Episode 42: Seen, Heard, Valued: The Leadership Journey of Jayme Braida, Iowa’s 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year

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What if the most powerful leadership quality isn't perfection, but authentic vulnerability? Jayme Braida, Iowa's Elementary Principal of the Year and National Distinguished Principal, demonstrates how embracing imperfection revolutionized her approach to educational leadership.

Jayme's journey didn't follow a straight path. She "stumbled upon education" after changing majors multiple times in college, yet found herself naturally drawn to leadership roles. Her transformation from struggling classroom manager to award-winning principal hinged on one crucial realization: relationships matter more than rules. After traditional behavior management techniques failed with a challenging class, Jayme discovered that connecting with students personally was the missing ingredient to success.

This philosophy – creating environments where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued – now defines her leadership approach. "A culture can only rise higher than the leader you're becoming," Jayme explains, emphasizing how her own childhood experiences with trauma shaped her commitment to creating safe, welcoming spaces for all students and staff. From dancing on the front lawn with students each morning to openly acknowledging when personal struggles affect her work, Jamie models the vulnerability she hopes to see in her school community.

What makes Jayme's message particularly powerful is her willingness to share her full humanity. When facing divorce, a community member told her, "You can't get divorced. You are leading a school." This unrealistic expectation motivated Jayme to champion authenticity in leadership. Her upcoming book "Seen, Heard, Valued: One Child's Journey from Overlooked to Outstanding" explores how personal challenges prepared her for leadership and shaped her values.

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