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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.

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Connect with Dr. Benjamin Ritter

LinkedIn: Benjamin Ritter
Book: Becoming Fearless

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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.”

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In this episode, Dr. Mel sits down with TEDx speaker, author, and Telly Award Gold Winner Robin Nathaniel for a real conversation about leadership that starts—and stays—with authenticity. From his days as a musician to his pivot into nonprofit leadership and marketing, Robin shares how human connection has shaped every stage of his journey.

They dive into practical ways new leaders can establish trust, how to navigate (and change) a toxic culture, and why “Do what you are” might be the most freeing leadership advice you’ll ever hear. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or trying to reclaim your authenticity in a seasoned one, this episode is packed with insight you can use tomorrow.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to build genuine relationships from day one as a leader
• The power of observation, listening, and working alongside your team
• Real-world lessons on shifting a negative organizational culture
• Why “Do what you are” can transform the way you lead
• The importance of aligning leadership with your unique gifts and strengths

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The moment you step into your school as a new leader, the clock starts ticking. Those first 90 feet—from the front door to your office—can quietly shape how you’re perceived for months to come. This episode is all about making those first impressions intentional, strategic, and grounded in curiosity rather than assumption.

In these crucial first days, your role isn’t to fix everything—it’s to show up, connect, and learn. By being visible in high-traffic spaces, asking thoughtful questions, and resisting the urge to jump to conclusions, you lay the groundwork for trust, credibility, and clarity.

This is your opportunity to see your school with fresh eyes—before the weight of routines and assumptions sets in.

Power Quote

💬 I will lead with visibility, curiosity, and openness so I can see my school clearly before making decisions.

Call to Action

Spend at least 30 minutes a day this week in high-traffic areas—arrival, dismissal, hallways. Talk to people. Ask questions. Write down what you notice. Let learning, not assumption, lead your first steps.

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In this powerful episode of The Empowered Educator, Dr. Mel chats with David Richards—founder of ChangemakerEDU and passionate advocate for micro schools. Together, they dig into the why, what, and how of this growing movement that's redefining what learning can look like when you strip it down to relationships, purpose, and personalization.

Whether you're an educator burnt out by the bureaucracy or a leader dreaming of starting your own school-within-a-school, this conversation will open your eyes to a bold new future in education.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• What defines a micro school—and why size really does matter
• Why 80% of micro schools are privately funded (and how the other 20% make it work)
• How ChangemakerEDU supports educators in launching and sustaining their own micro school through coaching, cohort learning, and business planning
• The biggest challenges micro schools face—and how connection and community help overcome them
• Real talk on flexibility, burnout, funding, and the deep impact of personalizing education

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• The structure and spirit behind micro schools
• The different types of micro schools and how they're growing across the country
• David's insights into building a school that truly reflects your vision and values
• The ChangemakerEDU model—and why it just might be your next move

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Back-to-school season isn’t just about what you say—it’s about how you show up. In this Power Surge, Dr. Mel unpacks how school leaders can deliver powerful pre-service messages and opening PD sessions by leading with presence, not just position. You’ll learn how to use body language, tone, and mindset to inspire trust, shift culture, and set the tone for the school year.

🔥 Power Quote:

“Your presence can shift a room before you even speak. Make it intentional.”

💡 In this Episode:

• Why presence matters more than your PowerPoint
• 3 simple ways to command the room with authenticity
• How body language, tone, and mindset impact trust
• A back-to-school affirmation to ground you in your leadership
• A quick pre-speech ritual to center yourself before you lead

Subscribe to the Empowered Educator Podcast for weekly Power Surges & leadership wisdom.

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Welcome to the Empowered Educator podcast! In today’s Power Surge, we’re tackling the back-to-school stress head-on. As a leader, your mind is already spinning with tasks, responsibilities, and expectations—and it’s easy to fall into reactive mode. But here’s the truth: starting strong doesn’t mean starting busy. It means starting clear.

This mini-episode is your invitation to slow down just enough to recalibrate. We’ll talk about managing stress and anxiety, protecting your mental space, and leading with intention before the first bell even rings.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why reactive leadership leads to burnout—and what to do instead
• How to manage anxiety and stress in the critical weeks before school starts
• The difference between productive planning and panic planning
• A simple mindset shift that brings calm, clarity, and control
• This week’s Power Surge Affirmation and Call to Action

💥 Power Surge Affirmation:
“I begin this year with a sound mind, a steady spirit, and a clear vision. I release the urge to react and choose to respond with wisdom, peace, and power.”

🎯 Call to Action:
Block off one hour this week for distraction-free planning. No emails. No meetings. Just you, your planner, and your thoughts. Ask: What do I need to put in place now to make room for peace, not panic, in the first 30 days?

✅ Subscribe, share, and leave a review if this episode helped shift your mindset!

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• 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.

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