He’s back! The great Vernon Mason returns as one of the podcast’s most popular guests to help celebrate this milestone 200th episode. He and Kris reflect on leadership, legacy, and what it really means to be present.

In this episode, Vernon shares his beautiful wisdom and journey from growing up in an in-home child care program to building and selling a five-site child care business, and now helping grow The Nest into a 52-location powerhouse. Together, he and Kris chat about the realities of leadership today including accountability, toxic positivity, turnover trends, universal pre-K challenges, and financial uncertainty. They also remind us that every day is a gift, and leadership is all about showing up authentically, building real relationships, and staying grounded in gratitude.

Key Takeaways:

[6:15 ] Kris, the bucket list queen, talks about her adventure to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River.

[8:09 ] Vernon is the only person to be on the podcast three times!

[9:19 ] Vernon talks about being the “trifecta” in child care. He shares how he grew his child care company from one to five centers before selling, and how that transition shaped his leadership.

[16:18 ] Is labor starting to stabilize?

[22:04 ] The mindset to get out of fear-based leadership, crisis mode, and the scarcity mindset. 

[24:26 ] The difference between toxic positivity and effective leadership and management.

[27:33 ] Strategies for accountability and preparing for the unknown in the future.

[30:15 ] The importance of both staying optimistic and taking action in the right direction.

[34:15 ] Building a parent referral reward program.

[38:29 ] Vernon talks about The Nest and maintaining relationships with leaders.

[42:47 ] Incentivizing teachers to stay present and view the classroom as a safe space.

Quotes:

• “We don’t have a dress rehearsal for this. This is the real show here, right? There are no do-overs, right? This is the life we’ve been given, and I want to make an impact. I want to be the best person that I can be.” — Vernon [15:17 ]

• “Accountability without a relationship is viewed as harassment.” — Vernon quoting Stephen [19:22 ]

• “Your people will never be more enthusiastic than leadership.” — Vernon [22:04 ]

• “Whatever you focus on most, you get more of.” — Vernon [25:57 ]

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