Lassoing Leadership – Beard’s Book Club
Episode Title:
Calm in the Chaos: Leadership Insights
Keywords:
leadership, education, ruckus making, mindset, humility, feedback, psychological safety, Ted Lasso, school leadership, Calm in the Chaos
Summary:
In this episode of Beard’s Book Club, hosts Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with Danny Bauer and Glenn Robbins, the co-authors of Calm in the Chaos. Together, they unpack what it means to lead with calm, courage, and humility in today’s schools. The conversation explores how to create psychologically safe environments, embrace feedback, and develop the mindset of a “ruckus maker” who challenges tradition in the service of growth.
Drawing parallels to Ted Lasso, the group reflects on the importance of authenticity, belief, and humor in leadership—reminding us that leading with heart is just as important as leading with vision.
Key Take Aways:
Ruckus makers in education challenge traditional methods.
Creating a school environment worth showing up for is essential.
Leaders must remove their ego to foster collaboration.
Feedback is a vital tool for growth and trust.
Psychological safety allows for honest, courageous communication.
Humility is the hallmark of effective leadership.
Every year presents a fresh opportunity for renewal.
Leaders should never take themselves too seriously.
The number one job of a leader is to inspire belief.
Great leaders learn from—and share—their mistakes.
Soundbites:
“You have to remove your ego.”
“Every year is a new opportunity.”
“Leadership is not easy.”
Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to the Book Club
06:00 - Meet the Authors: Danny and Glenn
07:05 - Ruckus Making in Education
11:03 - Mindset Shifts in Leadership
14:42The Importance of Humility
16:02 - Creating Space for Leadership
19:43 - The Challenge of Feedback
29:43 - Ted Lasso: A Leadership Analysis
Summary
In this episode, I sit down with Grace McCallum from Branksome Hall for a thoughtful conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the power of community. Grace shares her journey through education and leadership, offering wisdom on how we can better support young women stepping into leadership roles. We talk candidly about imposter syndrome, the value of authentic leadership, and the importance of building a “personal board of directors” to guide and ground us. Along the way, we reflect on insights from the recent Heads and Chairs Conference and explore how connection, collaboration, and courage shape the educational landscape we all share.
Takeaways:
Imposter syndrome isn’t a flaw—it’s part of the growth journey.
Strong communities are the heartbeat of great schools.
Perceptions of women in leadership still need active, intentional change.
Authenticity is more powerful than perfection.
Mentorship isn’t optional—it’s essential for empowering future leaders.
Quiet leadership styles can be just as powerful as loud ones.
Intersectionality matters—our experiences shape how we lead and how we’re seen.
A “personal board of directors” can provide clarity, courage, and accountability.
Listening to young women means acting on what they tell us.
Collaboration and connection remain our most powerful leadership tools.
Sound Bites:
“I felt massive imposter syndrome.”
“We need more women leading schools and shaping the future.”
“I sleep like a baby—because I know I’m doing meaningful work.”
Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction and Setting the Stage
05:00 — Grace McCallum’s Journey in Education
07:49 — The Importance of Women in Leadership
11:05 — Supporting Young Women in Leadership
13:59 — Reflections from the Heads and Chairs Conference
16:51 — Authenticity, Mentorship, and Taking Action
20:43 — Closing Thoughts
Lassoing Leadership – Beard’s Book Club
Episode Title: Navigating Leadership Through Chaos
Keywords: leadership, education, ruckus making, stoicism, calm in chaos, personal development, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, gratitude, teaching
Summary:
In this reflective episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers explore the intersection of leadership, education, and personal growth through Danny Bauer and Glenn Robins' inspiring book Calm in the Chaos.
They unpack the idea of being a “ruckus maker” — someone who thoughtfully disrupts the status quo in education — while also examining how stoicism, gratitude, and mindfulness can help leaders stay centered amidst turbulence. The conversation blends practical wisdom with personal reflection, emphasizing that calmness isn’t passivity; it’s the discipline of choosing thoughtful responses over reactive ones.
Listeners will walk away with actionable tools to build emotional intelligence, deepen their presence, and lead with both strength and serenity.
Take Aways:
Ruckus making challenges educational systems for meaningful change.
Stoicism offers timeless guidance for effective leadership.
Calmness empowers leaders to make better, wiser decisions.
Journaling, mindfulness, and gratitude help manage daily chaos.
Presence and engagement are essential to authentic leadership.
Disruption in education should be intentional, not impulsive.
Leadership requires space for thoughtful, values-driven responses.
Soundbites:
“Innovation is essential to education.”
“Do less, or do what is essential.”
“How you show up really matters.”
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Calm in the Chaos
06:37 - Ruckus Making in Education
09:22 - The Role of Stoicism in Leadership
12:22 - Practices for Staying Calm in Chaos
15:14 - The Importance of Presence and Engagement
In this special preview episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols kick off a new season dedicated to the books that shape how we lead, teach, and grow. From stoic calm to student motivation, from innovation to emotional intelligence, this season explores the ideas that help leaders navigate complexity with clarity and care.
Each featured title offers a unique lens on leadership—helping educators, school heads, and aspiring change-makers think more deeply about resilience, curiosity, and purpose. Jason and Garth connect the dots between powerful ideas and practical application, reminding listeners that great leadership is less about control and more about connection.
Get ready to read, reflect, and lead. This season, Jason and Garth bring together wisdom from the world’s most inspiring thinkers to help you stay grounded, purposeful, and bold—no matter the chaos around you.
Beard's Bookshelf:
Calm in the Chaos: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Leaders by Tim Arnold
Thrive: How Schools Will Win the Education Revolution by Grant Lichtman
The Innovator’s Mindset: Empower Learning, Unleash Talent, and Lead a Culture of Creativity by George Couros
The Power of Mattering: Why a Human-Centered Culture Is the Key to Company Success by Zach Mercurio
Kids These Days: A Game Plan for (Re)Connecting with Those We Teach, Lead, & Love by Dr. Jodi Carrington
10 to 25: The Science of Motivating Young People by David Yeager
This Is Day One: A Practical Guide to Leadership That Matters by Drew Dudley
Leading Through Strategy: A Framework for School Leaders by Tom Olverson
Unreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara
Modern Achievement: A New Approach to Timeless Lessons for Aspiring Leaders by Asheesh Advani
Key Take Aways:
Resilience is the foundation of effective leadership in uncertain times.
Motivation in young people thrives when they experience meaning and belonging.
Innovation starts when leaders model curiosity and continuous learning.
Leadership is a daily discipline, not a performance.
Connection and empathy must come before curriculum and compliance.
A culture of mattering sustains healthy, high-performing organizations.
Strategic thinking should empower people, not constrain them.
Calm is a superpower—anchoring leaders amid chaos and change.
Time:
00:00 – Introduction to the Season Ahead
06:44 – Calm in the Chaos: Stoic Wisdom for Leadership
09:29 – Thrive: Winning the Education Revolution
12:43 – 10 to 25: Motivating Young People
15:38 – The Innovator’s Mindset: Fostering Curiosity
18:31 – This Is Day One: Daily Leadership Practices
21:42 – The Power of Mattering: Creating Significance
24:27 – Kids These Days: Connection and Empathy
26:55 – Unreasonable Hospitality: Enhancing User Experience
26:58 – Beard’s Book Club Outro
Campuses, Caring & Cresting... Trauma-Informed Leadership Practices
Keywords: leadership, campus culture, trauma-informed care, mental health, authentic leadership, psychological safety, grassroots movements, higher education, student affairs, wellness
SummaryIn this episode, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols sit down with Dr. Adam Jussell, Managing Director of Student Affairs at the University of British Columbia, for an open and heartfelt conversation about leadership, well-being, and campus culture. Drawing on his experience in higher education and trauma-informed care, Adam shares how authenticity and psychological safety can transform both individuals and institutions. The discussion touches on the stress faculty and staff experienced during the pandemic, the vital role of grassroots initiatives in shaping a caring campus culture, and the importance of leaders modeling vulnerability. Together, they explore what it means to lead with compassion, build meaningful work, and create environments where people feel seen, supported, and safe.
Takeaways
Authenticity in leadership reduces stress and builds trust.
Grassroots initiatives can meaningfully reshape campus culture.
Self-care is essential for leaders who care for others.
Collaboration and engagement form the foundation of a caring campus.
Psychological safety empowers individuals to express stress openly.
Meaningful work acts as a protective factor against burnout.
Faculty and staff experienced unprecedented stress during the pandemic.
Support systems are critical to sustaining wellness in education.
Vulnerable leaders create cultures of connection and trust.
Trauma-informed care is vital to leadership in higher education.
Sound Bites
“It’s okay to say, I’m stressed too.”
“We need to foster meaningful work.”
“This might be your worst day at work.”
Chapters
00:00 – Introduction to Leadership and Campus Culture
05:09 – Adam Jussell’s Journey to UBC
09:17 – Understanding Stress in Higher Education
13:05 – The Importance of Support Systems
16:05 – Leadership Mindset and Authenticity
22:03 – Building a Caring Campus Culture
27:14 – Grassroots Movements in Education
28:37 – Reflections on Leadership from Ted Lasso
32:08 – Beard’s Book Club Outro
Summary:
In this episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers sit down with Myke Healy, a leading expert on the intersection of AI and education. The conversation navigates the complex landscape of generative AI and its impact on academic integrity, exploring the idea of a "post-plagiarism" world. They also discuss the value and challenges of pursuing doctoral studies, Myke’s journey to headship, and the importance of compassionate leadership in the age of AI. The episode offers a deep dive into how educators can embrace new technologies while upholding ethical standards and focusing on the essential human elements of teaching and learning.
Takeaways:
Titles:
Sound Bites:
Chapters:
Summary:
Welcome back, leaders! In this episode, Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols conclude their discussion of Phoebe Trotman's inspiring book, Never Quit on a Bad Day. They unpack crucial leadership lessons on building resilience, staying authentic, and finding joy and purpose even when the going gets tough. The hosts highlight the importance of being a supportive presence for others and share practical advice on curating your own "personal board of directors" to help you navigate challenges with perseverance.
Top Takeaways:
Character is a Daily Choice: Leadership isn't about one big win, it's about the daily decisions that define your character and how you show up for your team.
Setbacks Are Stepping Stones: Viewing challenges as "setups for what's next" can change your entire perspective and foster a growth mindset in yourself and your team.
Find Your "Why": Connecting with your purpose is a direct path to finding joy in your work and providing a strong foundation to lean on during difficult times.
The Power of Your Inner Circle: You don't have to go it alone. Building a personal board of directors—a curated group of mentors and trusted advisors—is a critical tool for guidance and support.
Sound Bites:
"Setbacks are setups for what's next."
"You're not alone in this."
"Who's at your board table?"
Chapters:
00:00 - The Final Chapter: Leadership Lessons from a Bad Day
06:03 - Authenticity, Resilience, and the Daily Grind
09:04 - The Joy and Purpose of Leadership
11:49 - Navigating Bad Days and Holding Space for Others
14:39 - Your Personal Board of Directors: A Leader's Secret Weapon
16:50 - The Beards Book Club Outro (and what's next!)
Summary:
This week, we're thrilled to welcome back Phebe Trotman, author of Never Quit on a Bad Day. Join us as we dive into a powerful conversation on leadership, resilience, and the invaluable lessons learned from the world of sports. Phebe shares her personal journey, highlighting the importance of a strong support system, the power of vulnerability, and how the "bad days" are often the most significant catalysts for personal growth. We'll also explore the leadership model of Ted Lasso and discuss how the perseverance and community spirit found in sports can be applied to all areas of your life.
Top Takeaways:
Sound Bites:
Chapters:
Summary:
Join Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols for a deep dive into Phebe Trotman's book,
Never Quit on a Bad Day.
They explore the crucial role of resilience and showing up in leadership, particularly during difficult times. The discussion highlights the value of building a personal board of directors for mentorship and guidance, and the power of vulnerability in connecting with others. This episode is about leading with purpose, overcoming challenges, and finding joy in the journey.
Top Takeaways:
Showing Up Is Everything: A leader’s presence, especially during tough times, is a powerful signal of support and commitment.
Grit Is a Combination of Habits: Perseverance, positivity, and a commitment to continuous learning are the key components of true grit.
The Power of Mentorship: A personal board of directors—a diverse group of mentors—provides invaluable perspectives and guidance for navigating challenges.
Vulnerability Creates Connection: Leaders who are willing to be vulnerable foster trust and empower others to embrace their own struggles.
Character Is Built Daily: Leadership and strong character are not inherent traits, but rather habits that are cultivated through consistent, daily effort.
Sound Bites:
"Character is a habit."
"Keep leading and reading."
"This book is an incredible gift."
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction to Leadership and Bad Days
05:01 - The Importance of Showing Up
08:22 - Personal Board of Directors
11:14 - Resilience and Overcoming Challenges
13:09 - Leading with Joy and Authenticity
13:37 - Beards Book Club Outro (and a look at next week's book!)
Summary:
Welcome back to Beards Book Club, where we tackle big ideas for everyday leaders. This week, join hosts Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers as they wrangle with Kurt Gray's book, Outraged. We're diving into the messy, human side of leadership, exploring how to transform moral outrage from a divisive force into an opportunity for connection. Get ready to learn about the power of empathy, the art of storytelling, and the surprising way understanding fear can help you become a more compassionate and effective leader.
Top Takeaways:
The Power of Connection: Leaders can't solve problems if their community doesn't trust them. Gray's framework of Connect, Invite, Validate is a game-changer for building empathy and bridging divides.
Stories > Statistics: Forget the spreadsheets. To foster real connection, you need to appeal to the heart, not just the head. Personal stories of harm are far more effective at building empathy and common ground than data alone.
The "Who's the Victim?" Question: When outrage flares up, it's often because people have different ideas about who the "real" victim is. Understanding these "moral dyads" is the first step toward resolving conflict.
Outrage is a Systemic Issue: We can't eliminate outrage, but we can build more compassionate communities. A leader's job is to create systems that reduce outrage and promote mutual understanding.
Sound Bites:
"What are they afraid of?"
"You can't unring a bell."
"Never quit on a bad day."
Chapters:
00:00 - Why We're All So Outraged
04:35 - How Leaders Can Tame the Beast of Outrage
07:22 - The Magic of Empathy and a Good Story
10:21 - De-escalating Emotional Meltdowns
12:43 - The Art of Naming the Moral Dyad
15:31 - Building a More Compassionate Community
18:23 - Your Leadership Challenge for the Week
21:13 - The Beards Book Club Outro (and what's next!)
Navigating Outrage and Morality with Kurt Gray
Episode Description:
Join hosts Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols as they dive into a thought-provoking conversation with Kurt Gray, author of "Outraged" and professor of psychology and neuroscience.
Discover how our moral judgments are deeply rooted in perceptions of harm and learn how leaders can leverage this understanding to build diverse and harmonious teams. Kurt shares insights on storytelling, vulnerability, and the importance of connecting beyond facts to bridge moral divides.
Key Topics:
The role of harm in moral judgments Storytelling as a tool for connection Navigating moral divides with empathy The impact of media on outrage Tips for leaders to foster understanding
Guest Bio:
Kurt Gray is a renowned professor at the University of North Carolina, soon moving to Ohio State. He has been featured in major publications like The New York Times and The Economist and is the co-author of "The Mind Club."
Memorable Quotes:
"Our moral convictions are founded not on statistics, but on feelings of threat." "To connect across divides, make it personal."
Call to Action:
Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes and explore more about Kurt Gray's work in understanding morality and outrage.
Hashtags: #Leadership #Morality #Outraged #Podcast
Episode Description
In the inaugural episode of Beards Book Club, hosts Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols delve into "Outraged" by Kurt Gray. This episode explores the nuances of moral outrage, its role in leadership, and how it can be harnessed to foster empathy and understanding.
Discover how storytelling and empathy can bridge divides and why moral outrage is both a challenge and an opportunity for leaders today.
Key Topics:
Understanding moral outrage and its signals The role of storytelling in bridging divides Empathy as a leadership tool Strategies for managing outrage in communities The neuroscience behind moral judgments
Guest Bio:
Kurt Gray is a professor of psychology and neuroscience, known for his work on moral judgments and empathy. His book "Outraged" offers insights into the complexities of moral outrage and its impact on leadership.
Memorable Quotes:
"Outrage is often a moral signal, an emotional flare that tells you the need to change." "Sharing personal stories of harm is a powerful way to bridge moral and political divides."
Call to Action:
Join us in reading "Outraged" and reflect on its insights with your team. Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes and deepen your understanding of leadership and moral outrage.
Hashtags: #Leadership #MoralOutrage #Empathy #Podcast
Episode Summary
Join hosts Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers as they welcome back authors Nick Caniglio and Marnie Stockman to discuss their new book, "The Business of You." This episode dives into the concept of self-leadership, exploring how individuals can become the CEOs of their own lives. Discover insights on personal development, values-driven leadership, and the importance of self-awareness in achieving success.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of self-awareness and character skills in leadership. How "The Business of You" uses storytelling to teach personal development. The role of mentors, connectors, and challengers in personal growth. Practical exercises like the "retirement letter" to envision future success.
Guest Information:
Nick Caniglio and Marnie Stockman are authors and educators passionate about helping individuals unlock their potential through self-leadership.
Hashtags: #SelfLeadership #PersonalDevelopment #Podcast #TheBusinessOfYou
Call to Action: Listen to the full episode to learn how you can apply these principles to your own life and leadership journey.
Don't forget to grab a copy of "The Business of You" on Amazon!
Lassoing Leadership: A New Chapter with Beards Book Club
Description:
In this exciting episode of Lassoing Leadership, hosts Garth Nichols and Jason Rogers wrap up season two and introduce the next chapter of their podcast journey.
Join them as they delve into the world of leadership through the lens of literature, featuring insightful discussions with authors and thought leaders who challenge conventional thinking.
Key Highlights:
Season Recap: Reflecting on the journey through 10 themes of leadership inspired by Ted Lasso. Introducing Beards Book Club: A new segment focusing on books that challenge and inspire leaders to think differently. Featured Books:
Outraged by Kurt Gray,
Never Quit on a Bad Day by Phoebe Trotman,
Calm in the Chaos by Danny Bauer ,
Thrive by Grant Lichman,
The Innovator's Mindset by George Kuros
Engagement Invitation:
Encouraging listeners to read along, share insights, and participate in discussions with authors.
Call to Action:
Join the conversation by sharing your thoughts and questions about the featured books. Engage with us as we explore leadership through literature.
Hashtags:
#Leadership #BookClub #TedLasso #Innovation
Episode Summary
Join us for an insightful conversation with Garth Nichols as he discusses his transition from Vice Principal at Havergall College to Head of School at Kingsway College School. Garth shares his experiences, leadership lessons, and the importance of community and values alignment in education.
Key Highlights:
Leadership Transition: Garth talks about his move to Kingsway College School and the values that align him with the new community.
Community and Connection: The significance of shared values and aspirations in building a strong community.
Educational Philosophy: Emphasizing experiential learning and mentorship as core elements of education.
Leadership Lessons: Insights from interviewing leadership experts and the importance of curiosity, compassion, and asking the right questions.
Memorable Quotes:
"Lead with curiosity and compassion."
"Community is about shared values and aspirations."
Hashtags:
#Leadership #Education #Community #Podcast
Call to Action:
Tune in to hear more about Jason's journey and the exciting new season of Last One Leadership. Subscribe now to stay updated on future episodes!
Lassoing Leadership: Leading Like Lasso
This week on Lassoing Leadership, Garth Nichols and Dr. Jason Rogers welcome Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, the brilliant authors behind the book 'Lead It Like Lasso'!
Join them for an insightful deep dive into the beloved TV show Ted Lasso, exploring the fundamental leadership themes that make it so impactful. From empathy and positive attitude to building relationships, empowerment, and trust, this episode covers it all. Marnie and Nick emphasize the critical importance of humility, vulnerability, resilience, inclusivity, ethical communication, and leading by example. Discover why knowing yourself, setting a clear vision, and living by your core values are paramount for any leader, and how building strong relationships and giving back are truly the foundations of impactful leadership.
Tune in to unlock the magic of "Lasso" leadership and apply these timeless principles to your own journey!
Key Takeaways:
Guests: Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, authors of 'Lead It Like Lasso'.
Lassoing Leadership: Leading by Example with Hope and Authenticity
This week on Lassoing Leadership, Garth Nichols and Dr. Jason Rogers welcome Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal of Havergal College, to dive deep into the essential theme of leading by example.
Dr. Samson shares her compelling journey through education, offering unique insights into the experiences of women in leadership and emphasizing the profound importance of authenticity and hopefulness in any leadership role. The conversation explores her philosophy, highlighting why honesty, transparency, and the courage to learn from failure are foundational to effective leadership. Discover the challenges and immense rewards of transitioning from teaching to leadership, and how powerful role models can shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Tune in to be inspired by Dr. Samson's wisdom on how to consistently lead with integrity, foster hope, and leave a lasting positive impact.
Key Takeaways:
Guest: Dr. Katrina Samson, Principal of Havergal College.
Lassoing Leadership: Leading with Integrity and Moral Courage
This week on Lassoing Leadership, Garth Nichols and Dr. Jason Rogers welcome Vanessa Wade, a true expert in ethical leadership, to unpack what it means to lead with a strong moral compass.
This essential conversation defines ethical leadership, delving into the critical importance of aligning personal and organizational values. Vanessa shares invaluable insights on the complex challenges leaders face when confronted with ethical dilemmas, offering practical guidance on how to reflect on your own values and foster a culture of integrity and transparency within educational institutions. The episode emphasizes the vital need for moral courage in navigating difficult choices and highlights how thoughtful decision-making prepares leaders for real-world scenarios.
Tune in to strengthen your ethical foundation and learn how to lead with unwavering integrity in any situation.
Key Takeaways:
Guest: Vanessa Wade, expert in ethical leadership.
Lassoing Leadership: The Art of Inspiring Communication
This week on Lassoing Leadership, Dr. Jason Rogers and Garth Nichols welcome Bart Egnal, CEO of the Humphrey Group, for a masterclass on the critical role of effective communication in leadership.
Bart shares invaluable insights on how leaders can truly inspire action, emphasizing the counterintuitive need to prepare to be spontaneous. Discover the power of storytelling and metaphors in moving your audience, and learn why every moment is an opportunity to connect and lead. The hosts and Bart also turn their keen eyes to the beloved character of Ted Lasso, evaluating his leadership style through the lens of communication – balancing his renowned empathy with the necessity of clear purpose. Ultimately, this episode underscores that in an increasingly complex world, the ability to move people through impactful communication remains the foundational skill for all successful leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Guest: Bart Egnal, CEO of The Humphrey Group.
Lassoing Leadership: Cultivating Cultures of Equity and Belonging
This week on Lassoing Leadership, Garth Nichols and Dr. Jason Rogers sit down with Nicole Cozier, the Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EDIB) at Havergal College.
This vital conversation delves into the paramount importance of fostering a genuine culture of equity and inclusion within educational institutions. Nicole shares her personal journey as an advocate for marginalized communities, outlining her vision for creating truly safe and affirming spaces for both students and staff. The discussion also bravely addresses the inherent challenges of navigating traditional power structures within independent schools, emphasizing the long-term commitment to change required for meaningful EDIB progress.
Nicole offers practical steps for school leaders and highlights valuable resources to deepen understanding in this critical field, proving that building a sense of belonging is not just about participation, but about ownership and contribution.
Key Takeaways:
Guest: Nicole Cozier, Executive Director of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging at Havergal College.
