Inclusive Leadership Lab

“There is nothing more attractive or courageous than taking accountability.” I’m walking into a school today, and I have to say, the shift I’m witnessing is nothing short of extraordinary. This isn’t just a slogan on the wall; it’s the daily reality taking root because of the work we’re doing together. Here, when a lesson doesn’t land, teachers don’t blame the curriculum or the kids. They say honestly, “That didn’t go as planned, how can I own this and make it better for everyone?” Leaders don’t sweep missteps under the rug; they step into tough conversations, admit mistakes, and make it right. As accountability becomes part of the fabric, not just a policy, the result is magnetic: trust deepens, energy rises, and a true sense of belonging starts to flourish. Why does this matter? Because schools often search for the next big fix to recruitment or retention. But here’s the truth: people stay where they feel seen, safe, and valued for who they really are, including their imperfections. The courage to fail forward and ask for support safely is what a school an attractive place to work. When accountability starts at the top and echoes throughout every hallway and classroom, transformation follows. Yes, it’s slow. Yes, it’s uncomfortable. But every step forward is profound and lasting. I’m honored to be part of this journey, to see bold educators and leaders creating a culture where owning imperfection is celebrated, not punished. The impact is real, and it’s changing lives. Have you experienced a culture shift through authentic accountability? Share your story or insight below, let’s learn from each other and build schools where everyone belongs.

Transformational Leadership in Special Education: Reframing “That’s Not My Job” This year, we launched a year-long Transformational Leadership Training, tailored for both general leadership teams and those serving in Special Education. This week, I’m excited to present to a group of special education leaders, where we’ll bring together the 4Is of Transformational Leadership, Conflict Resolution strategies, and Emotional Intelligence in practice. Education can be a tough place right now and everyone feels like there is something new asked of them every day with limited resources. It's equally important to honor the needs of each person within the ecosystem of the school, from classified, certified to administrative teams. Without making each member of the school feel like a valued member of the team, as a leader, you risk even more staff shortages and gaps in services and supports to students, which then may mean lower student outcomes. A natural trend in today’s educational climate, especially as we face persistent staffing shortages, is hearing “That’s not my job,” often framed as a boundary. It's a human and self-protective response when overwhelmed and under resourced. As leaders, though, we’re put in a tough spot: either honor the boundary (risking support gaps), or take on more ourselves (risking burnout). Both options feel like losing. But what if there’s a third path? By leaning in with curiosity, without judgment or bias, we can ask: What makes this feel outside your role? What obstacles or emotions are present? What fears or needs are beneath this response? What does support look like for each person involved? When we engage with these questions, we move past surface-level boundaries to uncover the root causes. This approach, built on emotional intelligence and strong communication skills, transforms a moment of resistance into an opportunity for dialogue and trust-building. It’s how we turn conflict from a friction point into a catalyst for growth. You may learn they are right, or you may learn there is a support gap that needs to be filled, or a training opportunity. Or, maybe someone just needed to talk through fears of trying something new. I’m looking forward to exploring these strategies with special education leaders this week. How do you approach boundaries, burnout, and courageous conversation in your leadership practice? How do you help your staff with their work-life balance while protecting your own boundaries to prevent burnout yourself?

🔥 Real Accountability. Real Teams. Real Leadership. 🔥 In a world where self-reflection can feel painful—and accountability, even more so—I'm deeply moved by the administrators I work with who just completed the “Conflict Dynamics Profile 360 Assessment.” They didn’t just agree to another survey; they opened themselves up to the hard truth of how they show up in moments of conflict, seen both through their own eyes and the eyes of their colleagues. It’s uncomfortable, sometimes even painful, to confront the honest feedback of how we lead when stress is high. But these leaders faced that discomfort head-on, choosing to take responsibility for their impact and to actively shape how they support their teams. This is how high-performing teams are built. Not through avoidance, but through accountability, a willingness to hear the hard things, reflect, and act. These administrators are showing that real growth comes from being transparent, taking ownership, and modeling vulnerability. If you want real trust, strong collaboration, and breakthrough results in your organization, it starts here. True leaders aren’t afraid to be seen fully, and to use what they learn to lift others higher. Ready to build a team founded on courage and accountability? DM me or call—I’d be honored to help. #Leadership #Accountability #TeamCulture #HighPerformance #ConflictResolution #GrowthMindset

Instead of getting stuck in old debates, policy leaders have a unique chance to reimagine what’s possible: using AI to lift administrative weight off teachers, create space for real human connections, and enable the kind of personalized learning that sticks. Our future depends on educators who are empowered, not replaced. Let’s craft policies that harness AI to unlock lasting impact in every classroom.

🔥 New Resource for School Leaders Navigating Special Education Most administrators are asked to lead in one of the most litigious, complex areas of education with little to no training. Our new Specially Designed Instruction Administrator’s Guide + Workshop gives leaders the right questions, tools, and systems to build confidence, compliance, and trust. 👉 Let’s connect if you want this for your district. #SchoolLeadership #SpecialEducation #InclusiveSchools #ProfessionalLearning

Supporting Teachers: Creating Space for Growth and Care Teachers today are navigating immense pressures, from adapting to evolving curricula to addressing diverse student needs and the challenges of ongoing change. Many educators find healthy outlets: collaborating with colleagues, seeking professional development, or prioritizing self-care. Yet, some struggle with stress in less visible (and sometimes less constructive) ways. As school leaders, our responsibility is to ask: How are we making space for teachers to truly breathe and grow? Do our schedules allow for meaningful planning and reflection? Are we fostering environments where vulnerability and support are welcomed, not judged? Are we providing resources that promote resilience, emotional wellbeing, and professional growth? Are we intentionally attending to the needs of everyone on our team? When staff feel truly cared for, when their needs are seen and supported, they are better able to meet the needs of students. By tending to the wellbeing of every adult in our schools, we build a foundation for stronger classrooms and thriving learners.

I read last night from John Maxwell, The Law of Magnetism in leadership states: “Who you attract is not determined by what you want. It’s determined by who you are.” I started reflecting on what that meant in terms of shared leadership in a school system. Leadership in a school doesn’t begin or end with the principal’s office. Culture is shaped by countless everyday actions, by the way a teacher encourages a struggling student, how the custodian greets kids in the hallway, or how a student council member helps a new student feel welcome. Authentic leadership isn’t limited to a job title; it radiates from our character, our values, and the choices we make, day in and day out. When we each take ownership for the climate around us, we become magnets for the kinds of attitudes and behaviors our schools need. If we model respect, curiosity, and integrity, even in small moments, we inspire others to do the same. That’s how a fundamental culture shift happens: from the ground up, not the top down. So, the next time you hear “leadership,” don’t look up, look around. Ask yourself: What am I doing right now to set the tone? In school communities, every voice and every action matters. Leadership is everyone’s responsibility, and our everyday actions are what attract the kind of culture we want to see.

Personalized professional learning with Inclusive Leadership Lab - we strive to make everyone we work with feel seen, heard and valued every day!!

Some leaders fill every room with their presence, quick to inspire, always in the center of the conversation. Others may rarely seek the spotlight, choosing instead to spend their energy on quiet but meaningful work that’s sometimes overlooked. It’s easy to be captivated by charismatic, extroverted leadership. But when it comes to lasting impact, does how a leader “shows up” matter as much as what’s left behind after the applause fades? Can quieter leaders, those whose actions may speak louder than their words- shift a culture, touch lives, or drive change in more subtle ways? As I observe energetic back-to-school videos, I admire the extrovert's boundless energy and creative approach to welcoming students back, while also empathizing with the introverted leader who makes a difference in a quieter, yet equally impactful, way. Both types shape school culture, but in different ways. How can we celebrate and support both styles of leadership? Thinking back on the leaders in your school, workplace, or family, whose influence truly shaped outcomes or transformed lives? Was it the one everyone noticed, or someone whose contributions were invisible until you looked closer? And what about you, how would you describe your style of leadership? Do you gravitate toward the spotlight, or do you lead through quiet actions and steady support? How do you hope your influence is felt? How do you think personality and presence shape a leader’s legacy? Is effectiveness found in what’s felt publicly, or what’s quietly built over time? Would love to hear your stories, both the celebrated and the quietly powerful. https://lnkd.in/gXBEPQh9.

The "We Not Me: Inclusion in Action" podcast is now reaching listeners around the globe! This episode is made for thoughtful leaders and curious changemakers like YOU—those who care about building meaningful inclusion and driving impact across continents. Join us as we go international! Dr. Nikki Harding welcomes Dr. Lewis Fogarty, who shares hard-won lessons and powerful stories from his leadership and education work in both Europe and Africa. From fostering self-leadership to transforming communities, this conversation is all about helping you discover new perspectives, challenge your thinking, and get inspired by global approaches to real inclusion. Whether you’re a student, an educator, a business leader, a parent—or just passionate about making a difference—there’s something here for every listener ready to shape the future of leadership worldwide. Don’t miss it—be part of our global community! https://lnkd.in/gyKbG7M7