Empowering the Next Generation Podcast

Todd BloomerOriginally 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.netinstagram:@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/@DarrinMPeppardPodcast: https://leaning-into-leadership.captivate.fm

Dr. Chad Dumas is an international consultant, presenter, and award-winning researcher whose leadership training and coaching focuses on building capacity for self, team, and system improvement. The power of collaboration, and the role that any one person plays in making that collaboration impactful. Questions* What prompts you to write and consult?* Why is it important to clarify who you are as a person and leader in order to be effective? * What are some of the biggest impact actions a collaborator can take?* What results can a person expect when implementing this learning?Share 3 main steps to increase collaboration Socialswww.NextLearningSolutions.com tinyurl.com/SimpleHabitsTipstinyurl.com/learningChadtinyurl.com/FBlearningChadX: @ChadDumas

Kathleen Eckert is the author of School Transformation Through Teacher Appreciation and a principal dedicated to building cultures where teachers feel valued and supported. Currently leading Central High School in Keller ISD, she balances high expectations with connection and belonging, bringing practical, proven strategies to inspire and equip school leaders.  Your book centers on teacher appreciationas a lever for transformation. What was the moment—or pattern—you noticed as a principal that made you realize appreciation wasn’t just “nice,” but necessary for real school change?  You talk a lot about giving teachersvoice. What are some concrete ways you’ve done this at Central High School, and how has teacher voice directly influenced decisions, innovation, or student outcomes?  Many leaders worry that focusing onconnection and belonging might lower expectations. How do you balance high expectations with genuine care and fun—and why do you believe those things actually strengthen performance rather than weaken it?  You’ve created a culture where teachers arewilling to try new things and give 110%. What specific leadership moves helped shift teachers from compliance to commitment? And what mistakes did you have to unlearn along the way?  For principals and school leaders listeningwho feel stuck in survival mode, what’s one practical strategy from your book that they could implement this week to start changing their culture toward appreciation and trust?SocialsX -@EckertKathleenwww.KathleenEckert.com(6) Teacher & Staff AppreciationIdeas | Facebook

Chris Mukiibi is a high school educator of 10years, educational consultant, and founder of BrightStar Education. His work helps teachers and schools reduce burnout and improve behavior by focusing onsystems, neuroscience, and psychological safety. Drawing from classroom experience and educator research, Chris helps schools build calmer, more sustainable learning environments that support both students and teachers.·      What is the main concern you haveseen in teacher’s challenges in education?·      What are 2 triggers that influence students’ behaviour?·      How do you help teachers and school reduce burnout and improve behaviour?·      How does sustainable environment look like in education?·      What led you to start your education consultancy?SocialsIG: mrmukiibi

Shaquana “Shaq” Miller is an Assistant Athletic Director for Student Support and founder of Next Play Athletics Consulting. With a background in NCAA compliance, academic support, and coaching, she helps student-athletes and families navigate eligibility, recruiting, and college readiness. Shaq is completing a doctorate in Sport and Athletic Leadership focused on equity in collegiate athletics.1. Why do so many student-athletes miss opportunities at the next level, not because of talent, but because of a lack of information, preparation, or strategy?2. What are the biggest misconceptions families and student-athletes have about NCAA eligibility, recruiting, and what it actually takes to be “college-ready”?3. How does early academic planning and intentional decision-making in middle and high school change the long-term outcomes for student-athletes?4. What does “next-level success” really look like for student-athletes beyond scholarships, and how can families better prepare for life after sports?SocialsIG: @nextplayathletics_Facebook: Next Play Athletics LinkedIn: Next Play Athletics Website: www.nextplayathleticsconsulting.com

Jonathan Kegler is the founder of No Box Thinking™ and a transformational leader who rebuilds broken systems. From turning around underperforming schools to developingoverlooked talent, he challenges how success is measured and who gets promoted. His work: turn pawns into players, spectators into owners, and systems into springboards for growth.Socials: @coachkeglerInstagram

Gretchen BridgersAuthor, Speaker, Teacher Coach & TrainerOver the last two decades, Gretchen has passionately taught elementary students, mentored and coached educators, led professional development experiences for school building staff, authored 3 books and presented at district and national conferences as the owner of Always A Lesson. Her impact continues to amplify serving educators worldwide through her blog, Empowering Educators podcast, classroom resources, professionaldevelopment courses, and leadership coaching cohorts.Title: The Importance Of Empowering Educators·      What led you to become a coach and mentor for teachers?·      What is “Always A Lesson”?·      What is the pathway you suggest teachers follow to improve their practice?·      How do we ensure every student receives a quality instruction from their teachers?·      From Your Books, What are 2 lessons you can give to educators to navigate burnout in their career?Socials@alwaysalesson.comwww.alwaysalesson.com 

Bayka is the founder of BYKE Academy. Through her platform, she advocates for educators, parents, and children from around the world. She also hosts “Global Educators” connecting global educators to come together and voicewhat they stand for. The main pillars of her platform are emotional intelligence, neurodiversity, and mental well-being.Title: Tools To Build An Online Platform As An Educator·      What motivated you to start the platform, BYKE?What have you learned from being a global teacher?·      What inspired you to start the show Global Educators·      Give 3 tools to encourage other educators to start sharing their message globally and their entrepreneurial journey·      What is the message you want to tell others through your platform?

Anne Kyle, Founder & CEO ofThe Leadership Beacon, is an Executive Headteacher turned international coach and strategist. With nearly 30 years in education, she’s led school turnarounds, PRUs, and SEMH settings. Through her BEACON™ Framework andpodcast, Anne equips leaders with clarity, confidence, and NLP-informed tools to transform schools and empower teams.Title: Transform Your School WithThe BEACON FrameworkWhat made you realise it was timeto walk away from executive headship, and how did you find the courage to take that step? How can we redefine success in educationalleadership to prioritize sustainability, wellbeing, and authenticity, share about your framework?What advice would you give to current and aspiring leaders who feel the pressure to ‘stay the course’ even when it’s impacting their health or values?You’ve now pivoted to leadership coaching and creating change from outside the system—how can the next generation of leaders shape a more compassionate and courageous future for education?If you desire to grow from educator to developing a CEO mindset, register to my free masterclass and book a free strategy call to see how I can support you in your journeyFrom Educator To CEO

DJ Dickerson-Alejandrino is a lifelong learner and speakerwho believes education should be liberating, not limiting. Passionate about growth outside the box, DJ explores learning beyond institutional mandates—rooted in curiosity, creativity, and lived experience. From philosophy to parenting, he helps others reclaim learning as a pleasure-driven path to freedom, not a checklist for approvalTitle: The Importance of Interests-based learning·      How did you start your journey as a coach? Whypleasure led life?·      Did school help you choose the best career pathfor you? ·      What is the difference between education andacademics?What is the best way to serve interests-based learning?Socials:Pleasureledlife.com/igPleasureledlife.com/facebook@pleasureledlife

Ben Hobbis is a primary schoolteacher and middle leader leading on curriculum, skills, coaching and subject leadership development. He has previously led on humanities, personal development, wellbeing, safeguarding and is a student teacher mentor. Ben is also the founder of the Step Up Network, a network for aspiring and new education leaders; after his own experience of getting into leadership. The network was named as one of the Top 100 Social Enterprises in 2024, in itsfirst year of operation; and Ben was named as the Education Leader of the Year at the Leadership Awards 2025 in the Midlands for his work on Step Up and his work in his day job. Outside of Education  and networking, Ben enjoys travelling, reading, cooking, swimming, walking  and listening to podcasts.Title: How To Build A Non-Profit Organization?Questions:How did you start your journey as an educator?Tell us about the Step Up Network and where it came from?How did your transition from retail management prepare you for schoolleadership?What would be one thing you could change in the education system?Give your last word of encouragement to anyone listening to youSocialswww.stepupnetwork.ukwww.benhobbis.co.uk 

Gemma AtkinsGemma is a dynamic, award-winning leader with 20 yearsin education, including 17 in leadership across state, international, and independent sectors. She designs bespoke coaching, consultancy, and CPD for business owners, corporate leaders, and senior educators worldwide, empowering individuals and teams to achieve transformative results and lasting impact. Herleadership expertise drives rapid, recognized improvements.QuestionsHow did i come to find coaching and NLP?Why coaching and NLP?What is it that you actually do?Why is NLP so effective as a tool to overcome stress, anxiety, impostersyndrome etc?What impact have your programmes had on your clients?Last word of encouragement for any senior leaders, parentsor educators in their empowerment journey?Website: www.edu-coach.gemmaatkinsleadershipcoaching.co.uk/funnel LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gemma-atkins-coaching/

Sandra Balogun is a certified leadership speaker, coach, andtrainer, and founder of Beyond Numbers LLC. Recognized as a woman to watch by the Massachusetts Society of CPAs, she empowers professionals and the next generation through leadership, accounting transformation, and financial literacy. She's also the author of Where Did the Money Go?, a financial literacy book for children.Title: Becoming a Person of influenceQuestions·    When did you realize you had to invest in growing in your leadership skills?·      How does influence and leadership relate?·      Understanding your leadership sphere of influence? ·      Understanding the Why of Influence?·      How to Influence? SocialsLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrabalogun?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_appInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialsandrabalogun?igsh=ajE4ZTh4ZW8yemFx

Andriana GeorgievaAndriana Georgieva is a skilful inspirational coach withmore than 20 years of extensive experience in the Human Resource Development area. Her coaching integrates various holistic practices towards self-empowerment and self-realization. In 2024 she lunched the innovative ‘NewAge Leadership Programme’ and the spiritually-based Soulful Life Community helping others to uncover their true potential for Life of purpose and fulfilment. I'll talk about key aspects of self-empowerment. We are all destined for success, but do you know where the path of success starts from Title: The Path To SuccessHow did you start your path as a life coach?Where does it come from?What does self-empowerment mean?How to active a leadership mindset?What are the 5 keys of success? Join her communitySoulful Life | Nas.ioCommunitiesHer email: welltaor@gmail.com

Rob McleodAn educator with 16 years of experience across private,public, and international schools. I help schools find alignment between their values, way of organizing and practices with the 3 Types of School model. He is passionate about practical change and helping educators feel like theirwork contributes meaningfully. Author of a book Schools That Give A F*** to be released August 2025.   Questions:How did you end up in education?Talk about your book Schools That Give a F**** and why senior leaders should buy it?What main issues have you seen in schools that fuels yourpassion to define the 3 types of school model?What are the 3 types of school & why are they importantfor teachers and schools to know about?How do these 3 types impact parents and communication with the school?How do these 3 types impact students?What are ways school leaders, teachers, parents and students can apply the 3 types to their communication in education?Social media linksInstagram - instagram.com/reinventing_education_podcast/?hl=enYoutube - https://www.youtube.com/@reinventingeducation4593

Viv Grant: Executive Coach, Author andPublic SpeakerViv Grant is known for her deep insightsinto leadership, vulnerability, and resilience. She is the Director of Integrity Coaching, London’s leading provider of coaching services for Headteachers and Senior School Leaders. Over her 30-year career in education. Viv has held a range of influential roles, including becoming one of theyoungest Headteachers in the country at age 31, while pregnant with her first child. She was appointed to turn around a failing primary school, a challenge that shaped her understanding of leadership and resilience in profound ways.QuestionsWhy did you choose this title for your new book?What message does it convey?What are the main traits that are lacking in educational leadership , in terms of stress management? How can school leaders use this book to ignite their inner leadershipHow this book can be used in the classroom and beyond?Social Mediawww.facebook.com/integritycoachingltdwww.linkedin.com/in/integritycoachingwww.integritycoaching.co.uk

Viv Grant: Executive Coach, Author and Public Speaker Viv Grant is known for her deep insights into leadership, vulnerability, and resilience. She is the Director of Integrity Coaching, London’s leading provider of coaching services for Headteachers and Senior School Leaders. Over her 30-year career in education, Viv has held a range of influential roles, including becoming one of the youngest Headteachers in the country at age 31, while pregnant with her first child. She was appointed to turn around a failing primary school, a challenge that shaped her understanding of leadership and resilience in profound ways. Topic : Understanding the concept of “Inner Leadership” 1.    How do you define Inner Leadership? 2.     Why do you think this concept matters in terms of educators and leadership both in the classroom and beyond? 3.      What do you thinkgets in the way of individuals developing this capacity? 4.     Very often, you talk about the 5 C's of inner leadership can you expand upon these and how did you discover the 5’s C? 5.     Staying A head: talk about your book "The stress management secrets for school leaders" 6.     Last word to inspire other leaders in high school communities Social Media www.facebook.com/integritycoachingltd www.linkedin.com/in/integritycoaching www.integritycoaching.co.uk

Hannah Wilson is a Leadership Development consultant, coach and trainer. She is the Co-Founder of #WomenEd and #DiverseEd. She is the Co-Editor of Diverse Educators: A Manifesto.She previously taught English, Drama and Media Studies over a 20 year career in schools. She has held multiple leadership roles including Head of Department, Head of Year, Assistant/ Deputy/ Executive Headteacher and trust-wide/ Teaching School wide roles as well. Find out more about the services, resources and training that she and the REAL (Resilient Empowered Authentic Leaders) team provide here: www.hannah-wilson.co.uk Find out more about the services, resources and training that she and the Diverse Educators team provide here: www.diverseeducators.co.uk Twitter Handles: ● https://twitter.com/Ethical_Leader● https://twitter.com/DiverseEd2020 LinkedIn Profile and Testimonials https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-wilson-fcct-frsa-60951456/

Anne Alvares is a Parent Coach of the Masterful Parenting Program, a School Counsellor, Teacher and mom of two. With her over 20 years working with families, Anne has a passion for helping parents to gain confidence in their parenting. She has had over 15 years, working with teens, as a High School Counsellor. She knows what teens need, what they struggle with, and how they think and feel about things. In her Masterful Parenting Program, Anne helps parents to heal from their childhood pain so they can nurture healthy relationships with their children through relational parenting. If you are interested in learning more about relational parenting, you can connect with Anne. Her business links are below: Website https://www.annealvares.com/ Instagram alvares_jo TV show https://winwinwomen.tv/show/masterful-parenting youtube.com/channel/UC5JFNO4X9m0mdaVqEWrOmN masterfulparenting.podbean.com Facebook link facebook.com/masterfulparenting Linked Inlinkedin.com/in/anne-alvares-parent-coach-counsellor-teacher-7b5755a9