What does it take to build and sustain a thriving school culture? In this episode, Dr. Jared Smith, superintendent of Waterloo Schools and author of Turning Points, shares hard-won lessons from his journey as a teacher, principal, and district leader. From navigating setbacks to leading with vulnerability, Dr. Smith offers practical insights on building trust, empowering teams, and why culture is the cornerstone of student and staff success.
Ready to learn from Dr. Smith? Join us in-person for our Leadership in Education Conference on Northwestern's campus on Tuesday, October 21. Learn more about the event and register here.
Dr. Jared Smith is author of Turning Points and Learning Curve. Visit his website to learn more!
In this episode of Standout Voices Leadership Lessons, we sit down with Tony Hoops, Vice President of Athletics at Northwestern College, to explore his journey from small-town Kansas to award-winning athletic director. Tony shares how faith, family, and community guide his leadership philosophy, why being authentic fuels his contagious energy, and how shifting from scoreboard-focused coaching to relationship-centered leadership transformed his career. Whether you're an aspiring leader, educator, or coach, this episode offers practical wisdom on embracing challenges, leading with purpose, and making a lasting impact.
In this episode of Standout Voices: Leadership Lessons,Russ sits down with Nicole Roeder, the 2025 Iowa Secondary Principal of the Year, to explore what it truly means to lead with heart and strength in the face of adversity. Nicole shares her journey as the principal of Rock Valley High School — a role marked not only by professional excellence but also by navigating profound community challenges, including the aftermath of last summer’s devastating flood.
Join us as Nicole offers wisdom on resilient leadership, thepower of relationships, and the unshakable commitment to students and staff, even in the toughest times. Whether you're a seasoned administrator, aspiring leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation is a masterclass in how to stay grounded, lead with humility, and foster a community of support.
Podcast recommendation: The 10 Minute Educator
Book Recommendation: UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World
In this episode, Russ sits down with Dr. D. Nathan Phinney, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northwestern College, to explore the intersection of leadership, service, and faith. Dr. Phinney shares his journey from faculty member to administrator, reflecting on the importance of humility, patience, and seeing leadership as an opportunity to serve others with grace.
The two discuss key leadership principles, including taking the long view in decision-making, embracing trials as opportunities for growth, and fostering a culture of integrity and equity. Dr. Phinney also shares insights on the evolving landscape of higher education and the role of faith in shaping effective leadership. Whether you’re an aspiring or seasoned leader, this episode offers meaningful lessons on leading with purpose, wisdom, and a servant’s heart.
Podcast recommendation: Future You with Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn, At the Table with Patrick Lencioni
Book recommendations: Godwin by Joseph O'Neill, I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger, The Ballot and the Bible by Kaitlyn Schiess
We’re excited to share that we’ve made some big changes around here! The Transforming Education: Leadership Lessons podcast is now Standout Voices: Leadership Lessons. Not only have we given the show a fresh new name, but we also have a brand-new host guiding the conversation as Russ Adams has taken over for Gary Richardson. In this installment of Standout Voices, Russ has a conversation with Gary Richardson to discuss a few of the influential leaders and mentors who have helped shape Gary’s career and personal mission to grow in leadership as a lifelong learner. Russ brings with him many years of leadership experience in education and as an administrator, and together, we’re diving deeper into the leadership voices that stand out. Whether you’re a longtime listener or you’re just joining us, we’re thrilled to have you on this new journey. Tune in for conversations with thought leaders to explore innovative strategies that are shaping the future of transformative leadership.
Podcast recommendation: Plain English with Derek Thompson
Book recommendation: The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
In this episode, Gary sits down with Thomas C. Murray. Tom serves as the Director of Innovation for Future Ready Schools® and is the author of Learning Transformed and Personal and Authentic, among others. Gary and Tom dive into creating a desired workplace and school culture and how the mindset and actions of the adults in the building are impacting that culture.
Resources:
Book recommendation:
Dave Ramsey books
In this episode, Gary and guest, Jenn David-Lang of The Main Idea discuss the book Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully. Jenn discusses a few key ideas from this reading and how teachers, and all professionals, can adapt these concepts into their daily lives and get moving.
Resources:
Book recommendation:
Built to Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Help You Move Freely and Live Fully, Kelly Starrett and Juliet Starrett
In this episode, Gary and guests discuss the evolution of artificial intelligence and its significance for education. Dr. Dana Schon, Professional Learning Director for School Administrators of Iowa explains AI capacities, concerns, and limitations with helpful tool implementations for educators and leaders. Dr. Tom Truesdell, Director of Student Resources at Northwestern College shares insights on ChatGPT revolving around the learning disruption fears and idea generation opportunities. Both guests share practical advice for approaching the technology evolution in our classrooms and workplaces.
Book Recommendations:
How to be a Transformative Principal, Jethro Jones
On this episode, Gary sits down with the 2022 AFCA NAIA National Coach of the Year and the Head Coach of the 2022 NAIA National Champion Raider football team, Matt McCarty. Matt reflects on his team’s successful season and the road to the championship. He’s cultivated a culture of excellence built on trust, mental conditioning, and discipline to do the right thing every day. His leadership approach casts a vision for his coaching staff and players to encourage others to be their best. His team’s ability to handle adversity is what he’s most proud of – and the championship mindset is preparing student-athletes to win games and live meaningful lives.
Book Recommendations:
Leadershift: The 11 Essential Changes Every Leader Must Embrace, Jon Maxwell
The Catalyst Leader: 8 Essentials for Becoming a Change Maker, Brad Lomenick
Know What You’re For: A Growth Strategy for Work, An Even Better Strategy for Life, Jeff Henderson
In this episode, Leslie welcomes guest Jacob Morgan. Jacob is a best-selling author and one of the world’s leading authorities on leadership, the future of work, and employee experience. He is a highly sought-after keynote speaker and advisor who has worked with organizations such as Microsoft, Disney, Pepsi, Mastercard, and IBM. As a trained futurist, Jacob’s insights are frequently featured in publications such as Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and The Harvard Business Review. Our conversation dives into his expansive research and insight from his book, The Future Leader 9 Skills and Mindsets to Succeed in the Next Decade.
Resources
Jacob on Twitter
Jacob on LinkedIn
Jacob on Facebook
Jacob on YouTube
Jacob on Instagram
Book Recommendations
Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America’s Most Powerful Mafia Empires
“A gathering is a moment of time that has the potential to alter many other moments of time.” - Priya Parker, The Art of Gathering
Jenn David-Lang returns to the podcast, and we’re discussing how to maximize the power and significance of meetings. When most of us plan staff agendas or lessons, we tend to focus more on the logistics (PPTs, refreshments, Post-Its, etc.), rather than the people, because those are the items we can control. What if we think about how we want gatherings to make people feel? We can build connection and a sense of belonging in our schools and teams right now. By taking lessons from Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering, she shares four tips for educators that help us rethink the way we gather to make our gatherings unforgettable, meaningful, and centered around people.
1. Find a specific purpose for the meeting.
2. Be an active facilitator.
3. Give it some spice.
4. Get beyond a “culture of nice.”
Resources:
In this episode, Gary talks with Liz Wiseman, author, researcher, and executive advisor who teaches leadership around the world. We discuss her New York Times best sellers Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter and The Multiplier Effect: Tapping the Genius Inside our Schools, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller, Rookie Smarts: Why Learning Beats Knowing in the New Game of Work. We also talk about her newly released book, Impact Players. Her research and experience offer significant insight into what leadership looks like in today’s world, ways the best leaders make everyone smarter, and how to recognize contributors creating extraordinary value. Liz shares how to apply the characteristics of impact players in our own lives to make our work more impactful.
Resources:
Book Recommendations:
As a former educator and principal, Dr. Wilson has taken her years of experience and connections to gather accomplished leaders and practitioners into a community of coaching and support. Dr. Wilson is a certified coach, trainer and speaker on the John Maxwell Team. She is also the CEO and founder of Innovative Strategies Consulting located in Virginia. We enjoyed our conversation with the deeply committed, passionate, down-to-earth leader. She shares her leadership approach, starting with a simple yet intentional philosophy: “Lead by example.”
Resources:
Book Recommendations:
The Compound Effect: Jumpstart Your Income, Your Life, Your Success by Darren Hardy
In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Joe Sanfelippo, our Leadership in Education Conference keynote speaker. We discuss the upcoming conference and his energizing keynote and breakout session for educators. We also chat about why teachers feel overwhelmed and how we can create value for those around us by leading with intention, connection and direction. As the Superintendent of Fall Creek School District in Wisconsin, Joe is nationally known for sharing his messages on how to change the narrative in your school by telling your story, creating a culture of yes and most recently, leading from where you are. Joe has co-authored books on The Power of Branding, Hacking Leadership and Lead From Where You Are. Every time we talk with Joe, we know you will walk away feeling empowered and encouraged in what you’re already doing and how vital your influence is in education.
Resources:
Leadership in Education Conference on October 18th
www.nwciowa.edu/ed-leadership
Book Recommendations:
Our guest, Dr. Lisa Remy, joins us as the most recently named Executive Director for School Administrators of Iowa. Prior to starting this new leadership role, she served as the Superintendent of the West Des Moines School District where she guided the school’s culture around the slogan: Every Child Every Day. We discuss leadership lessons that include modeling the courage to be vulnerable and willingness to get uncomfortable. She shares advice for female leaders and a future-driven mindset for supporting educators and leaders.
Book Recommendations
The Burnout Epidemic: The Rise of Chronic Stress and How We Can Fix It, Jennifer Moss
This episode welcomes the superintendent of the Cedar Rapids Community School District, the inspiring Noreen Bush. Noreen was named the 2021-2022 Iowa Superintendent of the Year and received the 2021 American Association of School Administrators Women in School Leadership Superintendent Award. Norene has dedicated nearly 30 years to public education, finding leadership positions out of her passion to serve more students and educators. After a stage IV cancer diagnosis, she hasn’t stopped using her life to reframe learning and leading − from clinical trials to school hallways.
In this episode, Gary and Noreen discuss:
· A servant leadership formula: setting vision, listening, learning then leading
· Leading from the seat you’re in
· Building hope as a strategy
· Choosing collaboration over isolation
· Shared vulnerability and practice
· Living life with hope and purpose
· The proving zone vs. the improving zone
Book Recommendations:
In this episode, we welcome back Dr. Roark Horn to help celebrate his recent retirement from School Administrators of Iowa (SAI). He reflects on his robust experience in education, from educator to administrator, and eventually executive director of SAI. We talk about changes in education over the years, advocating for the profession, and leveraging the learning momentum on the other side of the pandemic. He shares wisdom about using your influence and key leadership takeaways. “Talented leaders get the people in the building to the next level!”
Book Recommendations:
Guest, Jessica Christensen shares about her vital work as Director of Community Development and Training for Please Pass the Love and a regional trainer for MidAmerica Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network (MHTTC). She helps districts build better systems to support mental health needs and offers educators tangible skill training to support their students' – and their own health. Take away tips for better building relationships and the power of restorative work. By working together, communities can address the complex and varied school mental health needs more effectively through a climate transformation!
Resources:
Mid-America Mental Health Technology Transfer Network
Book Recommendations:
Healing Our Path from Mental Health Illness, Dr. Thomas Insel
We’re thrilled to welcome back leader, speaker and consultant Angela Maiers to the podcast. In this episode, she shares a sneak peek of her keynote for the NWC Trauma-Informed Conference this Spring. The education guru breaks down the three parts of her current mission: hope, mattering and moving forward. Whether or not you’re able to join us for the conference, this conversation will inspire you to create structures for human-centered, community care and lean into honoring humanity.
Resources:
Do you have habits that you have wanted to start, or drop? Maybe you’ve had success initially, only to return to your old routines. From the Main Idea, Jenn David-Lang is back on the podcast to discuss the key takeaways of the New York Times bestseller Atomic Habits by James Clear. With Clear’s four simple laws of human behavior and concrete strategies, we walk through how to make the tiny changes that will ultimately lead to remarkable changes. Learn how to build better habits in life and work.
Resources:
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones, James Clear