We talk with retired superintendent JR Green about turning a “graveyard for superintendents” into a destination district by putting culture, courage, and accountability first. We unpack faith over fear, family support, collaboration over competition, and the difference between authority and leadership.

• JR Green’s path from assistant superintendent to 12-year superintendent tenure
• Why “scared money can’t win” and how courage drives change
• Culture as the soil: competence, collaboration, trust, respect
• Showing up in schools to build relationships and trust
• Humility, presence and removing ego from leadership
• Family commitment and season-based support at home
• Owning the mirror and taking responsibility for outcomes
• Collaboration over competition with neighboring districts
• Leader vs authority and how influence beats titles

This conversation is a powerful reminder that authority can force compliance, but leadership earns followership—even without a title. JR’s story challenges us to choose courage over comfort, collaboration over competition, and humility over ego.

If you’re leading through resistance, navigating a tough team, or trying to rebuild trust in a skeptical culture, you now have a clear framework to act on today: show up consistently, build trust intentionally, own outcomes, and lead with conviction.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow Unpack Leadership, share it with a colleague who needs it, and leave us a review. Tell us—what’s the one culture shift you’re committing to make this week?

Until next time, keep unpacking what leadership really requires.

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Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

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Disclaimer:

The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and guests and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or entity. The information provided in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners should consult with their own professional advisors before implementing any suggestions or recommendations made in this podcast. The speakers and guests are not responsible for any actions taken by listeners based on the information presented in this podcast. The podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. The speakers and guests make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information, products, services, or related graphics contained in this ...