Podcasts about monday matters

In this week's episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss a post from Jen's newsletter entitled “Trust at the Crux”. Inspired by Jen's experience in middle school, she describes trust not as an emotion and a judgement. Their conversation then moves on to building and maintaining trust as a principal. Principals always want to be trusted thoroughly by parents, teachers, and students. Unfortunately, trust is always being tested for principals. They are always trying to meet the conflicting expectations of many different people. The decision-making process is typically where trust in principals is tested. Usually, a good decision pleases some and upsets others. Understanding that there is always going to be pushback is an important step. The next steps leaders should take are ones that minimize fallout from their decisions. It is important for leaders to take steps to minimize fallout from their decisions. Jen clarifies that trust isn't about the content of a decision, but rather the process of making it and how clearly it is communicated. To hear more of Will and Jen's thoughts on trust and decision-making, listen in to the full conversation! The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Trust at the Crux appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are taking some time to reflect on lessons they have learned through coaching school leaders. Listen in to hear the full conversation! This week’s episode was inspired by a post written by Will. You can read it below: Lessons learned in coaching leaders by William D. Parker Over the past several years of working with school leaders across the country, a few lessons have become increasingly clear. In 2017, when I transitioned from principal to executive director of my state principal association, I put more than 30,000 miles on my car in my first year in that role. My goal was to connect across the state with as many leaders one-on-one or in groups in order to secure stronger relationships, as well as get a better feel for the variety of schools represented. I have visited schools in almost every demographic imaginable — urban settings where hundred-year-old buildings house generations of learning, suburban schools supporting college towns, and rural schools where principals may also drive buses and coach teams. One school I visited in the Panhandle of Oklahoma was a district where half the schools served Oklahoma residents, and half of the district was across the border of West Texas. Since those days, I've also criss-crossed the U.S. and spoken in states from coast to coast, at schools, conferences, retreats, and workshops with an emphasis on training or equipping school leaders. I've walked the halls of a demonstration academy in Washington, D.C., observed a program for raising laying hens at a middle school near Oklahoma City, walked the shop floors of welding and robotics programs near Houston, Texas, and spent the day with principals in locations near beaches, mountains, skyscrapers, and cattle lots. In addition to walking in these various settings, I've probably spent even more time in one-on-one conversations with education leaders through virtual or phone calls. Many of these have been coaching or reflection sessions. Some of them have been one-time complimentary times, and many of them have been with leaders who meet with me regularly on a formal basis for coaching and feedback. Along the way, I have gathered a few lessons in coaching leaders that may be insightful as you think about your own development or the opportunities you may have to coach or mentor others. Lesson 1 Most people already have the answers for their next steps. They just need someone to listen and provide them clarity on what they already know they want. That may not seem like an interesting point, but it still surprises me (and the leaders whom I coach) that when we go deep on a challenge they're currently facing, they often already know what they want. The challenge is talking through the pros and cons, the risks and benefits, thoroughly enough to recognize the importance and value of what they want to do next. A lot of times, I'll use what I call the magic wand question with leaders and ask something like, “If you could wave a magic wand, what is the outcome you really want to see happen?” Simply saying this out loud can often provide the clarity and motivation needed to move forward. Lesson 2 Leaders hold roles that isolate them, and they deserve the confidence of someone they can trust. This may be obvious to you if you are a leader, but it may also be a good reminder that the more responsibility you take on in any school or organization, the less others can really understand the weight of concern you carry for those under your care. Many times, school leaders, in particular, manage people or systems where they are being pressured by people from every part of the organization. Board members, teachers, parents, students, and community members all see priorities that are important to them. You must weigh those concerns in light of information none of those other groups is really studying or considering. Yes, it's important to be transparent with the budgets, data, feedback, progress, or lack of progress you are aware of when making hard decisions. But leaders often see the wider lens of all these inputs where their staff or community only see the part most important to their group. When weighing tough decisions about personnel, student discipline, budgets, or curriculum, the leader often is the final decision maker. This position of isolation means they benefit from a third party whose perspective can be objective without being prescriptive. One benefit of working with a coach is avoiding the pitfalls of isolation. We think better with others. Sometimes those others can be the people on your teams or in your communities. At other times, you need to be alone with your thoughts long enough to have clarity, and a good coach will help you navigate your thoughts toward reaching that kind of clarity. Lesson 3 Leaders deserve to be challenged in their thinking and maintain their own growth professionally. Whenever I meet with leaders, I usually include some discussion around content on leadership or education practice. These discussions allow us to talk about writings, research, and practice from other practitioners who inform us of trends, takeaways, or insights into what is working best in improving outcomes. I not only use my own books for these discussions, but I also pull in books from leadership and education authors to guide conversations with school leaders and ask them how this looks in their practice (good or bad), and what they may want to do next to adjust, monitor, or change their own practice. As a result, I'm asking leaders to stretch themselves in their own learning. If we are going to lead learning communities, we must also remain learners. As we wrap up these three lessons, I want to add an additional self-reflection practice I like to do with leaders. If you have ever attended my trainings or listened to my podcast before, you've probably heard me share these. When I meet with leaders, I like to ask them to do a quick self-inventory based on the following statements, ranking their agreement with each statement from 1–5 (1 = little time, 5 = much time). I have been visible and present with every student, every teacher, every day this week. I have been reading, meditating, or reflecting on helpful books or lessons (and our time together also counts). I have made healthy choices in my sleep, nutrition, and exercise. I have been faithful to those I love with my time and attention. You may want to pause a moment and do some math for yourself. The goal is growth, not perfection. Coaching leaders has given me the opportunity to spend time with leaders in places I never imagined visiting before. It has also given me treasured moments of providing feedback, asking hard questions, and protecting confidences. We know in other industries like business and professional athletics that those at the top of their games receive coaching. If that is the case for men and women managing multibillion-dollar companies or competing at the highest levels, why would we not want to provide coaching for those responsible for the learning outcomes of hundreds, if not thousands, of students? Providing helpful feedback to a fellow leader — or inviting someone to sit across from you in coaching — can help you see answers that were already in front of you, protect you from isolation, and stretch your thinking. Just like we want students and teachers to have the best environments for learning, leaders deserve the best environments for their own learning as well. Coaching is one way to help leaders enjoy the very outcomes they are seeking to provide others. The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Lessons from Coaching Leaders appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Jen Schwanke and I are talking about interview tips for educators. We share practical interview tips and tell some stories about times that interviews did not go well for us. Today’s topic was inspired by one of Jen’s recent newsletters, you can read it here. You can also read some of my older posts on interviewing here and here. Listen in to hear the full conversation! The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Tips for Interviewing appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week's Monday Matters episode is a longer response to a listener question covered in the Q&A portion of Principal Matters Podcast. The question is: “As a system leader, how do you encourage teachers in high-performing schools to go beyond “my students do well on the tests” or even other administrators, “have you seen our […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Stretching Students Beyond the Test appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to Monday Matters! Recently, Will attended his nephew's naval flight school graduation. While at the graduation, an Admiral gave a speech to the graduates that centered around these three main points: Know your mission, be decisive, and invest in your people. This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to reflect […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Leadership Lessons From an Admiral appeared first on Principal Matters.

Worship doesn't clock out. A lot of us think living for God mainly happens at church, but the Bible says your work matters to God—and God wants to be worshiped in the place you spend most of your week. In this message, we talk about how your job can become an act of worship through purpose, and a place where you can pursue excellence. Bring your Monday to Jesus—not just your Sunday.

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters. This week, Will and Jen are discussing a conference Jen recently attended that was dedicated to the topic of AI in schools. Some of what is covered in this conversation include cautions for schools. Schools are currently being sold lots of different AI products, and they need […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Some Thoughts on AI appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to talk about financial wellness for educators. They talk about the importance of making sure that your financial house is in order in the event that a new or different job opportunity comes up. Finances can either be an anchor that is […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Financial Wellness appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to talk about the challenges and emotional burdens faced everyday by school leaders. They highlight the importance of self-reflection practices and finding hope in trying times, and emphasize the importance of keeping challenges in perspective. This post was inspired by a blog […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Keeping Challenges in Perspective appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to discuss second semester PD planning. This topic comes from this question: A common “Catch-22” is when the principal feels staff needs a particular PD, but staff says, “Just let me go to my room, close my door, and teach.” How can […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Planning PD appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to this week's episode of Monday Matters where Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are discussing the topic of wellness. Will shares some takeaways from a book he is reading called Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity by Dr. Eric Topol. The book highlights a study with 1400 participants called a ‘well-derly” study. […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Wellness for the New Year appeared first on Principal Matters.

Happy New Year! This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker take some time to reflect on the past year through a series of questions. They talk about reaching major milestones, meeting personal and professional goals, overcoming challenges,  and learning lessons. Reflecting back is an important step to growing forward. Will challenges listeners […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Reflections appeared first on Principal Matters.

Happy holidays, Principal Matters listeners! This week Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to reminisce about the year and share some of holiday traditions that they are looking forward to. Listen in to hear the full conversation, or read the post below to learn more about what we are thankful for this holiday […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – A Year in Review appeared first on Principal Matters.

Meet Will Parker, author, leader, speaker, and host of the Principal Matters podcast & blog. He was the Teacher of the Year in OK, AP Teacher of the Year, and served as Executive Director of the Oklahoma Association of Secondary School Principals for six years. Learn more at https://williamdparker.com/. and subscribe to the PMP & Monday Matters podcasts. His latest book was released in March 2025, Whose Permission are you Waiting For? with ConnectEDD: you can find it here: https://bit.ly/3Yty5vV. Join us LIVE on the #ELB Podcast today, Tuesday, December 16th, 2025, at 4:30 EST. Keep surviving & thriving!This podcast is sponsored by IXL Personalized Learning. IXL is used by more than 1 million teachers each day. It is also the most widely used online learning and teaching platform for K-12. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/ELBIXL

This week on Monday Matters Will Parker and Jen Schwanke share some thoughts on addressing the political landscape that educators face. They discuss how educators, particularly school leaders, are often asked to weigh in on culture war issues. Taking sides on political issues is not what school leaders are paid to do, and in doing […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Not the Place appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to Monday Matters! This week, Will and Jen tackle the topic of understanding your identity outside of your career. They discuss how this can be particularly challenging for mothers, who often carry the mental load of running their households on top of having a career. Jen shares some insights into how she has […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Who Are You Without A Title? appeared first on Principal Matters.

12-01-2025 Pastor Tyler Stevison Monday Matters MON 7PM

Welcome back to Monday Matters! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to talk about the difference between responsive vs. reactive leadership. This conversation was inspired by a thoughtful post written by Will, you can read it below. As always, thank you for doing what matters! Responsive, not Reactive, Leadership During a […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Responsive vs. Reactive Leadership appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to talk about how curiosity leads to discovery. Sometimes, school leaders can get so caught up in their work that they forget to be curious, forgetting that curiosity is the engine of learning. As leaders, we need to intentionally seek out the […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Curiosity and Cracking the Code appeared first on Principal Matters.

Principals often juggle a multitude of tasks and responsibilities, and they are constantly being asked to add more to their plate. Sometimes, you have to say “no” to say “yes” to something else. This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss the never-ending todo lists that many principals face. They talk about […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Less is More appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to have a conversation about the use of AI in public schools. They talk about how AI has blown up and the ways that it is impacting education. One concern about AI that is often cited is […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Addressing AI appeared first on Principal Matters.

In this week's episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to highlight the extraordinary skills of school leaders. Using the image of a Swiss Army Knife, Will and Jen tie that image to the image of the job description of a school principal. The job of a principal often requires […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Being a Swiss Army Knife appeared first on Principal Matters.

In this week's episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss the challenges that school leaders face as they navigate both the mundane and complex aspects of their job. They offer advice on how to lead through the ordinary and fight boredom in the job of a school leader by reconnecting to one's […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Leading Through the Ordinary appeared first on Principal Matters.

10-20-2025 Pastor Tyler Stevison "Monday Matters"

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Jen Schwanke and I are talking about a post Jen wrote for her newsletter about staff meetings. Running a staff meeting can be a daunting task! We hope that this episode will provide principals with ideas to run staff meetings in a way that makes […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Staff Meeting Glow-Up appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke discuss the article below written by Will about left brain and right brain leadership. Listen in to hear their conversation! Left Brain and Right Brain Leadership, by William D. Parker There's an old ad from Mercedes-Benz that shows an illustration of the human brain divided […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Left Brain and Right Brain Leadership appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker discuss a post written by Will. Check out the post below and listen in to hear their thoughts on it! Random Moments, Major Outcomes by Will Parker I recently listened to an insightful episode of Hidden Brain that really provoked my thinking.  In the interview, […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Random Moments, Major Outcomes appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and I discuss happiness among educators. We cover an article by Elizabeth Dampf, The Cost of Happiness, and Jen talks about some articles she has written about joy in educators. School leaders face a lot of stress on the job. We spend a lot of time pouring into […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Whose Happiness Are You Responsible For? appeared first on Principal Matters.

Serial entrepreneur Ed Hansen joins host Colleen O'Connell-Campbell on the Cash Rich Exit Podcast to share his decades-long journey founding, scaling, and selling multiple businesses - including Hanson Lawn and Gardens and Ext.tech. In this episode, Ed reveals how mindset, adaptability, and a focus on relationships have shaped his entrepreneurial path.   Key takeaways: The early entrepreneurial spark - from cutting grass to building a multi-million-dollar company. Buying vs. selling a business - why every transaction is unique and how to make sure both sides win Building for a future exit - the difference between creating a great product and creating a sellable company. Technology and user experience - how Ext evolved from Ed's landscaping business and now powers companies across industries. The power of peer groups - how his role as a TEC Canada Chair gives entrepreneurs a safe space to learn, grow, and problem-solve. Monday Matters on LinkedIn - why Ed's weekly videos resonate with entrepreneurs and how showing up consistently builds trust and reach. Fun frank advice - focus on the journey, surround yourself with the right people, and don't take criticism from people you wouldn't take advice from.   ****   The Cash Rich Exit Podcast is brought to you by O'Connell-Campbell Wealth Management at RBC Dominion Securities.   All opinions expressed by the host, Colleen O'Connell-Campbell, and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and do not reflect the opinion of RBC Dominion Securities.   This podcast is for informational purposes only before taking any action based on information in this podcast you should consult with a qualified professional.   Colleen O'Connell-Campbell is a Wealth Advisor at RBC Dominion Securities, a member of the Canadian Investor Protection Fund.

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, join Will Parker and Jen Schwanke for the final discussion about Jen's new book, Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools. Chapter 7 is about self-trust for principals. The work of a principal is inherently very self critical. When a principal […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Self-Trust and Beyond appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker are talking about building trust with students. Their conversation is a follow-up to last week's episode, where they talk about what kills trust with students. If you haven't already listened to that episode, go back and give it a listen! Building trust with students is the […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Building Trust with Students appeared first on Principal Matters.

Happy Monday Principal Matters listeners! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are discussing a topic from Jen Schwanke's new book, Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools. Today's conversation is part one of a two part conversation about building trust with students. Building trust with students is an essential skill […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Trust Killers with Students appeared first on Principal Matters.

This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke talk more about a concept from Jen's new book, Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools. The topic of conversation this week is building trust with parents. Jen shares several components that are key to schools building a trusting relationship with […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Building Trust with Parents appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are talking about building trust with teachers. Competency, openness, and honesty are three key building blocks to building trust with teachers. Teachers feeling that their principal is competent is key to having a trusting relationship between teachers and principals. Staying […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Trust with Teachers appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back, Principal Matters listeners! This week on Monday Matters, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke are talking about trust pillars and trust killers, a concept covered in Jen's new book. When it comes to school trust, there are a number of methods school leaders can employ to build organizational trust among teachers and staff members. […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Trust Pillars and Trust Killers  appeared first on Principal Matters.

Nationally acclaimed author and founder of the Every Monday Matters movement, Matthew Emerzian, sits down with Steve Riley to have a conversation about purpose, connection, and building a life that truly matters. Matthew's story did not begin with a breakdown. From the outside, it looked like he had it all. He lived in Beverly Hills, working in the music industry with world-famous bands like U2 and Coldplay. He traveled, enjoyed success, and was part of an exciting, fast-paced world. Then, one night after a blind date arranged by his parents' best friends, he realized something that would change the course of his life. Despite the outward success, he had no real purpose or direction. That realization sent him searching for meaning. He began therapy, which he jokingly calls his “expensive friend,” and started exploring the idea of human-centered design. He wanted to understand how to design a life that put people first, starting with himself, extending to others, and reaching into his work and the world around him. This search led him to create Every Monday Matters, a movement that inspires people to live intentionally and remember that they matter. Over time, it grew into a global message: I matter, you matter, we matter. In this episode, Matthew and Steve explore how that philosophy can transform a law practice. They discuss how “Every Monday Matters” can guide client relationships, strengthen workplace culture, and influence leadership. They talk about why empathy, self-awareness, and kindness are not just good values, but essential tools for success. Matthew shares ways to integrate these values into daily habits so they create real change. He explains how living with intention can improve both personal fulfillment and professional impact. His message is clear: when you believe you matter, it changes how you show up for everyone around you. Matthew walked away from the high life to build a more meaningful one. Today, through Every Monday Matters, he helps people discover purpose in their own lives, one intentional choice at a time. Catch Matthew Emerzian live at this year's Summit! Matthew will take the Summit stage as a keynote speaker with Human-Centered Leadership: How to Prioritize Mental Health, Increase Well-Being, and Mitigate Burnout Across High-Performing Teams. Drawing from his personal journey and his Every Monday Matters movement, Matthew will share The Mattering Mindset — a proven playbook for reducing burnout, building connection, and inspiring purpose-driven growth. You'll leave with practical tools to create a thriving, people-centered organization where every person knows they matter. Join us for $300 off by using code KEYNOTE300 when registering! In this episode, you will hear: Matthew Emerzian's inspiring story of founding the Every Monday Matters movement  How the “You Matter” philosophy can influence professional practices, especially in law, and personal fulfillment  Insights into the pressures of unmet life milestones and the role of mentorship for overcoming personal crises  The power of mindsets like “I matter, you matter, we matter” in altering workplace dynamics and fostering positive cultures  Human-centered leadership and empathy in creating supportive work environments  How values like kindness and self-awareness can drive personal and organizational growth  Practical resources, such as the “You Matter” book and a downloadable worksheet, to apply these concepts in everyday life and work  A surprise from Matthew for Summit attendees who bring him their completed worksheet (linked in the Supporting Resources) Subscribe & Review Never miss an episode. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or YouTube. ⭐Like what you hear? A quick review helps more people find the show.⭐ Supporting Resources: Matthew Emerzian: www.matthewemerzian.com Every Monday Matters: www.everymondaymatters.com Matthew on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-emerzian Matthew's email: matthew@everymondaymatters.com Worksheet: Your Integrated Mattering Plan: atticusadvantage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/IntegratedMatteringPlan-MatthewEmerzian.pdf You Matter: Learning to Love Who You Really Are by Matthew Emerzian: www.amazon.com/You-Matter-Learning-Love-Really/dp/B082T33YF5 The Summit: atticussummit.com (Use discount code: KEYNOTE300 for $300 off!) Subscribe to the Atticus Newsletter If there's a topic you would like us to cover on an upcoming episode, please email us at steve.riley@atticusadvantage.com. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Hello, Principal Matters Listeners! Welcome back to another conversation about Jen's new book, Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools, available August 17th. Pre-order your copy now! Today, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker will be talking about what sets this book apart from a lecture on how to be trustworthy. Their […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Trustworthy vs. Trust-willing appeared first on Principal Matters.

08-04-2025 Monday Matters "The law of the Harvest" Pastor Tyler Stevison

Hi, friends. Jen Schwanke is excited to announce that her new book, Trusted: Trust Pillars, Trust Killers, and the Secret to Successful Schools, will be released on the 17th of this month! Over the next several weeks, Jen and I will be using the Monday Matters episodes to dive into each of the chapters of […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Trusted: A New Book by Jen Schwanke appeared first on Principal Matters.

Lessons from Climbing Mt. Massive On June 26, 2025, my son Jack and I summited Mt Massive, at 14,429 feet, the 2nd tallest peak in Colorado. That one sentence sums up an impossibly difficult-to-describe one-day adventure that he and I have dreamed about for a long time. The day began at 4:30 AM, when we […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Lessons From Climbing Mt. Massive appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to another installment of Monday Matters! This week, Dr. Jen Schwanke and I are discussing chapter 13 from my new book Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator's Guide to Doing What You Love. The focus of chapter 13 is based on avoiding the mindset that our greatest joy has to be […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Your Greatest Joy Is Not What You May Think appeared first on Principal Matters.

In this episode, I wanted to share some feedback from another Mastermind group I've met with in 2024-25. These leaders include: Julieta R. Flowers – Principal, Discovery Community School, Toledo, OH Kelly Brodzenski – Principal, Beacon Academy, Canton, OH Laura Krulik – Assistant Superintendent & Title II/Civil Rights Coordinator, Utica Shale Academy (Southern Local Schools), […] The post MONDAY MATTERS BONUS with Ohio Academy Grads Mastermind appeared first on Principal Matters.

Happy Monday, Principal Matters listeners! This week, Jen Schwanke and I are talking about chapter 12 from my new book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator's Guide to Doing What You Love. The premise of this chapter is on something I like to call “life liturgies”: practices, routines, and rituals that define a […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Life Liturgies  appeared first on Principal Matters.

Welcome back to another Monday Matters! I can't believe it is already summer. This week, our Monday Matters Podcast is going to be a little different than usual. As listeners may already know, the focus of recent Monday Matters episodes have been on the chapters of my new book Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? […] The post MONDAY MATTERS Bonus Episode – Mastermind Lesson with Legacy Leaders appeared first on Principal Matters.

Message from Pastor Kory Cunningham on June 29, 2025

Welcome back to another Monday Matters. As school leaders across the country are wrapping up their school years, Jen and I are wishing everyone a happy summer! This week's episode is a discussion of a chapter on coaching from my book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator's Guide to Doing What You Love. […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – The Value of Coaching appeared first on Principal Matters.

Hi, Principal Matters listeners! Thank you for tuning in for another episode of Monday Matters. This week, Jen Schanke and I are talking about chapter 10 from my book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator's Guide to Doing What You Love. Before we jump into that discussion, Jen announces all of the places […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Cycles of Reflection appeared first on Principal Matters.

Hi, Principal Matters listeners, and welcome back to another episode of Monday Matters! This week, Jen Schwanke and I are talking about building systems that produce the outcome you want (Chapter 8 in Whose Permission). I want to talk about systems on Monday Matters because Jen Schwanke has helped me understand systems better. Jen shares […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Building Systems That Produce Outcomes You Want appeared first on Principal Matters.

It's Monday, so that means it's time for another Monday Matters episode! This week, Jen and I are continuing a series of conversations that revolve around the chapters from my new book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator's Guide to Doing What You Love. The chapter we're discussing this week is called “Let's […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Let's Talk About Money appeared first on Principal Matters.

Hi, Friends! Welcome back to another installment of Monday Matters! This week, I am joined by Jen Schwanke to talk about a chapter called “Will It Fly?”  in my new book, Whose Permission Are You Waiting For? An Educator's Guide to Doing What You Love.  When I wrote this chapter, I wanted to share with […] The post MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker – Will It Fly? appeared first on Principal Matters.