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What happens when we stop rescuing and start empowering? In this insightful conversation, I sit down with Coach Monique to explore the powerful intersection of emotional intelligence, brain science, leadership, parenting, and personal transformation. I share my journey from more than three decades in Montessori education and school leadership to transformational leadership and coaching. Coach Monique shares her remarkable path from navigating undiagnosed learning disabilities to becoming a coach who helps individuals, families, executives, and organizations create sustainable change through brain science and emotional intelligence. Together, we examine some of the challenges facing today’s young adults—particularly Gen Z—including the impact of technology, the pandemic, over-rescuing parenting, and reduced opportunities to develop resilience and self-regulation. What many employers are experiencing as a "soft skills" gap may actually be an emotional intelligence and developmental gap. The conversation also explores Coach Monique’s work with executives, families, nonprofits, and young adults, including her MELD program for executive women, support for young adults navigating the "failure to launch" stage, and EQYs, an internationally accredited online learning platform focused on the skills young people need to thrive in the workplace and in life. Shawn and Monique also discuss how transformational tools such as Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) can be integrated into a larger coaching process—not simply to create an immediate breakthrough, but to support lasting, sustainable change. This conversation invites us to reconsider what it means to help someone succeed. Are we rescuing, or are we building resilience? Are we correcting behavior, or developing the emotional intelligence underneath it? If you are a parent, educator, coach, leader, or someone committed to becoming more emotionally intelligent, this episode offers practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives for navigating a world that is changing faster than ever. Special Offer: Use code PLT for 15% off any EQYs course. Where to find Coach Monique and her work: Coaching: Coach Monique WebsiteOnline Courses: EQ Wize Website Socials: Instagram Facebook Listeners can visit  www.coachmonique.com/contact and submit a contact form mentioning Parenting Leading & Teaching for one complimentary coaching session (Nine sessions in a package for the price of eight). LinkedInCoach Monique FacebookCoach Monique Instagram Special Offers: https://courses.eqwize.com/collections : Your listeners can use code PLT at checkout for 15% off any course.

Kevin Cripe, a former teacher, shares his journey of using chess to empower students from impoverished schools. He started a chess program at Shackleford School in South Modesto, California, where 90% of students were English language learners. Over 200 tournaments and 14 national championships later, many students became first-generation college graduates. Cripe emphasizes the importance of challenging students, celebrating effort, and fostering a supportive environment. He also discussed his experiences teaching chess in Costa Rica and Panama, and the books he has written. Cripe is open to teaching chess and public speaking engagements and would love to hear from any of my listeners: [email protected] (email) and  kevincripemotivationalspeaker.com (website)

Norrine Russell, founder of Russell Coaching, discusses her organization's focus on supporting neurodivergent children, particularly those with ADHD and autism. With 24 coaches serving 150 students weekly, Russell Coaching emphasizes self-regulation and executive functioning skills that help these individuals navigate life with independence. Norrine highlights the importance of meeting children where they are and using a strengths-based approach. She also stresses the need for parents to shift from managing to coaching their children. Norrine and I discuss the importance of empathy, social and emotional learning and fostering independence. This episode is fun and engaging - one you are sure to enjoy. Learn more here: russellcoaching.com. Russell Coaching also offers a 20% discount for new clients using the code "Russell26."

Parents and Educators! Today I interviewed Mike Kenny (Burlington, VT; former 19-year 5th-grade teacher; now runs MathFacts Lab full time with ~10 staff). He describes a strategy-based, visual, digital platform that avoids rote memorization, using concrete/pictorial/abstract models (dice, number lines, area models, missing factors). He created a 2012 flashcard system, then migrated to Google Slides/Chromebooks, then MathFacts Lab. A study of 4th graders outside Philadelphia showed fluency rising from ~40% at year’s start to ~92% by year’s end. Users include families, homeschools, individual teachers, schools, districts, and international schools (Australia, New Zealand). Grades: kindergarten–2 (add/subtract), 3+ (mult/div). Levels A–Z; flexible switching between operations. Motivation is intrinsic (level progress). Website: mathfactlab.com. Enjoy!

In this episode of "Parenting, Leading, and Teaching with Emotional Intelligence and Love," host Shawn Edwards welcomes Dr. Ann Ishimaru and Dr. Decoteau Irby to discuss their groundbreaking work on equity leadership in education. Drawing from their book "Doing the Work of Equity Leadership for Justice and Systems Change," the conversation explores the challenges and opportunities of transforming school systems to better serve all students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds. The guests share insights from nearly a decade of research, highlighting the importance of diverse leadership, culturally responsive curricula, and the perseverance required to create lasting, systemic change. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how educators and communities can work together to foster justice, inclusion, and meaningful progress in schools.

Miki Agrawal, an entrepreneur focused on reducing and regenerating, discusses her company Hiro Technologies and its products, including Hiro Diapers. Hiro Diapers are unbleached, non-toxic, and biodegradable, using fungi to break down plastic. They offer a monthly subscription for $99, including diapers, wipes, and fungi pouches. As a Montessori educator and coach, Shawn Edwards (host) highlights the alignment between Montessori's focus on independence and environmental consciousness and Hiro Diapers' mission. They also discuss the importance of teaching children about environmental stewardship and the benefits of Montessori education. Find her products here: www.hirodiapers.com https://mikiagrawal.com/ @mikiagrawal

Meet Leah Ellis...the founder of the Society of Child Entrepreneurs, a nonprofit organization that teaches entrepreneurial skills to children aged 6-17. Leah emphasizes hands-on learning and child-led businesses, aligning with Montessori principles. Her program includes week-long camps, monthly memberships, and business fairs where children sell their products and learn critical thinking and problem-solving. Leah shares her personal experience with her children's businesses and the importance of financial literacy from a young age. They also discuss the potential for scaling the program and integrating it into schools.

Kevin Spicer, a high school teacher on Vancouver Island, discusses his book "Anchored Teens." Kevin emphasizes the importance of helping teens develop an internal locus of control, resilience, and grit. He notes a decline in teens' self-reliance and confidence, exacerbated by over-scheduling and technology addiction. Kevin advocates for clear standards, consistent consequences, and fostering responsibility. He shares practical strategies, such as setting boundaries, encouraging effort over talent, and using sports to build resilience. The book aims to facilitate dialogues between parents and teens, promoting emotional and social health. I love his quote: "Ability gets us in the room; effort keeps us in the room." www.anchoredteens.com https://a.co/d/iIwzEwN [email protected] @Anchored.Teens

Dr. LaNysha Adams discusses her journey to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she now directs the Student Wellness Center at a community college. She emphasizes the importance of "me power," a framework she developed that focuses on self-awareness and practical principles like embracing barriers and choosing guides. Adams highlights the significance of rituals and reflection in personal growth. She shares her experience of studying abroad in England, which led to her first panic attack but also fostered her personal development. Shawn aligns Adams' principles with Montessori's focus on internal locus of control and self-management, emphasizing the importance of fostering personal power in children and adults. find a free download of LaNysha's book, Me Power, here: https://bit.ly/mepower4me. Social links here: https://bio.link/edling  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lanysha/

Do you know what the universal human tendencies and needs are? Do you know what specific ones apply to different planes of development? Maria Montessori taught us about these...enjoy this episode of my podcast!

Shawn Edwards and Kathryn Kronenberg discuss the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) for children and families. Kathryn, an award-winning author and founder of the "Live Big" series, shares her journey of writing children's books that promote self-belief and resilience. Her books, including "Dream Big," "Love Big," "Think Big," and the new "Live Big with Ketchum," aim to help children see their extraordinary potential. Shawn emphasizes the significance of SEL in fostering a supportive classroom environment. Both agree on the need for SEL to be a central focus in education and society. Kathryn also offers resources and coaching for parents and educators. Find here here: Website: https://katkronenberg.com/#Book%20Trailer  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kat-kronenbergcatch-m/

Enjoy this episode with Richard Ramos as he discusses his background and work in parenting and community leadership. Richard Ramos, with a Master's in Science Education and Counseling, founded Parents on a Mission and Youth on a Mission, focusing on empowering parents and youth. He emphasizes the importance of parental self-awareness and community engagement. Shawn Edwards, a Montessori-trained educator and positive discipline trainer, highlights the need for early parental education and support. Both agree on the critical role of parents in shaping their children's lives and the community. Richard's training programs aim to equip parents and educators to foster responsible, engaged citizens.

Luba Kidology, a speech-language pathologist, discussed her journey from journalism to founding Kidology, a multidisciplinary therapy center in Pennsylvania, with plans to expand. She highlighted her new online course, "The Confident IEP Parent," launching in October, aimed at preparing parents for IEP meetings. Luba emphasized the importance of emotional intelligence and the need for better support for both parents and educators. She also mentioned her bilingual services and the introduction of a therapy bus to reach families more effectively. Shawn Edwards, a Montessori educator, shared insights on the challenges of IEPs and 504 plans in public education.

Meet Christine Devane, author of Elephant Beach! As an educator and mother of three, Christine is passionate about connection and understanding. This story celebrates a shy, introverted child who unexpectedly is surrounded by lively elephants on a beach and how the experience becomes a win-win for all! This is a must read for elementary students. check her and work out here: https://www.christine-devane.com/ and find her on Instragram: stined13

Enjoy this engaging interview with Jillian Reilly. She has lived a life of listening to her inner voice and empowers others to do the same. In a rapidly changing world with AI infiltrating our lives and our work, it is more important than ever to embrace, or at least begin to develop our internal locus of control. Let's give ourselves permission to emerge as the individuals we yearn to be. Preorder her book here: ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Ten-Permissions-Redefining-Adulting-Century/dp/1963827295⁠ Connect with Jillian and her work here: LI:  ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianreilly/⁠website URL:  ⁠https://tenpermissions.com/⁠TedTalk link: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5V8ucQrP0j8⁠Amazon Pre-order link: ⁠http://bit.ly/44GUoms⁠Look forward to talking tomorrow.