Change Starts Here
Change Starts Here, presented by FranklinCovey Education, is a podcast for K-12 school and district leaders. It explores building leadership, fostering high-trust school cultures, and achieving breakthrough results through interviews with educators and research-backed insights. The podcast offers practical ideas and bold thinking to create lasting impact in school communities.
Episodes
If-Then Beats Willpower
In this Change Starts Here research conversation, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller pick up where their last episode on hope left off: you've named the goal and the obstacle in your way, so what do you actually do when that obstacle shows up? They dig into why following through has less to do with willpower than most of us were taught, starting with a study on distractible kindergartners and a conf
The Progress Trap: When Doing More Isn’t Moving Us Forward
In education, there’s always more to do. Competing priorities, urgent requests, new initiatives, and everyday demands can keep us constantly moving—but being busy and making progress aren’t the same thing. When everything feels important, how do we decide what deserves our focus?In this episode, Change Starts Here host Dustin Odham explores how educators can move beyond activity and create meaning
The Head and Heart of Continuous School Improvement
What does it take to keep improving when nothing is technically broken?In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham sits down with Dr. Monica Schroeder, Superintendent of North Shore School District 112, to explore how a high-performing district creates urgency, focus, and shared ownership around continuous improvement. Monica shares how years of intentional work around culture, leadership,
Hope Is A Plan
On this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, hosts Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller dive into a two-part research series on why setting big goals and visualizing success often falls short. Dr. Miller breaks down C.R. Snyder’s science-backed definition of hope, which hinges on having both actionable pathways and a sense of personal agency, and explains why relying solely on positive t
Are You Getting In The Way of Student Leadership?
In this episode, Dustin sits down with Adam Welcome, a former teacher, principal, and district leader who has spent his career challenging educators to rethink what kids are actually capable of. Adam has worked with over 500 school districts in 49 states, and he brings that same high energy into a conversation about the gap between the world schools are preparing kids for and the world they're
Working Within Your Circle of Influence
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller dig into what happens in the first few weeks of school, when attention quietly starts to slide toward the schedule, the mandate, or the situation you have no say over. They unpack Stephen Covey's Circle of Influence and revisit decades of research on learned helplessness, including newer work from psychologists Steven Maier an
Your Culture Is What You Repeat
Culture isn't built in a kickoff meeting or a mission statement, it's built in what leaders repeat when nobody's watching. In this solo episode, host Dustin Odham explores how the small behaviors leaders notice, encourage, or allow each day ultimately shape the culture their people experience. Drawing on the story of a broken thread on a 19th-century weaving loom, Dustin explores why e
Reaching Today's Teens Beyond the Screen
Today’s teens are growing up in a world that looks dramatically different than it did even a decade ago—but have the principles they need to thrive really changed?In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin sits down with Sean Covey, President of FranklinCovey Education and bestselling author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens, for a candid conversation about what today’s young people nee
The Greatest Threat to Your Leadership
In the season seven premiere of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham asks a critical question: "What is the greatest threat to our leadership?" While it’s easy to point to external factors like budgets, teacher shortages, or politics, Dustin argues that the real danger lies within the internal conversations leaders have with themselves. Drawing on his own experiences, including a moment of dee
Return With Clarity: A Summer Leadership Challenge
In the season 6 finale of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham invites educators and leaders to rethink their summer break. While taking time off is crucial for physical recovery, Dustin challenges listeners to aim for true renewal and clarity. By applying Dr. Covey's 7th Habit, "Sharpen the Saw," leaders can intentionally renew themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually
What To Do With The Year You Just Had
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller explore how educators and leaders can effectively transition out of a demanding school year. Drawing on a Yale study, they discuss how a leader's ability to manage their own emotions directly impacts the well-being of their staff. Because of "emotion contagion theory," the emotional residue leaders carry out of the spr
The Gift of Pause When Leading What’s Next
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham sits down with global leadership expert and executive coach Victoria Roos Olsson to discuss the importance of pausing at the end of a busy school year. While exhausted leaders often want to rush to the finish line or immediately tackle the next challenge, Victoria explains why using the end of a season for reflection is vital for sustainable succ
Endings That Stick
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller discuss the final weeks of the school year, a time typically filled with tying up loose ends, cleaning up, and the temptation to just pop in a movie. However, research shows that how a year ends disproportionately shapes how students will remember the entire experience.Drawing on Daniel Kahneman's famous "peak-end rule"
3 Practices to Make the Last 30 Days Count
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham challenges the "spring fever" mentality that sweeps through schools during the final stretch of the year. Rather than just counting down the days and winding down expectations, Dustin urges leaders and educators to finish with intention. Sharing a powerful story about "legacy projects" at Mechanics Grove Elementary, he illustrates
What's Really Happening With AI in Schools?
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller tackle a topic that leaves many educators feeling overwhelmed: Artificial Intelligence in schools. Looking past the sensational headlines, they dive deep into recent survey data from organizations like RAND, Pew, and Brookings to uncover the reality of how AI is actually showing up in classrooms.The research reveals a startling tr
The Truth About School Culture
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham sits down with Todd Nesloney, Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Todd shares his insights on what a thriving school culture actually looks and feels like, going beyond test scores and bulletin boards to the fundamental human experiences of feeling seen, heard, and
Are We Asking the Wrong Questions About Student Well-Being?
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller dive into the critical topic of student well-being, especially relevant as climate survey data rolls in for the end of the year. While most schools measure happiness and meaningfulness, Dr. Miller highlights groundbreaking research by Erin Westgate and Shigehiro Oishi that introduces a third, often overlooked dimension: "psych
Finishing the School Year Strong
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham addresses the unique challenge of the final stretch of the school year. When testing season arrives and the finish line is in sight, there's a natural temptation for educators to coast. But Dustin explains why the most critical moments for leadership, culture, and student impact happen right now, when everyone is tired.Drawing inspiration fro
Planting S.E.E.D.S. to Grow Leaders Who Build Leaders
In this episode, Dr. Duzy breaks down her powerful "SEEDS" philosophy—Serve, Empower, Embrace, Develop, Steer—and explains why securing "buy-in" is no longer enough. She shares the messy but rewarding reality of shifting your team toward true ownership, how to establish the right conditions for new initiatives to thrive, and the importance of aligning district-wide systems like eva
Permission to Play: Why Joy is a Leadership Skill
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller challenge the way we view joy and play in education, especially during the heavy, high-stress stretch of testing season. Too often, joy is treated as a "garnish" in schools—a funny video at a staff meeting or a smoothie bar during Teacher Appreciation Week—and categorized as a mood rather than a vital capacity. However, Dr
How Educators Can Help Students Rewrite Their “Broken Soundtracks” | Lessons on Mindset With Jon Acuff
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham sits down with New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff to explore the profound impact of mindset on both students and educators. Jon unpacks his concept of "broken soundtracks"—the negative, repetitive thoughts that hold us back—and explains why issues like procrastination, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome are not physical hurdles
How Curiosity Drives Deeper Learning
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris explores a pressing question in education: are students and adults less curious than they used to be? In a fast-paced world, the space for wondering is often crowded out by the demand for immediate answers. Yet, workforce research continuously identifies curiosity as a critical, durable skill essential for problem-solving, adaptability, and long-ter
Break the Burnout Cycle. Reclaim Your Agency
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham addresses the subtle burnout that often creeps into schools during the spring semester. He explains that burnout often stems not from the workload itself, but from the negative stories and expectations we attach to that workload.Through a personal story of a chaotic morning, Dustin illustrates how shifting our internal question to "What does
High Expectations: Belief, Behavior, or Both?
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller dive into the pervasive and often misunderstood topic of "high expectations." While most leaders strive to raise the bar, they often see the same patterns repeat: the same students doing the thinking and the same staff carrying the load. Kim and Eve explore the research behind why this happens, revealing that high expectat
Burnout to Breakthrough: Better Choices for Busy Leaders
In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham is joined by Kory Kogon, FranklinCovey’s Global Practice Leader for Content Development and co-author of The 5 Choices: The Path to Extraordinary Productivity. Together, they address the mounting pressure on educators to "do it all" and the burnout that inevitably follows. Kory explains why the old "work 'til you drop" me
The Truth About Reflection — And Why It Often Fails
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller tackle a practice that is ubiquitous in education yet often misunderstood: reflection. While educators and students are constantly asked to reflect, it frequently feels shallow, performative, or exhausting. Kim and Dr. Miller explore the neuroscience behind why reflection works, revealing that without it, experience simply hardens
Treat Behavior as Feedback, Not Failure
In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham addresses the unique challenges of the "February slump", a time when fresh start energy has faded and end-of-year milestones are still out of sight. Dustin explores why behavior problems from both students and adults often spike during this period, arguing that these are rarely character issues but rather energy issues fueled by fati
What Truly Drives Motivation?
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller tackle the dreaded "mid-year slump", that time when energy dips and motivation becomes scarce for both staff and students. Rather than pushing harder, they explore the neurobiology behind what actually drives us to take action. Dr. Miller breaks down the science of the "motivation switch" in the brain, the nucleus
Why Trust Isn’t Soft—and Control Isn’t Working
What if the leadership practices that once kept schools running are now holding them back? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with David Kasperson, co-author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller Trust & Inspire and Director of Speaking & Business Development at FranklinCovey, to challenge the deeply rooted belief that control drives results.Together, they e
Reimagining Family Involvement: From Barriers to Bridges
In this episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris and Dr. Eve Miller explore the common "disconnect" between traditional school efforts and what actually drives student achievement. Dr. Miller shares insights from a deep dive into family engagement research, revealing that many widely accepted practices are more about compliance than connection. By shifting the focus from school-based event
Think Before You Sprint: Resetting the Right Way
While the calendar promises a fresh start, many educators feel the heavy weight of expectations before their energy has fully returned. Join host Dustin Odham as he tackles the unique tension of January leadership. This episode explores why pushing harder right now might be the wrong move and how treating this month as a true reset point can prevent burnout down the road.Dustin shares personal ins
Buried, Busy, and Breaking Through: Sean Covey on Schoolwide Change
In this powerful episode, Dustin sits down with Sean Covey, President of FranklinCovey Education, for a candid conversation about why so many schools today feel overwhelmed, overcommitted, and stuck in the whirlwind of competing priorities. Drawing from decades of global experience, and fresh insights from recent district visits, Sean describes what educators are experiencing firsthand: growing st
Finding Joy in the Gap
December has a way of highlighting the gap between the year we envisioned and the one we’re actually living. In this reflective episode, Dustin Odham explores what it means to find joy in the gap—even when the work feels unfinished and the season feels heavy.If you’re an educator who needs a moment to breathe, reset, and see your impact with fresh eyes, this episode is for you. Listen now and foll
Retrain Your Brain: Finding the Good in Busy Times
In this energizing episode of Change Starts Here, Kim Yaris explores how you can retrain your brain to move from constant stress to noticing daily bright spots. She explains the brain’s filtering system (your RAS) in simple language and connects it to practical choices educators can make to see more of what’s working.You’ll hear encouraging data showing that schools can shift momentum—even in the
Four Moves to Tackle Tough Talks
Difficult conversations shape culture. In this episode, host Dustin Odham sits down with Todd Davis to unpack why relationships are the operating system of leadership and how trust grows through specific, repeatable behaviors. They translate big ideas into concrete moves, from framing purpose and positive intent to the small language shifts that make feedback clearer and more helpful.You will leav
Behavior Is Communication: What Teachers Can Influence
Behavior isn’t who a student is–it’s what they’re trying to say.In this compelling episode of Change Starts Here, host Kim Yarris, M.Ed. challenges educators to see behavior as communication, not character. Connecting national trends with real classroom realities, Kim helps leaders and teachers decode what students are truly expressing.Discover how small, intentional shifts in language, routines,
The Leadership Skill Hiding in Plain Sight
This episode makes the case for gratitude as a real leadership skill, not a seasonal sentiment. Dustin Odham explains how appreciation fuels human connection, shifts teams from performance to people, and changes outcomes when leaders move gratitude from feeling to action. Gratitude is positioned as oxygen for culture, a daily choice that multiplies trust and belonging across classrooms, teams, and
Burnout: The High Cost of Misaligned Wants & Needs
This episode explores a research informed lens for educator wellbeing, separating the brain’s wanting and needing systems and showing how chronic stress can push teachers to ignore needs until the tank runs dry. Dr. Eve Miller and Kim Yaris connect the science to lived experience, translating the model into clear metaphors and practical, repeatable moves that help educators respond instead of reac
Building a PEOPLE FIRST Culture—One Tiny Moment at a Time
This episode explores how culture actually grows in schools, not through one big initiative, but through tiny moments that build trust, belonging, and momentum. Host Ashley Carranco talks with celebrated Keynote Speaker and Program Facilitator, Phil Boyte, about practical ways leaders can connect with people first, pace culture work across the year, and design simple rituals that make staff and st
Interrupting the Cycles of Stress
This episode invites educators to rethink how they relate to themselves in the work, treating self compassion as a practical leadership stance rather than a luxury. The lens is simple, care for the adult nervous system, and the classroom becomes steadier, more curious, and more humane. The aim is not lower expectations, it is wiser energy, clearer choices, and a climate where mistakes are part of
Letting Students Lead: A Practical Path to Higher Achievement
Across the country, proficiency is sliding and absenteeism is climbing, yet there is a practical path that moves the needle. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham makes a case for student ownership as the missing engine behind academic improvement, engagement, and long term readiness. Dustin connects national context to daily classroom reality, then shows what ownership actually
Common Missteps on the Road to Funding
Funding challenges often feel like the biggest barrier in education, but with the right strategy, leaders can avoid common pitfalls and unlock new opportunities. In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with FranklinCovey Education’s Director of Funding, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, to explore the three most common missteps districts face on the road to funding, and how to ove
Cracking the Code on Chronic Absenteeism
Chronic absenteeism has become one of the biggest challenges facing schools today. Nationally, nearly one in four students misses more than 10% of the school year, an alarming increase since the pandemic. In this episode of Change Starts Here, we dig into the data, the “why” behind the trend, and most importantly, what leaders and teachers can do about it.Through real stories from the field, inclu
The Heart of School Transformation
What does it really take to build a school culture where every student can thrive? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Dr. Christi Buell, an educator driven by her passion to create meaningful learning environments that every child deserves.Christi shares how leaders can put people before programs to strengthen school culture, engage students and staff in the pr
The Link Between Relationships & Learning
Change Starts Here: Research Conversations is back for a brand-new season! In this first episode, hosts Dr. Eve Miller Ph.D. and Kim Yaris, M.Ed explore the secret to sustaining that back-to-school energy all year long by building strong teacher-student relationships. They dive into real stories from the field, including how a kindergarten teacher transformed a crying student into a classroom lead
Unlocking the Genius in Every Student
Ever worry that students might slip through the cracks, unnoticed for who they really are? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham shares a personal story about his son’s first days in middle school and the fear that he might become “just another face in the hallway.”Through the stories of Emily, Marcus, and Jared; three students whose hidden genius is often overlooked. Dustin exp
What if You Said Yes to Less?
Change Starts Here is back for a brand-new season! In this first episode, host Dustin Odham dives into how the way we see the year ahead shapes our leadership, our teams, and the impact we create. He explores why real change doesn’t come from doing it all at once, but from focusing on a few meaningful actions done well.Dustin challenges listeners to call out growth, name potential, and lead with b
Change Starts Within: Internal Work That Fuels External Change
Dustin Odom is a passionate educator, leadership development expert, and host of the "Change Starts Here" podcast, where he explores how internal transformation fuels external change in schools, communities, and organizations.As a podcast host, Dustin has conducted compelling conversations with educational leaders across the country, from superintendents transforming school districts to ch
Redefining Student Success: Insights on CTE and Community Partnerships
How do you prepare students for jobs that don't even exist yet? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with McLain Schaefer, Director of LIFT (Leaders Innovating for Tomorrow), a groundbreaking regional innovation and technology center in central Illinois that's redefining what Career and Technical Education can be.McLain shares his journey from elementary princ
Bridging the Gap: How School & Business Partnerships Prepare Future Leaders
What does the future of workforce development look like—and how can education and business leaders work together to shape it? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Dean Faile, President and CEO of the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, to explore how aligning education with evolving industry needs can empower the next generation of leaders.Dean shares his p
The Four Essential Roles: Transforming Leadership in Learning Spaces
How do you create great leaders in the educational system? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham is joined by Laurie Brooks and Lynne Fox to explore the 4 roles of Leadership within the school system and how to utilize those roles effectively.In a conference style setting, Dustin dives into Laurie and Lynne's process of creating great leaders, both on the playground and not.
Ownership Unlocked: Trust as the Ultimate Shift
What happens when we shift from controlling outcomes to empowering people? In the season finale of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham explores how trust isn't just a leadership trait—it's the foundation of real, lasting impact in schools.Dustin dives into the essential shift from micromanagement to meaningful collaboration, showing how extending trust helps build stronger teams, deeper
A Path to Purpose: Redefining Education & Empowering Change
Leadership in education means empowering every student to recognize their unique strengths and potential. When we shift our mindset from "special education" to "students with exceptionalities," we transform how we view, support, and include all learners in our schools.In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham sits down with Kimberly Gardner, the first-ever Assistant
Connecting Students with Community
What happens when students step beyond the classroom walls and into the communities they live in? Meaningful connection. Real-world perspective. And a powerful sense of purpose. In this final episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, and Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research, explore how community partn
Fostering a Student's Sense of Belonging
What does it really mean to belong? It’s more than just being present in a room—it’s about feeling seen, heard, and valued. In a school setting, belonging plays a critical role in shaping students’ motivation, engagement, and success. When students know they’re a meaningful part of their environment, everything from their academic performance to their social well-being improves.In this episode of
Busy Isn’t Better: Investing Time Where it Counts
Ever feel like your day is running you instead of the other way around? In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham explores one of the most powerful tools for effective leadership: the Time Management Matrix. Learn how shifting from spending time to investing time can unlock long-term success—for your team, your students, and yourself.Dustin unpacks why quadrant two (important but no
The Power of Words
Language is more than just communication—it’s a powerful tool that shapes how we think, feel, and experience the world. In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Kim Yaris, M.Ed., Associate Director of Research at FranklinCovey Education, and Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Director of Funding at FranklinCovey Education, dive into the deep connection between language and learning. The
How CTE Programs Strengthen Communities
Leadership in education isn’t just about policies and procedures—it’s about putting students first. When school leaders shift their mindset to serve students and staff rather than simply oversee them, they create an environment where everyone can thrive.Welcome to Change Starts Here. Join host Dustin Odham as he sits down with Dr. Toriano Holloway, Superintendent of Vicksburg Warren School Distric
Promoting Student Agency
Think back to a time when you felt truly empowered to make a decision. Perhaps it was choosing your career path, selecting a home, or even deciding how to tackle a challenging project. That feeling of ownership and control is powerful—it drives motivation, persistence, and ultimately, success. Now imagine if we could cultivate that same sense of empowerment in our students from an early age.In thi
Breaking the Cycle: How Proactive Leadership Transforms Schools
Imagine standing at a crossroads. In one direction, you can react to every challenge that comes your way, constantly fighting fires and feeling overwhelmed. In the other, you can choose to focus on what you can control, taking ownership of your responses and creating meaningful change—even within constraints. Which path will you choose?Join us on Change Starts Here as host Dustin Odham continues h
Developing Student Efficacy
There are countless stories about the power of belief—whether in classic fairytales, sports movies, or the journeys of groundbreaking innovators, we often see the impossible become possible through self-belief. But does believing in yourself, or self-efficacy, truly make a difference in real life, especially in education?In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research Conversations, Dr. Jennifer C
Leadership Pipelines: Building Interactive Pathways for Student and Educator Growth
Building leadership in your district doesn’t start with conferences or new hires—it starts with students. Cultivating leadership from a young age empowers future generations with the wisdom and guidance to lead. Tune in to hear how one superintendent is making this vision a reality.Welcome to Change Starts Here. Join host Dustin Odham as he sits down with Thom Cochran, Superintendent of Johnson Co
Future-Focused Lesson Planning
When you listen to a podcast or read an article, you take in the information and process it—but when something in that content connects to you personally, it sticks. You digest it more deeply and remember it with greater clarity. The same holds true in education: students retain information better when it feels relevant and engaging, and when they feel actively involved in their learning. Now imag
Overcoming the Limits: How Educators Can Lead with an Abundance Mindset
Imagine a glass of milk—half full or half empty? The way we perceive what’s in front of us shapes our ability to grow, innovate, and lead. An abundance mindset allows us to maximize what we have, find creative solutions, and unlock potential—even in the face of obstacles. In today’s education landscape, this perspective is more essential than ever.Join us on Change Starts Here as host Dustin Odham
Authentic Educator Collaboration
Imagine trying to push a boulder up a hill by yourself—it keeps rolling back down before you reach the top. Even with a team, if everyone pushes at different times, you’ll struggle to make progress. But when a team communicates effectively, trusts one another, and moves as one, that boulder doesn’t stand a chance. In education, the same is true: with a strong, collaborative team, no hill is too st
It Starts with the Plants: How School Change Takes Root
Changing the culture of an organization and creating the desired impact takes hard work, but it’s often difficult to identify where these improvements are truly taking place. Yearly reviews and test scores provide valuable insights into progress, yet they reveal little about the culture within our districts. But what if the changes we seek could begin with something as simple—and symbolic—as the p
Establishing Foundations of Trust
Have you ever had a friend who instinctively knows what you're thinking, aligning perfectly with your decisions and comments? That kind of relationship, built on high trust, allows for quick, efficient collaboration while fostering a more engaging and enjoyable connection. When applied to the workplace, such relationships can boost productivity and create systemic synergy across districts and
New Year, New Lens: Shifting Paradigms for a Transformative 2025
Imagine wearing sunglasses with a red tint—everything you look at would have a red hue. The glasses represent our perceptions, but they don't always reflect the truth of the situation. Sometimes, we need to remove them to see the full spectrum of color and gain new perspectives.Join us on Change Starts Here as Dustin Odham starts off 2025 right, by setting a goal for all to start shifting our
Innovation as a Human Endeavor
We’ve all heard the buzzword innovation—it’s a term that’s making waves in businesses and education alike. But it often leaves us with more questions than answers: What does innovation really mean? Does it always involve technology? Does it have to be a completely new idea? If you’ve been pondering these questions, you’re in the right place.In this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham
Research Conversation: Developing Staff Efficacy
Sports are full of inspiring stories where belief propels struggling teams to national championships. But this kind of belief isn’t confined to the court or field—it’s just as transformative in education. When teachers and staff unite around a shared belief that they can make a difference, they create a winning culture that drives meaningful change.In this episode of Change Starts Here: Research C
Looking Back to Step Forward
Finding time to reflect and envision the future can feel nearly impossible amidst life’s chaos. Our packed schedules and uncertainty about how to craft a meaningful vision often hold us back. But in today’s episode, we’re giving you both the space to reflect and the tools to shape your vision for 2025.Join us on Change Starts Here as Dustin Odham shares his personal reflections on 2024, demonstrat
Research Conversation: Vertically-Aligned Goal Setting
Aiming at a target is challenging if every element isn’t fully aligned. You can hold the bow steady, but if your elbow isn’t positioned right, you’ll miss the mark. This is similar to education today—many districts are striving to achieve top-level goals, but they’re missing the impact of vertically aligned goals that could elevate district-wide success.In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Chevalier, Dir
Whole Person Systems, New Results
When all lanes of a highway are open and free of construction, traffic flows smoothly, allowing travelers to reach their destination efficiently. But if one lane is closed or too much attention is focused on just one lane, traffic builds up, causing delays—or even accidents. The same holds true for whole-person education. Neglecting or hyper-focusing on any one area can cause bottlenecks in progre
Extending Trust: Transformative Practices for Effective School Leaders
Taking a close look at our schedules can reveal a lot about what we truly prioritize in our workday. You likely have time set aside for vision casting, meetings, or even lunch—but have you scheduled time to build relationships and extend trust within your team? Prioritizing this can strengthen your team and create a culture of trust within your community.In this episode, host Dustin Odham dives in
Increasing Competence to Achieve Greater Results
Every project or plan requires time to complete, and it's often up to leaders to assess whether that time is being used effectively. Are we actively moving the project forward, or investing time now to ensure future projects run more efficiently? In education, building trust is one such "project" that benefits from this type of focus and intentional use of time.In this episode, host Du
Leveraging the Power of Perspective
As kids, we all tried peeking through a keyhole, hoping to glimpse the world beyond the door. We could see a small part of it, but everything outside that narrow view remained a mystery. In education, we often take the same approach—viewing our students and colleagues through a limited perspective. But what if we opened the aperture and looked at things from a broader angle?In this live episode of
Intentional Leadership: Creating Supportive Environments for Students & Educators
Unleash the genius within every individual—sometimes all it takes is the right guidance and environment. When people’s unique talents are recognized and nurtured, it creates a thriving community where growth and success are shared. Today on the Change Starts Here podcast, we highlight a district committed to making this vision a reality in their schools.Join our host, Dustin Odham, as he welcomes
Systematize High Expectations for All Learners
In some of our favorite movies, we love watching underdogs guided by a wise mentor who helps them rise to the challenge. These mentors all share one key trait—they believe their mentees can go further than they ever imagined and hold them to high standards throughout their journey. In the same way, setting high expectations in the classroom can unlock students' potential, helping them achieve
Actionable Behaviors to Build Better Trust
Trust is the cornerstone of every strong relationship, especially when you're in a leadership role. It doesn’t happen overnight—it requires consistent effort, intentionality, and a genuine commitment to fostering a culture of trust. Building and sometimes even repairing trust can be challenging, but today’s episode offers actionable steps to help you strengthen your relationships with trust at
Put Future Readiness in the Driver’s Seat with Dr. Amy Dittmar
In recent years, education has been rapidly expanding and evolving, with one of the most significant shifts being the focus on the whole child. Schools recognize their vital role in shaping a child’s academic future and their social and economic development as they grow. Today, we’re joined by a guest who is actively engaging with the community to cultivate these essential skills throughout their
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