Meet Jessica Gamble, mom, wife, and principal of an elementary school in Cleveland.

She’s also the only other principal I know who has integrated her parents into her school life.

Another fun fact about Jessica – she was the captain of the Washington Wizards “fan patrol” – so you know she has big energy and big fun!

Before joining The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ Jessica was at a crossroads. Her district was training her to be a manager and she wanted to deepen her leadership practice.

And another wake up call: she has no memories of any school principal in her entire life.

Not one!

But that’s not how Jessica rolls. As an elementary school principal, she makes it a point to see every student, every day.

Jessica wants to have connections with staff and students. She also enjoys noodling on big questions, like:

These are the kind of questions that excite Jessica.

Questions like these are important. Have you heard it said that, “managers have answers and leaders ask questions”?

I agree with that statement 100%!

Jessica knew this to be true as well. She wanted to be a great leader, not just a manager, so she looked for support.

Jessica is NOT a Play-It-Safe-Principal. She’s a Ruckus Maker!

The problem …

The district wasn’t seeing or hearing her. Their monthly principal meetings focused 100% on the managerial aspect of the role. 

Can you relate?

So Jessica jumped right into The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™. 

In her words:

She never should have doubted that she’d get in The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™. When Jessica joined, our community upgraded.

But joining our community wasn’t a walk in the park. Jessica was nervous and second guessed the value she could bring to the other principals.

During her first meeting she thought:

“Holy moly, you guys are going through some really interesting things and I can’t even begin to give you advice on how you should or could handle those situations.”

But her nervousness and doubt disappeared somewhere during her first meeting:

That might be the most meaningful feedback I’ve ever received from a mastermind member.

Belonging is important to us here at Better Leaders Better Schools. 

It’s also the “B” in the ABCs of Powerful Professional Development ® and one reason The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™ is such a hit with Jessica and many other school leaders.

Feeling connected is important, but we’re in the results business as well. 

When I asked Jessica how life and leadership is now different, she said:

Jessica’s confidence is inspiring and a key component of effective school leadership.

As for parting advice, here’s what Jessica has to say:

Are you ready to “bet on yourself” and upgrade your bravery and confidence?

Today is the day to apply to The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™. 

We can help you create strong relationships with students and become a principal your community will never forget. 

We will also help you upgrade your confidence. Kiss goodbye apologizing for wanting what you want – especially when it’s good for kids!

Apply to our community here: https://www.betterleadersbetterschools.com/mastermind-application/ 

(We have two cohorts for women in leadership and a cohort focused on BIPOC school leaders as well).

Like Jessica said, “Bet on yourself by applying to The Ruckus Maker Mastermind™. You won’t be disappointed!”

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