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From Silos To Synergy: Proven Strategies Every Leader Needs

From Silos To Synergy: Proven Strategies Every Leader Needs

Proven tactics from a leadership trio backed by the Ruckus Maker Mastermind

Dan Watt
May 26, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

In partnership with

Leadership isn’t a solo game.

Colin Hogan and his VPs, Tatiana Antczak and Angel Martinez, prove that bold teamwork sparks real change.

But like any good story there's a plot twist.

The best leaders aren't afraid to sit in a little discomfort, and they know the value of a kind word.

Curious what that really looks like?

Keep scrolling for the insights you didn’t know you needed.

First time reading? Sign up here and join 5,422 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.

🙋‍♂️ How Comfortable Are You With Being Uncomfortable? This graphic from LinkedIn is a great example of the stages of competence
🙏 The Quiet Cost of Skipping Praise: The praise you don’t give hurts more than you think. Why silence isn’t golden
💪 Every Automatic Yes is a Silent No. What matters most? Choose wisely and protect your priorities

A MESSAGE FROM 1440

Looking for unbiased, fact-based news? Join 1440 today.

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Subscribe to 1440 today.

THE RUCKUS MAKER MONTHLY THEME: CELEBRATING OUR MEMBERS

Creating a Culture of Possibility: How One Leader Transformed a School with Teamwork and Vision

At Learning Community Charter School (LCCS) in Jersey City, NJ, Head of School Colin Hogan is building something special, and he’s not doing it alone. His two Vice Principals, Tatiana Antczak and Angel Martinez, are working closely with him to create a school full of creativity, courage, and community where staff and students thrive.

A Shared Vision, a Stronger Team

Colin’s leadership story isn’t about going it alone.

When he joined the Mastermind he already had a bold vision: to make LCCS a place where innovation thrives and students flourish. What he needed was the space to reflect, challenge his own thinking, and lead with greater intention.

The Mastermind gave him that space. Surrounding himself with other leaders on a similar mission helped Colin focus his plans and deepened his belief in the power of shared leadership. Tatiana and Angel were more than supporters …

They were empowered partners, each playing a vital role in moving the vision forward.

Tatiana led programs that support the whole child, focusing on SEL and student wellness
Angel focused on instructional leadership and equity in classroom practices
Together, the team modeled collaboration and built trust across the school community

When Community Becomes Culture

Because of the leadership found on the LCCS campus, their school became a campus where people share ideas, take risks, and every student feels important.

This kind of culture doesn’t just happen …

It takes careful leadership and learning.

In the Mastermind, Colin learned how to think deeply about his work and how to share tasks with others. He listened to the group’s ideas and used them at school, making his team stronger.

LCCS Keys to Success

Great leaders build strong teams and empower them
Reflection and support fuel courageous decision-making
Culture grows when leaders are aligned, authentic, and collaborative

Colin, Tatiana, and Angel are proof that when leaders work together with clarity and heart, schools become places of real transformation.

Ready to grow alongside inspiring leaders like Colin? Join the Mastermind and become the kind of leader who lifts up your entire school community, one bold move at a time.

❝

“Things are better today, because of you.”

Colin Hogan

LEADERSHIP EDGE

8 Habits to Unlearn: saying yes to everything? Say no with intention
Just Say No: I was the YES Principal…and it almost broke me
🤖 Robotic Writing: How to write with ChatGPT and not sound like ChatGPT (but yourself). Great article from Justin Baeder. BTW … when you join The Ruckus Maker Mastermind you get Justin’s “Repertoire” ($1000 value) as part of your membership. Apply to the mastermind here

MONDAY VIBES

WEEKLY CHALLENGE

Power Up the Team and Do School Different.

This week, identify one area where your leadership team can take more ownership.

Solo in a school? No problem!

Find an informal leader in your school. Then get out of the way and let them lead.

Steps:

Pick a Focus Area: It could be SEL, equity, PD, or student engagement. Select something that matters deeply.
Empower a Leader: Choose a team member who’s passionate about it (like Tatiana or Angel were at LCCS).
Ask, Don’t Tell: Have a conversation that starts with: “What would you do if you could run with this?”
Give Support, Not Control: Step back. Offer feedback and resources, but let them steer.
Share the Win: At the end of the week highlight what they accomplished, acknowledge your full trust in them, and celebrate!

Why This Matters:
Doing School Different starts with doing leadership different. It’s not about you having all the answers. It’s about building a bold team and asking better questions. Now, give yourself a pat on the back. You’re making empowered leadership the new norm!