The Empowered Principal® Podcast

Understanding student behavior through the lens of nervous system regulation can transform the way schools support students, teachers, and families. When we move beyond labels and look at what a child's behavior may be communicating, we create opportunities for connection, learning, and growth. In this episode, I talk with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a leading expert in nervous system regulation and author of The Dysregulated Kid® , about how regulation impacts learning, behavior, and mental health. We discuss why creating more regulated schools starts with helping adults regulate themselves, how shared language and simple strategies can support entire classrooms, and why students don't need to wait for a diagnosis before receiving tools that help them thrive. Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/449 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Pre-order Roseann's book, The Dysregulated Kid®, here: https://dysregulatedkid.com/

Authenticity is the foundation of strong leadership and essential for creating lasting impact. In this episode, I explore the distractions of trends, external opinions, the pressure to fit in, and why chasing these can pull leaders away from their most authentic and powerful selves. I share examples from my experience coaching school leaders and reflect on how the power of authenticity grounds your leadership energy. Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/448 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Being a successful school leader requires more than managing schedules and programs; it requires self-awareness, intentionality, and the ability to inspire your staff and students. In this episode, I share insights from my experience working with school leaders to reveal the habits, mindsets, and strategies that distinguish those who thrive from those who struggle. I explore the differences between leaders who lead from fear, self-doubt, or reactivity, and those who operate with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/447 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Leadership isn't about getting people to comply; it's about inspiring them into action. In this special episode, I introduce The Empowered Principal Academy (EPA), my newest and most comprehensive leadership development program designed to help school leaders master the art of coaching, mentoring, and instructional leadership. I share why coaching is the missing leadership skill that most principals were never taught, yet one that has the power to transform school culture, empower educators, and create a ripple effect that impacts students. Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/446 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

A new school year is the perfect opportunity for fresh starts and renewed focus. In this episode, I share insights on embracing new beginnings in school leadership and introduce The Empowered Principal Academy, my newest program designed to equip leaders with the tools, mindset, and strategies to thrive in their roles. Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/445 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Making clear, confident decisions as a school leader can be challenging when multiple priorities, pressures, and competing perspectives pull you in different directions. Finding clarity is not just about making choices but understanding your own mindset, emotions, and the internal signals that guide your decision-making. In this episode, I explore the concept of leadership clarity and the metaphor of a compass to help you navigate complex situations. I discuss how to pause, observe your thoughts and reactions, and distinguish between fear-based impulses and grounded, intentional action. Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/444 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Leadership is full of challenges and competing priorities. It's easy to fall into "all or none" thinking, believing that if one thing goes wrong, the entire day or outcome is a failure. In this episode, I talk about the concept of the Land of And, a mindset of abundance that allows leaders to hold multiple truths at once, embrace complexity, and approach problems with both clarity and flexibility. I share practical examples from school leadership to illustrate how you can experience joy and success while navigating difficult situations, addressing challenges, and making high-stakes decisions. Find the full episode show notes and transcript here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/443 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Understanding how students experience and engage with language is key to creating meaningful literacy learning. Yet so often, grammar instruction is approached in a rigid, punitive, or overly prescriptive way, leaving both students and teachers frustrated. In this episode, I talk with Patty McGee, author of Not Your Granny's Grammar , about how she reimagines grammar instruction to make it engaging, experiential, and student-centered. We explore her philosophy for creating learning experiences in which students can experiment with language, reflect on their writing, and develop confidence, while teachers feel empowered to guide without fear of making mistakes. Find the full episode show notes, transcript, and a code for 20% off Patty's book here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/442 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Learn more about Patty's work: https://pattymcgee.org/

Disclaimer: Please be advised that this episode contains content related to childhood trauma and a suicide attempt. If these topics are challenging for you, you may wish to skip this episode or seek support. Understanding how students think, feel, and connect is key to creating meaningful learning experiences. Yet so often, the human side of education is overlooked in favor of purely academic outcomes. In this episode, I talk with Thayne Martin, a leading expert in experiential neuroscience, about how understanding the brain and emotions can transform the educational experience. We dive into how gratitude, prosocial skills, and experiential learning techniques help students develop resilience, connection, and a sense of belonging. Thayne shares practical strategies for educators and school leaders to incorporate these approaches into classrooms, staff culture, and leadership practices. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/441 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Connect with Thayne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thaynemartin

The stories we tell ourselves shape the way we lead, the way we see ourselves, and the way we experience the world around us. In this episode, I explore the disempowering narratives so many school leaders carry about their identity, capability, belonging, and worth. I discuss how comparison, self-doubt, and the belief that we are not enough can quietly influence the decisions we make, the support we accept, and the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue. I also unpack the difference between truly belonging versus simply trying to fit in by pleasing others or hiding parts of ourselves. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/440 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Education is constantly evolving, and the leaders who have the greatest impact are often those willing to step beyond what's familiar and lead in new ways. In this episode, I explore why education needs trailblazing leaders who are willing to think differently, challenge outdated approaches, and create new possibilities for students, staff, and school communities. I discuss the emotional realities of leadership when you are the person stepping outside the norm, including the fear, resistance, uncertainty, and vulnerability that can come with forging a new path. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/439 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

As educational leaders, we're constantly looking for new ways to inspire change, innovation, and growth within our schools. But what if the answer to transforming education lies not just in new programs or strategies, but in how we approach the very essence of leadership? In this episode, I have a deeply insightful conversation with Melanie Ann Layer, CEO and founder of Alpha Femme. Together, we dive into the vision for the future of education, the integration of emotional intelligence and leadership, and how we can create an environment that nurtures both teachers and students alike. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/438 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Connect with Melanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphafemme/

Being released from a leadership position can feel deeply personal, shaking not only your career path but also your sense of identity, confidence, and future. In this episode, I explore the emotional and professional realities school leaders face when they are released from their position. I break down how experiences like shame, fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty can impact your nervous system, leadership identity, and decision-making. More importantly, I share how to process these challenges so you can maintain your integrity, reclaim your power, and avoid letting a single professional setback define your future. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/437 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Handwriting may be one of the most underestimated foundations of student success in today's educational landscape. In this episode, I sit down with handwriting expert and Squiggle Squad founder Holly Britton to explore the science of handwriting and why it remains an essential part of literacy, brain development, and student learning. We unpack the difference between handwriting as simple penmanship versus handwriting as a critical transcription skill, and why developmentally appropriate instruction is key to helping students build confidence, literacy, and long-term academic success. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/436 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Check out Squiggle Squad here: https://squigglesquad.com/

As leaders, we are constantly shaping the environment around us, and the energy and mindset we bring play a powerful role in the impact we have. In this episode, I explore what it really means to lead from the inside out. From the concept of leadership energetics to the realities of stepping into new levels of responsibility, I share how your thoughts, emotions, and self-concept influence your decisions, your confidence, and your overall leadership experience. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/435 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Burnout in schools is a real and growing concern, and as leaders, it's important to not only recognize the signs but also to prevent it from taking hold. In this episode, I'm joined by Jasmin Dennis, a burnout expert who shares her insights on identifying, preventing, and addressing burnout in schools. Together, we explore how burnout manifests for school leaders, how it affects the school environment, and why it's essential to take proactive steps toward prevention before it's too late. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/434 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Check out JAZZDHEALTH here: https://jazzdhealth.com/

Have you ever found yourself stuck in childlike energy, acting from a place of immaturity instead of mature empowerment, when starting something new? As aspiring or new school leaders, we can experience moments when we feel like we're operating from a place of fear, insecurity, or emotional reactivity rather than from true, aligned power. In this episode, I break down what childlike energy is and why it can feel so hard to break free from. This episode will guide you back to alignment, helping you lead from a place of self-trust and true power, even when faced with difficult challenges. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/433 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

What if the way we've been thinking about student behavior, engagement, and learning is missing a critical piece: the brain itself? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Riegel, a former educator and expert in brain science, to explore how understanding neuroscience can completely shift the way you lead your school, support your teachers, and respond to your students. We dive into her work around the "8 C's" and how school leaders can create the conditions for meaningful, lasting change. Join us this week as we talk about how neuroscience impacts teaching, learning, and leadership. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how the brain influences behavior, why traditional approaches to motivation and discipline often fall short, and how you can lead in a way that aligns with how people actually learn and change. This episode will help you think differently about your role as a leader and give you a new lens for supporting both students and staff in a more human-centered, effective way. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/432 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Check out Dr. Lisa Riegel's books here: https://www.amazon.com/NeuroWell-Applying-science-supportive-proactive/dp/B0F1N5DJQF https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/dp/B0GHF3P15G

What if preparing students for life after high school felt less overwhelming for both families and school leaders? In this episode, I sit down with Warren Buck, founder of Future Finders, to explore how we can better support students and families through the college admissions process. Warren brings a unique perspective as a former teacher and principal who now works directly with families to help students navigate their options after high school. Join us this week as we explore how the college admissions landscape has changed, why it can feel so complex and overwhelming, and how students benefit from having a guide who can help them explore possibilities, clarify their goals, and take ownership of their future. You'll learn what families and educators should prioritize early in the college planning process, the importance of focusing on school fit rather than rankings, and how to help students tell their authentic story through their application materials. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/431 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/ Check out Future Finders here: https://www.futurefindersllc.com/

Have you ever wondered how to stay in your power when everything around you feels uncertain or out of your control? As leaders, we talk about empowerment all the time, but the truth is, we naturally move in and out of it. Whether it's a difficult conversation, a challenging staff situation, or something happening outside your school, it's easy to feel thrown off and pulled into fear. In this episode, I break down what it really means to stay in your power and why it can feel so hard in the moments when you need it most. Tune in this week to learn how to regulate your nervous system, challenge fear-based thinking, and access the part of your brain that allows you to lead with courage, clarity, and self-trust, even in the most uncomfortable situations. You'll also discover intentional questions that will help you move out of reactivity and back into empowered decision-making. Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/430 Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/