Kris welcomes Tasha Santistevan, the Executive Director at Child Time Inc. and a coach for the Child Care Success Academy. Tasha shares her journey from a high school summer job in childcare to her current leadership roles. She discusses her passion for empowering directors and leaders in the childcare industry, offering insights on conflict resolution, collaborative leadership, and the importance of work-life balance. Tasha provides a unique perspective both as an active executive director and coach on the challenges and rewards of leadership in early childhood education, emphasizing the value of continuous learning, servant leadership, and creating a positive workplace culture.

Key Takeaways:

[5:57 ] Tasha introduces herself and her background in early childhood education.

[10:29 ] The transition from being a manager to becoming a leader and director, and what she loves about the role.

[12:28 ] The distinction between manager and leader.

[13:58 ] Tasha’s personal life and balancing multiple roles.

[14:25 ] More about Tasha’s very busy family life!

[18:07 ] Strategies for staying organized and maintaining work-life balance.

[21:51 ] The importance of not taking on others’ problems as your own.

[23:37 ] Approaches to resolving conflicts between team members.

[25:59 ] Conflict can just be a better opportunity for us to be better and learn from one another.

[29:56 ] The evolution of leadership styles and the importance of empathy.

[30:42 ] Tapping into confident empathy.

[31:45 ] The need for servant leadership in the current workforce.

[32:20 ] Tasha’s definition of a childcare rockstar.

[34:13 ] The importance of bringing fun back into childcare after the pandemic.

[35:00 ] Tasha’s goals and aspirations for the future.

[38:11 ] Life is short — buy the Cadillac!

[42:01 ] The value of continuous learning and personal development in leadership.

Quotes:

• “Once you find that sweet spot of being a leader, that job becomes exponentially more rewarding and less challenging.” — Tasha [11:04 ]

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