School Business Insider: Episode Summary
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Title: You Bring the Weather: Inside the High Performance Leadership Academy
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Host: John Brucato
Guests:
- Sabrina Soto - Chief Development Officer at ASBO International
- Amanda Grace - Deputy Executive Director and COO at ASBO New York
- Tim Risculti - CEO at Professional Development Academy
Introduction
In this episode of School Business Insider, host John Brucato delves into the High Performance Leadership Academy, a transformative program designed to empower school business and education leaders. Joined by Sabrina Soto, Amanda Grace, and newcomer Tim Risculti, the discussion explores the academy's unique approach to leadership development, its curriculum, and the tangible benefits it offers to current and aspiring leaders in the education sector.
Program Overview and Objectives
Tim Risculti provides a comprehensive overview of the High Performance Leadership Academy, highlighting its 12-week online structure tailored to accommodate busy professionals. Emphasizing collaboration and practical application, the program integrates insights from over 3,000 executives to ensure relevance and effectiveness.
"Our high Performance leadership program is a 12 week online program... designed with insights from over 3,000 executives."
— Tim Risculti [04:50]
Sabrina Soto adds that the partnership between ASBO International and the Professional Development Academy aims to address the evolving challenges faced by members, fostering informed decision-making and team inspiration.
"We decided to partner with the Professional Development Academy... to address the challenges they're facing, make informed decisions, and inspire their team."
— Sabrina Soto [10:02]
Curriculum and Structure
The academy's curriculum is meticulously crafted to balance theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Tim Risculti outlines the program's key components:
- Power of Mindset: Cultivating a positive and applied mindset.
- Change Management: Strategies to navigate various organizational changes.
- Communication Skills: Enhancing how leaders communicate within their teams.
- Resource Alignment: Balancing competing priorities to achieve optimal outcomes.
Each week comprises a module with daily one-hour engagements, including both synchronous and asynchronous activities to maximize flexibility and participation.
"It's about an hour a day, five hours a week... synchronous activity married up with asynchronous activity to drive engagement."
— Tim Risculti [16:14]
Amanda Grace emphasizes the program's cohort model, which facilitates networking and peer-to-peer learning through small breakout groups and weekly live webinars.
"The way that it's set through the 12 weeks is that you're assigned a group and you sort of travel through the program with that group."
— Amanda Grace [14:20]
Benefits and Impact
Participants relish the program's ability to enhance leadership confidence and foster a collaborative learning environment. Amanda Grace shares her personal experience, noting significant growth in her leadership capacity and the expansion of her professional network.
"The program creates a unique opportunity for members and affiliate executives to learn alongside folks from other industries."
— Amanda Grace [13:57]
Sabrina Soto echoes this sentiment, highlighting the lasting impact of the program on her leadership style and team management.
"It was a really good opportunity to look at myself and see how I can improve and ultimately be better for my teams."
— Sabrina Soto [44:37]
Testimonials and Success Stories
Tim Risculti shares numerous testimonials illustrating the program's effectiveness across diverse leadership roles. Participants, ranging from high-ranking school board officials to emerging leaders, report enhanced communication skills, strategic thinking, and a strengthened ability to manage change.
"I've got an MBA degree. This was far better than the two years I spent in graduate school... It gave me more than what I learned in my graduate studies."
— Testimonial from a Participant [50:10]
Sabrina Soto adds that members find the program to be an invaluable investment in their personal and professional development, often expressing gratitude for the skills and insights gained.
"This is an investment in yourself and your team... I feel like a more equipped leader after participating in this course."
— Sabrina Soto [54:49]
Facilitation and Expertise
The program boasts a team of highly qualified leadership coaches, each holding a Ph.D. and possessing extensive practical leadership experience. Tim Risculti details the rigorous selection process for coaches, ensuring they bring both academic knowledge and real-world leadership expertise to the academy.
"All of our leadership coaches have a PhD... they understand the nuance of leadership."
— Tim Risculti [30:34]
Additionally, the curriculum features contributions from renowned leaders, including insights from the late General Colin Powell and executive coaches like Dr. Marshall Goldsmith, enriching the learning experience with diverse perspectives.
"We have over 200 experts on video throughout this program... including executives from Fortune 500 companies and four-star military generals."
— Tim Risculti [30:34]
Inclusivity and Accessibility
Addressing concerns about participation styles, Tim Risculti ensures the program accommodates both introverts and extroverts by providing multiple channels for engagement. This design fosters an inclusive environment where all voices are heard, enhancing the overall learning experience.
"We've designed the program for the extrovert and the introvert... everyone has an equal opportunity to have the same level of voice being heard."
— Tim Risculti [23:03]
Sabrina Soto supports this, sharing her positive experience with the program's balanced approach to different personality types.
"The cohort was a blend of introverts and extroverts, like a therapy session really well... I'm still connected with folks from my group."
— Sabrina Soto [26:47]
Program Outcomes and Next Steps
As the episode concludes, John Brucato encourages listeners inspired by the discussion to explore the High Performance Leadership Academy further. Sabrina Soto directs interested individuals to ASBO International's website under the education tab for more information and enrollment details.
"Visit our website, ASBA International, and we've got an education tab with information. You can always reach out to me."
— Sabrina Soto [55:44]
Tim Risculti reiterates the program's core message: leaders must be mindful of the "weather" they bring to their teams, emphasizing the lasting personal and professional benefits of participating.
"You bring the weather. What weather are you bringing today is a good reminder."
— Tim Risculti [56:21]
Conclusion
The High Performance Leadership Academy emerges as a robust platform for school business officials and education leaders seeking to elevate their leadership skills. Through its flexible, collaborative, and comprehensive approach, the academy not only imparts essential leadership competencies but also fosters a supportive network of peers committed to continuous growth and excellence.
For more details and to enroll, visit ASBO International's Education Page or contact Sabrina Soto directly through the ASBO International website.
End of Summary