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.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

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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 ...

What if the core of effective leadership isn’t what you know, but how deeply you care? In this episode, we sit down with Janisha Thomas, Chief Human Resources Officer at The Ritedose Corporation, to explore a practical, people-centered blueprint for leading through growth, maintaining high standards with empathy, and anchoring decisions in values when pressure mounts.

• founding insight that people follow care before knowledge
• balancing kindness with accountability for real development
• building future-ready talent profiles and two-deep benches
• integrating as an external leader through humility and small wins
• culture as competitive advantage and community practices
• values-first portfolio choices that honor the patient
• feedback systems via surveys, listening tours and rituals
• coaching rhythms to avoid end-of-year surprises
• guidance for emerging leaders on choosing the right manager
• personal brand discipline and using filters on social media

This conversation is a powerful reminder that culture becomes a true competitive advantage when values guide decisions and leaders build trust before influence. Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, Janisha’s insights offer actionable guidance you can apply immediately. Share this episode with a leader who needs it and let us know which practice you’re adopting this week. Check out The Ritedose Corporation career opportunities at www.ritedose.com and email recruiter@ritedose.com

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

.
.
.
.
.
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 ...

In this episode, Ron talks with entrepreneur and Vistage chair Jim Bramlett about the mindset shifts modern leaders need—moving from command-and-control to coaching, embracing vulnerability, and leaning on peer support instead of leading alone. Jim shares lessons from seven startups, emphasizing the importance of being coachable, hiring for culture over skill, and listening across generations to build trust and accountability. They also explore key ideas from Jim’s book Stop the Hassle, revealing how companies win by delivering convenience, transparent pricing, great user experience, and trust while removing friction the way Amazon, Netflix, and Uber do. The conversation closes with practical guidance on staying curious about AI, borrowing ideas from peers, and starting small to create compounding improvements.

• leading across generations with balance and empathy
• shifting from authority to a coaching mindset
• listening more to build trust and buy-in
• learning from failure and staying coachable
• building a peer circle and finding mentors
• hiring for culture fit and coachability before skills
• avoiding the top-performer to manager promotion trap
• designing customer-centric cultures that measure what buyers value
• delivering convenience, transparent pricing, great experience and trust
• using curiosity to explore AI alongside peers

We ask that you let someone else know about the show. And if you know someone that may be a great guest, send them an email to tell them to get in touch with us.

Connect with Ron
Just Make A Difference: Leading Under Pressure by Ron Harvey

Learn more about Global Core Strategies

.
.
.
.
.
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 ...