Best CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil Podcasts (2024)

1
Building Trust in Change - Strategies for Superintendent Success 36:19

6h ago36:19

36:19

Summary: In this episode, Dr. Jim chats with Dr. Mike Connelly, superintendent of CCSD 21, in a comprehensive dialogue about effectively executing transformation initiatives in educational settings. Drawing from his extensive experience, Dr. Connelly shares lessons learned and strategies for success, including the importance of understanding commun…

1
Inside Lakeside Union: A Model for Diversity and Engagement 30:44

5d ago30:44

30:44

The episode delves into significant themes such as the evolution of the Lakeside community, changes in student engagement with the community, and cultivating homey, inclusive environments for diverse student bodies. Dr. Taylor discusses the importance of empathy in leadership and leveraging teacher and community involvement. She shares insights int…

1
From Classroom to Leadership: Crafting a Path for Rising Educators 34:22

6d ago34:22

34:22

Summary: Dr. Jim chats about the importance of collaborative leadership and creating a leader-full organization with Dr. Alena Zachary-Ross, CEO of AZR Leads and superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools. Discover how Dr. Ross emphasizes listening, working with unions, and empowering educators. She shares her journey in building the "Rising Lea…

1
Special Episode on School Financing: Navigating Bonds, Grants, and Cash Flow 44:15

6d ago44:15

44:15

Summary: In this special edition of the Engaging Leadership Show, the focus shifts to financing in the K-14 educational space. The show features insights from Rachel Chang Kwei, Senior Vice President at Fieldman, Rolapp, and Associates, who delves into the complexities of securing funding for school districts. Key topics include Key Takeaways: Brea…

1
From Chaos to Success: How Consistency and Trust Revolutionized Beloit's Education System 36:55

7d ago36:55

36:55

Summary: Dr. Jim and Dr. Willie Garrison, superintendent of the School District of Beloit, as they chat about the complexities of stabilizing leadership in K-12 education. Learn how Dr. Garrison's background and strategic initiatives have fostered a culture of academic growth, stable student enrollment, and financial stability. Discover the importa…

1
From Silos to Synergy: Denny Waters on Uniting Schools for Impact 38:31

12d ago38:31

38:31

Denny Waters, superintendent of Battle Ground Public Schools, discusses the concept of coherence in educational leadership. Denny shares his experiences of transforming the district's strategic plan by focusing on high-quality instruction and social-emotional learning. He delves into the importance of building relationships, fostering community col…

1
Innovative Solutions for the K-12 Talent Crisis 28:50

13d ago28:50

28:50

Summary: School districts face severe talent shortages, particularly among educators. Dr. Jim and Dr. Nick Polyak, Superintendent for Leyden Community School District 212 in Illinois, discuss innovative solutions, emphasizing the "grow your own" strategy. This episode digs into the creation of educational pathways that begin at the high school leve…

1
Building a Learning Culture: Innovative Practices in San Lorenzo Unified 39:49

13d ago39:49

39:49

Summary: In this episode, CT engages in a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Daryl Camp, uncovering the essence of the San Lorenzo Unified School District and how its unique community-centric approach has made it a place "where leaders grow." Dr. Camp shares insights into the district's initiatives to include student voices in decision-making, noting …

1
From Broken to Thriving - Leadership Strategies for Community-Driven Change 34:01

14d ago34:01

34:01

Summary: Dr. Jim is joined by Dr. Michael Lubelfeld, superintendent of North Shore School District 112 in Illinois, to discuss transformative leadership in a struggling school district. They chat about Lubelfeld's strategic priorities: tackling infrastructural issues, enhancing communication, fostering community engagement, and prioritizing culture…

1
From IT to Superintendent: David Feliciano's Non-Traditional Path to Leading a School District 37:58

19d ago37:58

37:58

David Feliciano, Superintendent of La Mesa-Spring Valley School District, shares invaluable insights about educational leadership. David talks about managing a diverse school district, undertaking initiatives to support student mental health and community engagement, and his unique journey from IT professional to superintendent. This conversation d…

1
From Isolation to Collaboration: Creating a Small District Feel in a Large School System 39:09

20d ago39:09

39:09

Summary: In this episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CT of Engage Rocket interviews Christopher Hoffman, Superintendent of Elk Grove Unified School District, to discuss the importance of investing in adult development to improve student outcomes. Hoffman shares insights on the district's growth, diversity, and the unique ways they maintai…

1
Behind the Scenes: Operational Secrets of High-Impact School Districts 34:44

20d ago34:44

34:44

Summary: Dr. Jim chats with Dr. Bruce Law, a seasoned educator with over 30 years of experience, discussing key insights he wishes he had known before becoming a superintendent. Bruce reflects on pivotal moments, such as his unexpected transition to a superintendency in Hinsdale, and the critical importance of understanding operations and finances …

1
Community Engagement and Transparent Leadership in School Districts 31:06

21d ago31:06

31:06

Summary: Dr. Jim discusses the complexities of navigating the budgeting process in challenging environments with Eric Russell, superintendent of Baldwin Woodville Area School District. Eric shares his insights on building relationships, earning community trust, and strategic communication to pass crucial referendums. Learn how he balanced community…

1
From Crisis to Transformation: Superintendency Under Pressure 34:02

26d ago34:02

34:02

Summary: Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Camille Hibbler, superintendent of the Ferndale School District, on navigating leadership transitions amidst adversity. Camille shares her journey from teacher to superintendent, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships, using data-driven decision-making, and maintaining a focus on student and t…

1
Rethinking Leadership: Courage, Complexity, and Co-Creation 42:07

27d ago42:07

42:07

CT Leong converses with Josh Plaskoff, founder of the Interhuman Group, on defining and driving the employee experience. Josh delves into contrasting management methods, the importance of relationships over systems, and how real leadership requires empathy, listening, and fostering community. Highlighting actionable insights and real-life examples,…

1
Building Leadership Capacity in K-12 Education 31:24

27d ago31:24

31:24

Summary: Dr. Jim and Steve Wilder, Superintendent of Sycamore School District, discuss the power of reflection over action in leadership. Steve shares his transition from science teacher to superintendent, emphasizing the importance of building trust, coaching leaders, and fostering a reflective culture. They explore the challenges of leadership in…

1
Cracking the Code of Turnaround Success in K-12 Schools 43:02

28d ago43:02

43:02

Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he chats about turnaround strategies in K-12 education with Dr. Genevra Walters, former superintendent of Kankakee School District 111. Explore the importance of understanding community culture, prioritizing student engagement, and implementing competency-based education. Discover the critical questions that help pinpoint w…

1
Transforming Education: Schools of Choice and Leadership Development 36:11

1M ago36:11

36:11

Summary: In this episode of 'The Engaging Leadership Show,' host CheeTung (CT), co-founder of EngageRocket, talks to Dr. Bret Champion, Superintendent of Medford School District in Southern Oregon. Bret discusses the district's unique characteristics, its commitment to student-centered learning, and the initiatives around school choice, including t…

1
Secrets to Aligning Your Team for Maximum Educational Impact 39:18

1M ago39:18

39:18

In this episode of the Engaging Leadership show, host CT Leong converses with Yolanda Valdez, the superintendent of the Cutler Orosi Joint Unified School District. Valdez, who grew up in the district she now oversees, shares her unique leadership journey, insights into community engagement, and the impactful changes she has spearheaded over the pas…

1
People Over Programs: Secrets to Successful School Management 40:48

1M ago40:48

40:48

In this engaging episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CT Leong delves into the unique and compelling leadership journey of Jim Shoemake, the superintendent of Rescue Union School District. Jim shares invaluable insights on the cultural and operational strategies that have led his district to thrive, despite national challenges in recruitin…

1
Navigating Teacher Shortages and Political Pressures in Education - A Union Leader's Perspective 43:33

1M ago43:33

43:33

Summary: In this episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CheeTung (CT), co-founder of EngageRocket, interviews John Wright, Senior Director for Strategy at the National Education Association (NEA). They dive into the current state of education, focusing on the pressing issues of teacher attrition and recruitment, the impact of the political c…

1
Leadership Lessons from an Educational Turnaround 35:13

1M ago35:13

35:13

Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he dives into an in-depth conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Fleig, Superintendent of the Fond du Lac School District, revealing the strategies behind their impressive transformation. Discover how executive commitment, leadership development, and a student-centric approach propelled the district from failure to success. Jeff sha…

1
The Role of Data-Driven Storytelling in Effective School Leadership 33:34

2M ago33:34

33:34

Join CT Leong on the Engaging Leadership Show as he sits down with Dr. Greg Baker, Superintendent of Bellingham Public Schools, to explore the district's strategic initiatives like the Bellingham Promise and innovative early childhood education. Dr. Baker shares insights from his 15-year tenure, discussing the importance of leadership development, …

1
Belong, Believe, and Become: Leadership Insights from Tim Winter 32:01

2M ago32:01

32:01

Summary: On this episode of the Engaging Leadership Show, host CheeTung (CT), co-founder of EngageRocket, converses with Tim Winter, Superintendent of South Kitsap School District. They discuss what it means to belong, believe, and become, focusing on building schools from the inside out with the best people. Tim shares insights on the unique quali…

1
Mission Command Meets Education: Adaptive Leadership Techniques 34:30

2M ago34:30

34:30

Summary: Dr. Jim and Dr. Aaron Engel, Superintendent of La Crosse School District, discuss the importance of strategic leadership development in K-12 education. Dr. Engel shares insights from his military and educational careers, focusing on building cohesive leadership practices, supporting principals, and enhancing student outcomes. Key themes in…

1
Beyond Test Scores: Redefining Success with Whole Child Learning 37:35

2M ago37:35

37:35

Summary: Superintendent Michael Matsuda of Anaheim Union High School District shares his journey and insights into fostering whole-child education over test score-centric models. Exploring innovative strategies like project-based learning, longitudinal success data, and AI integration, Matsuda reveals transformative leadership practices. Host CT Le…

1
Building Bridges: How to Unite a Divided School District 38:29

2M ago38:29

38:29

Summary: Dr. Jim interviews Dr. Rainey Briggs, superintendent of Baraboo School District, to uncover his proven strategies for turning around struggling educational environments. They discuss the importance of a unifying vision, the impact of thorough data analysis, and building trust across all stakeholders. Dr. Briggs shares his candid experience…

1
From Instructional to Relational: Transforming School Leadership 38:00

2M ago38:00

38:00

Summary: Dr. Jim hosts Dr. Jill Oelslager, superintendent of the Burlington Area School District, discussing the creation of an ownership culture to combat teacher turnover. Jill shares her journey from a high school science teacher to superintendent, emphasizing the shift from instructional to relational leadership. They explore strategies like de…

1
High Retention Secrets: Leadership, Systems, and Shared Vision 33:55

2M ago33:55

33:55

Summary: Learn how to achieve a 90% educator retention rate amid industry challenges with Dr. Jim and guest Dr. Brad Saron, Superintendent of Sun Prairie School District. This episode dives into the transformative power of a shared vision, robust systems, and community engagement. Discover the strategic processes behind Sun Prairie's success, the r…

1
Empowering Through Trust: Creating a High-Performing School District 34:11

2M ago34:11

34:11

Summary: Dr. Jim chats about the educator retention crisis with Mike Cady, superintendent of Pewaukee School District. They explore the importance of investing in leadership to create a supportive environment for educators. Dr. Cady shares his experiences and strategies on building a culture of continuous improvement, fostering strong relationships…

1
Impacting Change at Scale: Systems Thinking in Education 37:00

2M ago37:00

37:00

Summary: Superintendent John Parker of Central Valley School District shares his insights on balancing tradition with innovation in education. Drawing from his international experience in China and Colombia, Dr. Parker emphasizes the importance of choice, systems thinking, and emotional intelligence in leadership. He discusses the pivotal role of p…

1
Developing Leaders within Schools: A New Approach to Evaluations 33:09

2M ago33:09

33:09

Summary: Explore a revolutionary approach to performance evaluations with Dr. Jim and Paul Mielke, superintendent of Hamilton School District. Discover how shifting from traditional evaluations to a continuous coaching and self-assessment culture enhances educator growth and retention. Learn how specific, actionable feedback and collaborative proce…

1
Breaking Barriers: Women of Color in Superintendent Roles 38:03

3M ago38:03

38:03

Summary: In this engaging episode of the Engaging Leadership show, host CT Leong sits down with Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil, the Superintendent of Uniondale Union Free School District. With a vibrant background in education and a passion for equity, Dr. Akil shares her journey from a high school teacher in New York City to her current leadership role…

1
Making Teacher Voices Heard 33:19

3M ago33:19

33:19

Summary: Lisa Greene, superintendent of Kohler School District, joins Dr. Jim to discuss strategic retention and leadership development in small school districts. Greene shares insights from her 35+ years in education, emphasizing the importance of relationships, professional development, and committee structures to keep educators engaged and preve…

1
Real-World Strategies for Attracting Top Talent to Small Towns 38:27

3M ago38:27

38:27

Summary: Join Dr. Jim as he explores the unique strategies employed by Rob Stewart, district administrator for the Alma school district in Wisconsin, to attract and retain talent in a rural setting. Discover how community integration, a comprehensive mentorship program, hands-on professional development, and a strong cultural foundation can make al…

1
Leading from the Middle: Secrets to Building a Student-Centered School 34:49

3M ago34:49

34:49

Summary: Superintendent Sue Lemon shares her journey, insights, and leadership wisdom honed during her tenure at Rosedale Union Elementary School District. Taking the helm right before the COVID-19 pandemic, Sue discusses the importance of community, structured hiring, and effective communication. She delves into how she navigated school closures, …

1
Data-Driven Leadership: The Secret to Retaining Top Educators 34:06

3M ago34:06

34:06

Summary: Dr. Jim and Steve Salerno, Superintendent of Mount Horeb School District, chat about K-12 education leadership. With a focus on reducing educator turnover, Steve shares his 30-year journey and the strategies that reshaped his district's culture. Learn how data-driven decisions, intentional leadership development, and aligning comp and bene…

1
Go Slow to Go Fast: Strategic Steps for Startup Success 39:56

3M ago39:56

39:56

Summary: Join host Dr. Jim as he sits down with Evan Wittenberg, Chief People Officer at Pivot Bio, to discuss navigating leadership in challenging environments. They chat about building managerial discipline, fostering learning agility, and the significance of developing internal subject matter experts. Evan shares his insights from various indust…

1
Building a Sustainable Hiring Strategy 33:43

3M ago33:43

33:43

Summary: Dr. Jim and Jennifer Akoma, VP of People and Stewardship at Android Industries, dive into transforming high churn rates by refining hiring and onboarding processes. Jennifer shares her experiences of navigating crises, implementing applicant tracking systems, and shifting from temporary staffing to a more strategic talent acquisition appro…

1
Creating a Culture of Listening and Action: The Secret to a Thriving School District 35:51

3M ago35:51

35:51

Summary: Dr. Jim explores how tight alignment between the community, school board, and district leaders can enhance educator retention and student outcomes. Joined by Casey Nye, Superintendent of DC Everest Area School District, they discuss the importance of board stability, community involvement, and a formal culture of listening and action. Lear…

1
Best of Series: How Does Systems Thinking and Empathy Help You Build Elite Teams? 21:40

3M ago21:40

21:40

Summary: Matt Dyason, VP of HR at Stash, shares his insights on how to be a better problem solver in HR and how to sharpen HR strategy. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the business strategy and aligning HR programs to support it. Matt breaks down the people experience into three pillars: people, programs, and technology. He highlights…

1
Best of Series: The Power of Bottom-Up Feedback in Organizational Transformation 32:01

3M ago32:01

32:01

Summary: In this episode of the HR Impact show, Dr. Jim interviews Melissa Hinshaw, Executive Director of Organizational Development at Lone Star College. Melissa shares her experience in transforming the culture of the organization and emphasizes the importance of bottom-up feedback in building a strong culture. She discusses the challenges of exe…

1
Best of Series: The Impact of Mission and Vision Alignment on Hiring and Retention 28:08

3M ago28:08

28:08

Summary: In this episode of the HR Impact show, Dr. Jim interviews Jim Boebel, superintendent of the Platteville School District, about attracting and retaining top talent in rural school districts. They discuss the importance of building strong relationships within the community, aligning hiring practices with the district's mission, and fostering…

1
Best of Series - Developing Future Leaders: Building Elite Teams by Investing in Your People 30:09

3M ago30:09

30:09

Summary: Kadiatou Cesaire, Vice President of Global Human Resources and Talent Development at the Atlantic Council, joins the HR Impact Show to discuss how HR can be the "good guys" in organizations. She emphasizes the importance of treating people well and aligning their values with the mission of the organization. Kadiatou shares her strategies f…

1
Principal Effectiveness - Empowering Leaders to Drive Systemic Change 37:45

3M ago37:45

37:45

Summary: Discover how Dr. Dana Monogue, Superintendent of Middleton Cross Plains Area School District, achieves a 90% retention rate. Learn about key initiatives like "build your own" strategies, the impact of effective leadership, and the vital role of listening to staff and students. Dr. Monogue shares actionable insights on building a coaching c…

1
Maximizing Hourly Employees' Contributions and Career Growth 31:00

3M ago31:00

31:00

Summary: Retail expert Charles Smith joins Dr. Jim to tackle the challenge of building high-performing teams in high-churn environments like retail. Learn how Charles leverages his finance and HR background to drive business outcomes, the importance of breaking down the "us vs. them" mentality, and actionable steps for retail leaders to lower their…

1
Building a People-Centric, High-Performance Startup 30:05

4M ago30:05

30:05

Summary: Dr. Jim chats with Jonathan Alarcon, founder of WorkLyfe, to explore the intersection of high performance and empathetic leadership within organizations. Drawing from his startup journey, Jonathan emphasizes the importance of understanding employees' personal motivations, setting clear expectations, and recognizing achievements. He argues …

1
Building the Future: Systems for Growing Leadership in Schools 36:46

4M ago36:46

36:46

Summary: On this episode of the *Engaging Leadership Show*, host CT Leong sits down with Dr. Todd Cutler, superintendent of the Lake Tahoe Unified School District. Dr. Cutler discusses the unique challenges and opportunities he’s faced since taking on his role amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. His experience working with diverse populations, budgetary …

1
Attracting and Retaining Top Talent in K-12 Education 38:23

4M ago38:23

38:23

Summary: Discover how Jason Tadlock, Superintendent of Elkhorn School District, overcomes K-12 education challenges. Dr. Jim dives into talent strategies, emphasizing the importance of being mission-aligned, offering continuous development, and maintaining investments even during tough times. Jason shares insights on leveraging a wide net for talen…

1
How the 5 S's of HR Success Can Transform Your Team 32:47

4M ago32:47

32:47

Summary: Brian Arrington, CHRO at Oak Ridge National Labs, joins Dr. Jim to discuss the evolving role of HR from administrative to strategic. They explore the significance of understanding business needs, asking probing questions, and internal talent development to drive efficiency and alignment. Brian shares his five-step framework for sustainable…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

CT Leong, Dr. Jim Kanichirayil Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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