Advertise on podcast: Empowering the Next Generation Podcast

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Allayna Ratliff, an award-winning educational leader, Academic Superintendent, and CEO of the Executive Leadership Academy for Aspiring School Principals. Throughout her career, Dr. Ratliff has developed leaders from the classroom to the district level. Her work goes beyond helping educators simply pursue leadership positions—she equips aspiring principals with the executive-level preparation, mentorship, strategic thinking, and leadership presence they need to become the leaders districts are looking to select. Today, we're exploring what it really takes to move from aspiring to lead to being prepared, positioned, and selected to lead. Closing Quote“Don't wait for the title to become the leader. Develop the capacity, demonstrate the value, and become the solution before the opportunity arrives.” Here are the links to my social media pages:  Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/allayna.ratliff   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drallaynaratliff/  YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dr.allaynaratliff-thelearn9718?si=M82DvB16Y2W5yWwO If you want to start your entrepreneurial journey and learn how to monetize your expertise like my guest speakers, register today to get a free guide to explain to you how you can start. Join my membership 14-Day Free Trial The CEO Educator Membership

Kelli Wyatt is an educator, author, and entrepreneur with 27years of experience in the School District of Philadelphia. She is passionate about literacy, special education, instructional leadership, and creating systems that help students and educators thrive. As an Assistant Principal and travel business owner, Kelli leads with purpose, equity, collaboration, and a commitment to meaningful growth. If you want to start your entrepreneurial journey and learn how to monetize your expertise like my guest speakers, register today to get a free guide to explain to you how you can start. Join my membership 14-Day Free Trial The CEO Educator Membership

Liz Brown is Founder and CEO of L. Brown EducationalConsulting. With 15+ years in education as a teacher, instructional leader, and principal, she helps schools create positive, well-managed classrooms. Through practical coaching and professional development, Liz equips educators with strategies that strengthen teacher confidence, student success, and school culture. 60 mins Kickstart Strategy SessionEmail is [email protected]: LBrownEduConsultingFB: L Brown Educational ConsultingTikTok LBeezey85 If you want to start your entrepreneurial journey and learn how to monetize your expertise like my guest speakers, register today to get a free guide to explain to you how you can start. Join my membership 14-Day Free Trial The CEO Educator Membership

Shannon C. Williams is an educator, leadership coach, author,speaker, and content creator with more than 25 years of experience developing students, teachers, and leaders. A former district leader and current assistant principal, he is the founder of The Limitless Leadership Institute, author of Burning the Wheel and the Limitless LeadershipWorkbook, host of the Circle of Brothers podcast, and creator of the popular College Life in the 90s & 2000s cartoonseries, which celebrates the culture, humor, and traditions of the HBCU experience. His mission is to help people discover their purpose, maximize their leadership potential, and build cultures that transform lives. Shannon believes that leaders build culture, culture sustains behavior, and behavior produces results Website: https://limitlessleadershipinstitute.com If you want to start your entrepreneurial journey and learn how to monetize your expertise like my guest speakers, register today to get a free guide to explain to you how you can start. Join my membership 14-Day Free Trial TheCEO Educator Membership

Jessica Lane is an educator, former school leader, author, andco-founder of Symplifyed. Her work helps schools move beyond overwhelming data and rigid systems to make better decisions using tiny data, human connection, and practical support. She is the author of Data-Informed, People-Driven. Socials linkedin: linkedin.com/in/informedimpact/Podcast- youtube.com/@symplifyedpodWebsite - symplifyed.comBook - datainformedpeopledriven.com

Dr. David Martin is a professional speaker, author, mentor, and Port Arthur, Texas native whose life was transformed through faith, purpose, and perseverance. Creator of the PPT Formula (People, Places, and Thinking) he empowers youth, educators, and communities to overcome challenges, make positive decisions, and unlock their God-given potential. Questions: Can you take us back to your early years and share how you became caught in the cycle of drugs and alcohol, and what ultimately led to your breakthrough? Why is it so important to evaluate the people we surround ourselves with, and how do relationships influence the direction of our lives? How can our environment either fuel our purpose or pull us away from it, and what practical steps can young people and adults take to create healthier environments Why is renewing our thinking the key to creating a different future, and how can someone begin that process today? What message would you share with someone who feels trapped by their past and believes their future can never be different? Dr. Martin, thank you for reminding us that our past does not have to define our future. Your story is a powerful example that lasting transformation begins with the choices we make about the people we surround ourselves with, the environments we embrace, and the thoughts we allow to shape our lives. Remember, no matter where your journey begins, hope, healing, and transformation are always possible. Socials martinsempowermentgroup.com David's Daily Motivation (@davidmartin.jr) • Instagram photos https://www.facebook.com/groups/1198411147373752

Joshua Stamper is an educator, speaker, and creator of the Aspire to Lead podcast. A former middle school administrator and author of The Language of Behavior, he equips educators with trauma-responsive strategies to create supportive learning environments and drive student success throughempathetic leadership. What healthy habits have you found to be most essential for helping leaders stay grounded, focused, and effective underpressure? How do your daily routines and personal habits influence the way you show up for your team, your students, and yourself? Why is it so important for leaders to intentionally protect their energy, focus, and mindset in order to effectively support others? Website: www.joshstamper.com Twitter (X): @Joshua__Stamper (@Joshua__Stamper) Instagram: @Joshua__Stamper (@Joshua__Stamper) LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper/ Blue Sky: @joshuaStamper YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joshuastamper  Aspire to Lead Book: www.bit.ly/aspirelead  The Language of Behavior Book

Shawn Hurt is an educational consultant and School Turnaround Principal, and Aerica Hurt is a registered nursing consultant who owns and operates her own adult respite‑care business. They have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of two children. Together, Shawn and Aerica arethe co‑authors of the book Every Parent Must Read This! Parent + School = Student Success. We talk about Why is the parent-school partnership moreimportant today than ever before, and what inspired you to write this book together? What does effective advocacy look like, and how can parents become stronger partners in their child's educational journey without feeling intimidated by the school system? How can parents ensure their praise becomes fuelfor their child's growth, confidence, and resilience rather than simply recognition for achievement? What are some practical ways parents can demonstrate engagement and presence, and what impact does that have on student success? How can parents and teachers work together toidentify those strengths and create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally? “When parents and schools move from partnership to purpose, students gain the confidence, support, and opportunity to become their very best selves.” Connect with Shawn Facebook

Cedrick LaFleur is a 12X visionary author, business leader, and speaker with over 37 years of experience in healthcare sales and leadership. As Chief Executive of the LaFleur Leadership Institute, he develops leaders through coaching,speaking, and organizational training. His work focuses on helping people recognize what’s real, require what matters, and move with clarity, discipline, and alignment. Websites Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cedrick.lafleur  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lafleurleadershipinstitute

Kurtis Hewson is an award-winning former administrator and teacher, as well as teachingfaculty at the post-secondary level.  He is the co-founder of Jigsaw Learning, a co-author of the text Collaborative Response: Three Foundational Components That Transform How We Respond to the Needs of Learners (Corwin,2022), and currently works with We Respond to the Needs of Learners districts and schools nationally and internationally establishing Collaborative Response frameworks and interacting with thousands of educators annually. Website: jigsawlearning.ca/free

Dr. Chris Jochum is the founder and CEO of CJ Leadership Solutions, where he serves as an author, speaker, trainer and podcast host, primarily working with K12 districts, higher education and private industry. As a former K12 teacher and current university professor and administrator, Chris is passionate about improving organizations and the lives of those within them through leadership development. Title: The Teacher Leader He is passionate about training leaders and most recently wrote a book on teacher leadership.• You’ve worked across K–12, higher education, and leadership development through CJ Leadership Solutions. When you think about teacher leadership, how do you define it—and why does it matter more now than ever? • There’s a lot of conversation around teacher leadership, but also some confusion. What are some of the biggest misconceptions schools or leaders have about what teacher leadership really is? • When teacher leadership is done well, it can transform a school or organization. What are some of the most powerful benefits you’ve seen—for teachers, students, and overall culture? • For schools and districts that want to move beyond talk and actually build teacher leadership, what are some practical ways they can intentionally support, develop, and empower teacher leaders? • From your perspective as both a former K–12 teacher and current professor and administrator, what’s one mindset shift leaders need to make to truly unlock the potential of teacher leadership in their organization? • For a school that’s just getting started with this work, what does a strong first step in building a culture of teacher leadership actually look like in practice? “A great teacher doesn’t just teach—they create more leaders.” If you want to start your entrepreneurial journey and learn how to monetize your expertise like my guest speakers, register today to get a free guide to explain to you how you can start. Join my free facebook community https://www.setuptosuccess.com/educeo1743399139556 Book a 15 mins strategy call https://calendly.com/coach_helen/15-mins-clarity-call?month=2026-02 Check also my linktree to see what I offer The Keys For Success | Linktree Follow me on instaHelen Verroux (@thekeysforsuccess) • Instagram photos and videos

Dr. Nakia Avery is an education consultant and strategist with 17 years of experience as a teacher, counselor, administrator, and consultant. She specializes in strengthening school systems, improving student outcomes, and advancing specialeducation leadership, compliance, and literacy initiatives. This work leads to identifying sustainable solutions, unlocking funding opportunities, and building high-impact learning environments that support long-term organizational success.   You’ve worked across multiple roles in education—teacher, counselor, administrator, and now consultant. Whatinitially drew you into education, and how did that journey lead you into consulting and systems work with schools?   With your experience in strengthening school systems and supporting special education and literacy initiatives,what’s one common mistake you see schools make when trying to support struggling students?   You focus on sustainable solutions rather than quick fixes. What’s one practical strategy or shift that school leaders could implement right away to start strengthening their systems and improving outcomes?   When schools build strong systems and bstructures, the impact can extend far beyond immediate results. What doesthat long-term impact look like for students, especially those who need the most support? For educators and leaders listening who are passionate about making a difference but sometimes feel overwhelmed, what message of encouragement wouldyou share about the impact they can have when the right systems and supports are in place?   Social Insta:@averyconsultingserv

Charle Peck, LCSW, M.Ed., is a keynote speaker and author who equips professionals in high-pressure roles with tools to thrive under stress. Her keynote, Thriving Under Pressure, along with her leadership toolkit, helps individuals and teams perform at their best and create lasting impact across education, mental health, and helping professions. She consults with education leaders on how to lead through stress and complex student behaviour using practical, neuroscience-informed strategies that support both staff and systems. Questions   Right now, many education leaders are navigating overwhelmed staff and escalating student behavior. What patterns are you seeing across schools—and why don’t traditional solutions seem to be working anymore?   Leaders genuinely want to support teacher stress and student behavior, but often end up layering on more initiatives.How can they respond in ways that actually help—without unintentionally increasing burnout?   There’s a lot of pressure on leaders to hold everything together. How can they lead effectively and support their teams without carrying the entire emotional and operational load themselves?   You talk about consultation differently than most people. What does effective, ongoing consultation for school and district leaders really look like—and how is it different from one-off professional development or motivational sessions?   If you could offer education leaders one powerful mindset shift—or one next step—that would make the biggest impact right now, what would it be?   @CharlePeck TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn

Todd Bloomer Originally from New York, Todd has served schools & communities for the past three decades. A former coach, principal and author, After 29 years in public education (18 as an administrator) Todd now serves principals and supports schools in the Archdiocese of San Antonio as the Director of School Leadership!  He also wrote a book - The Blueprint ! He is passionate about self care and giving back     Your journey hasn’t always been balanced.How did you eventually find a sustainable work-life balance, and what had to change for that to happen?   You speak often about self-care,especially for leaders. Why is self-care not just important, but essential for long-term effectiveness and impact?   You decided to put your ideas into writingwith The Blueprint. What was the moment—or motivation—that made you realize this book needed to exist?   Looking back on your leadership journey,if you could start over, what would you do differently—and what advice would you give to leaders just starting out?

Dr. Darrin Peppard is a nationally recognized leadership expert, keynote speaker, and author. A former high school principal and superintendent, Darrin brings nearly three decades of experience in education to his work as a leadership coach and consultant. He is the author of Road to Awesome and Culture First Classrooms, and the host of the Leaning Into Leadership podcast. Through coaching, speaking, and professional learning, Darrin helps leaders embrace clarity, lead with purpose, and create thriving school cultures.   You often talk about school leaders beingstuck in a “cycle of chaos.” What does that actually look like day to day, and how do leaders know when they’re caught in it?   Once leaders recognize they’re in that cycle, where should they start? What are a few practical steps they can take to break out of chaos and move toward clarity?   Many leaders say they want to be in classrooms more but struggle to make it happen. What gets in the way mostoften, and what does effective classroom presence really look like?   When leaders are in classrooms, what makes the difference between just observing and truly leading instruction? What are your top tips for becoming a strong, impactful instructional leader? Two inspirational advice taken from your book “Road toAwesome and Culture First Classrooms” to any educators who want to create an awesome culture in their community? Websites:darrinpeppard.com   roadtoawesome.net instagram:@darrin_m_peppard books:https://a.co/d/07qYCBLs  and https://a.co/d/02rt0MYO  linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrinmpeppard/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarrinMPeppard Podcast: https://leaning-into-leadership.captivate.fm