Advertise on podcast: Standout Voices: Leadership Lessons

In this episode, Dr. Gary Smit shares lessons from his decades-long career in education and character development. From the Six Pillars of Character to navigating today’s challenges in education, Dr. Smit discusses how school leaders can build strong cultures, foster respectful dialogue, lead with integrity, and positively influence the students and communities they serve.

In this episode, we consider how to best lead your team through changes that are beyond your control.  We also consider how schools effectively serve students with intense behavioral needs without compromising the learning environment for everyone, and how we best support our staff along the way.  Whether you are leading a system or just trying to serve and support others, this episode will provide you with both encouragement and actionable insight.

What does it truly mean to lead others well? In this episode, we dive into the principles of servant leadership, the value of being teachable, and the importance of embracing different seasons of life and career. Our guest shares how a mindset of service can transform the way we lead, ask questions, and support others. Whether you’re an educator, leader, or professional seeking purpose in your work, this episode will leave you with both encouragement and actionable insight.

How do you build a school culture rooted in growth, joy, and shared leadership? In this episode, MOC–Floyd Valley High School principal Levi Letsche shares how intentional systems, collective efficacy, and servant leadership can develop strong student and staff leaders—and create schools where people truly thrive.

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, the power 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: Learning Transformed Personal and Authentic   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: The Main Idea 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   Trust & Inspire, Stephen Covey

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: The Carpenter, Jon Gordon 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 thefutureorganization.com 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 Freezing Order: A True Story of Money Laundering, Murder, and Surviving Vladimir Putin’s Wrath, Bill Browder

“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: www.themainidea.net The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters