvement in the Casa Grande Elementary School District, How Gratitude Anchors Organizations, Pursue Gratitude and Goodwill

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"Leaders as Great Coaches of Teams" Series, Part 7

Superintendent Bradley Roberson of Oxford School District is a leader who understands that true improvement transcends individual schools. He's committed to scaling successful practices across his district, throughout the state of Mississippi, and beyond. Join him in a conversation with Dr. Janet Pilcher as they dive into the strategies and culture he's built to achieve organizational excellence and, ultimately, student excellence.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How do you create synergy and alignment across different schools in the same district?
• Why is organizational excellence essential for student excellence?
• What are the key mindsets and behaviors that drive continuous improvement?

Part 1: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams (episode page)
Part 2: Building Leadership Capacity Through Daily Huddles (episode page)
Part 3: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement (episode page)
Part 4: Leaders as Lifelong Learners (episode page)
Part 5: Leaders as Collaborative Teammates (episode page)
Part 6: Drive Student Achievement with Scorecards (episode page)
Part 7: From a System of Schools to a School System (episode page)

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"Leaders as Great Coaches of Teams" Series, Part 6

How do you empower students to set learning goals and track their own data? Principal Lori Phillips of Oak Grove Elementary shares with Dr. Janet Pilcher how a schoolwide scorecard drives both student achievement and teacher collaboration. Listen as she shares how working together toward a common goal has broken down silos and improved student test scores, attendance, and behavior.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• What role does a collaborative scorecard play in driving student achievement?
• How can a scorecard build alignment across the school?
• How can schools break down silos and foster a collaborative culture among teachers?

Part 1: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams (episode page)
Part 2: Building Leadership Capacity Through Daily Huddles (episode page)
Part 3: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement (episode page)
Part 4: Leaders as Lifelong Learners (episode page)
Part 5: Leaders as Collaborative Teammates (episode page)
Part 6: Drive Student Achievement with Scorecards (episode page)

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"Leaders as Great Coaches of Teams" Series, Part 5

Escape the reactive cycle and become a solutions-focused leader. Join Dr. Janet Pilcher as she returns for Part 2 of her interview with Dr. Holly Ellis. Listen as Janet reveals how a systems approach to leadership creates an engaged and productive work environment that tackles root causes and empowers teams to perform at their best. Continuing the discussion from Part 1, she also highlights the importance of leaders acting as both coaches and teammates.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How do I move beyond a "band-aid" approach to problem-solving and address root causes within my organization?
• What does a systems approach to leadership look like in practice?
• What are the qualities of excellent leaders?

Part 1: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams (episode page)
Part 2: Building Leadership Capacity Through Daily Huddles (episode page)
Part 3: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement (episode page)
Part 4: Leaders as Lifelong Learners (episode page)
Part 5: Leaders as Collaborative Teammates (episode page)

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"Leaders as Great Coaches of Teams" Series, Part 4

In this special episode, Studer Education's very own Dr. Holly Ellis flips the script and interviews podcast host Dr. Janet Pilcher. Listen to the first half of their conversation as Janet shares her reflections on recent conversations with Dr. Christi Barrett and Dr. Ryan Carpenter, exploring the essential role of coaching and continuous learning in effective leadership. 

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How is coaching integral to effective leadership?
• How can we transition from a compliance-focused mindset to a performance-based mindset?
• How does being a good leader also mean being a good teammate?

Part 1: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams (episode page)
Part 2: Building Leadership Capacity Through Daily Huddles (episode page)
Part 3: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement (episode page)
Part 4: Leaders as Lifelong Learners (episode page)

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"Leaders as Great Coaches of Teams" Series, Part 3

Tune in to hear Dr. Ryan Carpenter, Superintendent of Estacada School District, share how he implements short cycles of improvement to build momentum and achieve results. Listen as he candidly discusses with Dr. Janet Pilcher how one short cycle of improvement often leads to the next and emphasizes the significance of completing the cycles you begin. He closes with a powerful message on empowering and engaging your team so they can execute with confidence.

This episode addresses questions such as:

• How can organizations avoid getting overwhelmed by large goals and data? 
• What tools and strategies can be used to gather input from employees? 
• How can organizations measure the success of their improvements?

Part 1: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams (episode page)
Part 2: Building Leadership Capacity Through Daily Huddles (episode page)
Part 3: Create Momentum with Short Cycles of Improvement (episode page)

Destination High Performance 2025: Go here to learn more and register.

Recommended Resources: Communicate at All Levels, Enhance Communication with Scorecards and Huddles

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"Leaders as Great Coaches of Teams" Series, Part 2

In part 2 of the series, Dr. Janet Pilcher welcomes back Dr. Christi Barrett, Superintendent of Hemet Unified School District, to dig into the impact of daily leadership huddles. Listen as Christi shares how this tool has reshaped her district's approach to student behavior, improved outcomes, and strengthened leadership capacity. 

This episode addresses questions such as:

• What are daily leadership huddles, and how do they work?
• How do huddles create a culture of continuous improvement?
• What strategies ensure huddles are effective and sustainable over time?

Part 1: Four Focus Areas for Coaching Great Teams (episode page)
Part 2: Building Leadership Capacity Through Daily Huddles (episode page)

Recommended Resources: Continuous Improvement Through Leadership, Moving From Hope to Action

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

"Leaders as Great Coaches of Teams" Series Premiere

Join Dr. Janet Pilcher, author of Hardwiring Excellence in Education, as she kicks off a new series that empowers leaders to become great coaches of their teams. In this short solo episode, Janet highlights four key focus areas for driving peak organizational performance in 2025. She also sets the stage for upcoming episodes, where she’ll interview leaders about the specific tactics they use to support these focus areas.

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

Order book here.

Sign up for book study here.

As the year comes to a close, Dr. Janet Pilcher reflects on the beauty of the holiday season, the lessons we can learn from A Charlie Brown Christmas, and the importance of finding purpose in the small things that bring us joy. Join Janet for a short, heartfelt episode as she reminds us to celebrate the messy yet beautiful moments of life. What’s your “little tree” this season?

Recommended Resources: The Joy of Kindness, Practice Goodwill Intentionally

Read and study: Each episode of the podcast aligns with the tactics and principles of our host's book, Hardwiring Excellence in Education: The Nine Principles Framework. In conjunction with that book, you can join the mission to create great places to work, learn, and succeed by leading a book study with your leadership team for Hardwiring Excellence in Education. Our free, on-demand book study offers additional tools and resources created by Dr. Pilcher and our Studer Education leader coaches. Each chapter in the study also features exclusive interviews with influential education leaders sharing how they’re making a difference in their districts and beyond.

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