Your School Leadership Style Is Killing You w/ Principal Mo

Principal Mo takes us behind the curtain of educational leadership to reveal the moment everything fell apart—and how it transformed her approach to leading a school. "This job can ruin you mentally, emotionally, physically," she confesses, sharing the raw truth about her 2022 breaking point when overwork led to depression, anxiety, and professional failure.

The conversation dives deep into what authentic leadership really means in education today. Principal Mo reveals how removing her work email from her phone, refusing to send messages after 5 PM, and being vulnerable with her staff about her struggles completely revolutionized her effectiveness as a leader. "When I say vulnerability is a strength," she explains, "that's when I realized I should have been vulnerable and honest all along." Her staff rallied around her once they understood what was happening, offering solutions she hadn't considered.

We explore the critical importance of building a complementary leadership team rather than surrounding yourself with people who think and act like you do. As Principal Mo puts it, "Don't surround yourself with people who are the same as you." Her insights on identifying teachers who lead from their seats and developing their capacity offer practical guidance for any educational leader looking to build a stronger organization.

This episode delivers honest, actionable wisdom about sustainable leadership practices that protect both your effectiveness and your wellbeing. Whether you're a veteran administrator or a teacher considering moving into leadership, Principal Mo's journey from burnout to balance provides a roadmap for leading with authenticity, vulnerability, and strength.

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with an educator who needs to hear this message of hope and transformation. The work we do matters too much to let burnout win.

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