Leading with Vulnerability: Nicole McDermott on Trust & Courage
What if vulnerability isn't a leadership weakness—but the very foundation of trust, growth, and resilient school communities? In this transformative episode, host Bridget Johnson welcomes Nicole McDermott, ICF-certified coach, Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator trained by Brené Brown, and former independent school head with over 20 years of experience, for an honest conversation about courageous leadership in student life and K-12 education.
Nicole shares her journey from knowing she wanted to be a teacher in second grade to leading a school for 18 years (starting at age 26) to now supporting educational leaders through Quality Matters leadership development and Educational Directions search consulting. Through powerful stories—including leading a school community through COVID-19 and the transformative impact of Brené Brown's research on shame versus guilt—Nicole reveals why the most effective student life professionals and school leaders embrace vulnerability as a strategic leadership practice, not a personal failing.
This conversation offers practical wisdom for deans, student affairs professionals, heads of school, and educational leaders navigating uncertainty, building trust in small moments, and supporting others through complex transitions. Nicole's grounded approach, anchored by daily meditation and gratitude practices, demonstrates how intentional leadership creates school cultures where everyone truly belongs.
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why vulnerability is the foundation for transparent, risk-taking, accountable school cultures
How to build trust in small moments even when you're moving at 100 miles per hour
The critical difference between shame and guilt language in student discipline and adult self-talk
Practical strategies for leading through uncertainty and giving yourself grace during crisis
Why new leaders need permission to pause, set boundaries, and ask more questions than they answer
How daily meditation and gratitude practices can fundamentally change your leadership presence and perception
Featured Guest: Nicole McDermott is an educator, leader, ICF-certified coach, facilitator, and consultant with 20+ years of experience in independent school leadership. As a former longtime head of school and Certified Dare to Lead™ Facilitator trained directly by Brené Brown, Nicole brings deep expertise in trust-building, leadership transitions, and creating courageous school cultures. Her Quality Matters leadership development work and Educational Directions consulting support student life professionals and school leaders through executive coaching, team facilitation, and search transitions—all grounded in mutual trust, warmth, integrity, and vulnerability.
Recommended Resources:
Visit the Deans' Roundtable: https://deansroundtable.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-johnson510/
Email: bridget@deansroundtable.org
Student Life Assessment Program: https://deansroundtable.org/k-12-student-life-assessment-program-independent-school-evaluation/
The Table Podcast: Where student life professionals connect, learn, share, and grow together
