In this episode of Rise Up and Lead, we are continuing to hear from incredible leaders who found themselves enlisted to lead. Today, I’m joined by Natalie Street to hear about her journey into leadership. With 17 years in education, Natalie has worn just about every hat, including teacher, coach, admin, and now instructional coordinator.

Natalie is sharing how her parents, mentors, and colleagues “enlisted” her to lead before she even thought she was ready. She also dives into how her family influenced her drive to succeed, and that leadership is shaped through experiences, mistakes, and the people who push us forward. Natalie’s story shows us what it truly means to rise, lead, and keep growing into who we’re becoming.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

• Check out her website
• Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
• Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
• Follow her in X @drkimleadership
• Like her page on Facebook
• Connect with her on LinkedIn

What does it really mean to be tapped for leadership before you feel ready? In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. John Hodge to unpack real stories behind becoming a leader.. We dive into moments when others saw our potential before we did, the lessons learned from being handed responsibility, and why real influence goes beyond any title.

We’re exploring how emotional intelligence grows with each new challenge, the value of being both inquisitive and coachable, and why true leadership is about serving and supporting others. Whether you’re leading a classroom or a district, this episode unpacks why leadership is about action, trust, and helping others grow and will challenge you to rethink what it means to rise up and lead with humility.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

• Check out her website
• Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
• Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
• Follow her in X @drkimleadership
• Like her page on Facebook
• Connect with her on LinkedIn

What if one conversation could shift your purpose and set you on a whole new path toward leadership? In this episode, I’m joined by Jesse Field, whose powerful story of being “enlisted to lead” by his beloved aunt reveals how those who truly know us can sometimes spark a lifelong calling we didn’t yet see in ourselves.

We explore the turning points that shaped Jesse’s journey as a teacher and mentor, the impact of family, faith, and community, and the idea that leadership isn’t about titles, it’s about the influence you have every day. Jesse shares what it means to carry the “backpack of responsibility,” why finding your strengths matters, and how leadership isn’t about arriving but about becoming, growing, and choosing to lead with authenticity.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

• Check out her website
• Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
• Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
• Follow her in X @drkimleadership
• Like her page on Facebook

Connect with her on LinkedIn