How do education leaders create systems to achieve predictable success? What are the essential leadership principles that the best educational leaders know to make a difference in learning every day? And most important: what lessons can people use to live life with passion and purpose to make a difference in the world and the…

The educational landscape changes often and conversations surrounding teaching methods, particularly post-pandemic, have never been more crucial. The metaphor of the “educator’s plate” represents a broad spectrum of challenges educators face daily. It ranges from managing students’ behavior to nurturing their cognitive abilities, all amid a backdrop of increased responsibility.  The balance of these…

In the latest episode of the FranklinCovey Change Starts Here Podcast, host Dustin Odham welcomes back Dr. Jody Carrington, a world-renowned psychologist. The conversation delves into Dr. Carrington’s new book, “Feeling Seen: Reconnecting in a Disconnected World,” and explores the concept of connection in an increasingly disconnected world. They discuss the power of shame,…

Host Dustin Odham kicks off the latest season of Change Starts Here with some timely thoughts on Chip and Dan Heath’s book, “The Power of Moments.” Odham shares his personal experiences and insights on how big and small moments can shape our lives and destiny. He emphasizes the importance of intentionally being present, creating…

In a world where quick fixes are often sought after, it becomes essential to examine the foundations of our habits and how they affect our lives. Why now? Because amidst the fast-paced modern lifestyle, taking the time to refine and better ourselves can have profound impacts on our overall wellbeing. According to a study published…

In an era where screens dominate our time, finding your personal identity becomes a challenge. Our generation is shaping itself based on an increasingly virtual world, often losing touch with the inner self. In fact, a recent study suggests that we could end up spending at least ten years of our life in front of…

In an era where students are grappling with uncertainties and challenges presented by the pandemic, the question arises: how do we prepare students for life, not just college? The stakes are high and the need for reimagining education is urgent. Now more than ever, the discussion must shift towards a comprehensive approach that caters not…

With the ever-increasing pressure to perform on standardized tests, many educators are looking for ways to help their students learn more effectively. Dr. Janell Blunt, an associate professor of psychology and learning at a Midwestern university, is on a mission to do just that. In this episode, Dr. Blunt discusses her research on the science…

Students and teachers are trying to achieve a “new normal” after the COVID-19 pandemic. And it seems like they’re on track to reaching this goal. According to a July 2022 report from The Collaborative for Student Growth, students in K to 8th grades are showing signs of rebounding in key areas like math and science….

From digital health services in healthcare, and drone delivery services in technology, to creating a biliteracy instructional framework in education, innovators, change-makers, disruptors, and idea people create the solutions that make a difference in the world today. Is there ever an idea that’s too crazy? Not in Kobi Yamada’s book, it’s not. Embracing crazy ideas…

“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending.” – C.S. Lewis. It’s hard to believe, but another school year is approaching the finish line. There’s always a desire amongst teachers and students alike to coast to the final school bell. A word of advice:…

Being a teacher can be immensely rewarding just as much as it can be overwhelming. Some people who are inspired to teach later find other ways of utilizing the skills they learned in teaching to help out others outside just their classroom. So what kind of effect can children’s books aimed at classrooms have on…

The word trust is synonymous with many things. For some, trust means having confidence in something, believing in something, or having faith. For others, trust means having responsibility and accountability. No matter how you define trust, it remains an integral part of our everyday lives. Not only does trust help build connections and deepen relationships,…

We are creatures of habit, always have been and probably always will be. We are now also, thanks to the success and efficiency of technology, creatures of comfort. Unwinding after a hard day’s work is something everyone deserves, yet it is this very unwinding that can lead to an uncoupling of our surroundings, our intentions,…

In a post-pandemic world, students are playing catchup with their education, with additional needs for those in underserved communities. Educational disparities exist in all areas of education, especially in the STEM curriculum, where gaps can hurt students looking to take their careers in those directions. How can educators get students back on track? Extended learning…

Great education requires transformational leaders. What it also requires are great school boards. The Center for Public Education outlines eight characteristics encompassing an effective school board, from accountability and unification to team development and defining a vision for high expectations for student achievement and quality instruction. So, how does a school board become a…

The last few years of the COVID-19 pandemic emphasized how important community and togetherness are. While being alone and on your own has its upsides, so does being and engaging with others. It’s something that people who travel a lot might also recognize when they attend events that bring groups together. On this episode of…

Am I, or can I be the leader my people need? This is a serious question every leader needs to pose to themselves and be able to answer with the utmost humility. There are different definitions of leadership, which can be subjective, but two quite resonate: Adeoye Mayowa defines leadership as the ability to evaluate…

Amidst and after the pandemic, there is more pressure on teachers to produce more outputs than inputs; people call for more responsibility and standardization in teaching and learning. This pressure trauma is showcasing itself and putting immense pressure on teachers to perform effectively, leading to burnout, quitting, and losing great people in the field. According…

Being an educator is one of the most challenging and rewarding jobs, and nobody knows that better than Olympia Della Flora. On this episode of Change Starts Here, host Dustin Odham spoke with Della Flora about her experience as an educator, from teacher to principal to superintendent. They also discuss how you can best help…

Live Life in Crescendo: Your Most Important Work is Ahead of You is the new book by Cynthia Covey Haller. Haller, a teacher, and speaker outside of her writing duties, spoke with Dustin Odham about this inspirational book, guided by the wisdom of her late father and co-author of Live Life in Crescendo, Stephen R….

Facing adversity from a young age, Dr. John “Push” Gaines, a professional speaker and leadership consultant, was not sure where his life would end up – but he was sure of one thing: he would persevere. On this, Dr. Gaines speaks to host Dustin Odham about his experience in persevering and the importance of…

Cathy Quiroz Moore is the Superintendent of the Wake County Public School System, NC, the 15th largest school system in the United States. Moore came to the U.S. from Ecuador when she was two years old. That dual culture influenced who Moore is as a person and her actions as a leader. Her roots in…

Dr. Kelvin Adams, Superintendent of St. Louis Public Schools, doesn’t have a magic formula for success, or why his leadership role within the St. Louis public school system has lasted for nearly fourteen years. If honesty, sincerity, and providing people with the correct information are magic, he’s happy to reveal those secrets. “At the…

The realm of education has been utterly transformed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic – and it’s going to fall largely upon educators to do what they can to help right the ship for their students. The pandemic – and the resulting “COVID slide” in learning, disproportionately impacted underserved communities and students of color,…

Change Starts Here and host Dustin Odham, Thought Leader for FranklinCovey Education, are back with another thought-provoking and inspiring episode – this time featuring a bona fide legend in the field of education. Dr. Christine Rubie-Davies – though she prefers to drop the titles and go by Christine – has spent decades immersed in the…

Change Starts Here and host Dustin Odham, Thought Leader for FranklinCovey Education, are back with another thought-provoking and inspiring episode – this time featuring a bona fide legend in the field of education. Not everyone is wired for natural positivity. In fact, one of the world’s foremost authors and keynote speakers on the topic doesn’t…

Change Starts Here and host Dustin Odham, Thought Leader for FranklinCovey Education, are back with another thought-provoking and inspiring episode – this time featuring a bona fide legend in the field of education.   In 2013, a video swept through the internet, bringing joy to all who viewed it. It featured then-11-year-old Robby Novak, dressed to the nines…