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Building Better Leaders, One Conversation at a Time

The #1 Thing That Helped Me Lead Better

Running a school shouldn't feel like surviving a zombie apocalypse. But for many leaders, it does.

The ones who thrive have found systems, support, and have a serious knack for asking the right questions.

Steal their playbook below.

First time reading? Sign up here and join 5,434 Ruckus Makers Doing School Different 🎉

INSPIRATION STATION

It’s okay to steal — Feel free to share any of these links and how we write about them and drop ‘em right into your staff newsletter this week.

  • 💪 Teens Tackle Homelessness: these San Diego high school students are building tiny houses for homeless veterans

  • ⏱️ Work Smarter, Not Longer: Manage projects and productivity effortlessly with Timely

  • 📚 The Most Successful People: Smart minds and strong bodies are truly unstoppable

  • 🌌 May the Quotes Be With You: The 75 most iconic “Star Wars” quotes 

THE RUCKUS MAKER MONTHLY THEME: CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS

What Do All Great School Leaders Have in Common?

This month, we're sharing stories of inspiring Ruckus Maker school leaders who've transformed themselves and their schools.

Watch this space each week as we celebrate their wins. You might even see a bit of your own journey in theirs!

From Isolation to Connection

Being a leader can feel lonely. Many join our Mastermind feeling surrounded by people who don't truly understand their challenges.

The Mastermind helps leaders connect with others by giving them:

  • A trusted circle of colleagues who understand

  • Space for honest conversations and support

  • Fresh perspectives from diverse experiences

David Moffa is a school principal who felt alone in his job. When he joined our Mastermind, he found people who understood him. David then started helping teachers at his school work together better. He listened to their ideas and made sure everyone could share their thoughts.

From Uncertainty to Confidence

Even experienced leaders struggle with self-doubt. The Mastermind helps them find their voice and use it with clarity.

  • Lead with purpose instead of hesitation

  • Set clearer boundaries and make confident decisions

  • Reconnect with their core "why"

Chris Loeffler transitioned from teaching fifth grade to becoming Head of Lower School at a Quaker school in Delaware. Through the Mastermind, he overcame self-doubt through reflection and perseverance, growing into a confident leader.

When leaders feel sure about themselves, they make better choices for everyone. The Mastermind helps leaders build the confidence they need to make their schools, companies, or teams better places to be.

From Busyness to Clarity

The Mastermind teaches leaders to slow down and focus on what truly matters:

  • Creating space for thinking and renewal

  • Designing systems that work for both school and life

  • Leading with greater presence and joy

Jessica Gamble, a former Cleveland elementary principal (now Area Superintendent), learned to be her authentic self at work, even involving her parents in school activities. This authenticity created a welcoming school culture rooted in her values.

When leaders have clarity about what matters most, they build better schools and teams. They make choices based on their values instead of just putting out fires all day. The Ruckus Maker Mastermind helps leaders find this clarity so they can lead with purpose and joy.

The Ruckus Maker Difference

No leader should walk alone. Our community shows that support makes you stronger. What's in your heart shapes how you lead, and you can be both strong and gentle while still succeeding.

Ready to stop surviving and start thriving? Join hundreds of school leaders who've found more confident, connected leadership in our Mastermind. You don't have to lead alone.

Before the Mastermind, I felt like I had to have all the answers. Now I have a community that helps me ask better questions.

LEADERSHIP EDGE

  • Is Your Next Coworker AI? Microsoft goes all in on agents

  • Make Your Visuals Pop: Help your audience with smart comparisons

  • Bulk Up Your Brain: Make the connection between muscle memory and mental resilience

  • Above or Below the Line: Where are you positioned in your leadership?

MONDAY VIBES

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Weekly Leadership Challenge: The 3C Reset

This week, take 15 minutes to check in with your leadership practice through the lens of the 3Cs: Connection, Confidence, and Clarity.

Here’s your challenge:

  1. Connection:
    Text or email one colleague you trust and ask: “What’s something you’ve been wrestling with lately as a leader?” Then listen. No fixing, just connecting.

  2. Confidence:
    Write down one decision you’ve been avoiding. Now ask yourself: “What would the confident version of me do?” Take one small step toward it.

  3. Clarity:
    Look at your calendar. Block 30 minutes this week to think, not react.
    No meetings, no multitasking, just focused time to lead with intention.

Bonus points if you share what came up for you with a fellow Ruckus Maker, your team, or reply to this email.

Keep Making a Ruckus,

PS … Did you know there is a premium edition of this newsletter? This week we shared an article on The Breakthrough Blueprint.

PPS … this GeoGuessr is next level

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