Ep #383: Brand New Leaders: What You Need to Know

Have you ever wondered why so many school leaders gain weight after transitioning from teaching to administration?    This week, I sit down with my dear friend and certified life coach Jena Damiani to unpack what we jokingly call the "admin 30" – those unwanted pounds that seem to appear overnight when you step into a leadership role. As both a school leader and a weight loss coach, she brings a unique perspective to this common but rarely discussed challenge.   Join us on this episode as we dive into the five key reasons principals gain weight and why traditional weight loss approaches often fail in the high-stress environment of school leadership.    To check out The Aspiring School Leader series, Jena's 20 Pounds Down program, or to find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/384

Are you stepping into your first year as a school principal?    The excitement of landing that leadership position can quickly collide with the overwhelming reality of what the job actually entails. As a new leader, you're not just taking on a new role – you're embarking on a personal development journey that will stretch your mental, emotional, and physical capacity in ways you never imagined.   Join me for some real talk this week about what you need to know as you transition into school leadership.    To check out The Aspiring School Leader series, sign up for Essentials for New School Leaders, or to find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/383

Are you overcome with guilt whenever you need to take a sick day? And even then, do you try to brush it off, pretend it isn’t happening, and attempt to push through?   This week, I address a profound issue that came up during a recent EPC call with one of my clients. She was dragging herself to work despite being sick for two weeks, feeling guilty about the burden she was placing on her husband at home. This sparked an important conversation about how, particularly as women, we're conditioned to be A+ at everything—partners, parents, friends, housekeepers, and school leaders—often at the expense of our own wellbeing.   To check out The Aspiring School Leader series, sign up for Essentials for New School Leaders, or to find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/382

Do you ever feel that pang of anxiety when you realize you've missed an important meeting or weren't included in a crucial conversation?   If you’re navigating this tension between wanting to know everything happening in your school and district versus recognizing what information you actually need to fulfill your leadership responsibilities, this episode is for you.   This week, we'll explore the fascinating psychology behind our desire to "be in the know" and how this need often stems from deeper places than we realize.    To check out The Aspiring School Leader series, sign up for Essentials for New School Leaders, or to find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/381

Have you ever felt like you're drowning in the demands of school leadership?   Like you're constantly choosing between being a good leader and having a life outside of school?   You're not alone.   In this week's episode, I sit down with Jeff Linden of the Education Leadership with Principal JL podcast to share my journey from feeling completely overwhelmed as a first-year principal to discovering how to lead with intention while maintaining work-life balance.   To check out The Aspiring School Leader series, sign up for Essentials for New School Leaders, or to find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/380

As we enter April and the final season of this school year, this is the perfect opportunity to examine our intentions and how we're showing up in our lives.   Many of us feel stretched too thin—not feeling "good enough" in our various roles as educators, parents, partners, or friends. This overwhelming sensation often stems from trying to do too much without clear intention. When we operate on autopilot, moving robotically through our days, we miss the richness life has to offer.   This week, I invite you to raise the bar—not from a place of insufficiency, but from a desire for greater satisfaction and joy.   To check out The Aspiring School Leader series, sign up for Essentials for New School Leaders, or to find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/379  

Do your teachers ever come to you with perceived problems they want your help solving? It's easy to get caught up in trying to solve every issue that comes your way, but what if some of those "problems" aren't really problems at all?   In this episode, I share a powerful coaching conversation I had with a principal who was struggling with a teacher collaboration issue. We uncovered some key insights about how we can sometimes create our own problems by making assumptions and trying to force everyone to fit into the same box. I invite you to consider a different approach to teacher collaboration - one that allows for flexibility, diversity, and acceptance among our staff members. By embracing individual differences and empowering teachers to find creative solutions, we can create a more harmonious and effective school culture.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/378

As a leadership coach, I've observed various leadership styles and approaches, and I've noticed that many school leaders are feeling distressed, concerned, and angry about the current state of education. The impact of leadership changes on schools, districts, communities, families, and students can be significant, and it's natural to feel a sense of uncertainty and fear.   I explore the reasons why we fear change and offer practical strategies for navigating the challenges of leadership during times of uncertainty. You'll learn how to slow down your mind, quiet your worries, and lead with clarity and confidence, even in the face of chaos and unpredictability.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/377

I share an excerpt from my Relationship Mastery program that dives into how to identify and approach people who engage in conflict for their own personal gain. Through my own journey with professional and personal relationships, I've gained valuable insights on how to navigate these tricky situations.   Join me as we explore ways to create awareness around this behavior and tools to help shut it down. While we can't control how long someone chooses to stay mad, we can control how we approach the situation and maintain our own sense of peace and alignment.   Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/376

I dive into the concept of the two inner voices we all have - the voice of truth and the voice of fear. Understanding the role and purpose of each voice is crucial for school leaders who want to make aligned decisions and build strong relationships.   Join me as I explain how to recognize these two voices and share strategies for tuning into your voice of truth more often. By the end of this episode, you'll be equipped with a powerful framework for navigating your inner world and showing up as a more authentic leader.    Get full show notes, transcript, and more information here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/375