Schools of Excellence: The No. 1 ECE & Private School Leadership Podcast

Leadership doesn’t pause for grief, betrayal, or personal storms. In this deeply vulnerable conversation, Chanie sits down with Beth Cannon to talk about what it means to lead when life unravels. From walking through the terminal illness of a loved one, to staff exits and leadership mistakes, Beth shares her “discomfort zone” season and the messy middle of showing up for her people while falling apart inside.This episode is not about perfection, it’s about presence. It’s about choosing honesty over image, showing up when you don’t have it all together, and finding systems and rhythms that carry your school (and your soul) through seasons of chaos.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why “waiting until everything is perfect” is leadership avoidanceHow to keep showing up when grief and business crises collideThe difference between accountability and ownership in staff leadershipWhy leaders must choose honesty over image if they want trust and culture to holdHow to find outer-circle people who can lead you through your own foKey InsightsCulture isn’t built on polish. It’s built on consistency, clarity, and shared standards.Grief and leadership can coexist. You can hold heartbreak in one hand and still lead with purpose in the other.Leadership is a mirror. Staff accountability gaps often expose where owners haven’t built the right rhythms.You don’t wait for perfect conditions. Growth happens in the middle of the storm, not after it passes.Memorable Quotes“I wasn’t replacing a role. I was reacting to a wound.” – Beth Cannon“You have to choose honesty over image, because the day when everything is perfect doesn’t exist.” – Beth Cannon“Schools don’t need leaders who wait for the fog to clear. They need leaders who keep walking.” – Chanie WilschanskiWhy This Matters for School LeadersStops the cycle of waiting for perfect conditions before leadingModels vulnerability without abdicating responsibilityBuilds staff trust through honesty and accountability, not polishAnchors leaders in rhythms that hold during grief, betrayal, or transitionResources & Next StepsReflect: Where are you waiting for things to “settle” before you lead?Revisit your staff accountability systems: Are they true ownership, or excuses and follow-up cycles?Connect with Beth Cannon: bethcannonspeaks.com | Instagram & Facebook: @bethcannonspeaks

Admin & Tech isn’t flashy like enrollment or emotional like staff culture—but it’s one of the biggest hidden profit drains in schools. In this finale of the Money Leaks series, Chanie breaks down how underutilized software, paper-based SOPs, missing automations, and messy file systems quietly torch your time capacity and cash. You’ll get a simple, CEO-level playbook to audit your tech stack, automate the right tasks, assign platform “champions,” and build rhythms that stop dependency and start true scalability.👉 Take the free diagnostic mentioned in this episode: schoolsofexcellence.com/moneyleaksWhat You’ll LearnThe 5 Admin & Tech pillars that protect profit (workflows, utilization, automation, data & file systems, review rhythms)How to audit your tech stack and cut redundancies without chaosWhy automation doesn’t replace people—it gives them back time for what only humans can doThe “internal platform champion” model that prevents bottlenecks and builds team capacityA simple naming convention + 10-second file-finding standard that ends “final-final-FINAL-v6” madnessHow to move from dependency (it only works when Sarah’s here) to system (it works when anyone follows the rhythm)SOE Playbook: 5 Concrete MovesRun a Software Audit (30–45 min): List every tool, owner, cost, and actual use. Cancel redundancies, downgrade unused premium plans, and standardize what stays.Assign Platform Champions: One trained “owner” per platform. Share quick wins, create 1-page SOPs, and stop knowledge hoarding.Automate Repetitive Admin: Scheduling, reminders, links, confirmations, form routing, basic onboarding steps. Free people for gratitude, 1:1s, observations, feedback—the work only humans can do.Lock File Hygiene: Cloud-first, consistent naming, and a structure anyone can understand. Measure success by: “Can someone find any file in ≤10 seconds?”Quarterly Rhythm Block: Every 90 days: review tools, subscriptions, automations, and workflows. One block. Same calendar slot. Always.Case Studies & WinsSonia’s Tech Tangle → $4,000 Saved: She listed 19 tools; canceled 5–7 redundant platforms, downgraded others, and named champions for the rest—saving nearly $4K/year and loads of time capacity.The $9,000 Surprise: A leader who “couldn’t afford it” did a money leaks audit, canceled 3 subscriptions, and freed up $9,000—just by telling the truth in the tech stack.Memorable Lines“If it takes more than 10 seconds to find a file, you have a leak—not a library.”“Dependency isn’t a system. It’s a risk.”“Automation isn’t about replacing people—it’s about returning time to the work only humans can do.”“When someone leaves, the brain of your business shouldn’t walk out with them.”ResourcesFree diagnostic: schoolsofexcellence.com/moneyleaks

Your Amazon bill isn’t proof of overspending, it’s proof of a missing rhythm.In this fifth episode of the Six Money Leaks series, Chanie uncovers why supply management is one of the most overlooked operational leaks in schools. From the toner that’s reordered twice in a week to the “just in case” stockpiles that clutter closets, poor systems quietly drain thousands of dollars and create chaos for your team.You’ll hear how one school leader cut supply costs by 50%, not by cutting corners, but by building rhythms of accountability, teacher ownership, and smarter purchasing strategies. Chanie explains how strong leaders use systems to bring predictability to supplies, just as they do in staff culture, enrollment, and every other gear of sustainable growth.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy supply challenges aren’t spending issues, they’re system issuesThe five pillars of supply management: inventory, seasonal planning, equipment lifecycle, vendor strategy, and storage organizationHow to create baselines that give you real data on usage and costsThe role of leadership rhythms in preventing waste and burnoutPractical steps to cut costs without sacrificing quality or cultureKey InsightsLeadership is stewardship. Systems, not sticky notes, are what protect your budget and your team’s time.Culture is built in the details. When supplies are predictable, teachers feel supported and operations run smoothly.Growth requires optimization. Scaling isn’t about more—it’s about refining what you already have.Why This Matters for School LeadersWhen supply management runs on chaos, leaders end up overspending, overfunctioning, and burning out. When it runs on systems, leaders free capacity for strategy, teams feel supported, and operations hold under pressure.Resources & Next StepsDownload the free Money Leaks Diagnostic and assess your school’s supply systems: schoolsofexcellence.com/moneyleaks

Pizza at staff meetings. Coffee for PD days. Uber Eats orders that feel small at the moment. These choices come from generosity, but without systems, they quickly become one of the biggest hidden drains on your budget.In this fourth episode of the Six Money Leaks series, Chanie Wilschanski explains why leaders don’t have food budget problems, they have food system problems. You’ll learn how to build baselines, create seasonal rhythms, and plan for the actual people you serve, so generosity strengthens culture without draining profit.Through real stories from school leaders, Chanie shows how small adjustments in food management save thousands, reduce waste, and create sustainable rhythms of appreciation.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy “spend as little as you can” is not a budgetHow to calculate your baseline with receipts and real dataWhy food budgets must shift seasonally with enrollment, staffing, and culture rhythmsHow to prevent waste by planning for allergies, sensitivities, and actual headcountThe difference between indulgent overspending and intentional generosityKey InsightsGenerosity needs guardrails. Without systems, your kindness works against you.Data builds confidence. Leaders negotiate budgets best when they bring baselines, not guesses.Culture thrives on intention. Food can build connection and trust when it’s planned with clarity.Why This Matters for School LeadersYour staff and students deserve abundance. But abundance without systems creates chaos, waste, and guilt around spending. Food control isn’t about being stingy—it’s about building rhythms that protect your financial health and your culture.Resources & Next StepsDownload the free Money Leaks Diagnostic and assess your school’s food systems: schoolsofexcellence.com/moneyleaks

Payment problems aren’t about “bad parents.” They’re about broken systems.In this episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, Chanie exposes the hidden money leak that’s quietly draining schools: payment systems. From failed cards and ignored invoices to outdated agreements and manual chasing, every gap in your tuition process pulls focus and drains energy.You’ll hear real client stories, from a $15,000 recovery in failed payments to a 90% drop in late tuition within one billing cycle and walk away with practical steps to finally stop chasing money and start leading with clarity.If you’re tired of payroll Fridays filled with stress and spreadsheets, this conversation will help you install systems that protect your cash flow, your culture, and your peace of mind.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeWhy most tuition issues are about systems, not parentsThe #1 step to immediately reduce late paymentsHow to install a proactive collection process (not a “hope and faith” system)The role of late fees in protecting your standards and cash flowWhy payment agreements must be reviewed and stored digitallyKey InsightsBroken payment systems = hidden money leaks.Hope is not a collection system. Predictability is.Enforcing policies isn’t mean, it protects your staff and your culture.Outdated agreements open the door for confusion and chaos.Memorable Quotes“If you’re still chasing tuition, you don’t have a payment system, you have a hope and faith system.”“Late fees aren’t punishment. They’re protection for your cash flow and your peace of mind.”“Your agreements aren’t set-and-forget. They’re living guardrails that protect your school.”Why This Matters for School LeadersStops financial chaos from undermining your leadershipCreates consistent, predictable revenueProtects your time, energy, and staff trustMoves you from reaction to rhythmResources & Next StepsRequire auto-pay at enrollment (make one-time payment the default)Create a 24-hour failed payment follow-up system with backup cards on fileAutomate late fees to protect cash flow without awkward conversationsReview and digitize all payment agreements this quarter👉 Ready to stop patchwork fixes and build leadership systems that hold up under pressure? Book your Leadership Reset Consultation here: [Leadership Reset]And if you want to see where payment systems and other money leaks may be draining your school, take the Money Leaks Diagnostic.

.This is the second episode in Chanie Wilschanski’s Six Money Leaks series, and it’s all about a leak that quietly drains thousands from your school each year, schedule efficiency.Your payroll is your biggest expense, which means inefficiencies in your staffing schedule are some of the most expensive mistakes you can make. From unnecessary shift overlaps to inconsistent break coverage and directors constantly stepping into classrooms, the lack of a strategic coverage system can cost you tens of thousands annually, without you even realizing it.In this episode, Chanie shares real-world examples, including how closing a 20-minute daily overlap across 20 teachers saved one school nearly $28,000 a year. She also breaks down the systems and rhythms that create consistent coverage, protect teacher energy, and ensure directors can focus on leadership, not constant classroom coverage.If you’re ready to end reactionary scheduling and install a predictable rhythm that protects both profitability and staff culture, this conversation is your blueprint.What You’ll LearnWhy “coverage for the sake of coverage” is a profit leakHow to design schedules that serve your school’s needs, not just individual preferencesThe impact of shift overlaps and how to eliminate them without hurting cultureHow schedule predictability reduces chaos and burnoutWhy break coverage is a culture issue, not just an operations taskThe high cost of directors covering classrooms, and how to stop itKey InsightsCoverage Must Be StrategicMore staff doesn’t always mean better coverage. Without role clarity, ratio management, and coverage protocols, you’re paying for bodies, not results.Small Overlaps Add Up to Big LeaksA 20-minute overlap between shifts across 20 staff members can cost nearly $30,000 a year, money that could be reinvested into your team and programs.Predictable Schedules Protect CultureWhen staff know their schedules weeks in advance, it reduces stress, improves retention, and prevents constant shift reshuffling.Break Coverage Is About TrustWhen teachers consistently return late from breaks, it erodes trust and damages classroom culture. Strict break coverage protocols protect relationships and morale.Directors Covering Classrooms Costs More Than You ThinkEvery hour a director spends in the classroom is an hour of leadership work undone, directly impacting profitability and long-term growth.Try This Instead: Schedule Efficiency SystemsAudit Shift Overlaps: Eliminate unnecessary double-pay time blocks.Standardize Break Coverage: Assign coverage roles and protect break start/end times.Create Predictable Schedules: Require advance time-off requests and manage peak request seasons.Build an Emergency Coverage Plan: Stop relying on directors as the default coverage solution.Memorable Quotes“Coverage for the sake of coverage is not strategic—it’s expensive.”“If you’re regularly stepping into classrooms, you’re stealing from the school’s profitability.”“A 20-minute overlap may feel small, but across your team, it’s an entire salary lost.”Why It Matters for School LeadersStops payroll waste caused by poor schedulingReduces burnout and turnover with predictable rhythmsProtects your role as a leader by keeping you out of constant coverageStrengthens staff trust and school culture through consistencyImproves profitability without cutting quality or programmingResources & Next StepsAudit your schedule overlaps and calculate the annual costReview and update your break coverage...

Turn Underused Classrooms, Time Blocks, and Facilities Into Predictable Profit With Systems That LastThis episode kicks off Chanie Wilschanski’s Six Money Leaks series, diving deep into the first profit drain most school leaders overlook: space optimization.Your school building’s square footage is either making money or silently draining it. If your classrooms feel full but your budget is still tight, you may be missing out on hundreds, sometimes thousands, in unrealized revenue.Chanie shares real client stories where underutilized classrooms, missed extended care opportunities, and unused rooms were costing schools between $96,000 and $130,000 a year. More importantly, she breaks down the systems and rhythms that turn those gaps into sustainable income, without overloading teachers or sacrificing your school culture.Whether you lead an early childhood center or a private school, this conversation will help you stop making emotional space decisions and start using operational systems to create predictable, sustainable growth.What You’ll LearnWhat space optimization really is, and what it’s notHow to uncover hidden enrollment gaps that quietly drain revenueExtended care strategies that boost profit without exhausting your teamHow room licensing and usage flexibility can add thousands in monthly revenueUsing external rentals strategically without adding operational chaosThe systems and rhythms that keep your space working for you year after yearKey InsightsFeeling Full Isn’t the Same as Being FullA school reporting 85% capacity was actually at 72%, a $96,000 annual revenue leak. Real data, not perception, should drive your enrollment strategy.Protecting Staff by Avoiding Enrollment Hurts EveryoneLimiting enrollment to “make it easier” on teachers reduces resources, which ultimately impacts their long-term stability.Extended Care and Tiered Pricing Unlock Prime Revenue BlocksCharging for early or late care, with systems to test and staff them, can turn unused time into high-value revenue.Room Licensing Flexibility Creates OpportunitiesRe-zoning or re-licensing underused rooms can meet demand and significantly increase monthly income.External Rentals Work When StructuredRenting space for community events or seasonal programs can be profitable if built into your operational rhythm, not as a one-off scramble.Try This Instead: The Space Optimization SystemsRoom-by-Room Enrollment Audit: Track licensed capacity vs. actual enrollment by room.Extended Care Revenue System: Run quarterly audits of arrival/departure patterns and pilot premium care offerings.Licensing Flexibility Process: Regularly review demand vs. licensing and pursue rezoning where profitable.External Rental Structure: Decide if rentals should be seasonal or ongoing, and set clear policies for use.Memorable Quotes“Every square foot in your building is either generating profit or stealing profit from you.”“Protecting staff by avoiding full enrollment is not protection—it’s a slow drain on your entire school.”“Feeling full is not the same as being full. Data, not perception, should drive your space strategy.”Why It Matters for School LeadersStops revenue leaks caused by underutilized spaceBuilds operational systems that increase profit without overburdening staffProtects your school culture by aligning resources with sustainable growthCreates capacity to invest in your team, programming, and long-term stabilityResources & Next StepsRun a room-by-room enrollment audit to see where you’re losing...

In this solo episode, Chanie Wilschanski unpacks Three Money Truths every school leader must face in 2025.If your classrooms are full, your team is in place, and your calendar is set but you’re still feeling financial, mental, and emotional pressure you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re likely experiencing what Chanie calls survival success: a quiet, creeping strain that comes from hitting the ceiling of patchwork fixes and short-term wins.This conversation is about moving beyond band-aid growth and into strategic, sustainable school leadership, where predictable rhythms, financial clarity, and strong operational systems replace last-minute scrambles and constant firefighting.Whether you lead an early childhood center or a private school, these truths will challenge you to shift from short-term relief to long-term stability, without burning out yourself or your team.What You’ll LearnThe difference between band-aid growth and strategic growth in school operationsWhy 2024 bought you time, but not long-term stabilityHow fear-based pricing undermines your school’s financial healthWhy delayed investments act as invisible debt on your school leadershipHow predictable rhythms replace burnout-driven decision-makingThe mindset shift needed to lead with clarity instead of constant reactionKey Insights2024 Bought You Time, Not StabilityLast year’s cost cuts, tuition increases, and hiring sprints were survival moves—not long-term solutions. Without predictable systems for tuition planning, role clarity, and expense strategy, the same cracks will reappear.Fear Isn’t Frugal, It’s ExpensiveAvoiding tuition increases because of last year’s pushback keeps you stuck in fear-based pricing. Strategic pricing includes clear messaging, timing, and parent education—so your value drives your rates, not anxiety.Delayed Investments Create Invisible DebtPostponing hires, system upgrades, or automation drains time, energy, and capacity—even if your QuickBooks doesn’t show it. Relief doesn’t come from cutting support; it comes from building a team and systems you can trust.Try This Instead: From Band-Aid Growth to Strategic GrowthTuition Strategy: Build a review schedule for market positioning and messaging so increases are planned, not reactive.Hiring Pipeline: Create clear role definitions and accountability systems for every hire.Expense Efficiency: Review financials on a set schedule to guide decisions based on data, not panic.Operational Rhythms: Design rhythms you can return to when circumstances shift, because they always will.Memorable Quotes:“Survival success doesn’t announce itself—it’s a slow suffocation.”“You’re not failing. You’re outgrowing patchwork.”“Fear-based pricing will cost you far more than a rate increase ever will.”“Cash hoarding isn’t leadership—delayed investments are invisible debt.”Why This Matters for School LeadersEnds the cycle of scrambling and short-term fixesBuilds school operations that support long-term sustainable growthReduces burnout and decision fatigue for leaders and teamsProtects your school culture from instability and fear-driven choicesPositions your school to adapt confidently in changing marketsResources & Next StepsWant to identify the hidden drains on your school’s profit? Join Chanie next week for a new series on The Six Money Leaks, where she’ll walk you through the most common areas schools lose revenue and exactly what to do about them.a...

In this strategic episode of the Schools of Excellence podcast, Chanie Wilschanski sits down with longtime industry expert Kathy Ligon, founder of Hinge Advisors and the BOOST nonprofit initiative, to unpack what it truly takes to lead a financially sustainable school—without compromising your mission.Together, they explore how school leaders can align mission, metrics, and money, and why profit isn’t the opposite of purpose—it’s what makes your vision possible. If you’ve ever felt the pressure of payroll, struggled with discounting, or wondered how to strengthen your school operations for long-term sustainability, this conversation offers clarity, structure, and relief.What You'll LearnWhy profit fuels purpose—and how financial clarity protects your missionThe five profit pillars: occupancy, tuition pricing, discount strategy, staffing efficiency, and facilities costHow to identify and eliminate hidden financial leaksStrategies to improve staffing efficiency while increasing staff retentionWhat sustainable leadership looks like across economic cyclesKey Insights and Takeaways1. Purpose Without Profit Is Unsustainable You can’t serve your students, support your staff, or lead with confidence if you’re losing sleep over cash flow. Financial health gives school leaders the peace of mind and capacity to lead with intention.2. Know Your Five Financial Pillars Occupancy, tuition rates, and discounting drive your revenue. Staffing and facility costs are your biggest expenses. These five pillars account for 95% of your financial outcomes. Some need daily attention—others should be reviewed quarterly.3. The Hidden Cost of Discounting Discounts often erode margins silently. Track full tuition versus actual collected revenue to see what you’re really “giving away.” Strategically revisit all discounts—except staff discounts—to reclaim margin and reinforce your school's value.4. Smarter Staffing, Not Cheaper Staffing Reducing staffing costs doesn’t mean reducing quality. Build a school culture where staff finish strong—even when ratios drop. Instead of cutting pay, optimize hours and clarify expectations. Retention is more cost-effective than constant turnover.5. Resilience Comes from Readiness After four decades in the industry, Kathy emphasizes that school leaders who adapt quickly—and build financial buffers—are the ones who sustain growth through any season.From public pre-K expansion to economic downturns, having systems that can pivot is non-negotiable.Tools and Action StepsBenchmark Your Financials Use Hinge’s free Benchmarking Tool to evaluate tuition, occupancy, and staffing costs frameworkbyhinge.comAudit Your Discount Strategy Update billing systems to track full tuition vs. discounted tuition separately Evaluate where your pricing may be undermining your perceived valueCheck Your Staffing Rhythms Explore opportunities to close early or adjust shifts based on ratios Ensure your team is equipped to support those decisionsQuarterly Financial Review Schedule time each quarter to evaluate the five pillars Use data to guide decisions, not gut reactionsQuote to Remember “There is no possible way for you to provide the purpose or mission… without the money or the profit— they are absolutely necessary for each other.” — Kathy...

Most school leaders have said: “We just need to get on the same page.”But what if that phrase is actually sabotaging your culture, creating false harmony, and leaving you exhausted from holding standards alone?In this episode, Chanie dismantles the “same page” myth and explains why schools thrive on shared standards, not passive agreements. You’ll learn how to create clarity, build ownership, and design guardrails and rhythms that keep standards alive even when things get messy.If you’ve ever felt like you’re repeating the same expectations week after week—and still doing all the follow-up yourself—this episode will show you how to stop appeasing and start building a culture of accountability that truly lasts.What You’ll LearnWhy “getting on the same page” is a delay tactic, not a leadership strategyThe difference between appeasement, agreement, and real accountabilityHow shared standards create clarity and predictability in your schoolWhy guardrails and rhythms matter more than words or meetingsPractical steps to turn repeated expectations into lasting follow-throughKey InsightsCulture isn’t built on harmony. It’s built on clear standards and shared ownership.Follow-through beats words. Agreements in a meeting mean nothing without consistent action.Guardrails protect standards. Without systems and rhythms, your standards crumble under pressure.Safety comes from predictability. When everyone owns the standard, trust and culture grow.Memorable Quotes“Being on the same page doesn’t build culture, shared standards do.”“Schools don’t run on harmony. They run on structure, rhythms, and accountability.”“If your standards only hold when everything is perfect, you don’t have standards, you have nothing.”Why This Matters for School LeadersStops the cycle of repeated conversations and broken promisesProtects leaders from carrying all the follow-up aloneBuilds staff trust and culture through consistencyCreates operational clarity that holds up under stress and changeResources & Next StepsIdentify one standard in your school that keeps “ping-ponging” back to you and design guardrails to uphold itShare this episode with your leadership team and debrief: Where are we chasing harmony instead of standards?Ready to Fix the Real Problem Behind Burnout and Broken Systems?If delegation isn’t working, you don’t have a people problem, you have a rhythm problem.In a 90-minute Leadership Reset Consultation, you’ll get a personalized 30-day Roadmap that shows you how to:Shift from chasing and following up to leading a team that truly owns their workInstall the rhythms that keep your school accountable, even in chaosFree yourself from being the emotional and operational center of your schoolIf you’re tired of patchwork fixes and want a leadership system that holds up under pressure, this session is for you.[Book your Leadership Reset Consultation here]

In this client spotlight episode, Chanie Wilschanski sits down with longtime coaching client Niki Van Cleave, owner of Butterfly Bunch in Metro Detroit, to explore what it means to lead a school with sustainable systems, real accountability, and operational clarity—especially during seasons of personal and professional upheaval.Niki’s leadership journey spans two centers, a season of grief, increased operational pressure, and the bold decision to consolidate into one location with strategy and purpose. The turning point? She stopped defaulting to survival mode and started anchoring into intentional leadership. With the support of the Five Gears Diagnostic and the Money Leaks Assessment, Niki clarified her school operations, strengthened her team culture, and created rhythms that hold—even in chaotic seasons.What You’ll LearnWhat aligned school leadership looks like when the pressure is highHow to identify stuck gears that are slowing down your school’s growthWhy a no-spend freeze revealed unsustainable patterns and opened up team ownershipHow operational clarity and team systems reduce burnout and second-guessingWhat it means to move from micromanaging to leading with confidenceKey InsightsSurvival Mode Isn’t a Long-Term Strategy Niki’s story reminds us that running a school in constant reaction mode isn’t failure—it’s a signal. And it doesn’t have to be permanent.The Five Gears Diagnostic Pinpoints System Gaps Niki identified Financial Health and Strategic Growth as her stuck gears. That clarity helped her stop putting out fires and focus her energy where it mattered most.Tightening Systems Reclaims Profit and Ownership A no-spend freeze and new ordering protocols cut supply waste by over 50% and empowered her assistant director to take ownership of key systems.You Don’t Need More Staff—You Need a Team You Can Trust By equipping one team member to manage supplies with clear accountability, Niki eliminated micromanaging and babysitting staff while building sustainable team trust.Anchored Rhythms Lead to Sustainable Leadership Even during high-demand seasons like back-to-school, Niki prioritized personal anchors—prayer, movement, reflection—to stay grounded in intentional leadership, not reactive chaos.Try This Instead: 3 Tools to Regain Operational ControlRun the Five Gears Diagnostic Discover which area of your school is stuck—enrollment, staffing, parent communication, finances, or strategy—and stop scrambling by focusing on what’s slowing your momentum. 🔗 Take the DiagnosticAudit Your Money Leaks Use this tool to expose where your school is hemorrhaging resources—supplies, staffing, or food—and implement systems that protect your budget. 🔗 Download the Money Leaks AssessmentCommit to One Leadership Anchor Pick one rhythm—a daily walk, a reflective pause, a team huddle—that gives you peace of mind and builds real leadership capacity when the pressure is on.Memorable Quotes “Different is scary—but different is good.” – Niki Van Cleave “You don’t need another tactic—you need a system that aligns with your values.” – Chanie Wilschanski “Anchored leaders build cultures that hold—even when they don’t.” – Chanie WilschanskiWhy This Matters for School LeadersHelps overwhelmed school...

As the school year gains momentum, it's easy for school leaders to fall into survival mode—abandoning the very rhythms that anchor sustainable growth, effective school operations, and confident leadership. In this episode of the Schools of Excellence Podcast, Chanie Wilschanski breaks down the essential distinction between anchors and enhancers, and why understanding this difference is critical for school directors managing high-pressure seasons.If you're facing a surge in enrollment, onboarding new staff, or navigating leadership fatigue, this episode will help you identify the systems, habits, and non-negotiables that protect your energy and peace of mind. Because running a private school, preschool, or early childhood center shouldn’t mean always putting out fires—it means leading with intentionality, clarity, and control.What You’ll LearnThe difference between anchors and enhancers—and why both matter for sustainable school leadershipHow to identify the leadership habits that protect you from burnout, second-guessing, and resentmentThe hidden cost of abandoning your routines during busy seasonsWhy survival mode becomes the default when systems are missingA simple way to assess where your school needs operational focusKey Insights1. Anchors create stability during chaos Anchors are the daily habits that ground you emotionally and mentally. For overwhelmed directors, these aren’t luxuries—they’re leadership tools. Anchors may look like prayer, walking, journaling, or quiet reflection. When the pressure is high, these are the habits that keep you rooted and resilient.2. Enhancers elevate—but they don’t stabilize Massages, time with friends, or a night out can be wonderful enhancers, but they can’t replace the foundational habits that regulate your mindset and sustain your ability to lead. Enhancers help you feel good, but they don’t create consistency.3. Abandoning anchors leads to burnout When school leaders drop their anchors in exchange for hustle, the cost is high. Leadership becomes reactive. Decision fatigue sets in. You feel stuck, anxious, and resentful. Rebuilding your rhythms later will require far more energy than simply preserving them now.4. Your anchors are unique to you Chanie shares her personal anchors—prayer, walking, and meditation—and encourages leaders to identify their own. The true test? If you still do it when you're sick, traveling, or exhausted, it’s likely an anchor.5. Systems—not hustle—drive confident leadership Real school leadership isn't about working harder. It's about installing rhythms and school systems that do the heavy lifting. When you lead from systems, not from stress, you create time freedom, better team accountability, and long-term sustainability.Memorable Quotes"When you stop doing your anchors, survival becomes a habit—and it’s harder to come back from." – Chanie Wilschanski "Anchors aren’t nice-to-haves. They’re lifelines." "Leadership is about alignment, not exhaustion."Try This: 3 Steps to Identify Your AnchorsStep 1: Look at your stress habits What do you continue doing when you’re sick, overextended, or traveling? That’s likely an anchor.Step 2: List your daily wellness practices Then separate anchors from enhancers. Anchors are essential and stabilizing. Enhancers are supportive, but optional.Step 3: Choose one anchor to protect this season Commit to it fully. That single action can create the clarity and consistency you need to lead well this fall.Why It Matters for School LeadersReduces burnout, resentment, and emotional exhaustion in high-pressure seasonsHelps you

In this timely solo episode, Chanie Wilschanski shares a powerful leadership truth every school owner and director needs to hear as the new year begins: what you tolerate in August becomes the culture you’re stuck managing by February.This isn’t just a motivational pep talk—it’s a wake-up call. As classrooms buzz with fresh energy and bulletin boards get a glow-up, your old leadership reflexes start creeping back in. The skipped 1:1s, the ignored red flags, the well-meaning rescues? They’re not small moments. They’re culture-setting decisions that will quietly shape your entire year.You’ll learn how to lead with rhythm instead of reactivity, shift your team’s expectations through consistency (not speeches), and install rituals that hold your culture steady—even when the chaos kicks in.What You’ll LearnWhy back-to-school energy masks deeper leadership reflexesThe invisible patterns that shape school culture more than your speechesThe difference between rescuing and rhythm—and how to choose wiselyHow to stop trading your boundaries for short-term order3 specific August moves that build long-term ease and clarityHow to lead without becoming the emotional center of your schoolKey Insights1. Culture Isn’t Built by What You Say—It’s Built by What You NormalizeThe kickoff speech doesn’t shape the culture. What you protect and what you let slide in August quietly creates the tone your team will carry into February.2. Rescuing in August = Burnout by OctoberJumping in every time someone is overwhelmed might feel helpful—but it silently teaches your team that leadership equals emotional labor and unpredictability.3. Back-to-School Is Not a Fresh Start—It’s a MirrorYour patterns will show up early. Canceling a 1:1, skipping an accountability moment, or “letting it slide” may seem harmless, but they’re the seeds of future burnout.4. Leadership Happens in Repetition, Not ReactionWhat you do consistently is what your team learns to expect. Stop trying to be everywhere—start being predictable in the right places.Try This Instead: 3 August Shifts That Anchor Long-Term CultureIf you want this year to feel different, you don’t need a new checklist. You need a new rhythm. Here are three moves to make in August that will shape your leadership for the rest of the year:1. Protect One Ritual at All CostsChoose one leadership rhythm—like weekly 1:1s, classroom walks, or a team huddle—and commit to protecting it. Even in chaos. Especially in chaos. It tells your team: “We don’t abandon connection when things get busy. We anchor in it.”2. Install a Weekly “Culture Check”Every Friday, ask yourself:What did I tolerate this week?What did I repeat on purpose?What culture am I writing through my actions?Culture isn’t what you say on Monday. It’s what you normalize all week.3. Anchor Your Own EnergyPick one small rhythm that fuels you—like a lunch walk, a 5-minute journaling practice, or a coffee check-in with a mentor.Because when you’re regulated, you lead from vision—not vigilance.Memorable Quotes“Leadership isn’t what you say—it’s what you normalize.” – Chanie Wilschanski “You don’t need more visibility. You need more predictability.” – Chanie Wilschanski “Excellence is built through rhythm, not reaction.” – Chanie WilschanskiWhy It Matters for School LeadersPrevents emotional and operational burnout midyearCreates team-wide predictability, not dependencyShifts the culture silently—through consistent, visible rhythmsKeeps your...

From Burnout to Boundaries: Redefining Female Leadership in Private EducationIn this deeply honest and emotionally resonant episode, Chanie Wilschanski invites female school leaders into a transformative conversation about the “impossible standard” of leadership in education. She explores the emotional labor women carry, how over-functioning and people-pleasing lead to burnout, and why leading with warmth shouldn’t come at the cost of boundaries or energy. Chanie offers practical strategies—and powerful mindset shifts—to help leaders reclaim their authority and redefine what it means to lead well.What You’ll LearnThe impact of emotional exhaustion and over-functioning on female school leadersThe “double-bind” dilemma: being warm vs. being decisiveWhy noticing feels like a leadership burden—and how to distribute itHow rescuing becomes reactive leadership disguised as delegationThe importance of identity work, not just strategy, to break burnout cyclesHow to create rhythms, boundaries, and systems that protect your warmthSimple journaling prompts to rethink your leadership postureKey Insights1. Emotional Labor HurtsWomen in school leadership hold not only logistical responsibility but also the emotional pulse of the building—staff, parents, students. This leads to heightened emotional exhaustion compared to male counterparts.2. Warming Doesn’t Mean WeaknessHormonal responses like “tend-and-befriend” push women to soothe and rescue rather than set boundaries and enforce standards. Warmth is powerful… until it becomes draining without structure.3. Rescue ≠ DelegationBringing in supplies or stepping in during a lesson might feel supportive—but if not shared, it’s rescuing. True leadership distributes responsibility and builds capacity.4. “Noticing” Is the Hidden LoadYou see the trash that won't get emptied, the subtle shift in energy… and you carry it. That invisible “20%” needs leadership, not martyrdom. Build systems so teams learn to see.5. Boundaries Honor the MissionWarmth becomes weaponized when it’s the only way you’ve learned to lead. When boundaries are in place, you're not being cold—you’re protecting your mission from burnout.6. Identity Shifts MatterYour strategy is useless if your identity isn’t aligned. If “rescue leader” stays in your identity, you’ll recreate burnout cycles—even with perfect systems.Memorable Quotes“You were meant to build a school that holds you.” – Chanie Wilschanski“Excellence is built through rhythm, not martyrdom.” – Chanie WilschanskiWhy It Matters for School LeadersReclaim your authority and energyBuild team culture around shared responsibility, not dependencePrevent burnout through healthy boundaries and accountability systemsShift mental load so your presence enhances, not depletes, the communityResources & Lead MagnetExplore Leadership HQ coaching for ongoing support - schoolsofexcellence.com/consultSubscribe for future episodes on leadership rhythms, emotional clarity, and strategic systemsAbout Chanie Wilschanski & Schools of ExcellenceChanie Wilschanski leads Schools of Excellence with a passion for cultivating soulful, effective leadership through intentional rhythms. Through podcasting and coaching, she empowers directors and owners to thrive with grace, clarity, and sustainable systems—never at the expense of...

“Tough conversations aren’t about fixing everything immediately — they’re about understanding each other enough to keep moving forward.”What does it really mean to be present in a tough conversation? In this episode, we explore how presence—not just words or timing—shapes the quality and outcome of difficult conversations in leadership and relationships.Key takeaways:Why fully showing up physically and emotionally is the first act of care in a tough conversationHow presence helps shift from reactive responses to genuine listening and connectionThe importance of preparing not just your message but the timing and emotional space for dialogueWhy tough conversations are rarely “one and done” — they require patience and ongoing managementHow managing expectations about resolution can reduce pressure and open space for understandingTune in to explore how practicing presence and patience in tough conversations can transform leadership and deepen connection in all your relationships. Ready to transition from managing to truly growing your center? Learn more at https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/Connect with Gene at https://genehammett.com/

“When enrollment is low, you don’t hire a marketing agency. You examine your identity.”What do you do when your enrollment numbers drop—but you know you're running a powerful, heart-centered program? In this episode, we unpack what it takes to rebuild enrollment without defaulting to expensive ad agencies or slick marketing campaigns.Key TakeawaysWhy throwing money at marketing is rarely the first step when enrollment declinesHow the “parent ambassador” framework sparked organic growth through personal connectionThe leadership resistance that often hides behind “let’s hire someone”What it looks like to take baby steps instead of big leaps—and still see momentumHow cold calling, coattail marketing, and local fairs became high-impact strategiesWhat if the real reason people aren’t buying… has nothing to do with your offer? Tune in to hear what’s actually driving your slow sales. Ready to unlock your center's hidden potential? schedule your strategy session today at https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

 “If you don’t decide or name the intention, the season will decide for you.”How do you move from chaotic, catch-up summers to ones that genuinely renew your family and your leadership? In this behind-the-scenes episode, Chanie shares the intentional framework her family uses to plan summers that serve as a map for the year ahead—grounding their values, relationships, and rhythms. Key Takeaways:Why summer can’t just be a break—it needs to be a blueprint.Treating summer as a time to reset isn’t enough. When planned with intention, it becomes a map that shapes your family and leadership for the rest of the year.The I-R-E-R method: Intention, Reflection, Experience, Rhythm.Anchors over goals: the power of seasonal rituals.Planning for joy—on purpose.How memory-making experiences build generational impact.Tune in to explore this reframe and how you can design your summer with intention, reflection, and rhythm—so your leadership starts at home, not on the calendar. Want to discuss what’s next in your leadership journey? Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

“Essentials are not what’s in your handbook. They’re what you do under pressure.”What do you protect when you're overwhelmed—not in a crisis, but in the daily fog of leadership? In this episode, Chanie explores the crucial distinction between what's urgent and what's truly essential—and why many leaders are still swirling in chaos, despite their experience and commitment.Key Takeaways:When we believe our circumstances dictate our behavior, we lose sight of our agency—and our team feels that erosion too.If your leadership rhythms fall apart in hard seasons, they were never essential to begin with.Defining what matters most allows you to act from purpose, not panic, even when the fog rolls in.Who you are as a leader is not defined by your plans, but by your clarity when those plans are interrupted.Tune in to explore this reframe—and begin uncovering the true essentials that will anchor your leadership, no matter the storm. Curious about the next step in your leadership journey? Let’s explore it together: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

“We don’t light candles because we’re ready. We light them because it’s time.”What if energy isn’t something you wait for—but something you create?In this episode, Chanie opens up about walking through profound personal grief while still leading a team, running a business, and showing up for others. She explores the surprising shift that helped her lead from a place of clarity, even when she felt completely depleted—and why great leadership is anchored not in energy reserves, but in energy rituals.Key takeaways:Why energy is something you cultivate, not just conserveThe difference between building systems and building rituals that restore your capacityHow leadership becomes unsustainable when it's only powered by your mood or mental “tank”What rituals actually do for your nervous system—and why they matter more than you thinkWhy consistency—not spontaneity—is what builds trust, safety, and longevity in your leadership🎧 Tune in to explore this reframe and how you can apply it to your leadership today. Want to discuss what’s next in your leadership journey? Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/

“You can delegate work, but you cannot delegate trust.”You’ve done everything right—checklists created, SOPs in place, team hired and trained. So why does it still feel like you’re the glue holding everything together? This episode is for the leader who has mastered structure but is still shouldering the soul of the school. We’re unpacking the hidden weight leaders carry, why systems alone aren’t enough, and the critical role that rhythms and rituals play in sustainable culture and freedom.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why systems don’t create ownership—and what actually doesHow to shift from being the “rhythm” of your school to building sustainable drumbeatsThe truth about trust, delegation, and emotional loadWhy leadership rituals—not vibes—are the foundation of real cultureWhat immature vs. mature leadership actually looks like (and how to lead like a grown-up)How one client’s ritual of daily gratitude transformed her team culture and emotional energyReady to stop being the glue and start leading a self-sustaining team? Join our School Leadership HQ where we walk leaders through the Leadership Operating System, cultural drumbeats, and rituals that build legacy. Visit: https://schoolsofexcellence.com/profit/