In this episode of Change Starts Here, Dustin Odham sits down with Todd Nesloney, Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership for the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA). Todd shares his insights on what a thriving school culture actually looks and feels like, going beyond test scores and bulletin boards to the fundamental human experiences of feeling seen, heard, and valued.
Todd gets real about his own transition from the classroom to school administration, challenging the "martyr complex" that leads so many passionate educators to burnout. He encourages leaders to embrace their authentic selves, treat adults with the same grace and connection they offer students, and to stop overcomplicating their roles. Listeners will walk away with practical advice on how to empower their teams, the importance of expanding their professional networks outside their own district, and the courage to take risks—and own the failures that follow.
Interested in the TEPSA Summer Conference? Learn more & register:
https://www.tepsa.org/summer-conference/summer-conference/
Connect with Todd: https://www.toddnesloney.com/
Host: Dustin Odham (FranklinCovey Education)
Guest: Todd Nesloney (Director of Culture and Strategic Leadership, TEPSA)
Timestamps:
(00:00 - 02:46) Intro and welcome
(02:46 - 05:01) Meet Todd Nesloney
(05:01 - 08:16) Assessing school culture
(08:16 - 12:45) Seen, heard, and valued
(12:45 - 18:04) Finding the time for connection
(18:04 - 23:14) The educator martyr complex
(23:14 - 27:36) Redefining leadership meetings
(27:36 - 32:29) Patterns of high performance
(32:29 - 36:55) Teaching adults like kids
(36:55 - 44:06) Empowering your team
(44:06 - 47:35) Expand your network
(47:35 - 51:56) Walk up songs
(51:56 - 54:42) You are meant to be here
