July 2010

 

This episode is an interview with Maria Myrback, a lady I met in the Orlando, Florida airport as I was awaiting a flight to Memphis.  

Maria has just begun a non-profit organization, The Great Experiment Scholarship, designed to award small scholarships of $10-40 to support simple science experiments.

If you desire more information, you may contact Maria by email or visit her web site.

 

I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. 

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: 

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

 

This is Part Two of a series with two special guests: Lucy Gray and Carol Anne McGuire.Lucy Gray is an Instructional Technology Specialist at the University of Chicago (IL) Center for Elementary Math and Science Education.  Among her numerous awards are having been named an Apple Distinguished Educator (2005), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, and Google Certified Teacher.  Lucy is a popular speaker at national and international conferences.  Also, Lucy has a strong reputation as a collector and organizer of robust online resources, using such technologies as blogs, wikis, nings, Twitter, and Facebook, among others.Carol Anne McGuire is a teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist at the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, CA.  Formerly, she was an award-winning teacher of blind and visually impaired students.  The fact that amazes most people is that Carol Anne was teaching these visually impaired students to make videos!!  Those videos have been shown around the world.Among the awards and recognitions that have come Carol Anne's way are: Apple Distinguished Educator (2004), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, Google Certified Teacher, Top Online Educator, Disney Teacher of the Year, SMARTBoard Exemplary Educator, American Film Institute Screen Educator, and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Teacher of the Year (2008).  Like Lucy, Carol Anne is a highly-sought after keynote speaker, as well as workshop leader, at professional conferences around the globe.Carol Anne also serves as "Lead Rocker" for an internationally-acclaimed project, "Rock Our World."So, you can see that I was highly honored to be able to share conversation with these two outstanding ladies.  Their ideas on improving education are stellar.  You will discover that, as you listen to this episode, if you hadn't known it already.This episode represents Part Two of a two-part series.  I believe you will be inspired and stirred by listening to these fabulous educators.  Please send your questions and comments.If you wish to contact either Lucy or Carol Anne, they can be reached by clicking on the links to their names.

I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

My special guests for this episode are Lucy Gray and Carol Anne McGuire.Lucy Gray is an Instructional Technology Specialist at the University of Chicago (IL) Center for Elementary Math and Science Education.  Among her numerous awards are having been named an Apple Distinguished Educator (2005), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, and Google Certified Teacher.  Lucy is a popular speaker at national and international conferences.  Also, Lucy has a strong reputation as a collector and organizer of robust online resources, using such technologies as blogs, wikis, nings, Twitter, and Facebook, among others.Carol Anne McGuire is a teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist at the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, CA.  Formerly, she was an award-winning teacher of blind and visually impaired students.  The fact that amazes most people is that Carol Anne was teaching these visually impaired students to make videos!!  Those videos have been shown around the world.Among the awards and recognitions that have come Carol Anne's way are: Apple Distinguished Educator (2004), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, Google Certified Teacher, Top Online Educator, Disney Teacher of the Year, SMARTBoard Exemplary Educator, American Film Institute Screen Educator, and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Teacher of the Year (2008).  Like Lucy, Carol Anne is a highly-sought after keynote speaker, as well as workshop leader, at professional conferences around the globe.Carol Anne also serves as "Lead Rocker" for an internationally-acclaimed project, "Rock Our World."So, you can see that I was highly honored to be able to share conversation with these two outstanding ladies.  Their ideas on improving education are stellar.  You will discover that, as you listen to this episode, if you hadn't known it already.This episode represents Part One of a two-part series.  I believe you will be inspired and stirred by listening to these fabulous educators.  Please send your questions and comments.If you wish to contact either Lucy or Carol Anne, they can be reached by clicking on the links to their names.

I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Vicki Davis, a very successful classroom teacher in Camilla, GA.  Vicki is also a grant-winning educator who has created several collaborative projects involving students and schools around the world.Vicki and/or her projects have won several awards.   She and her co-collaborator, Julie Lindseay (Qatar Academy, Qatar), have built a global audience around their Flat Classroom Project.Flat Classroom Project  Other projects in which Vicki is active include:

1. Net Gen Ed
2. Digiteens

As you listen to Vicki's comments during this episode, I believe you will be struck with the reality that this teacher is dedicated, motivated, and determined to prepare her students for success in the 21st Century -- and in a global environment.Should you wish to contact Vicki, she can be reached at [email protected]

I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Kelly Janzen, a very successful educator, musician, and leader among her peers.Kelly is a motivating teacher who discusses the role of technologies in the lives of her students and how they grow as a result of interacting with new technologies.Also, Kelly talks about teachers' roles as leaders who can model excellent leadership behavior to peers and superiors.The web site for Kelly's school is http://www.wcdhs.ca -- so feel free to visit and see what she and her students are accomplishing. Should you wish to contact Kelly, she can be reached at [email protected]

I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

I have two pieces of information to pass along to you:

1. New email address for the podcast: [email protected]
2. New series of episodes forthcoming. The general topic is key principles/characteristics of an effective leader. A sampling of topics is:
   • good listener
   • compassionate
   • reliable
   • leader vs. manager
   • consistent
   • risk-taker
   • unselfish

It is very important for you to participate by suggesting additional topics (key principles or characteristics), making general comments, telling stories about your experiences with good (or poor) leaders, or asking questions to be addressed on the episodes. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Lori Clark, a very successful young business leader who has demonstrated remarkable persistence, determination, and resolve as she has built a large team of business partners. Not only is Lori Clark successful in business, but she also is very active in community affairs, youth activities, and her church. During this episode, Lori discusses difficult events early in her life that contributed to her success currently. While living in Memphis, Tennessee, her father experienced a significant downsizing in the corporate world. As a result, Lori's family went through a bankruptcy. She learned many lessons during this time that have helped her through the years. She had to begin working at an early age, but also pursued a four-year degree at Mississippi State University. Times were hard and many family decisions were profoundly difficulty, but she persisted through all these obstacles.

During those years of living and working hard in Memphis, her persistence paid off by earning the MBA degree from the University of Memphis--all while holding down a full-time job. She believes that leaders early in her life were responsible for setting that expectation for her.

In less than four years, Lori has built a business with an annual revenue in excess of a million dollars in her position as National Vice-President of Arbonne, International. She has developed a strong team of associates and continues to build, nurture, and promote those individuals so they can experience success, as well.

Without a doubt, as you listen to this episode, you will recognize easily that Lori is extremely passionate about her life, and the impact she is being able to have upon thousands of people, not only through her business, but also through her participation in community and church activities, as well as the events in which her children are involved. My hope is that Lori's passionate enthusiasm will be viral, that you will "catch it" as you listen to her talk. Although Lori is quite humble and soft-spoken, I find a Gibraltar of strength in her words. No doubt, her children are quite proud to call her "Mom."

In this episode, Lori shares with us several of the books and authors to which she credits much of her personal development. In addition, she shares some one-liners and adages from key people who have influenced her life positively.

As you listen to the podcast, I truly hope you will take a few minutes and send your comments, questions, and suggestions. I will forward those to Lori, because she has agreed to come back for a follow-up episode to talk about teams and how you build a team for success.

I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. Lori recommended several books to listeners. (If an audio version of the book is available, that link is shown, also.) And, here are a few resources that I recommended:

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

I've been anticipating this episode for many months!  My two guests are:  Dr. Michael O'Dell and Dr. Ed Hill, two premier physicians from the North Mississippi medical community. Dr. Mike O'Dell is Director of the Family Medicine Residency Center in Tupelo, MS.  Mike has a background in academic circles, having taught and led at several major universities, including the University of Kansas, University of Texas, and University of Alabama.  Now, he is not only a family physician, but also leads the preparation program for physician residents.  Dr. O'Dell is very active in community affairs, including Rotary Club and his church. Dr. Ed Hill is a man who has achieved numerous accomplishments during his medical career.  He founded the Family Medicine Residency Center and ran it for several years until Dr. O'Dell was recruited to come in and relieve Dr. Hill to address some of the other activities that called him.  He has been extremely active in medical profession affairs, including a year's stint as President of the American Medical Association.  Now, he is Chairman of the Board for the World Medical Association, a global enterprise involved directly with 84 countries.  Perhaps Dr. Hill's greatest pride, though, is in serving proudly as a grandfather! During this episode, both doctors discussed principles of leadership that can apply to anyone--not just those in the medical profession.  Their "take" on leadership is intriguing, probably different from what we read and hear from mainstream authors and speakers.  But, as is their natural way of functioning, Drs. O'Dell and Hill make good, common sense in their remarks. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. Dr. O'Dell and Dr. Hill recommended several books to listeners:

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Two outstanding ladies join me for this episode -- Dr. Mabel Murphree and Mrs. Doyce Deas -- to discuss the philosophies, roles, and conditions of women in leadership.

Dr. Mabel Murphree is a freelance consultant, dealing in education, workforce education and development, and political matters.  She is former Director of the Appalachian Region Commission, with offices in Tupelo, MS.  Dr. Murphree is a well-respected educator, speaker, and civic activist.

Mrs. Doyce Deas is, among many other things, a current member of the Tupelo (MS) City Council.  She has been active for many years in health care, education, arts, and civic boards and events.

During this episode, Dr. Murphree and Mrs. Deas enumerate many traits and characteristics of effective leaders that are particularly applicable to females.  However, as you will hear, these are not limited to one gender.

Some of the outstanding books they recommend are:

• The Fred Factor
• The Servant Leadership
• Five Dysfunctions of a Team
• In Search of Excellence
• Good to Great
• The Rise of the Creative Class
• A Whole New Mind

If you would like to order one of these books from Amazon, click on the link below.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Are you "learning to learn"?This is a question that evolves from the basic phrase "learning to learn" that several leading experts in education are pitching around right now.  This concept bears some attention: it calls upon us to evaluate what we truly believe about learning.A foundational construct for our discussion is that we agree that leaders are learners.  After all, if a leader were not learning, what would become of that person, over time?  Would you like to work for a leader who had decided to stop learning?  Would you enjoy being around a leader who found no joy in learning?  So, we can agree that great leaders are eager learners.Will Richardson purports that leaders who are learning not only create situations in which learning is facilitated, but that aggressive, effective leaders will ensure that all in the organization are provided means and mechanisms for connectivity.  The real power in the learning comes largely from the power of the learner's network.  Consequently, one of the premier avenues for connected learners is via social networks.  No doubt, all readers of this treatise are familiar with the banter about social networks.  If you work in a school, you probably have heard the network administrator dictate that no social networking at all will be allowed on the school network.  This mandate is reality, even in the face of voluminous documentation that social networking, employed meaningfully and effectively, then monitored by personnel in charge, yields amazing, positive achievement results.  In addition, the quality of student work is much greater, as a result of collaborations via social networks.  The question becomes, "Why would a network administrator, classroom teacher, or school leader deny student learners the opportunity to expand their education via social networks?"Perhaps, a surface-level answer could be, "They have stopped learning how to learn."  Thus, the students are the ones whose minds are held captive in the lockdown-mentality schools.So, what are these students--and their teachers--to do, especially when they know the power of social networks and media?  The only recourse they have is to conduct their meaningful education activities when they leave the school.  Ludicrous, isn't it?Well, in defense of the school network police, they are often cautioned by superiors to ensure that students are kept safe from dangers that come from being left "open" to the wiles of the Internet.  Predators are alive and well--and prey on innocent children.  Nasty, filthy content proliferates online.  Hate-promoting and race-supremacy web sites can be found quite easily.  So, with all the responsibilities of a school technology coordinator, s/he finds it easiest to just clamp down the network and let only the minimum of information through the filter.  Sometimes, these coordinators don't like having to block ninety-percent of content available online any more than the students and teachers.  However, they perceive that a lawsuit is, metaphorically speaking, lurking around the corner if they allow a single student to be ensnared in some kind of techno-trap.What do we do about all this?  Wring our hands?  Disconnect school computers from the Internet, totally?  Fret?  Fuss?  Blame each other?  Nurture an environment of suspicion?That brings us back to the topic of this posting: learning to learn.In research conducted by the National Center for Technology Planning, the findings revealed that social networks are disallowed from schools based, predominantly, from ignorance by decision makers!  Decisions are made, often, as a result of overhearing a conversation about the bad stuff online--or how terrible Facebook is, since it's a breeding ground for teenagers to gang up on other teenagers and engage in cyberbullying.The effective leader will engage in study of the social media opportunities available to the people in the organization.  This process is not merely learning for learning's sake.  Rather, this is an advanced process: we must begin, afresh, a process of learning to learn.  This takes more time, focus, and critical analysis.  Flippant decisions are off-limits.  Casual attitudes are cancerous.  Devout learning is the vitamin of success.Join me in a fresh commitment as we learn to learn! Please leave comments here so others may profit--may learn--from your writings.Alternatively, please call our hotline (206.984.3136) and leave an audio comment that we can use in a forthcoming podcast.

• What does leadership mean in a growing community?
• What organizations in a community will help young people become stronger leaders?
• What are the characteristics you have found among others you consider as leaders that have helped you become a stronger leader?

Two outstanding corporate CEOs and community leaders, Mr. Chauncey Godwin (Heavenly Ham, Tupelo, MS) and Mr. Mike Thomas (CEO of American Furniture Manufacturing in Tupelo, MS), discuss these and other pertinent topics. This episode has a lot of "meat" in it that will give you some good ideas. But, rather than just listening passively to this episode, I suggest that you do the following:

• Take good notes, making sure you capture the key points
• Write down any questions and/or comments
• Send them to the Think Like A Leader offices.
• Contact me if you would like to submit an audio file containing your comments on anything related to this podcast
• Let me hear from you (can you tell I really want your feedback and input???)

I strongly encourage you to submit your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. No doubt, many of you have instituted some outstanding leadership principles in your school, company, or community. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material to the podcast -- or, at least, leave a comment at the end of this blog posting.

You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:

• Email me <-- (click on the link)
• Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136
• Leave comments by using the link shown below

If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.