The Empowered Principal® Podcast

Have you ever been in a relationship where you know something's wrong, but you're too afraid to talk about it because you don't want it to end? That's exactly what's happening in education right now.   We're clinging to the old paradigm where we're the authority figures, students comply without question, and everyone understands the value of school. Deep down, we school leaders know that world doesn't exist anymore. We're struggling to articulate the value of what we offer, grappling with the very purpose of school itself, while students and families seem to be questioning whether they're buying what we're selling anymore.   Tune in this week to discover why it's time to have courageous conversations about education's future, how confusion might be at the root of our exhaustion and overwhelm, and what happens when we finally sit down to talk about what we really want school to look like and feel like. This isn't about going back to the way things were. It's about stepping up to the leadership table and navigating the discomfort of not having all the answers while still moving forward.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/414   Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Have you noticed how the value of education is being questioned by everyone - students, parents, even some of your staff?   Since the pandemic, there's been an explosion of change in how people view school. Students question why they need to attend. Parents wonder if the curriculum still matters. And you're caught in the middle, trying to uphold standards while the ground shifts beneath your feet. The truth is, we're experiencing a massive disconnect between what educators believe school should be and what our communities actually want. And that disconnect? It's drowning us in doubt.   Join me this week as I explore why there's such a disconnect between educator expectations and community values, and how to recalibrate the purpose of school for today's reality. If you've been feeling like you're losing at the game of education, this episode will help you understand why, and show you a path forward.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/413   Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Have you ever felt so exhausted that even a full night's sleep doesn't help? Maybe you're dragging yourself to school each morning, fighting back tears in the parking lot. Or sitting in your car for an hour after work because you just can't face going inside yet. I get it. As educators, we give everything to our students… often at the expense of our own wellbeing.   This week, I'm joined by Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh to explore her journey from burnout to balance, and how she discovered that teacher wellness isn't selfish - it's essential. And in this episode, she shares a revolutionary framework that changed everything for her, and could transform your teaching experience too.   Tune in to discover why you have to feel well to teach well, and how, when teachers model self-regulation and wellness practices, it creates ripple effects throughout classrooms, schools, and communities. Dr. Michelle shares the 7 areas of rest (and why you're probably deficient in at least 3 of them), and how to incorporate micro-moments of restoration throughout your school day.   Meet Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh: Dr. Michelle Chanda Singh is a National Board Certified Teacher, CEO of LCT-E Learning Solutions®, and founder of Restful Teacher® and Empty2Empowered™. A globally recognized education leader, Michelle champions equity, innovation, and well-being in education. Her EQUAL Methodology™ equips educators and leaders with research-based strategies and emerging technologies to create inclusive and engaging learning environments.   As a Jamaican immigrant, Michelle's passion for cultural empathy and inclusivity has fueled over two decades of transformative impact as a teacher, district leader, professor, consultant, and speaker. Through her curricula, training programs,  and keynotes, she provides actionable solutions to today's biggest educational and organizational challenges—from burnout to disengagement—helping schools, institutions, and organizations cultivate thriving leaders and empowered learners.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/412   Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Veteran principals sometimes share a secret that newer leaders might not expect: the work can feel repetitive, uninspiring, even boring. When you've mastered the routines of observation cycles, behavior investigations, and IEP meetings, when you've successfully calmed the chaos and created systems that work, you might find yourself wondering if this is all there is to school leadership.   If you're a veteran principal feeling disconnected from your work, you're not alone. I recently coached a highly successful principal in her fourth year who confessed she felt bored. Not overwhelmed. Not stressed. Just... blah.   If you're catching yourself thinking, "What's the point?" as you face another round of observations or another behavior investigation, this episode is for you. You'll learn why you're feeling this way, and how to bring fresh energy to your role and rediscover the excitement you felt when you first landed this position.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/411

Have you ever lost sleep over that one teacher who seems to disagree with everything you do? Or found yourself obsessing over why certain staff members just don't seem to like you? I get it. I've been there.   In fact, I remember spending countless hours trying to win over teachers who didn't like me. Stewing over their eye rolls, analyzing their non-verbals, and desperately trying to figure out what I did wrong. The truth? I was wasting precious time and energy that could have been spent actually leading. That's why this week's episode is a game-changer.   Join me this week to learn about the 1/3 perspective: a simple but powerful framework that completely transformed how I approach relationships as a school leader. You'll discover why chasing approval from those who don't like you is actually preventing you from being an effective leader, and how accepting this natural distribution of relationships can free up your time and energy for what really matters. Most importantly, you'll learn how to use the discomfort of not being liked as curriculum for your own growth and expansion as a leader.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/410   Get in touch with me:  https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/angelakellycoaching/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-kelly-robeck-57774835

Does your heart rate spike when your superintendent's name pops up in your inbox?   As an educational leadership coach, I've noticed a universal pattern - that nervous feeling around authority figures. Whether it's a fear of criticism, worry about disappointing them, or anxiety about being micromanaged, these physical reactions to authority figures in education aren't just about the present moment - they're deeply rooted in patterns that shape how we show up as leaders.   Join me this week as I peel back the layers and examine what you're actually afraid of. I share the real reasons behind anxiety around your boss or superintendent, and three powerful questions that will help you understand your emotions so you can transform that anxiety into empowered leadership.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/409   Get in touch with me:  https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/angelakellycoaching/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-kelly-robeck-57774835

As you make your classroom rounds this week, I want to ask you something: when was the last time you focused not just on what you saw, but what you felt when you walked into a classroom?   We've all had that experience - walking into one room where everything flows perfectly, then stepping into another where something feels... off. Even before we see any tangible evidence. That's not coincidence. That's energy.   The most exceptional school leaders understand that teaching and learning isn't just about what it looks like. It's about what it actually is. Join me this week as I challenge you to think differently about your classroom walkthroughs and observations, and explore how, by tuning into the energy of each classroom, leaders can move beyond compliance toward creating environments where everyone genuinely wants to be.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/408   Get in touch with me:  https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/angelakellycoaching/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-kelly-robeck-57774835

I recently had a client schedule a one-on-one after a particularly challenging incident where a student admitted to a behavior during the investigation, then went home and adamantly denied everything to their parents.   The parent confronted my client, confused about the conflicting stories, and suddenly she found herself in a situation where someone's telling the truth and someone's not. When we feel accused of lying or our integrity is questioned, our fight or flight response can kick in faster than we can think, leading to defensiveness or shutdown.   Join me this week to discover what to do when you're accused of lying. We'll explore why children tell different stories at school versus home, and how to stay emotionally regulated and curious instead of reactive so you can maintain your leadership position.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/407   Get in touch with me:  https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/angelakellycoaching/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-kelly-robeck-57774835

As educators and school leaders, we often pour our hearts into our work, only to sometimes feel that our efforts aren't fully appreciated. This tension between service and appreciation reveals a deeper truth about where we seek validation and how it impacts our ability to lead and teach effectively.   When staff members feel unappreciated, whether they're teachers facing demanding parents or support staff feeling overlooked, there's a fundamental shift happening in their sense of identity and empowerment. The challenge here isn't just about getting more appreciation. It's about understanding why we need it and what happens when we don't get it the way we expect.   Tune in this week to discover practical ways to help your staff reconnect with their internal validation and professional identity. I share strategies for creating a culture of equal value where every role is recognized as an essential puzzle piece. Most importantly, you'll learn how to guide your team back to appreciating themselves first, making external recognition the cherry on top rather than the foundation of their professional worth.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/406   Get in touch with me:  https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/angelakellycoaching/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-kelly-robeck-57774835

When was the last time you thought about your emotional fitness? Just like physical muscles need regular exercise to stay strong, our social-emotional skills require consistent practice to serve us when we need them most. But here's the thing - many educators are trying to teach SEL without first developing their own emotional literacy.   This week, I'm joined by Lori Woodley-Langendorff, a 32-year veteran school counselor, co-founder of nonprofit All It Takes, and author of SEL Muscle Mastery, for an honest conversation about managing our emotional responses as school leaders and how this social and emotional foundation is the bedrock that makes learning possible.   Join us on this episode to discover how vulnerability and emotional connection unlock learning in ways that control never could. Lori and I examine why SEL often fails when treated as compliance rather than literacy, and she shares how teaching SEL skills transforms not just student behavior, but educator wellbeing.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/405   Get in touch with me:  https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/angelakellycoaching/?hl=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-kelly-robeck-57774835

School leaders everywhere know the feeling – you've been pushing the boulder up the mountain since August, giving 200% to launch the school year successfully. The adrenaline that carried you through the first weeks starts to fade, and suddenly you're wondering how you'll sustain this pace or create any kind of work-life balance.   This conversation with Steven Langer, former principal and CEO of Well by Design, comes at the perfect time. Steven brings a refreshing perspective on sustainable leadership that challenges the traditional notion of work-life balance.   His journey from walking school hallways with a clipboard (sometimes just to look busy while his mind was on overwhelm) to transforming a struggling school's culture offers practical wisdom for every educational leader facing the intensity of a new school year.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/404

Here's something that might surprise you: Some of the most innovative educational leaders come from unexpected backgrounds.   This week, I'm speaking with Deepali Deshmukh, a school leader whose journey from biochemist to head of school challenges everything we think we know about educational credentials. Her story proves that your unique perspective isn't just valid. It's valuable.   Join us on this episode to discover why your "non-traditional" background might actually be your secret weapon in leadership, and how Deepali transformed her science background into leadership strengths. Her story reveals that the solution to imposter syndrome isn't trying to fit into someone else's shoes - it's bringing your authentic self and unique talents to create something that didn't exist before.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/403

I just returned from hosting my first-ever EP Alive event, and let me tell you, it was nothing like your typical education conference.   I'm joined by three remarkable principals, Erin, Kay, and Sherry, who attended EP Alive 2025. Together, we created something that redefined professional development: no boring conference rooms, no eight-hour PowerPoint marathons, just real conversations by the fire pit, morning yoga sessions, sailing adventures, and breakthrough moments that shifted how we see ourselves as leaders and humans.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/402

As a school leader, do you often feel responsible for everyone's happiness, success, and challenges?   If you're nodding your head, you're not alone. Many principals carry the weight of their entire school community on their shoulders. But here's the thing: there's a crucial difference between being responsible and taking ownership that could be game-changing for your leadership approach.   Tune in this week to discover the crucial distinction between ownership and responsibility, and why this is one of the most critical concepts for school leaders to understand.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/401

School leadership often brings us to our knees in ways we never anticipated.    When everything feels like it's falling apart, when the blame feels justified and the pain feels unbearable, that's precisely when our true leadership capacity gets tested. In this deeply personal 400th episode, I share my journey through divorce and devastation to demonstrate what relentless responsibility looks like in practice.   This milestone episode reveals the raw truth about choosing empowerment when every fiber of your being wants to abdicate responsibility.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/400

The beginning of a new school year brings a familiar flood of tasks, responsibilities, and mental chatter that can make you feel like you're drowning in urgency.    In this episode, I'm exploring the reality that you are only ever doing one thing at a time, despite what your brain tells you about multitasking and efficiency.    As you prepare for the upcoming school year, join me today to discover how to use this time as a window into your leadership pattern. You'll learn how, by focusing on the one thing in front of you, you can build your capacity for the emotions that come with the work. This fresh start is your opportunity to practice relentless responsibility for your time, energy, and outcomes.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/399

Have you ever found yourself caught in an endless back-and-forth with a challenging staff member? You know the type - where no matter what you say or do, it feels like you're being pulled into a defensive game of "prove you're right"?   Tune in this week as I share a powerful metaphor that's changing how principals handle difficult conversations: instead of playing tug of war, drop the rope.   You'll discover how to recognize when people are using blame as a delay tactic, why defensiveness keeps you locked in unproductive battles, and most importantly, how to maintain your alignment without needing anyone else to validate your perspective.   Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/398

The business of education is the business of creating impact.   School leaders step into their roles with dreams of transformation, yet impact doesn't automatically materialize with credentials or titles. It emerges through conscious creation - a co-creation between you and a higher power when you're tuned in and aligned with yourself.    Join me this week to learn how the path to creating lasting impact involves processing emotions in real time rather than avoiding them. You'll discover how to separate your identity from others' behaviors and criticisms, fuel your desire for impact even when facing injustice, and decide whether this is your season for transformation or restoration.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/397

School leaders everywhere face a critical decision as they plan for the upcoming year: tackle every problem that needs fixing or focus on what truly matters.    The pressure to improve student attendance, boost test scores, enhance behavior management systems, and implement multiple district initiatives simultaneously creates an impossible burden that leads to burnout and resentment across entire school communities. The reality is that while you can improve anything you want this year, you cannot improve everything you want.   This episode explores the fundamental difference between "everything planning" and "anything planning" - a distinction that could transform how you approach the 2025-26 school year.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/396

Are you caught in the endless cycle of deadlines, to-do lists, and meetings?   If you're like most school leaders, you probably measure your success by how many tasks you complete and deadlines you meet. But here's the truth: that approach is keeping you stuck in a loop of doing without ever feeling truly accomplished.   As we enter a new school year, I'm inviting leaders to shift from purely deadline-driven planning to outcome-based vision that considers not just what needs to be done, but who we need to be while doing it.    Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/395