This Is Leadership

In this Season 1 final episode, I welcome my dad, Robert McLean, who has worked in leadership roles throughout his life. Robert shares some very interesting stories and lessons learned during his life-long leadership journey with us.

In this episode, I connect with Mary Howard, a grade 6 Nationally Board Certified Teacher in Grand Island, New York. Mary talks to us about how educators can leverage ChatGPT in all aspects of teaching. She encourages us to elevate and adapt our pedagogy using innovative strategies and tools. Mary discusses how important it is for students and teachers to use chatbots to support their own independent thoughts. Finally, Mary and I talk about her new book Artificial Intelligence to Streamline Your Teacher Life.

In this episode, I connect with Sandra Donahue, President of the Catholic Principal's Council of Ontario (CPCO). Sandra explains how important it is for principals to be solid in relationship building and well-grounded when it comes to teaching and learning. She talks about how infusing her passions into her role as a leader has served her very well throughout the years. Sandra and I discuss how school leaders need to build a collective vision with everyone, including students, and the positive impact that we can all have by being the spark that lights others up.

In this episode, I connect with Lisa Lamoureux-Collins, System Principal of Student Well-Being and Equity at the Near North District School Board in North Bay, Ontario Canada. Lisa is also the former President of the Ontario Principals Council.

Lisa talks to us about the challenges of shifting from online to in-person learning and the power of mentorship. She touches on the complex evolution of the principalship and its impact on leaders. Lisa and I discuss how crucial it is for leaders to invest in their continuous growth intentionally.

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Ryan Jackson, Executive Director of Leadership & Business Development in Maury County, TN. Ryan talks to us about The Underdog's Advocate, a movement that supports and pushes forward people who do not feel seen, recognized, or like they belong. He also explains why taking control of your thinking can be a life-changing habit. Ryan shares how the #FitLeaders movement took root and its far-reaching and growing impact on people from across the globe.

In this episode, I connect with T.J. Hoogsteen, Doctor of educational leadership and principal of an elementary school in northern Saskatchewan. T.J. talks to us about collective teacher and leader efficacy and explains his leadership framework for rural schools. T.J. and I discuss the importance of building a strong support system with a school and district.

*This is the 5th episode of a 5-part series showcasing the book Disrupt The Status Quo: Inspire. Innovate. Lead. Teach. Learn.*

In this episode, I connect with all four authors and have a group discussion regarding the ideas from the book’s different sections. A great finish to this awesome series!

*This is the 4th episode of a 5-part series showcasing the book Disrupt The Status Quo: Inspire. Innovate. Lead. Teach. Learn.*

In this episode, I connect with Brian Aspinall, educator, best-selling author, three times TEDx Speaker and one of the brightest STEAM innovators in education. Brian talks to us about the importance of celebrating the process as well as the final product. He explains how crucial it is to shift our thinking from delivering curriculum to discovering curriculum. Brian and I discuss whether or not technology use in classrooms is still an event.

*This is the 3rd episode of a 5-part series showcasing the book Disrupt The Status Quo: Inspire. Innovate. Lead. Teach. Learn.*

In this episode, I connect with Christine Ravesi-Weinstein, educational leader, author, speaker and mental health advocate. Christine talks about how the connections we make with our students are much more important than worrying about delivering content. She reminds us that comparing ourselves to others is not the road to take in order to grow and become better and that we need to stop expecting ourselves to be perfect at all times. Christine and I discuss how mastering competencies will allow us and our students to conquer any content.

*This is the 2nd episode of a 5-part series showcasing the book Disrupt The Status Quo: Inspire. Innovate. Lead. Teach. Learn.*

In this episode, I connect with Dr. Matthew X. Joseph, Director of Evaluation, Supervision, Mentoring, and Hiring in Brockton Public Schools in Massachusetts, USA. He is also the CEO of X-Factor EDU consulting and publishing. Matthew talks about the importance of giving other people a voice and building confidence to fail and succeed as your authentic self. We discuss the dangers of fake positivity and the importance of disrupting the norm.

*This is the 1st episode of a 5-part series showcasing the book Disrupt The Status Quo: Inspire. Innovate. Lead. Teach. Learn.*

In this episode, I connect with Daphne McMenemy, Managing Director at Code Breaker Inc and the recipient of the 2022 Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM. Daphne and I talk about controlled chaos in the classroom, the importance of surrounding yourself with people that help to remove blinders, and staying clear of negativity.

In this episode, I connect with award-winning principal and author Dr. Christopher Jones. Chris talks to us about his book SEEing to Lead, and how administrators can help support, engage and empower teachers. 

In this episode, I connect with George Couros, speaker, author and leadership consultant. George reacts to some well-chosen quotes, talks about the importance of getting up from failure and how discipline can lead to motivation.

In this episode, I connect with Peter DeWitt, national and international school leadership coach and author and co-author of numerous books. Peter and Joël talk about Peter's book Collective Leader Efficacy.

In this episode, I connect with Gilles Séguin, Academic Coach and Sales Manager. Gilles and I talk about how important it is for leaders to help others transform. We also talk about how we should always be on the lookout to make an impact and the reasons why we should embrace each moment of our lives.

In this episode, I connect with Robert Breyer, author and elementary School Principal at Anderson Creek Primary School within Harnett County Schools. We talk about the importance of providing others opportunities to grow and leadership development at all levels in a school system. Robert and I also discuss his book Taking the Leap: A Field Guide for Aspiring School Leaders.

In this episode, I connect with Eric Sheninger, Author, Thought Leader, Innovator, Educator, and Speaker. We talk about strategies for impactful communication and discuss his latest book, Disruptive Thinking.

In this episode, I connect with Danny Bauer, Chief Ruckus Maker at Better Leaders, Better Schools. We talk about leveling up as a leader, and how we can help others to level up as well.

Your host, Joël McLean, introduces his new podcast: This Is Leadership.