1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

It is when I have to deliver very hard news. The end of the road, so to speak. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a relationship cannot be continued. I always make sure that the decision is in the best interest of the student, or the institution, but that doesn't make it any less challenging or devastating - even just in the short run.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

When I worked in a small independent school as a counselor, I realized that there were many moments when a student who sought my support, also sought the support of the learning specialist, or maybe even the school nurse. I devised a structure by which all of those services would be organized under one umbrella, so each of us could consider a student through our respective lens.

I was really fortunate to be able to lead that team as the first director of student support services in my school. I have always enjoyed looking for and implementing structures and programs that support students best.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

When I worked in a small independent school as a counselor, I realized that there were many moments when a student who sought my support, also sought the support of the learning specialist, or maybe even the school nurse. I devised a structure by which all of those services would be organized under one umbrella, so each of us could consider a student through our respective lens.

I was really fortunate to be able to lead that team as the first director of student support services in my school. I have always enjoyed looking for and implementing structures and programs that support students best.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

When I was in my last masters program, the program leader asked us to think about our metaphor for leadership. At the time (now over a decade ago), my metaphor was the conductor of an orchestra - which speaks to building a strong team. I still believe that, of course, but now I think of my leadership metaphor as a pointe shoe, in ballet.


Finding the perfect point of balance in all decisions is the great challenge of leadership - in my job, there are lots of constituencies to whom to respond: employees, trustees, parents, and students. They don't always want or need the same thing - so it is my job to seek the perfect balance that is aligned with our mission and our core values. That is both an awesome privilege and enormous responsibility.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

There really isn't one book - there are many! I love anything by Simon Sinek. "First Start with Why," and "Leaders Eat Last," are of fundamental importance to my leadership practice. And in the education space, Rob Evans ("The Human Side of School Change") or the book he co-authored with Michael Thompson ("Hopes and Fears: working with today's independent school parents") have been very helpful in addressing specific aspects of school leadership. And then in the more practical, but definitely profoundly helpful realm, I will read anything by Chip and Dan Heath.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Listen. Learn to listen to understand, not to respond. It is, by far, the most powerful leadership skill you can have. Listen actively, and listen for what is not being said.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far?

One thing I keep coming back to is the importance of team work. My team is very strong - and the love for our school and our students is there. I keep being reminded of the graduation exercises of the class of 2022. We traditionally host graduation in a downtown Miami venue and we distribute over a 1000 tickets, sometimes many more. Last year, the venue was forced to cancel our graduation ceremony within 24 hours of the scheduled start because of an impending tropical storm.

In four hours we changed the venue to our on-campus auditorium, which seats 630, re-issued tickets, took care of the life stream option, ensured that there were printed programs, sent out multiple communications, managed disappointed students and their families, and a whole lot more. I cannot begin to tell you how incredibly proud I was of my colleagues that day - proud of us, collectively! My office looked like the nerve center of a complex and chaotic endeavor, and we made it happen! If ever I needed reminding of the power of team work, this moment was it.

Among many examples of the enormous value of team work I can name (and COVID provided multiple!), this one stands out. The event was as joyous and wonderful as any commencement I have been a part of in my career. Our team did that.