Leaders, change-makers, and visionaries are at the heart of this episode, as we dive into the transformative world of education with Dr. James Lane. With a career that has influenced educational systems from local districts to the federal level, Dr. Lane shares his unique journey from a musician to an esteemed educational leader, emphasizing the importance of being great at the jobs we currently hold. This episode is not just a narrative of his accomplishments but a heartfelt exploration of equity in education and the pressing teacher shortage crisis facing our schools today. Dr. Lane's insights into how educators can inspire change and why teacher support is vital in overcoming challenges are thought-provoking and resonate deeply with anyone invested in the future of education. We also discuss the misconceptions about education that many hold, shedding light on the realities faced by educators and the importance of community engagement in supporting schools.

As we delve deeper, Dr. Lane shares pivotal moments in his career that shaped his leadership style, emphasizing the significance of building trust with educators and parents alike. His approach to leadership is rooted in the belief that understanding the needs of those around us is crucial for effective decision-making. This episode serves not only as a platform for Dr. Lane's work but also as a call to action for listeners to engage in their local education systems, advocating for better pay, resources, and support for teachers. The conversation culminates in a powerful message about the collective responsibility of communities to foster a nurturing environment for both educators and students.

Listeners will walk away with actionable insights on how to advocate for change, the importance of knowing their local representatives, and the vital role they play in shaping the future of education. The episode underscores that while the challenges in education are substantial, the solutions lie within our reach, provided we are willing to engage and work collaboratively towards a common goal.

Takeaways:

• Education leaders need to focus on being great in their current roles before aspiring to higher positions, as emphasized by Dr. Lane's advice to 'be great where you are'.
• Dr. Lane's journey from a musician to an educational leader showcases how passions can evolve into impactful careers that prioritize student outcomes and community engagement.
• The teacher shortage crisis is primarily driven by inadequate pay and challenging working conditions, making it essential for communities to advocate for better support for educators.
• Engaged parents are vital for student success; they should actively participate in their children's education and collaborate with teachers to enhance the school experience for all students.
• Dr. Lane's new role at University Instructors aims to address the critical need for quality educators in classrooms, highlighting the importance of effective staffing solutions in education.
• The future of education will rely on community involvement and innovative strategies to elevate teaching standards and support educators in their mission to foster student success.

Links referenced in this episode:

• leadingwithlaserfocus.com
• drjameslane

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Keith Haney speaks with Dr. Greg Stewart about the intersection of leadership, personal growth, and emotional intelligence. Dr. Stewart shares insights from his book, i3 for Leaders,' emphasizing the importance of embracing negative emotions as tools for growth. He introduces the iCubed framework for processing emotions and discusses the significance of critical thinking and spiritual development in effective leadership. The conversation also touches on balancing career ambitions with personal life and the importance of proactive teachability in overcoming blind spots. Dr. Stewart's legacy aspirations and the feedback he receives from readers further enrich this thought-provoking dialogue.

Takeaways

• Negative emotions can be powerful tools for growth.
• Reflect on your responses during difficult times.
• Focus on solutions rather than problems.
• Creating a mission statement aligns with personal values.
• Critical thinking is essential for effective leadership.
• Emotional intelligence and personality interplay in leadership.
• Spiritual development is crucial for authentic leadership.
• Proactive teachability helps eradicate blind spots.
• Every decision is driven by emotional goals.
• Legacy is about continuous growth and integrity.

In this episode, host Keith Haney speaks with Jenna Udenberg, a disability advocate and author, about her journey living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and her efforts to promote accessibility and inclusion. Jenna shares her experiences growing up with a disability, the challenges she faced, and how these experiences shaped her perspective on advocacy. She discusses her memoir, 'Within My Spokes,' and her nonprofit, Above and Beyond with You, which aims to improve community accessibility. Jenna emphasizes the importance of storytelling, empathy, and the need for honest conversations about disability.

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Keith Haney speaks with Faith Clarke, an organizational health and teamwork specialist. They explore the importance of teamwork, inclusion, and purpose-driven leadership in organizations. Faith shares her journey from engineering to her current role, emphasizing the need for organizational health that prioritizes people. The conversation delves into the overlooked aspects of team dynamics, the significance of onboarding processes, and practical steps leaders can take to enhance team health and performance. Faith's insights highlight the ethical considerations of leadership and the impact of nurturing relationships within organizations.

Takeaways:

• Alan Gregerman's concept of enlightened ignorance emphasizes that not knowing can be a strength in innovation.
• The Wisdom of Ignorance challenges the belief that expertise is always necessary for breakthrough ideas.
• Curiosity is an innate human trait that can unlock new ways of thinking and problem-solving.
• Leaders often struggle with connecting their organization's purpose to individual roles in achieving success.
• Innovation should not only come from experts but can emerge from anyone willing to ask questions and explore.
• The book highlights six traits crucial for unlocking innovation: purpose, humility, curiosity, respect, future focus, and a touch of paranoia.

Links referenced in this episode:

• alangregerman.com

In this episode of Becoming Bridge Builders, host Keith Haney speaks with Kyle Townes, a Christian freelance writer and author, about her new book 'The Road Less Traveled: Reclaiming Childhood for Christianity.' They discuss the importance of nurturing children's spiritual and emotional lives through a Christ-centered approach, the challenges of modern parenting, and practical steps for parents to take in raising their children. Kyle shares her personal journey, the inspiration behind her book, and the four pillars of childhood development that she believes are essential for raising children in today's culture.

Takeaways

• Major in the majors to prioritize what's important.
• The Trinity doesn't need to deliberate on our problems.
• Quality time with family can be found in everyday moments.
• Raising children with a Christ-centered focus yields positive results.
• Writing the book was a challenging but necessary journey.
• Experiencing different educational settings shaped her views on child-rearing.
• Parents should be proactive in protecting their children from negative influences.
• The four pillars of childhood development are essential for growth.
• Love must be defined by scripture, not culture.
• Parents are equipped by God to lead their children.

In this engaging conversation, Reverend Keith Haney interviews Larry Aldrich, a former antitrust prosecutor and co-author of the book 'What's Right with America.' They discuss the importance of optimism in today's polarized political climate, the power of individual agency, and the defining characteristics that have propelled the U.S. to greatness. Aldrich emphasizes the need for community empowerment, the role of media in holding leaders accountable, and the importance of local news. The discussion culminates in reflections on legacy and hope for the future, encouraging listeners to recognize their agency in shaping a better America.

Takeaways

• The best advice is to be bold and accountable.
• America's greatness is rooted in individual empowerment.
• Optimism is a choice grounded in reality.
• Community interactions foster a sense of belonging.
• Media plays a crucial role in local accountability.
• Political division can be addressed through individual agency.
• Local news is vital for community awareness.
• We stand on the shoulders of past generations.
• Forgiveness is a powerful choice in divisive times.
• Everyone has the potential to succeed in America.

Cindy Wageman joins us to share her remarkable journey of recovery from multiple sclerosis and the lessons she learned along the way. Her latest book, *Completely Healed*, dives deep into the connections between trauma, stress, and autoimmune disease, offering a beacon of hope for anyone facing health challenges. We discuss the importance of taking responsibility for our own healing and the vital role that emotional well-being plays in physical health. Cindy’s insights on boundaries, forgiveness, and self-care shine a light on how we can reclaim our lives from the grips of illness. Join us as we explore her transformative story and the practical steps she offers to help others on their path to wellness.

Cindy Wageman's remarkable journey from battling multiple sclerosis to becoming a beacon of hope for others is at the heart of this insightful discussion. We dive deep into her experiences, as she candidly shares the struggles and triumphs that shaped her path to recovery. Cindy's story begins with her diagnosis, a moment that thrust her into a decade-long struggle with her health. She recounts the emotional toll and the physical limitations she faced, but more importantly, she highlights the invaluable lessons learned during this challenging time. With a focus on personal responsibility, she emphasizes the importance of taking charge of one’s health and well-being, encouraging listeners to research and advocate for themselves in the face of medical challenges.

Her latest book, "Completely Healed," serves as both a memoir and a guide, providing readers with actionable insights on linking trauma, stress, and autoimmune diseases. Cindy shares her holistic approach to wellness, which encompasses not only physical healing but also emotional and spiritual growth. Throughout our conversation, we explore how her experiences have influenced her coaching practice, where she now empowers others to reclaim their lives. The discussion is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and practical tips for anyone facing health crises or emotional trauma, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration and guidance on their healing journey.

Takeaways:

• Cindy Wageman's journey emphasizes the importance of taking personal responsibility for our health and well-being.
• The link between trauma, stress, and autoimmune diseases highlights the need for emotional healing in recovery.
• Understanding one's past traumas can lead to profound personal growth and healing from chronic illnesses.
• Cindy's experience shows that healing is a process that requires time, patience, and often a shift in mindset.
• The podcast stresses that women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune diseases due to societal pressures and stressors.
• Cindy's story encourages listeners to seek help and support in their healing journeys, emphasizing community and connection.

Links referenced in this episode:

• cindywageman.com