In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, I sit down with Jill Howard to dive into what it truly means to lead with resilience, adaptability, and vision. Jill shares her leadership journey, offering deep insights into how great leaders navigate uncertainty, empower their teams, and create environments where people thrive.

Jill opens up about the critical role of trust in leadership. She explains how trust isn’t just built through big decisions but through the everyday moments—how leaders show up, listen, and create space for others to grow. She emphasizes that the best leaders don’t have all the answers, but they ask the right questions and create a culture where problem-solving becomes a shared responsibility.

Another key theme is navigating leadership in times of uncertainty. Jill shares personal experiences of leading teams through difficult transitions, highlighting how real leadership isn’t about having a perfect roadmap—it’s about being present, making thoughtful decisions, and fostering resilience. She reveals how leaders can embrace change rather than fear it, inspiring their teams to do the same.

Jill also discusses the importance of emotional intelligence and self-awareness in leadership. She explains why the ability to read a room, understand different perspectives, and adjust your approach is one of the most valuable skills a leader can have. Her advice on active listening and genuine connection will resonate with anyone looking to elevate their leadership game.

Throughout the conversation, Jill provides practical strategies for leaders at all levels, from new managers to seasoned executives. Whether you’re leading a small team or an entire organization, her insights will challenge you to think differently about your role, your influence, and the legacy you’re creating.

This episode is packed with real-world wisdom, actionable advice, and powerful leadership lessons. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will help you lead with confidence, clarity, and impact.

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White talks with Kevin Macki, Director of School Relations at Calvary Christian Academy and Schools United. Kevin shares his journey from being a teacher and school administrator to his current role in building global peer networks for Christian educators. His insights into servant leadership, fostering connections, and nurturing future leaders are a treasure trove for anyone passionate about leadership and education.

Kevin begins by sharing how a pivotal moment in high school, when his basketball coach recognized his hard work and leadership potential, set the foundation for his leadership journey. This early experience taught Kevin the value of affirmation and helped him develop his philosophy of leadership: seeing and cultivating potential in others. This perspective has remained central to his career, shaping his approach to building strong teams and nurturing future leaders.

The conversation delves into Kevin’s passion for creating a culture of connection and collaboration in Christian education. He explains how Schools United fosters unity among educators globally by breaking down barriers and building peer networks. Kevin highlights inspiring stories of elite schools sharing resources with smaller institutions, demonstrating how collaboration can transform education and create a more unified community.

Kevin also explores the importance of visibility in leadership. Drawing from his experience as a head of school, he emphasizes the value of getting out of the office, building relationships with teachers, parents, and students, and addressing challenges before they escalate. This hands-on approach fosters trust and creates a culture of openness and support, essential for any successful leader.

Another key theme is the courage to have difficult conversations. Kevin reflects on his early struggles with classroom management and how constructive feedback from a mentor helped him grow. He shares how this lesson shaped his approach to leadership, encouraging leaders to give honest, thoughtful feedback with kindness and purpose to help others reach their full potential.

Throughout the episode, Kevin stresses the importance of developing future leaders. He shares practical advice on identifying potential, mentoring emerging leaders, and creating opportunities for growth within an organization. For Kevin, leadership isn’t about holding onto power—it’s about empowering others to lead and succeed.

This episode is packed with actionable advice and powerful insights from Kevin’s decades of experience in education and leadership. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or someone passionate about creating positive change, this conversation will leave you inspired to lead with humility, courage, and connection. Tune in now to learn from one of the most thoughtful voices in Christian education!

In this episode of The Leadership Conversations Podcast, Jonno White sits down with Mark Plitzuweit, President CEO of Edkey, Inc., a diverse charter school network serving over 11,000 students. Mark shares powerful insights on what it takes to lead in education, discussing his journey from teacher to CEO and the core principles that have guided him through the complexities of organizational growth.

Mark opens up about his journey, which began on the athletic fields of high school and college, where he first discovered the power of teamwork and leadership. These early experiences in sports taught him the value of guiding others, a theme he carried forward into his career in education. He shares how, from his early days in the classroom to now leading Edkey, his approach has always centered on helping others uncover their strengths, creating an environment where each team member can thrive.

One of the central themes in this episode is Mark’s commitment to developing a high-retention, purpose-driven culture. When Mark joined Edkey in 2016, he was faced with financial instability and high turnover. Through a people-first approach, he turned these challenges into successes, achieving a 97% retention rate—a rarity in the education field. Mark describes how he built trust within his team by focusing on kindness, transparency, integrity, and open communication. By putting his core values into practice, Mark has created a culture where employees feel valued, empowered, and connected to Edkey’s mission.

Mark emphasizes the importance of trust in leadership, sharing his belief that leaders must release control and allow team members to grow through both success and failure. By giving school principals at Edkey the autonomy to make decisions and learn from their own experiences, Mark has fostered an environment where leadership isn’t about micromanaging but about supporting others to reach their full potential. His philosophy of “trust, yet verify” provides a balanced approach that encourages independence within a framework of accountability.

Another highlight of the conversation is Mark’s unique hiring strategy, which focuses on finding the right people for Edkey’s culture before matching them to specific roles. He explains why Edkey invests heavily in professional development, seeing it as an essential component of retaining passionate and motivated employees. By hiring for culture fit and offering robust training, Mark has built a team dedicated to serving the unique needs of each Edkey school community.

Mark also shares his thoughts on navigating change, especially in the rapidly evolving education landscape. He discusses how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for schools to innovate and adapt, emphasizing that education must evolve to meet new challenges and expectations. Through his forward-thinking approach, Mark has positioned Edkey as a leader in flexible, community-centered education models that address each school’s unique needs.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in transformative leadership, team-building, and making a lasting impact in education. Mark’s story and insights offer valuable lessons on creating a resilient, mission-driven organization that thrives on trust, empowerment, and purposeful leadership.