School leadership is rewarding — and relentless. In this energizing episode, I walk listeners through 23 practical habits and mindset shifts that strengthen influence, improve decision-making, and protect leaders from burnout. Drawing on leadership research and everyday school leadership realities, I cover tactical moves (be visible, have difficult talks,mentor & coach), mindset anchors (choose a growth mindset, listen with empathy, know yourself), and wellbeing practices (go offline, practice mindfulness, take good care of you). This episode serves as a toolkit for principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, and aspiring school leaders who seek intentional, steady growth.
Episode highlights — The essentials (selected items from the 23)
Whether you are a new principal, a veteran school leader, or an aspiring administrator, this episode provides practical, bite-sized leadership habits you can start using tomorrow.
Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor.
✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community on Facebook for deeper discussions!
✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources.
✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too!
✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you.
Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan
Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/
#SchoolLeadership #PrincipalLife #LeadershipHabits #MindfulLeadership #EdLeadership
In this episode, I explore the 8 essential traits that distinguish the most effective principals and educational leaders. Backed by research from the Wallace Foundation, Education Development Trust, and insights from thought leaders like Todd Whitaker and Michael Fullan, you will discover: What makes a successful school leader or principal? How do you truly become effective as a principal?
While listening, take note of the eight traits of successful school leaders:
Whether you are a new principal, a veteran school leader, or an aspiring administrator, this episode will equip you with the mindset and skills to transform your school into a thriving learning community.
Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor.
✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community on Facebook for deeper discussions!
✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources.
✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too!
✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you.
Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan
Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/
As the academic year wraps up, K–12 school leaders and share principals face a critical opportunity to reflect, celebrate, and prepare. In this episode, I shares 8 practical strategies for school principals and administrators to successfully close out the school year and lay the groundwork for a strong start to next year.
These strategies help principals and school leaders boost staff morale, celebrate student success, review performance data, and plan for summer and beyond. If you are a principal or assistant principal, this episode is your year-end game plan.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn How To:
Whether you're a principal, assistant principal, instructional leader, or an aspiring school administrator—this episode gives you the tools to wrap up the year with purpose and power.
Call to Action: If this episode added value to your leadership journey, do me a favor.
✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community on Facebook for deeper discussions!
✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources.
✅ Follow, subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadership in others, too!
✅ Share this episode with fellow leaders if it adds value to you.
Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan
Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/
Hashtags: #EndOfYearPlanning #EOYStrategies #SchoolYearWrapUp #CloseTheYearStrong #EndOfYearSuccess #YearEndReflection #CelebrateSuccess #ReflectAndLead #PlanForSuccess #FinishStrong
In this episode, I explore the critical issue of teacher and staff morale. With teacher burnout at an all-time high, I provide actionable strategies for school leaders to cultivate a positive, supportive, and high-morale school community. You will discover how boosting teacher and staff morale directly impacts student achievement and how to implement practical steps to make a difference.
Episode Highlights:
The State of Teaching: I begin with a sobering look at the current challenges facing teachers, citing statistics on burnout and attrition. This sets the stage for why this topic is so crucial.
The Why: The episode emphasizes the why behind boosting teacher morale: the direct link between teacher well-being and student success.
5 Key Strategies: I have outlined five practical, evidence-based strategies that school leaders can implement right away:
Key Takeaways: The episode is packed with specific,actionable steps that school leaders can implement right away.
Call to Action: I do not just present problems; I provides solutions and inspires listeners to take action and become morale-boosting leaders.
✅ Join the School Leaders' Podcast Community on Facebook for deeper discussions!
✅ Visit www.DrGHarrigan.com for blogs, newsletters, and more leadership resources.
✅ Subscribe, rate, and leave a 5-star review wherever you listen—help ignite leadershipin others, too!
✅ Share this episode with a fellow leader who could use a morale boost in their school community.
Connect with Dr. Gastrid Harrigan
Website: https://www.drgharrigan.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/gastrid.harrigan
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
Twitter: http://www.instagram.com/DrGHarrigan
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-gastrid-harrigan-4b117333/
In this episode, we explore eight strategies for school leaders to create more margin in their day. According to a report from Education Support, 78% of teachers have reported feeling stressed or experiencing burnout. Recent research indicates that 87% of knowledge workers work two hours more each day compared to 2019. Despite this effort, over a quarter of deadlines are still missed each week.
Daily, we face competing demands on our time, which leads to increased chaos and stress rather than clarity.
Those of us in the modern workforce and education are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and burnout. It is essential that we work on developing margin in our daily lives.
As you listen, pay close attention to the eight strategies that school leaders can use to create more margin in their day.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and a positive comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, we dive into seven impactful strategies to help you stand out in your school or workplace and capture the attention of your principal or leadership team. What does it really mean to “get noticed” at work? It goes beyond simply being seen – it’s about being recognized for the unique strengths and contributions you bring to the table.
From being a go-to problem-solver to demonstrating expertise in curriculum design, managing challenging classroom situations, or fostering collaboration among colleagues, being noticed is about showcasing your value in ways that elevate the whole school community. I’ll walk you through actionable steps for building a strong, positive reputation that can open doors to new opportunities, lead to well-deserved promotions, and accelerate your professional growth.
Tune in to learn:
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, a leadership role, or simply looking to grow your career in education, this episode has essential insights to help you gain recognition, respect, and career momentum.
Let’s get started on your journey to becoming the educator everyone notices for the right reasons!
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and a positive comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I discuss 7 Things Effective School Leaders Do Over the Summer. Summer is here. While schools are closed for the summer, most school leaders and principals are working over the summer. It is important then to catch your breath and recharge your leadership battery.
Although the work never stops, recharging your leadership battery and creating margin are very important to your leadership development and longevity. You need to stop and recharge.
John Maxwell, in his book The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, reminded us of the “Law of the Lid,” which states that your leadership ability determines your potential to be effective. Having a commitment to growth and personal improvement is the only way to improve as a leader.
John said, “Once a leader improves his or her life, then everybody within their sphere of influence, their lives improve.”
As school leaders, how you spend your summer months could define how effective you are in the new school year.
As you listen, pay close attention to the 7 things effective school leaders and principals do over the summer to prepare for the next school year.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and a positive comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I discuss 5 Mini Habits to Become a Better Leader. James Clear, Atomic Habits, says change doesn’t have to be huge, dramatic, or instantaneous. James explained that if you “get just 1% better each day, you’ll end up with results that are nearly 37x better after one year.” As leaders, we can cultivate and develop mini habits that will make us better leaders. 37x better in one year, according to James Clear.
As you listen, pay close attention to the 5 mini habits to develop and cultivate to become a better.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and a positive comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I discuss how to Unlock Your Leadership Potential by focusing on 10 Strategies for Growth. John Maxwell, 15 Laws of Growth, stated that the 1st Law of Growth is The Law of Intentionality – Growth doesn’t happen by chance. You must make it happen. To grow as a leader, you must make it happen. You must constantly sharpen your axe.
As you listen, pay close attention to the 10 strategies for growth and make this year your best year ever.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and a positive comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I discuss 5 Things to Stop Doing as a Leader. The late great management thinker Peter Drucker said: “We spend a lot of time teaching our leaders what to do. We don’t spend enough time teaching them what to stop.” As you write down your new year resolutions, goals, and ideas for growth to strengthen your leadership practices and skills, I suspect Peter Drucker would encourage you to stop doing a few things.
As you listen, pay close attention to the things you should stop doing to reach your personal goals, grow beyond your limit, and make this year your best year ever.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and a positive comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I discuss Focus: Tips to Eliminate Distractions. I will share three tips to reduce or eliminate distractions and focus on what you want more this year. For many leaders, the problem isn’t a lack of time. The problem is a lack of focus. As you listen, pay close attention to how to refocus on what matters most.
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes, so let’s look at how to overcome distractions in three steps.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I discuss Leading with Gratitude. As you listen, pay close attention to the benefits of living a grateful life and 5 habits that will help you lead with gratitude.
To lead with gratitude, every leader should practice these 5 habits:
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I shared Leadership Landmines and How to Avoid Them. As you listen, pay close attention to each leadership landmine and strategies to avoid stepping on them.
These are the landmines every school leader should avoid.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I shared 6 Tips for Aspiring School Leaders. As you listen, examine yourself and consider these tips and areas for improvement.
As you start on your leadership journey, consider these tips.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I shared 10 Tips for New Principals. If you are a newly appointed principal, Congratulations! I am proud of you. I know you are excited and ready to lead your school to make it a better learning environment for students.
As you start your 1st year as a new principal or a veteran principal in a new building, consider these tips.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I shared 10 Tips for New Assistant Principals. If you are a newly appointed assistant principal, Congratulations! I am proud of you. I know you are excited and ready to work alongside your principal to turn your school around or scale it up to a make it a better learning environment for students.
As you start your 1st year as a new assistant principal or a veteran assistant principal in a new building, consider these tips.
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I shared How to Increase Your Influence. These tips will help you increase your influence in every direction—up, down, and across your organization.
You must be able to influence or manage up, down, and across our organization if you are going to increase your influence and effectiveness. These tips are:
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join The School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at ww.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I shared Self-Care Tips for Educators. These self-care tips are intended as reminders for educators, school leaders, and principals as they enter the summer months and throughout the new school year to refill and rejuvenate.
As you enter the summer and throughout the new school year, consider or ponder on these 3 self-care tips. They are:
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join the School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website at www.drgharrigan.com, read the monthly blog, and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I interview Dr. Joseph Williams III. As an experienced educator, Dr. Joseph Williams III recognizes that an excellent and equitable education is the key to a world of opportunities for all children. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Strong teachers, quality educational programs, and a supportive mother changed the trajectory of his life, which is why he has dedicated his life to ensuring that a student’s race, identity, gender, economic status, or zip code does not determine their life outcomes. Dr. Williams is committed to investing in and working with students, teachers, leaders, and the community to deliver a world-class educational experience for children.
Dr. Williams started his K12 career as a special education teacher in Florida. He currently serves as a high school principal in Seattle, WA, where he is leading a school turnaround and improved outcomes for all students. Dr. Williams holds a Master’s degree in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University, an MBA degree from William Howard Taft University, and an Ed.D. in educational administration from California Coast University. He also has an executive certificate in Social Justice Leadership from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Williams enjoys spending time with his family, morning workouts, sports, and publishing a weekly newsletter on LinkedIn titled Elevating K12 Education.
Listen in to the entire conversation for lessons and tips to create a system of support for hard to reach students:
Connect with Dr. Joseph Williams III:
LinkedIn: Dr. Joseph Williams III
YouTube: My K12 Career Show
Newsletter: Elevating K12 Education!
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join the School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.
In this episode, I interview Charle Peck. She is the co-creator of Thriving School Community, a revolutionary program designed for schools to improve mental health. With over 20 years of education and mental health leadership experience, she has the unique lens of both a certified teacher and a licensed clinical therapist specializing in trauma.
Charle holds an MS in Education and an MS in Social Work. Her role as a high school teacher coupled with her work with children and families in crisis gives her incredible insight into solving youth mental health problems stemming from our schools. She is the co-author of Improving School Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution and a global keynote speaker delivering powerful messages of hope to educators.
Listen in to the entire conversation for lessons and tips to improve school mental health:
Connect with Charle Peck
Twitter: @CharlePeck
LinkedIn: Charle Peck
Website: http://www.ThrivingSchool.org
Email: charle@thrivingschool.org
Book: Improving school Mental Health: The Thriving School Community Solution
I hope you enjoyed today’s episode. Please subscribe to the podcast, leave a 5-star rating, and comment! Share this episode with a friend and on social media. Join the School Leader’s Podcast on Facebook. Connect with me on Twitter & Instagram at @DrGHarrigan, and Facebook & LinkedIn at Gastrid Harrigan for leadership tips and ideas. Visit the website and sign-up for our free newsletter. If you are interested in being featured on the podcast, contact me at gastridharrigan@gmail.com.