Best Dr Benjamin Ritter Podcasts (2025)

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Becoming Fearless in Leadership with Dr. Benjamin Ritter #183 30:12

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12d ago30:12

30:12

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel sits down with Dr. Benjamin Ritter—author of Becoming Fearless—to dive deep into what it means to lead with empathy, build trust, and move from self-doubt to self-mastery. Dr. Ritter shares his unique journey from aspiring professional soccer player to healthcare professional to…

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LFY FF - PSA You're In The Drivers Seat 4:14

3d ago4:14

4:14

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Feedback Is a Gift — Coaching for Growth at Every Level #187 9:06

3h ago9:06

9:06

Send us a text Feedback can feel uncomfortable, even discouraging—but the truth is, it’s one of the greatest tools for leadership growth. In this episode, Dr. Mel shares from her perspective as a superintendent, coaching principals to reframe feedback as a gift, not a judgment. Main Message: How you receive feedback shapes how your staff will recei…

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Power Surge⚡Grace Under Pressure — Leading Calm Through the Chaos #186 3:31

5d ago3:31

3:31

Send us a text The first weeks of school bring excitement—but also stress, surprises, and a million moving parts. As a leader, your response in those moments sets the tone for everyone around you. In this episode, we’ll explore how to lead with calm, clarity, and grace, even when everything feels chaotic. Main Message: Your team looks to you for st…

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Data with Direction: Turning Benchmarks into Better Instruction #185 12:09

4d ago12:09

12:09

Send us a text In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel breaks down how school leaders can use beginning-of-year benchmark assessments as more than just numbers on a spreadsheet. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by data, you’ll learn how to turn it into a clear roadmap for instructional decisions. From spotting trends and setting growt…

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Power Surge⚡You Set the Temperature — Leading the Culture You Want to See #184 5:26

6d ago5:26

5:26

Send us a text Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking…

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LFY FF - Stop Waiting for Life to Happen 3:59

17d ago3:59

3:59

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Power Surge⚡Visible Leadership: Why They Need to See You Before They Follow You #182 4:36

15d ago4:36

4:36

Send us a text Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking…

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Building Your Bravery Muscle with Jill Schulman 1:13:15

15d ago1:13:15

1:13:15

#535: Jill Schulman is a former U.S. Marine Corps officer turned leadership development expert and founder of Breakthrough Leadership Group. Drawing on a deep background in psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science, she blends rigorous research with practical strategies to help individuals and teams cultivate resilience, increase performance…

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Look for the Upside with Blayne Smith 37:24

17d ago37:24

37:24

Blayne Smith is a West Point graduate and former Army Special Forces officer who has transitioned into a highly effective business and social impact leader. He is a cofounder and principal at Applied Leadership Partners and the director for health and well-being at the George W. Bush Institute. Blayne also serves on the board of the Armed Services …

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Power Surge⚡Listen First, Lead Second - Building Trust Before Making Big Changes #181 4:02

20d ago4:02

4:02

Send us a text As a new leader, the temptation is to prove yourself quickly by fixing problems. But lasting leadership isn’t about rushing to solutions—it’s about listening first. Listening builds trust, respect, and credibility. By pausing to understand your school’s story, you earn the relational capital to lead change effectively later. Key Poin…

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LFY FF - Help! I'm Bored and Don't Know What To Do 5:10

1M ago5:10

5:10

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Create, Connect, Contribute: Leading with Authenticity with Robin Nathaniel #180 31:39

25d ago31:39

31:39

Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Mel sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and Telly Award Gold Winner Robin Nathaniel for a real conversation about leadership that starts—and stays—with authenticity. From his days as a musician to his pivot into nonprofit leadership and marketing, Robin shares how human connection has shaped every stage of his j…

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Power Surge⚡How to Set the Tone From Day One #179 4:33

27d ago4:33

4:33

Send us a text The moment you step into your school as a new leader, the clock starts ticking. Those first 90 feet—from the front door to your office—can quietly shape how you’re perceived for months to come. This episode is all about making those first impressions intentional, strategic, and grounded in curiosity rather than assumption. In these c…

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How To Turn Adversity Into a Life of Impact With Chason Forehand 59:29

29d ago59:29

59:29

#534: Chason Forehand is a mission-driven leader who turned a turbulent childhood, addiction, and homelessness into a blueprint for building a life of impact. After a pivotal moment of compassion from a chef who helped him get clean, Chason committed himself to paying it forward. In this episode, he shares the practical steps and lessons he’s learn…

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Small School, Big Impact: Launching Micro Schools with David Richards *178 30:59

1M ago30:59

30:59

Send us a text In this powerful episode of The Empowered Educator, Dr. Mel chats with David Richards—founder of ChangemakerEDU and passionate advocate for micro schools. Together, they dig into the why, what, and how of this growing movement that's redefining what learning can look like when you strip it down to relationships, purpose, and personal…

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LFY FF - The #1 Question You Need to Ask Yourself to Explore Your Intentions 3:22

1M ago3:22

3:22

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Power Surge⚡Own the Room: Leading with Presence, Not Just Position #177 8:21

1M ago8:21

8:21

Send us a text Back-to-school season isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you show up. In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel unpacks how school leaders can deliver powerful pre-service messages and opening PD sessions by leading with presence, not just position. You’ll learn how to use body language, tone, and mindset to inspire trust, shift culture…

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Power Surge⚡From Reactive to Reflective: Start the School Year Strong Without Burning Out #176 5:36

1M ago5:36

5:36

Send us a text Welcome to the Empowered Educator podcast! In today’s Power Surge, we’re tackling the back-to-school stress head-on. As a leader, your mind is already spinning with tasks, responsibilities, and expectations—and it’s easy to fall into reactive mode. But here’s the truth: starting strong doesn’t mean starting busy. It means starting cl…

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Break Free From Burnout and Build a Life That Works for You With Scott Raven 1:02:08

2M ago1:02:08

1:02:08

#533: Scott Raven is a former Fortune 500 executive turned liberation expert who helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs escape the cycle of burnout and build businesses that support their lives, not consume them. After experiencing his own breaking point and trading one “prison” for another in his first business venture, Scott developed the Liberation Fra…

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Navigating the Muck with Mark Samuel 35:40

2M ago35:40

35:40

Mark A. Samuel is first and foremost a dad, then a health and fitness enthusiast, and an entrepreneur with 20 years of start-up experience. He’s currently working on a new CPG snack brand, MARK'S, with the goal of being in market by summer. Additionally, he also works on growth initiatives for Siddhi Capital (a VC firm), and hosts a CPG founder-foc…

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Power Surge⚡Ready or Not! When God Promotes You Unexpectedly #175 6:04

2M ago6:04

6:04

Send us a text In this quick Power Surge episode, Dr. Mel shares a personal reflection on how spiritual gifts can unexpectedly lead us into new roles and responsibilities—just like her new journey as a superintendent. Even when you’re not looking, God is always positioning you when you're walking in alignment with your purpose. Get ready to explore…

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Part 2: Organizing Your School Around the 7 Correlates of Effective Schools with Erica Glenn and Kim Bradley #174 46:56

2M ago46:56

46:56

Send us a text Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase! Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points. Calling All Educators! I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking…

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Part 1: Organizing Your School Around the 7 Correlates of Effective Schools with Erica Glenn and Kim Bradley #173 39:22

2M ago39:22

39:22

Send us a text This episode is the first in a two-part series, a workshop-style discussion on organizing schools for success. My guests, Erica Glenn and Kim Bradley draw from the research of Larry Lezotte, focusing on his work on the seven correlates of effective schools. Seven Correlates of Effective Schools Strong Instructional Leadership: Emphas…

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LFY FF - The Importance of Sacrifice to Achieve Your Goals 2:05

2M ago2:05

2:05

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Power Surge⚡What if I Fail? But...What if You Succeed? #172 5:12

2M ago5:12

5:12

Send us a text Too often, fear of failure keeps leaders stuck in comfort zones. But what if your greatest success is on the other side of one bold move? In this Power Surge, we’re reframing fear and helping you step into possibility with courage. This episode will empower you to: Recognize the hidden cost of playing it safe Challenge worst-case thi…

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Power Surge ⚡The Power of Listening: Talking Less, Learning More #171 4:44

2M ago4:44

4:44

Send us a text When leaders rush to speak, they often miss what matters most. In this episode of the Empowered Educator, we explore the power of pausing, listening, and learning—especially when you’re uncertain. Inside this Power Surge, you’ll discover: Why listening is one of your most powerful leadership tools How silence creates space for insigh…

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From Community Engagement and Social Media to Shredded Lettuce and Saturday Selfies with Chuck Moss #170 37:54

2M ago37:54

37:54

Send us a text Chuck Moss is back talking about community Engagement practices that breed a great school culture. Join me as I talk with Chuck about everything from Community Engagement and Social Media to Shredded Lettuce and Saturday Selfies. Connect with Chuck: X, FB, IG, Trends - @ChuckMossEDU Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get…

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Power Surge ⚡ Are You an Ambassador for Your School? Represent with Positive Intention #169 3:28

2M ago3:28

3:28

Send us a text Every interaction you have as a leader tells a story about your school. In this Power Surge, we dig into what it means to lead like an ambassador—not just inside your building, but in your community, online, and everywhere your leadership reaches. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Build trust through consistent leadership presenc…

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Are You Leading in a Comfort Zone? Get Clear and Lead Boldly #168 5:02

2M ago5:02

5:02

Send us a text In this Power Surge episode of The Empowered Educator podcast, we’re kicking off the new school year with a challenge: lead with clarity, not comfort. With great opportunity comes great responsibility—and part of that responsibility is evaluating what you’re bringing into the new year. From outdated routines to legacy systems that no…

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LFY FF - Find Your Ideal Career Through This One Exercise 3:12

2M ago3:12

3:12

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Are You Leading from Freedom or Shrinking from Fear? Boldly Declare Your Independence and Purpose #167 8:22

2M ago8:22

8:22

Send us a text In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel reflects on the deeper meaning of independence for educators. You’ll be challenged to name and claim the freedom you already have—freedom to lead, freedom to pivot, and freedom to follow God’s purpose for your career. Whether you’re heading into leadership or out of the classroom altogether, this episode …

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Let’s Talk Work-Life Balance #166 15:23

2M ago15:23

15:23

Send us a text Burnout doesn’t serve your calling. If you’ve been running on empty or trying to balance all the things without leaving space for yourself, this is your nudge to pause, protect your peace, and lead from a place of wholeness. You’ll walk away with: A fresh mindset around rest and sustainability Permission to protect your work-life bal…

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Power Surge ⚡Ready to Let Go to Level Up? Ditch Analysis Paralysis and Lead with Clarity #165 5:05

3M ago5:05

5:05

Send us a text As a new school year approaches, school leaders are faced with endless decisions, data, and demands—but clinging to what’s familiar can quietly stall progress. In this Power Surge episode, we’re naming the real culprit: analysis paralysis. Whether it’s outdated systems, overcomplicated routines, or fear of making the wrong move, the …

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Living Gutzy with David Istier 35:33

3M ago35:33

35:33

As a thought leader focused on health, wellness, and the importance of gut health, I wanted to introduce you to David Istier, the founder of gutzy Organic—a brand that’s making waves in the wellness space by putting a fresh spin on gut health with delicious, on-the-go nutrition. David's journey to gut health began in a time of personal struggle. Fa…

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LFY FF - Figuring Out What You Want to Do When You Grow Up 3:58

3M ago3:58

3:58

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Why Good Teachers Are Still Struggling—And What We Can Do About It #164 17:43

3M ago17:43

17:43

Send us a text Empowered Educator Community The Confident Classroom In this enlightening episode of the Empowered Educator series, we tackle the pressing issues surrounding teacher struggles in today’s educational landscape. Despite their passion and commitment, many educators find themselves feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, leading to alarming…

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Power Surge ⚡ From Teacher to Leader: The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything #163 5:57

3M ago5:57

5:57

Send us a text You’ve landed the leadership role—now what? In this week’s Power Surge, Dr. Mel breaks down the real mindset shifts new administrators must make after stepping out of the classroom and into leadership. If you’re still thinking like a teacher but expected to lead like a visionary, this 5-minute episode is the clarity check you need. L…

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Part 2 - Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools with Dr. Darrin Peppard and Katie Kinder #162 25:47

3M ago25:47

25:47

Send us a text In this episode, Mel Vandevort dives into a captivating discussion with Katie Kinder and Dr. Darrin Peppard about their book "Culture First Classrooms" and their extensive experience as education consultants and speakers. The book, originally conceived as a guide to classroom management, evolved into a comprehensive exploration of fo…

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Part 1 - Culture First Classrooms: Leadership, Relationships, and Practices that Transform Schools with Dr. Darrin Peppard and Katie Kinder #161 27:14

3M ago27:14

27:14

Send us a text In this episode, Mel Vandevort dives into a captivating discussion with Katie Kinder and Dr. Darrin Peppard about their book "Culture First Classrooms" and their extensive experience as education consultants and speakers. The book, originally conceived as a guide to classroom management, evolved into a comprehensive exploration of fo…

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☀️🎧 Summer Sound Track Series: Track 5: Build Your Band – Reconnect Before You Re-Lead #160 5:38

3M ago5:38

5:38

Send us a text Before the school year even starts, it’s time to rehearse your leadership mindset. In this episode, I’ll walk you through a simple reflection practice to mentally prepare for the kind of leader you want to be this year. Grab a journal, find a quiet space, and let’s get your mind in tune. Theme: Social Recharge + Leadership Circle Son…

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LFY FF - The Secret to Problem Solving at Work and in Life 3:30

3M ago3:30

3:30

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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☀️🎧 Summer Sound Track Series: Track 4: Drop the Beat – Connect Before You Direct #159 8:18

3M ago8:18

8:18

Send us a text The strongest leaders start the school year with relationships already in motion. This episode is all about how to build connection before you even step foot back into the building. From welcome messages to family outreach to community love, you’ll learn how to cultivate trust early—so when it’s time to lead, your people are already …

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☀️🎧 Summer Soundtrack Series Track 3: Hit Repeat – Grow Through Professional Development #158 7:02

3M ago7:02

7:02

Send us a text You don’t need to do all the things—you just need to grow in one right area. In today’s episode, we’re focusing on how to grow through professional development that actually fuels your next level. Whether it's a micro-course, a virtual summit, or a deep dive into data or equity, summer PD is your chance to sharpen your skills without…

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☀️🎧 Summer Soundtrack Series Track 2: Mark the Beat – Set Your Schedule with Intention #157 7:42

3M ago7:42

7:42

Send us a text Before your calendar fills up with other people’s priorities, let’s take a beat to plan with purpose. In this episode, we’ll talk about how to set your leadership rhythm before the year starts—so you're leading, not just reacting. I’ll walk you through what to prioritize, how to make space for what matters, and how to use your planne…

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☀️🎧 Summer Soundtrack Series Track 1: Turn the Page – Read to Refuel #156 7:54

3M ago7:54

7:54

Send us a text Books can change your mindset, your momentum, and your mission. In today’s episode, I’m inviting you to read with intention—not out of obligation, but as a way to fuel the leader you're becoming. Whether it’s instructional leadership, school culture, or personal mindset, there’s a book that will stretch and strengthen you this summer…

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LFY FF - It's Not Just About The Journey! Focus on Results 3:53

4M ago3:53

3:53

Welcome everyone to LFY Fearless Fridays where we offer a quick tip, exercise, or just a thought on how you can live more for yourselves. Today is your day and how can you make it fearless! Make sure to check out Dr. Ritter’s book, “Becoming Fearless: 65 Strategies to Journey from Self-Doubt to Self-Mastery” at liveforyourselfconsulting.com/becomin…

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Being Brave on Purpose with Samantha Hamilton #155 22:07

3M ago22:07

22:07

Send us a text Today’s guest is Samantha Hamilton—an award-winning principal, national education consultant, and the author of Brave On Purpose. With over two decades in education, Samantha is known for leading with heart, turning chaos into culture, and helping school leaders build joyful, resilient communities—without losing themselves in the pro…

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Power Surge⚡From Busy to Productive: Leading with Purpose #154 3:16

4M ago3:16

3:16

Send us a text Main Message (2–3 min): Grab your top three tasks for this week and ask: Does this drive instructional excellence? Does this build a stronger school culture? Does this empower or develop someone on my team? Delegate-Delay-Delete “I Will” Statement: "I will align my actions with my purpose—so every step I take strengthens instruction,…

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Prioritize Yourself with Lesly Logan 34:39

4M ago34:39

34:39

Lesley Logan, a 2nd generation certified Pilates teacher, breathwork, habits and mindset coach, is the founder of OnlinePilatesClasses.com, the first free online catalog of Pilates exercise tutorials, where you can also find weekly Pilates classes and workshops. Teaching Pilates since 2008, she has run multiple studios, has trained hundreds of peop…