In this special handoff episode of Transformative Principal, host Jethro Jones announces he's passing the podcast to Mike Caldwell, founder of LinkedLeaders, as Jethro transitions to his new role as Director of Operations at Life Lab, a character education company creating video curriculum for middle and high schools—a move that aligns perfectly with his doctorate in character education, which he's defending the day after this episode airs. The episode explores why this partnership makes sense, as both Transformative Principal and LinkedLeaders focus on supporting school leaders through connection, mentorship, and learning from others' experiences, with Mike's platform connecting principals with mentors who have actually done the work they're struggling with through features like "Leadership Suites" that give districts their own dedicated spaces while accessing a broader community. Jethro shares insights about using AI tools like Open Claw to streamline operations and eliminate repetitive tasks in his new role, while both hosts emphasize a core theme: school leaders desperately need safe spaces to connect with peers who understand their challenges, since they often can't discuss struggles with staff below them or administrators above them. After 13 years and over 10 years of episodes, Jethro confidently hands off the podcast to Mike, who will continue providing valuable conversations for educational leaders worldwide.

Does being a great principal mean being available all day, every day? In this episode, Barb challenges the traditional “open door policy” and the idea of people over paperwork and shares a more sustainable way to lead. Because when you’re constantly available, the work doesn’t disappear… it just follows you home. You’ll learn how focus blocks, visibility, and clear boundaries actually make you more supportive, not less,  while protecting your time, energy, and family life. If you’re tired of staying late and wondering why the work never ends, this conversation will help you lead with intention instead of urgency.Sign up for The 8 to 4 Principal Group Coaching Intensive on February 7th and you will get a free one-on-one coaching session.

 Why do some of the most prestigious medical teams hit a wall while others achieve constant breakthroughs? The secret isn't a higher IQ—it's Intellectual Humility. In this episode, we explore how the "Expertise Paradox" can actually blind us to the next big discovery. We dive into the neuroscience of the Medial Prefrontal Cortex and how humility unlocks the brain’s ability to innovate. Learn how to use the Navigate Power to align your team toward a "True North" of patient outcomes, stripping away the ego to make room for radical collaboration. Discover practical protocols to turn "failed" data into your next major pivot. 

In this episode, Erin Bailey interviews Dr. Dowan McNair-Lee about her experiences teaching literacy to middle school students. They discuss the importance of student choice in reading, the appeal of graphic novels and diverse texts, and the challenges educators face in balancing classic literature with contemporary works. The conversation also addresses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on student literacy, the debate between teaching full novels versus excerpts, and the inspirational power of reading for personal growth and connection.Key Points:Student choice and engagement are crucial for fostering a love of reading.Graphic novels, manga, and stories offering escapism are especially popular with middle schoolers.Graphic novels are legitimate and valuable reading materials.Balancing classic literature with newer, diverse texts is important for a well-rounded curriculum.Reading full novels allows for deeper understanding, but time and testing pressures often limit this.The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting negative effect on literacy scores and student well-being.Reading inspires hope, connection, and a sense of possibility, particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.

In this annual father-daughter conversation, Jethro D. Jones sits down with his daughter Cali to reflect on 2024 and look ahead to an exciting 2025. Cali shares her spiritual growth, her unique senior year with only three classes, her decision to serve a mission, and her travels to Germany.Key Topics Discussed:Spiritual Growth & Scripture StudyCali's deep dive into Doctrine & Covenants studyReading the Book of Mormon for the 9th timeWeekly temple attendance as a personal commitmentMaking Jesus Christ a priority, not just a goalSenior Year & Time ManagementTaking only 3 classes (English, Art, and Calculus)Learning Parkinson's Law firsthandUsing free time for temple visits, walks with mom, and workEarning the Seal of Biliteracy in SpanishMission DecisionAnnouncement of serving a mission starting August 2025How the age change for sister missionaries influenced her decisionFeeling spiritually prepared and at peace with the choiceHopes to serve internationally and learn a new languageGermany Trip HighlightsTraveling with dad and staying with his mission friend's familyRunning 14 miles through a former coal mineVisiting Berlin, the Berlin Wall, and PragueExperiencing authentic German culture (including pasta with watered-down ketchup)Looking AheadMonthly challenges leading up to the mission (No Spend January, meditation in February)Track season and the steeplechaseRunning Katya's fundraiser for Shriners HospitalGraduating high school and trip to Scotland with momForest Frank concert with sister EloiseMemorable Quotes:"Last year I wanted to make Him a priority, but this year He is a priority.""I'm the most ready person out there—I'm not gonna be shy about that.""Being sad about it isn't really gonna change anything."Resources Mentioned:A Decade Never to Be Forgotten journaling app: adecadenevertobeforgotten.comCome Follow Me study programShriners Hospital fundraiser