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.

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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

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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

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Connect with her on LinkedIn

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to grow as a leader, beyond just improving your skills or chasing a new title? In this episode, I’m diving deep into what leadership development truly means, why it’s not just about what you do, but about who you’re becoming, and how shaping your identity is key to becoming someone who can truly inspire and influence others.

I’ll be sharing personal stories and lessons from my own journey, along with insights from my research, to unpack how everyday moments can shape your leadership identity. We’re looking at what it means to own your impact, why bringing your whole self to leadership matters, and how authentic relationships can elevate your influence.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

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Have you ever wondered if leaders are born or made? In this episode, I’m busting the myth that leadership is something you’re born with. Real leadership is built over time, through trial and error, reflection, and the courage to keep showing up even when it’s hard.

I’m walking you through some of my own defining moments and what my research has uncovered about how leaders actually grow. We’re diving into why you don’t need a title to lead, how self-efficacy can change everything, and why it’s just as important to learn from bad leadership as it is to learn from great leaders. If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re “leadership material,” this conversation will remind you that it’s not about being a “born leader,” it’s about staying curious, hungry, and committed to becoming the best leader you can be.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

• Check out her website
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Let’s be clear about something, leadership is not about your position. I know that may go against much of what we have been told but I believe it is so important for us to recognize that leadership goes beyond your title. In this episode, I’m setting the record straight and empowering you to recognize the true power of influence and impact in any role, no matter your title or job description.

I’m diving into the difference between positional power and personal power, exploring what research says about influence, and offering practical tools for leading without official authority. I also dive into how shared leadership can unlock potential in everyone as well as actionable steps to help you own your impact regardless of your title.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

• Check out her website
• Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
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• Follow her in X @drkimleadership
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Leadership isn’t just about strategy or execution, it’s about emotional intelligence. In this episode, we’re digging into the real work of leadership including understanding yourself, managing your reactions, reading the room, and building trust through authentic relationships.

I’m walking you through the four key components of emotional intelligence and sharing real, practical strategies that you can use right now. Whether you’re leading a team or leading yourself, this episode will remind you that emotional intelligence isn’t a trait you’re born with, it’s a skill you build.

Connect with Dr. Kim Richardson

• Check out her website
• Follow her on Instagram @drkimleadership
• Follow her on TikTok @drkimleadership
• Follow her in X @drkimleadership
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So many of us have found ourselves leading before we felt ready. If you’ve been there, this episode is for you! I’m diving into what it means to be enlisted to lead, not because you signed up for it, but because someone saw something in you and passed the baton on to you.

In this episode, we explore how leadership often begins in moments of uncertainty, the power of being seen before you see yourself, and why growth happens in the messy middle. Whether you’re stepping up or passing the baton, this episode is a reminder that leadership isn’t about being perfect, it’s about showing up, learning forward, and staying true to who you’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