Description

In this inspiring leadership episode, Ryan Steuer talks with Amy Balsbaugh, principal and researcher on joy and well-being in school leadership. Together, they unpack practical ways school leaders can protect their joy, model balance, and lead with gratitude—even in high-demand environments.

Amy shares her research on the 10 strategies that help principals sustain joy despite the challenges of modern education, and she dives into her favorites—gratitude, relationships, and strength-based leadership. Whether you’re a veteran administrator or just starting out, this conversation reminds you that joy isn’t optional—it’s essential to long-term impact.

🧭 Key Topics

• Why joy is essential in education, not optional
  
  
• The connection between well-being and leadership longevity
  
• Top 3 practices from Amy’s dissertation:
  
  
1. Gratitude — daily reflection or notes of appreciation
   
   
2. Relationships — surrounding yourself with uplifting peers
   
   
3. Strength-based leadership — leaning into your natural gifts
   
   
• How to establish healthy boundaries that fit your lifestyle
  
  
• Creating a culture of celebration with ideas like “Bonnie the Bee”
  
  
• The power of micro-steps to shift mindset and reclaim joy
  
  
• Protecting joy during tough seasons—without toxic positivity
  
  
• Ideas for embedding joy and wellness into principal preparation programs
  

🛠️ Practical Takeaways

✅ Write down 3–5 things you’re grateful for daily
✅ Schedule “no work” zones (like no emails after 8 PM)
✅ Start team meetings with a quick celebration
✅ Identify your top strengths and use them intentionally
✅ Find your “people” — mentors or peer leaders who understand the work
✅ Create joy rituals that fit your school culture (bells, notes, mascots, etc.)

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Amy’s Instagram: @joyfulprincipalship
• Website: amybalsbaugh.com