In this enlightening episode of the Docondee Decoded podcast episode, host Andy Holst interviews Shawna Molloy, the founder of SISU 4Leaders, LLC. With over 18 years of experience in education, Shawna is a board-certified behavior analyst, certified leadership coach, and licensed educator. Her work centers on building resilience among educational leaders to combat burnout and boost effectiveness, empowering them to thrive in high-pressure environments.
Shawna’s journey to becoming a leadership coach is a testament to resilience and self-discovery. After dropping out of high school and navigating the challenges of young motherhood, she found her passion in education through running an in-home childcare business. Her son’s struggles in middle school and her father’s battle with cancer further inspired her mission to support educators and leaders. These experiences fueled her pursuit of advanced credentials and her development of the "Sisu" framework, a resilience-building approach rooted in Finnish culture and her father’s enduring strength.
Throughout the conversation, Shawna shares valuable insights on the emotional and psychological challenges educational leaders face, such as stress, burnout, and self-doubt. She emphasizes practical strategies like time and energy management, emotional awareness, and the power of positive reinforcement to help leaders overcome these hurdles. Her approach focuses on fostering self-awareness and resilience, enabling leaders to support themselves and their teams effectively.
Shawna also introduces her "Sisu" framework, which encourages leaders to embrace determination and adaptability in the face of adversity. She offers actionable advice, such as starting the day with intention, noticing emotional patterns, and making time for what matters most. One standout moment is her story of coaching a leader who rediscovered their passion for surfing, illustrating how small, intentional actions can restore balance and confidence.
Key Topics Include:
- The inspiring journey from personal challenges to leadership coaching
- Building resilience in educational leaders through the "Sisu" framework
- Strategies for effective time and energy management
- Overcoming stress, burnout, and self-doubt in high-pressure roles
- The power of noticing emotions and using positive reinforcement
- Practical tips for leaders to enhance well-being and effectiveness
- The importance of authentic communication and leading by example
Docondee Decoded Episode Links:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2467013/episodes/17087458
https://youtu.be/vEKPzmvJROw
Connect with Shawna Malloy:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-molloy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawna.molloy
- Her website will be available soon—check her social media for updates.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance their leadership skills, manage stress more effectively, or gain insights into personal and professional growth. Tune in to learn from Shawna’s wealth of experience and start your journey toward becoming a more resilient and impactful leader.

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