Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion | Educational Leadership, Principal Leadership, Teachers as Leaders cover art

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion | Educational Leadership, Principal Leadership, Teachers as Leaders

Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion | Educational Leadership, Principal Leadership, Teachers as Leaders

By: Dr. Mel Vandevort - Educational Leadership Educational Consultancy Teacher Transition Coach Educational Administration Educational Entrepreneurship
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About this listen

Are you a passionate educator stepping into leadership—or thinking about making that leap?



Maybe you just accepted your first admin role and feel the weight of leading well.



Or you’re a classroom teacher who feels the calling to lead with purpose and impact.



The Empowered Educator Show is your space to grow as a leader without losing who you are.



I’m Dr. Mel—former administrator turned leadership and instructional coach, educational consultant, and now your guide to navigating the real work of school leadership. With over 25 years in education, I help new and aspiring leaders shift their mindset, strengthen their strategies, and build Confident Classrooms—where teachers feel supported, students are engaged, and learning thrives.



Each episode I bring you real talk, practical tools, and heart-centered leadership support designed to help you:



Create a school culture rooted in confidence, clarity, and trust



Develop teachers who feel empowered, not overwhelmed



Lead with boldness, even when the road gets bumpy



It’s about becoming the kind of leader who creates ripple effects across classrooms, campuses, and communities.



Let’s power up your purpose and put your leadership in motion.



© 2025 Empowered Educator: Leadership in Motion | Educational Leadership, Principal Leadership, Teachers as Leaders Economics Leadership Management & Leadership Personal Development Personal Success
Episodes
  • Becoming Fearless in Leadership with Dr. Benjamin Ritter #183

    Becoming Fearless in Leadership with Dr. Benjamin Ritter #183
    Aug 29 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode of The Empowered Educator Show, Dr. Mel sits down with Dr. Benjamin Ritter—author of Becoming Fearless—to dive deep into what it means to lead with empathy, build trust, and move from self-doubt to self-mastery.

    Dr. Ritter shares his unique journey from aspiring professional soccer player to healthcare professional to leadership coach. Along the way, he encountered disengagement, toxic leadership, and personal setbacks that ultimately inspired his work in talent and leadership development.

    Together, we unpack practical strategies from his book, explore how leaders can create environments where people thrive, and discuss how fear—when reframed—can actually become one of our most valuable teachers.

    Key Takeaways

    • Lead with empathy: Assume positive intent, especially in difficult workplace situations.
    • Leverage strengths: Align employees’ work with their talents to increase engagement and satisfaction.
    • Trust matters: Credibility and reliability are cornerstones of effective leadership.
    • Reframe fear: Becoming Fearless offers 65 actionable strategies to overcome self-doubt and build confidence.
    • Talent development: True leadership is about creating conditions where others can grow, succeed, and find meaning in their work.

    liveforyourselfconsulting.com &

    Connect with Dr. Benjamin Ritter

    LinkedIn: Benjamin Ritter
    Book: Becoming Fearless

    Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

    Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.


    Calling All Educators!

    I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

    • I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
    • I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

    Join here: Empowered Educator Community


    Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

    Grab a complimentary POWER Session

    With Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.

    email: melinda@empowere...
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • Power Surge⚡Visible Leadership: Why They Need to See You Before They Follow You

    Power Surge⚡Visible Leadership: Why They Need to See You Before They Follow You
    Aug 27 2025

    Send us a text

    Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

    Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.


    Calling All Educators!

    I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

    • I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
    • I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

    Join here: Empowered Educator Community


    Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

    Grab a complimentary POWER Session

    With Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.

    email: melinda@empowere...
    Show More Show Less
    5 mins
  • Power Surge⚡Listen First, Lead Second - Building Trust Before Making Big Changes #181

    Power Surge⚡Listen First, Lead Second - Building Trust Before Making Big Changes #181
    Aug 20 2025

    Send us a text

    As a new leader, the temptation is to prove yourself quickly by fixing problems. But lasting leadership isn’t about rushing to solutions—it’s about listening first. Listening builds trust, respect, and credibility. By pausing to understand your school’s story, you earn the relational capital to lead change effectively later.

    Key Points:

    • Host early listening sessions with staff, students, parents, and partners.
    • Ask meaningful questions: What’s working? What’s our biggest opportunity? What do you hope never changes?
    • Reflect back what you hear so people know their voice matters.
    • Resist the urge to fix right away—sometimes problems are symptoms of deeper issues.

    Power Quote:
    “I will listen before I lead, because understanding comes before action.”


    Download Upside and use my code MELINDA35278 to get 15¢ per gallon extra cash back on your first gas fill-up and 10% extra cash on your first food purchase!

    Download Fetch app using this link, submit a receipt and we'll both score bonus points.


    Calling All Educators!

    I started a community with resources, courses, articles, networking, and more.

    • I am looking for members to help me build it with the most valuable resources.
    • I would really appreciate your input as a teacher, leader, administrator, or consultant.

    Join here: Empowered Educator Community


    Book: Educator to Entrepreneur: IGNITE Your Path to Freelance Success

    Grab a complimentary POWER Session

    With Rubi.ai, you'll experience cutting-edge technology, research-driven insights, and efficient content delivery.

    email: melinda@empowere...
    Show More Show Less
    4 mins
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