The Empowered Principal® Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep #440: Rewriting Your Empowerment Story Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

The stories we tell ourselves shape the way we lead, the way we see ourselves, and the way we experience the world around us.

In this episode, I explore the disempowering narratives so many school leaders carry about their identity, capability, belonging, and worth. I discuss how comparison, self-doubt, and the belief that we are not enough can quietly influence the decisions we make, the support we accept, and the opportunities we allow ourselves to pursue. I also unpack the difference between truly belonging versus simply trying to fit in by pleasing others or hiding parts of ourselves.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/440

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Ep #439: Why Education Needs Trailblazing Leaders May 26, 2026

Show notes

Education is constantly evolving, and the leaders who have the greatest impact are often those willing to step beyond what's familiar and lead in new ways.

In this episode, I explore why education needs trailblazing leaders who are willing to think differently, challenge outdated approaches, and create new possibilities for students, staff, and school communities. I discuss the emotional realities of leadership when you are the person stepping outside the norm, including the fear, resistance, uncertainty, and vulnerability that can come with forging a new path.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/439

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Ep #438: The Future of Education: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership with Melanie Ann Layer May 19, 2026

Show notes

As educational leaders, we're constantly looking for new ways to inspire change, innovation, and growth within our schools. But what if the answer to transforming education lies not just in new programs or strategies, but in how we approach the very essence of leadership?

In this episode, I have a deeply insightful conversation with Melanie Ann Layer, CEO and founder of Alpha Femme. Together, we dive into the vision for the future of education, the integration of emotional intelligence and leadership, and how we can create an environment that nurtures both teachers and students alike.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/438

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Connect with Melanie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alphafemme/

Ep #437: Rebuilding Your Leadership Identity After Being Released from Your Position May 12, 2026

Show notes

Being released from a leadership position can feel deeply personal, shaking not only your career path but also your sense of identity, confidence, and future.

In this episode, I explore the emotional and professional realities school leaders face when they are released from their position. I break down how experiences like shame, fear, self-doubt, and uncertainty can impact your nervous system, leadership identity, and decision-making. More importantly, I share how to process these challenges so you can maintain your integrity, reclaim your power, and avoid letting a single professional setback define your future.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/437

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Ep #436: The Science of Handwriting: Why It Still Matters for Student Success with Holly Britton May 05, 2026

Show notes

Handwriting may be one of the most underestimated foundations of student success in today's educational landscape.

In this episode, I sit down with handwriting expert and Squiggle Squad founder Holly Britton to explore the science of handwriting and why it remains an essential part of literacy, brain development, and student learning. We unpack the difference between handwriting as simple penmanship versus handwriting as a critical transcription skill, and why developmentally appropriate instruction is key to helping students build confidence, literacy, and long-term academic success.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/436

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Check out Squiggle Squad here: https://squigglesquad.com/

Ep #435: The Energy Mindset Behind Your Leadership Apr 28, 2026

Show notes

As leaders, we are constantly shaping the environment around us, and the energy and mindset we bring play a powerful role in the impact we have.

In this episode, I explore what it really means to lead from the inside out. From the concept of leadership energetics to the realities of stepping into new levels of responsibility, I share how your thoughts, emotions, and self-concept influence your decisions, your confidence, and your overall leadership experience.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/435

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Ep #434: How to Recognize and Prevent Burnout in Schools with Jasmin Dennis Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Burnout in schools is a real and growing concern, and as leaders, it's important to not only recognize the signs but also to prevent it from taking hold.

In this episode, I'm joined by Jasmin Dennis, a burnout expert who shares her insights on identifying, preventing, and addressing burnout in schools. Together, we explore how burnout manifests for school leaders, how it affects the school environment, and why it's essential to take proactive steps toward prevention before it's too late.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/434

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Check out JAZZDHEALTH here: https://jazzdhealth.com/

Ep #433: Overcome Childlike Energy and Step into Mature Empowerment Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Have you ever found yourself stuck in childlike energy, acting from a place of immaturity instead of mature empowerment, when starting something new? As aspiring or new school leaders, we can experience moments when we feel like we're operating from a place of fear, insecurity, or emotional reactivity rather than from true, aligned power.

In this episode, I break down what childlike energy is and why it can feel so hard to break free from. This episode will guide you back to alignment, helping you lead from a place of self-trust and true power, even when faced with difficult challenges.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/433

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Ep #432: The Neuroscience of Behavior: How to Create the Conditions for Real Transformation with Dr. Lisa Riegel Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

What if the way we've been thinking about student behavior, engagement, and learning is missing a critical piece: the brain itself?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Lisa Riegel, a former educator and expert in brain science, to explore how understanding neuroscience can completely shift the way you lead your school, support your teachers, and respond to your students. We dive into her work around the "8 C's" and how school leaders can create the conditions for meaningful, lasting change.

Join us this week as we talk about how neuroscience impacts teaching, learning, and leadership. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of how the brain influences behavior, why traditional approaches to motivation and discipline often fall short, and how you can lead in a way that aligns with how people actually learn and change. This episode will help you think differently about your role as a leader and give you a new lens for supporting both students and staff in a more human-centered, effective way.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/432

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Check out Dr. Lisa Riegel's books here:

https://www.amazon.com/NeuroWell-Applying-science-supportive-proactive/dp/B0F1N5DJQF

https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/dp/B0GHF3P15G

Ep #431: A Guide to College Admissions for School Leaders and Families with Warren Buck Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

What if preparing students for life after high school felt less overwhelming for both families and school leaders?

In this episode, I sit down with Warren Buck, founder of Future Finders, to explore how we can better support students and families through the college admissions process. Warren brings a unique perspective as a former teacher and principal who now works directly with families to help students navigate their options after high school.

Join us this week as we explore how the college admissions landscape has changed, why it can feel so complex and overwhelming, and how students benefit from having a guide who can help them explore possibilities, clarify their goals, and take ownership of their future. You'll learn what families and educators should prioritize early in the college planning process, the importance of focusing on school fit rather than rankings, and how to help students tell their authentic story through their application materials.

Find the full episode show notes and transcript, click here: https://angelakellycoaching.com/431

Keep up with me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/akellycoaching/

Check out Future Finders here: https://www.futurefindersllc.com/

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