Today’s education leaders are under immense pressure, juggling administrative duties while trying to stay connected to their students, staff, and communities. Many are searching for ways to lead with greater authenticity and purpose. With teacher burnout and turnover reaching critical levels, there’s an increasing need for leadership that prioritizes human connection and values-driven action. A waymaker can guide others with empathy and clarity, helping them navigate challenges and rediscover their sense of purpose. These individuals inspire and uplift those around them through their thoughtful, compassionate approach to leadership.
How can education leaders embrace this Waymaker mindset to create more meaningful connections within their schools? And how can they ensure their leadership remains authentic in an increasingly metric-driven environment?
On Just Thinking, Kevin Dougherty, Chief Strategy Officer at 806 Technologies, speaks with Justin Richardson, President of Waymaker Leadership Development, about how education leaders can adopt the Waymaker approach. They discuss the importance of staying connected to values, storytelling as a leadership tool, and the role of curiosity in fostering meaningful relationships.
Key Takeaways:
Justin Richardson has over 26 years of experience in education, rising from classroom roles to Assistant Superintendent. As the Chief Learning Officer of Lead Forward, he helped nearly 900 school districts across Texas. Now, as President of Waymaker Leadership Development, Justin is focused on guiding leaders to adopt a values-based, soulful approach to leadership.
