An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast

Episodes

• 
  (VIDEO) From Control to Partnership: Rethinking Instructional Coaching with Jim Knight 27.10.2026 45m

  What an incredible, deep-dive conversation on the An Imperfect Leader podcast! This week, I turned over the mic to Jamie Almanzan who sat down with his long-time mentor and coaching pioneer, Jim Knight, to talk about what it truly takes to lead and support educators. If you've ever felt the tension between wanting to drive change and wanting to support your team with dignity, this episode is a must-listen. Some takeaways from their conversation: 1️⃣ Partnership Over Control: Real coaching and leadership aren't about manipulating or telling teachers what to do. When we treat educators as equal partners with dignity, autonomy, and professional expertise, we create space for meaningful, lasting growth. 2️⃣ Start with Kids, Not Strategies: Instead of picking a strategy and forcing it into the classroom, effective coaching starts by asking, "What change do we want to see in our students?"  3️⃣ Navigating the Valley of Despair: One-off workshops rarely change habits because initial attempts at new practices are almost always clunky. Real change happens when there is follow-up. Having a partner beside you to help guide you out of the "valley of despair" when things don't go as planned.  🎧 Listen to the full episode now to explore how to lead with intention, curiosity, and grace through organizational change! ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (AUDIO) From Control to Partnership: Rethinking Instructional Coaching with Jim Knight 27.10.2026 44m

  What an incredible, deep-dive conversation on the An Imperfect Leader podcast! This week, I turned over the mic to Jamie Almanzan who sat down with his long-time mentor and coaching pioneer, Jim Knight, to talk about what it truly takes to lead and support educators. If you've ever felt the tension between wanting to drive change and wanting to support your team with dignity, this episode is a must-listen. Some takeaways from their conversation: 1️⃣ Partnership Over Control: Real coaching and leadership aren't about manipulating or telling teachers what to do. When we treat educators as equal partners with dignity, autonomy, and professional expertise, we create space for meaningful, lasting growth. 2️⃣ Start with Kids, Not Strategies: Instead of picking a strategy and forcing it into the classroom, effective coaching starts by asking, "What change do we want to see in our students?"  3️⃣ Navigating the Valley of Despair: One-off workshops rarely change habits because initial attempts at new practices are almost always clunky. Real change happens when there is follow-up. Having a partner beside you to help guide you out of the "valley of despair" when things don't go as planned.  🎧 Listen to the full episode now to explore how to lead with intention, curiosity, and grace through organizational change! ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (VIDEO) Emily Sargent-Beasley on Navigating Transition & Complexity: How Effective Leaders Get Out of the Way 20.10.2026 43m

  What does it truly take to lead an educational community through complex transitions without falling into the trap of linear quick fixes? 🏫✨ In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, Emily Sargent-Beasley (President of the American College of Sofia) shares profound insights from her career in international education and her doctoral research at the University of San Diego. Here are some leadership themes to listen for: 1️⃣ Navigating Transitions in Complex Systems: School transitions are deeply bounded by context, inherited conditions, and unseen relational dynamics. Rather than treating transition as a linear "A to B" technical formula, effective leaders recognize schools as complex network systems where quick fixes rarely yield simple outcomes. 2️⃣ Empowering Teacher Agency & Shared Leadership: Real instructional progress happens when leaders trust their educators to drive meaningful change. Leadership isn't about controlling every variable in a crisis. It's about setting up supportive conditions, stepping out of the way, and granting teachers the agency to execute. 3️⃣ Embracing Imperfection & Humility: True professional growth happens at points of tension and uncertainty. Moving away from over-packaged, rigid leadership models opens up space for vulnerability, curiosity, and continuous learning alongside your team. 🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode now to explore how to lead with intention, curiosity, and grace through organizational change! ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (AUDIO) Emily Sargent-Beasley on Navigating Transition & Complexity: How Effective Leaders Get Out of the Way 20.10.2026 42m

  What does it truly take to lead an educational community through complex transitions without falling into the trap of linear quick fixes? 🏫✨ In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader, Emily Sargent-Beasley (President of the American College of Sofia) shares profound insights from her career in international education and her doctoral research at the University of San Diego. Here are some leadership themes to listen for: 1️⃣ Navigating Transitions in Complex Systems: School transitions are deeply bounded by context, inherited conditions, and unseen relational dynamics. Rather than treating transition as a linear "A to B" technical formula, effective leaders recognize schools as complex network systems where quick fixes rarely yield simple outcomes. 2️⃣ Empowering Teacher Agency & Shared Leadership: Real instructional progress happens when leaders trust their educators to drive meaningful change. Leadership isn't about controlling every variable in a crisis. It's about setting up supportive conditions, stepping out of the way, and granting teachers the agency to execute. 3️⃣ Embracing Imperfection & Humility: True professional growth happens at points of tension and uncertainty. Moving away from over-packaged, rigid leadership models opens up space for vulnerability, curiosity, and continuous learning alongside your team. 🎧 Listen to the full episode now to explore how to lead with intention, curiosity, and grace through organizational change! ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (AUDIO) "You Are the Strategy": Transforming Chronic Absenteeism Through Relational Invitation with Shelley Berman 13.10.2026 47m

    When a student stops showing up to school, our default instinct as a system is often to drop the hammer: automated warning letters, threats of fines, or referrals to juvenile court. Here's the truth: those compliance letters don't build enthusiasm. They alienate families and often worsen the problem. In this latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent and former CASEL CEO Dr. Shelley Berman to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing education today: chronic absenteeism. Instead of treating attendance as an enforcement issue, Shelley challenges us to embrace an invitational, relationship-rich model grounded in belonging. As he reminds us: kids show up when the culture is positive and when they—and their families—feel genuinely known and valued. 💡 Key Takeaways & Practical Strategies from the Episode: The Attendance Paradox: Many educators believe attendance is entirely a family issue outside their control, but research shows school culture and engagement actually have a massive influence. In fact, students with growing social-emotional competencies are half as likely to be chronically absent. You Are the Strategy: Quoting Superintendent Kevin Wilson of Winston-Dillard, before searching for external programs, school communities must look at how adults interact with kids and families every day. The 2x10 Strategy: Pioneered in places like Oregon's Umatilla School District (shout-out to Superintendent Heidi Sipe!), pairing an at-risk student with a staff member for just two minutes of conversation a day for 10 consecutive days about life, not attendance or schoolwork. The Relationship Audit: Bringing school staff together to map out which students have a champion on campus and proactively ensuring no child falls through the cracks without an adult connection. 📚 Two Free Reports You Need to Read: Shelley and his colleagues have documented how real school systems cut chronic absenteeism by double digits without adding extra staffing. We invite you to dive into both resources: 📄 From Compliance to Invitation: Lessons in Improving Attendance in 11 Oregon School Districts (highlighting the real-world trials, errors, and successes of 11 districts). 📄 Connection That Keeps Students Coming Back: Improving Student Attendance Through Relationships, Community, and Engagement (co-authored by Dr. Shelley Berman and CASEL Director of Research Risa Plate). 🎧 Tune in to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know: What is your school or district doing to move from compliance to true relational invitation? ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (VIDEO) "You Are the Strategy": Transforming Chronic Absenteeism Through Relational Invitation with Shelley Berman 13.10.2026 47m

  When a student stops showing up to school, our default instinct as a system is often to drop the hammer: automated warning letters, threats of fines, or referrals to juvenile court. Here's the truth: those compliance letters don't build enthusiasm. They alienate families and often worsen the problem. In this latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent and former CASEL CEO Dr. Shelley Berman to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing education today: chronic absenteeism. Instead of treating attendance as an enforcement issue, Shelley challenges us to embrace an invitational, relationship-rich model grounded in belonging. As he reminds us: kids show up when the culture is positive and when they—and their families—feel genuinely known and valued. 💡 Key Takeaways & Practical Strategies from the Episode: The Attendance Paradox: Many educators believe attendance is entirely a family issue outside their control, but research shows school culture and engagement actually have a massive influence. In fact, students with growing social-emotional competencies are half as likely to be chronically absent. You Are the Strategy: Quoting Superintendent Kevin Wilson of Winston-Dillard, before searching for external programs, school communities must look at how adults interact with kids and families every day. The 2x10 Strategy: Pioneered in places like Oregon's Umatilla School District (shout-out to Superintendent Heidi Sipe!), pairing an at-risk student with a staff member for just two minutes of conversation a day for 10 consecutive days about life, not attendance or schoolwork. The Relationship Audit: Bringing school staff together to map out which students have a champion on campus and proactively ensuring no child falls through the cracks without an adult connection. 📚 Two Free Reports You Need to Read: Shelley and his colleagues have documented how real school systems cut chronic absenteeism by double digits without adding extra staffing. We invite you to dive into both resources: 📄 From Compliance to Invitation: Lessons in Improving Attendance in 11 Oregon School Districts (highlighting the real-world trials, errors, and successes of 11 districts). 📄 Connection That Keeps Students Coming Back: Improving Student Attendance Through Relationships, Community, and Engagement (co-authored by Dr. Shelley Berman and CASEL Director of Research Risa Plate). 🎧 Tune in to the episode wherever you get your podcasts, and let us know: What is your school or district doing to move from compliance to true relational invitation? ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (VIDEO) From Blackouts to Belonging: Chris Lynn and Leading the International School of Havana 06.10.2026 41m

  In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lynn, Head of School at the International School of Havana. Leading an international school in Cuba amidst daily grid uncertainties, fuel shortages, and complex operational challenges requires incredible resilience, empathy, and community-first leadership. Chris Lynn approaches each challenge with a human-centered approach. 🌟 1. The Belonging Manifesto To ensure that every student, staff member, and family feels safe, known, and valued, Chris spearheaded the co-creation of the school's Belonging Manifesto. Inspired by Kellett School in Hong Kong, the manifesto was developed over six months with input from the entire school community. It rests on four foundational pillars: 🌿 Our Nature: We are diverse. 🎯 Our Choice: To make belonging intentional. 🤝 Our Action: The ordinary daily work of good community. 💙 Our Goal: A school where everyone feels accepted, included, and encouraged to be their true selves. This collective aspiration ties directly into their annual theme: #ShapedByUs. ⚡ 2. Imperfect Leadership in After Action (The Solar Project AAR) In the episode's After Action Review segment, Chris candidly deconstructs a high-stakes decision: attempting to implement a solar power, battery, and inverter system to secure energy resilience during Cuba's power and fuel crisis. Driven by urgency to protect learning, he pushed the technical plan forward quickly. However, new US banking restrictions, supply chain bottlenecks in Panama, and importation hurdles stalled progress. His powerful takeaway? "I had a strategy. I didn't have enough collective aspiration to make it work". In a moment of forward vulnerability, Chris admitted the oversight, made a mid-course correction, and leaned on the deep expertise of parents and local ambassadors to build a realistic, sustainable path forward. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (AUDIO) From Blackouts to Belonging: Chris Lynn and Leading the International School of Havana 06.10.2026 52m

  In the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with Chris Lynn, Head of School at the International School of Havana. Leading an international school in Cuba amidst daily grid uncertainties, fuel shortages, and complex operational challenges requires incredible resilience, empathy, and community-first leadership. Chris Lynn approaches each challenge with a human-centered approach. 🌟 1. The Belonging Manifesto To ensure that every student, staff member, and family feels safe, known, and valued, Chris spearheaded the co-creation of the school's Belonging Manifesto. Inspired by Kellett School in Hong Kong, the manifesto was developed over six months with input from the entire school community. It rests on four foundational pillars: 🌿 Our Nature: We are diverse. 🎯 Our Choice: To make belonging intentional. 🤝 Our Action: The ordinary daily work of good community. 💙 Our Goal: A school where everyone feels accepted, included, and encouraged to be their true selves. This collective aspiration ties directly into their annual theme: #ShapedByUs. ⚡ 2. Imperfect Leadership in After Action (The Solar Project AAR) In the episode's After Action Review segment, Chris candidly deconstructs a high-stakes decision: attempting to implement a solar power, battery, and inverter system to secure energy resilience during Cuba's power and fuel crisis. Driven by urgency to protect learning, he pushed the technical plan forward quickly. However, new US banking restrictions, supply chain bottlenecks in Panama, and importation hurdles stalled progress. His powerful takeaway? "I had a strategy. I didn't have enough collective aspiration to make it work". In a moment of forward vulnerability, Chris admitted the oversight, made a mid-course correction, and leaned on the deep expertise of parents and local ambassadors to build a realistic, sustainable path forward. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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  (AUDIO) Courage, Systems, and Conviction: A Lesson in Vulnerability with Supt. Michael Hayden with Supt. Michael Hayden 29.09.2026 52m

  This week on An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Superintendent Michael Hayden of the Clyde-Savannah Central School District for a deeply moving conversation on leadership, literacy, and human-centered courage. Here are two key takeaways from this powerful conversation: 1. Thinking in Systems to Guarantee Middle School Literacy Michael shares how middle school serves as a crucial pivot point. Rather than leaving literacy to chance, Michael applied systems thinking across the district: Protecting Instructional Coaching: Even during state aid cutbacks, the district prioritized non-evaluative instructional/literacy coaches across all content areas. Master Scheduling for Collaboration: Restructuring schedules to guarantee dedicated joint planning time for teachers. Community-Wide Connections: Expanding literacy beyond school walls by partnering with local pediatrician offices, hospital maternity wards, and regional bookstores to get books directly into hands and homes. 2. An Unfiltered After Action Review: Leadership Conviction & Vulnerability In our after action review, Michael reflects on one of the most gut-wrenching moments of his administrative career: canceling a football season during a playoff run for a state championship. Prioritizing People Over Celebration: Despite intense backlash and public pressure, Michael stood firm in placing student well-being above athletic achievement. Confronting Adult Trauma: Michael openly shares how this crisis impacted him personally and a realization that school leaders must address adult mental health and trauma support so educators can show up fully for students. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (VIDEO) Courage, Systems, and Conviction: A Lesson in Vulnerability with Supt. Michael Hayden 29.09.2026 52m

  This week on An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Superintendent Michael Hayden of the Clyde-Savannah Central School District for a deeply moving conversation on leadership, literacy, and human-centered courage. Here are two key takeaways from this powerful conversation: 1. Thinking in Systems to Guarantee Middle School Literacy Michael shares how middle school serves as a crucial pivot point. Rather than leaving literacy to chance, Michael applied systems thinking across the district: Protecting Instructional Coaching: Even during state aid cutbacks, the district prioritized non-evaluative instructional/literacy coaches across all content areas. Master Scheduling for Collaboration: Restructuring schedules to guarantee dedicated joint planning time for teachers. Community-Wide Connections: Expanding literacy beyond school walls by partnering with local pediatrician offices, hospital maternity wards, and regional bookstores to get books directly into hands and homes. 2. An Unfiltered After Action Review: Leadership Conviction & Vulnerability In our after action review, Michael reflects on one of the most gut-wrenching moments of his administrative career: canceling a football season during a playoff run for a state championship. Prioritizing People Over Celebration: Despite intense backlash and public pressure, Michael stood firm in placing student well-being above athletic achievement. Confronting Adult Trauma: Michael openly shares how this crisis impacted him personally and a realization that school leaders must address adult mental health and trauma support so educators can show up fully for students. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (VIDEO) Process over Product: How Courageous Leaders Build Community Trust with Dr. Gustavo Balderas 22.09.2026 55m

  When we talk about leadership in education, it's easy to rely on broad phrases like "building relationships" or "equity" without defining what those actually look like in daily practice. In this week's episode of An Imperfect Leader, co-host Jamie Almanzan and I sat down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Puget Sound Educational Service District and former AASA and NABE National Superintendent of the Year. We explored what it takes to turn abstract ideas into concrete, actionable systems. Here are a couple of themes from our conversation that every leader can appreciate: 1. Process Is as Important as Product: Moving Beyond the Vague Leaders often face high-stakes, emotional decisions like school consolidations or district boundary shifts. Dr. Balderas shared how slowing down, admitting when a process needs a pause or a mea culpa, and authentically engaging stakeholders changes everything. The ultimate goal isn't always total consensus; it's getting to a point where stakeholders can say, "I don't agree with you, but I understand why you made the decision."  2. Navigating "Leadership Compression" & Treating Leadership as a Relay Race With massive leadership transitions post-COVID, many educators are stepping directly from building principalships into the superintendency. Dr. Balderas refers to this as leadership compression (where time in the seat to learn political nuance and system navigation is condensed).  Check out the full episode to hear Dr. Balderas' inspiring origin story. From growing up in a migrant farmworker family to leading major school systems across the country. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (AUDIO) Process over Product: How Courageous Leaders Build Community Trust with Dr. Gustavo Balderas 22.09.2026 1h 13m

  When we talk about leadership in education, it's easy to rely on broad phrases like "building relationships" or "equity" without defining what those actually look like in daily practice. In this week's episode of An Imperfect Leader, co-host Jamie Almanzan and I sat down with Dr. Gustavo Balderas, Superintendent of Puget Sound Educational Service District and former AASA and NABE National Superintendent of the Year. We explored what it takes to turn abstract ideas into concrete, actionable systems. Here are a couple of themes from our conversation that every leader can appreciate: 1. Process Is as Important as Product: Moving Beyond the Vague Leaders often face high-stakes, emotional decisions like school consolidations or district boundary shifts. Dr. Balderas shared how slowing down, admitting when a process needs a pause or a mea culpa, and authentically engaging stakeholders changes everything. The ultimate goal isn't always total consensus; it's getting to a point where stakeholders can say, "I don't agree with you, but I understand why you made the decision."  2. Navigating "Leadership Compression" & Treating Leadership as a Relay Race With massive leadership transitions post-COVID, many educators are stepping directly from building principalships into the superintendency. Dr. Balderas refers to this as leadership compression (where time in the seat to learn political nuance and system navigation is condensed).  Check out the full episode to hear Dr. Balderas' inspiring origin story. From growing up in a migrant farmworker family to leading major school systems across the country. ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (VIDEO) Chip Kimball and Three Leadership Lessons on Culture, Deep Thinking, and Knowing When to Hit Reset 15.09.2026 58m

  "This was a fail, and I own it."  This week, on An Imperfect Leader, Dr. Chip Kimball shows us what real leadership vulnerability looks like. His insights on international education and systems leadership brought up some themes every leader should reflect on: 1. The Power of the Reset Button: When Chip tried to streamline his team's global R&D process, the spark was missing. Instead of abandoning a noble goal, he had the vulnerability to admit the approach was a failure, hit pause, and launch "R&D 2.0". 2. Cultural Competence Over Standard Metrics Drawing from years leading major school systems in the U.S. and internationally, Chip noted that the greatest deficit facing American students often isn't math or science scores. It's cultural competence. When talking with university admissions officers, the consensus was clear: colleges aren't looking for kids who simply stack a dozen advanced courses. They are looking for a cross section of "smart and interesting" human beings. 3. Designing Ecosystems for Deep Thinking In an era dominated by AI and social media algorithms, schools must intentionally protect human connection.  Leading systemically isn't about avoiding mistakes, it's about creating an ecosystem where teams can safely experiment, reflect, and grow. Give a listen! What's a time you had to pause a flawed process and hit reset on a noble goal? I'd love to hear your thoughts!  ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (AUDIO) Chip Kimball and Three Leadership Lessons on Culture, Deep Thinking, and Knowing When to Hit Reset 15.09.2026 1h 13m

  "This was a fail, and I own it."  This week, on An Imperfect Leader, Dr. Chip Kimball shows us what real leadership vulnerability looks like. His insights on international education and systems leadership brought up some themes every leader should reflect on: 1. The Power of the Reset Button: When Chip tried to streamline his team's global R&D process, the spark was missing. Instead of abandoning a noble goal, he had the vulnerability to admit the approach was a failure, hit pause, and launch "R&D 2.0". 2. Cultural Competence Over Standard Metrics Drawing from years leading major school systems in the U.S. and internationally, Chip noted that the greatest deficit facing American students often isn't math or science scores. It's cultural competence. When talking with university admissions officers, the consensus was clear: colleges aren't looking for kids who simply stack a dozen advanced courses. They are looking for a cross section of "smart and interesting" human beings. 3. Designing Ecosystems for Deep Thinking In an era dominated by AI and social media algorithms, schools must intentionally protect human connection.  Leading systemically isn't about avoiding mistakes, it's about creating an ecosystem where teams can safely experiment, reflect, and grow. Give a listen! What's a time you had to pause a flawed process and hit reset on a noble goal? I'd love to hear your thoughts!  ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect -------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (AUDIO) Jennifer Tickle Talks Values, Visas, and Ethical AI in Siena, Italy 08.09.2026 1h 13m

  What happens when you ask an 11-year-old student, "Who do you want to be?" instead of "What do you want to be?" 🤔 In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Jennifer Tickle, former Head of School at the International School of Siena, Italy (now the Head of School in Monza), for a candid conversation about values, vulnerability, and the complex systems of international school leadership. Here are some themes from our discussion: 1️⃣ Define the "Who" Before the "What" Rather than relying on inherited values, Jen led a collaborative appreciative inquiry process with students, parents, and teachers to discover who they wanted to be. This deep community alignment centered on three core anchors: Respect, Integrity, and Compassion.  2️⃣ The 9-Month Recruitment Reality Check (Systems Thinking) In an honest "After Action Review," Jen shares the raw reality of trying to recruit a highly qualified, non-European physics teacher without fully anticipating the bilateral visa challenges of her host country.  3️⃣ Reframing AI as a "Library Assistant" How do we teach critical thinking when answers are just a click away? In her Grade 7 music class, Jen teaches students to use AI ethically (not to write the work, but to act as a digital "library assistant" guiding them to the right book on the shelf).  True leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about having the humility to admit mistakes, learn alongside your community, and lead relationally. 🎧 Tune in to the full episode (And yes, you'll hear about Peter's newfound obsession with padel!). #AnImperfectLeader #InternationalEducation #SchoolLeadership #AISH #Podcasserole #ValuesDrivenLeadership #RestorativePractices #SystemsThinking #GlobalRecruitment #EdTechIntegrity ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- American education is at a crossroads, and the fight for justice cannot wait. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman and Sonya Douglass of Teachers College present The Politics of Possibility, a powerful series confronting the rollback of civil rights and student erasure. Featuring global voices, the series offers real strategies to honor every student's history. Watch Season 1 now. ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
• 
  (VIDEO) Jennifer Tickle: Values, Visas, and Ethical AI in Siena, Italy 08.09.2026 1h 3m

  What happens when you ask an 11-year-old student, "Who do you want to be?" instead of "What do you want to be?" 🤔 In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with Jennifer Tickle, former Head of School at the International School of Siena, Italy (now the Head of School in Monza), for a candid conversation about values, vulnerability, and the complex systems of international school leadership. Here are some themes from our discussion: 1️⃣ Define the "Who" Before the "What" Rather than relying on inherited values, Jen led a collaborative appreciative inquiry process with students, parents, and teachers to discover who they wanted to be. This deep community alignment centered on three core anchors: Respect, Integrity, and Compassion.  2️⃣ The 9-Month Recruitment Reality Check (Systems Thinking) In an honest "After Action Review," Jen shares the reality of trying to recruit a highly qualified, non-European physics teacher without fully anticipating the bilateral visa challenges of her host country.  3️⃣ Reframing AI as a "Library Assistant" How do we teach critical thinking when answers are just a click away? In her Grade 7 music class, Jen teaches students to use AI ethically (not to write the work, but to act as a digital "library assistant" guiding them to the right book on the shelf).  True leadership isn't about being perfect. It's about having the humility to admit mistakes, learn alongside your community, and lead relationally. 🎧 Tune in to the full episode (And yes, you'll hear about Peter's newfound obsession with padel!). #AnImperfectLeader #InternationalEducation #SchoolLeadership #AISH #Podcasserole #ValuesDrivenLeadership #RestorativePractices #SystemsThinking #GlobalRecruitment #EdTechIntegrity ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- American education is at a crossroads, and the fight for justice cannot wait. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman and Sonya Douglass of Teachers College present The Politics of Possibility, a powerful series confronting the rollback of civil rights and student erasure. Featuring global voices, the series offers real strategies to honor every student's history. Watch Season 1 now. ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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  (AUDIO) Beyond the Report Card: Reclaiming School Greatness with Vikas Pota 01.09.2026 38m

  As we wrap up our summer encore series and gear up to launch Season 5 of An Imperfect Leader, we are closing out the sunny season with an absolute powerhouse of a conversation! ☀️🎙️ In our final summer encore episode, I sat down with Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education and creator of the World's Best School Prizes. If you are a superintendent, head of school, or district leader, this episode is your ultimate reminder of why your school has every reason to be celebrated on a global stage. Here are three game-changing themes we deconstruct in this episode: 1️⃣ What Makes a School The Best in the World? Vikas shares that while exceptional leadership accounts for 90% of a school's success, the crucial remaining 10% comes down to a deep, embedded organizational culture. The world's top-performing schools excel because they commit to five research-backed, evidence-based strategies: community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, healthy living, and building the resilience to overcome adversity. 2️⃣ The Perception Gap: How We See Ourselves vs. How Others See Us: As leaders, we often operate with an internal image of our own strengths, but does it align with how the world actually experiences us? Vikas shares a brilliant, reflective exercise and the results might stagger you, revealing your true superpowers through the eyes of others. 3️⃣ Reclaiming the Narrative on Education: When we celebrate school communities globally, we build a reinforcing loop that elevates teacher status, mobilizes local communities, and inspires policy-level changes. As we look forward to Season 5, let this episode serve as a reminder of our shared mission. In the words of Global Teacher Prize winner Maggie McDonnell: "When education wins, we all win." #ImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #WorldsBestSchoolPrize #EducationLeadership #AppreciativeInquiry #SystemsThinking #TeacherStatus #Podcasserole ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- American education is at a crossroads, and the fight for justice cannot wait. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman and Sonya Douglass of Teachers College present The Politics of Possibility, a powerful series confronting the rollback of civil rights and student erasure. Featuring global voices, the series offers real strategies to honor every student's history. Watch Season 1 now. ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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  (VIDEO) Beyond the Report Card: Reclaiming School Greatness with Vikas Pota 01.09.2026 38m

  As we wrap up our summer encore series and gear up to launch Season 5 of An Imperfect Leader, we are closing out the sunny season with an absolute powerhouse of a conversation! ☀️🎙️ In our final summer encore episode, I sat down with Vikas Pota, founder of T4 Education and creator of the World's Best School Prizes. If you are a superintendent, head of school, or district leader, this episode is your ultimate reminder of why your school has every reason to be celebrated on a global stage. Here are three game-changing themes we deconstruct in this episode: 1️⃣ What Makes a School The Best in the World? Vikas shares that while exceptional leadership accounts for 90% of a school's success, the crucial remaining 10% comes down to a deep, embedded organizational culture. The world's top-performing schools excel because they commit to five research-backed, evidence-based strategies: community collaboration, environmental action, innovation, healthy living, and building the resilience to overcome adversity. 2️⃣ The Perception Gap: How We See Ourselves vs. How Others See Us: As leaders, we often operate with an internal image of our own strengths, but does it align with how the world actually experiences us? Vikas shares a brilliant, reflective exercise and the results might stagger you, revealing your true superpowers through the eyes of others. 3️⃣ Reclaiming the Narrative on Education: When we celebrate school communities globally, we build a reinforcing loop that elevates teacher status, mobilizes local communities, and inspires policy-level changes. As we look forward to Season 5, let this episode serve as a reminder of our shared mission. In the words of Global Teacher Prize winner Maggie McDonnell: "When education wins, we all win." #ImperfectLeader #SchoolCulture #WorldsBestSchoolPrize #EducationLeadership #AppreciativeInquiry #SystemsThinking #TeacherStatus ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- American education is at a crossroads, and the fight for justice cannot wait. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman and Sonya Douglass of Teachers College present The Politics of Possibility, a powerful series confronting the rollback of civil rights and student erasure. Featuring global voices, the series offers real strategies to honor every student's history. Watch Season 1 now. ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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  Dr. Christina Kishimoto and the Radical Power of Relationship Capital 25.08.2026 1h 12m

  🚨 How do you lead when the answer is "zero"? 🚨 In our latest encore episode of An Imperfect Leader, we sit down with the incredible Dr. Christina Kishimoto (Founder and CEO of Voice 4Equity and former superintendent in Hartford, Gilbert, and Hawaii) to talk about the radical power of relationship capital, the messy reality of school leadership, and what it truly means to lead with intention. During the conversation, Dr. Kishimoto shared a powerful story from the start of the 2020 pandemic. When her district needed $100 million for student devices to support online learning across seven islands, the state legislature unexpectedly funded her request at ZERO dollars. Instead of accepting defeat, she quickly pivoted. She called on her deep relationship capital by leveraging trusted partnerships in the private sector, nonprofits, the military, and Hawaiian Airlines to secure laptops, hotspots, and food for vulnerable families. Here are some of our favorite takeaways from this episode: 💡 Relationship Capital isn't for politics; it's for safety: True networks are built so leaders can check in, keep each other safe, and ensure no one is leading in isolation. 💡 Imperfect is where the magic happens: Leadership is naturally messy, and that's exactly where innovation, diverse perspectives, and collective problem-solving are born. 💡 Empowering diverse voices: Why women, particularly women of color, need dedicated networks of support to navigate unique, racialized, and gendered leadership contexts. 💡 Staying curious: How curiosity about people makes them feel seen and strengthens organizational trust. 🎧 Tune in to hear the full conversation here or search for An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast on your favorite podcast platform. 👉 Want to connect with Dr. Kishimoto's work? Visit voice4equity.com ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- American education is at a crossroads, and the fight for justice cannot wait. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman and Sonya Douglass of Teachers College present The Politics of Possibility, a powerful series confronting the rollback of civil rights and student erasure. Featuring global voices, the series offers real strategies to honor every student's history. Watch Season 1 now. ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.
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  Back by Popular Demand: Casey Hallgarth and Why Relationships (Not Titles) Are the True Key to System Leadership 18.08.2026 1h 14m

  This week on An Imperfect Leader, we're heading back into the archives to bring you a conversation that remains incredibly relevant today. My guest, Dr. Casey Hallgarth, Superintendent of Baker School District, shared timeless wisdom on leading with heart and integrity.   Here is why this encore episode is a must-listen: 🤝 Relationships are the Foundation: Successful leadership isn't about the title. It's about authentic connections with staff, your board, and the community. 👂 The Power of Real Listening: To create a shared image of success, you have to convene groups and "really listen to what they're saying." 👣 Walking the Talk: Leading by example is the only way to foster true trust. Your actions must align with your words. 🧒 The Ultimate Filter: Casey uses one powerful question for every decision: "Will it help the kids?" It's a simple but vital reminder of why we do this work. Casey's roadmap for a thriving school environment is just as impactful now as it was then. #EducationLeadership #Podcasserole #AnImperfectLeader #SchoolImprovement  ----- Follow Host Peter Stiepleman on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-stiepleman-76004819a/ Website: https://imperfectleader.com/ Follow Co-host Jamie Almanzán on: Connect with APC Leadership Collaborative for support in navigating complex leadership situations: https://www.apccollab.com -------  An Imperfect Leader is sponsored by IXL. Boost learning with a platform proven to deliver results. IXL gives educators a complete K–12 curriculum and personalized learning plans that adapt to every student. Trusted by over 1 million teachers and 96 of the top 100 school districts, IXL helps schools outperform on state tests, and helps teachers focus on what matters most. IXL: Powerful data. Personalized learning. Real progress.  Discover what IXL can do for your school at IXL.com/imperfect ------- American education is at a crossroads, and the fight for justice cannot wait. Ezekiel Dixon-Roman and Sonya Douglass of Teachers College present The Politics of Possibility, a powerful series confronting the rollback of civil rights and student erasure. Featuring global voices, the series offers real strategies to honor every student's history. Watch Season 1 now. ------    The Mosaic Project, one of our favorite organizations, has over 25 years of experience empowering students to celebrate differences, communicate assertively, and resolve conflicts peacefully at their outdoor school. Their innovative SEL curriculum is now available to An Imperfect Leader listeners at a 10% discount through their new documentary film-based Mosaic Classroom Project!  The Project's ready-to-use lesson plans include film, original music, "gametivities", and real conversations.  We're proud to partner with The Mosaic Project in helping educators build inclusive, peaceful learning communities! Just mention An Imperfect Leader during the onboarding  process to receive the 10% discount.    Learn more about The Mosaic Classroom Project. ------ Think differently. Think in systems.  Reach out to The Waters Center for Systems Thinking to learn more about how systems thinking capacity building can strengthen your team and organization.  Homepage: www.waterscenterst.org Thinking Tools Studio: https://thinkingtoolsstudio.waterscenterst.org ------ An Imperfect Leader: Leadership in (After) Action is supported by ILAA, LLC, a firm dedicated to supporting aspiring, new, and established leaders. For more information, please find them at imperfectleader.com. Music for An Imperfect Leader was written and arranged by Ian Varley. Sam Falbo created our artwork, a wood-print inspired daruma doll butterfly.