July 23, 2025

How Mentorship Transforms Education and Leadership featuring Stephen Minix

How Mentorship Transforms Education and Leadership featuring Stephen Minix
Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
Castro podcast player badge
RSS Feed podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player icon Spotify podcast player icon Castro podcast player icon RSS Feed podcast player icon
Season 1

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, we dive into the transformative power of mentorship with Stephen Minix, a former educator turned corporate leader. Stephen shares his journey from the classroom to the boardroom, highlighting how mentorship has shaped his path and continues to influence his work at Upmetrics. Discover how mentorship can be a free, yet invaluable resource in both personal and professional realms, and learn how Stephen's experiences with mentors have fueled his passion for giving back. Whether you're an educator, a leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers insights into the profound impact of mentorship on building communities and fostering growth. Tune in to explore how you can harness the power of mentorship in your own life.

Become a High-Impact Leader:

This episode is just the beginning. To get the complete blueprint for designing and implementing high-impact systems in your district, get your copy of my book, "Impact Standards."
  • Strategic Vision for Digital Learning: Learn how to create a district-wide vision that aligns digital learning with your educational goals, transforming how standards-based instruction is designed and supported.
  • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
  • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.

Purchase your copy of “Impact Standards” on Amazon today!

Key Takeaways:

  • Mentorship as a Lifelong Resource: Stephen Minix emphasizes that mentorship is a free and endless resource that can significantly impact personal and professional growth.
  • Translating Skills Across Sectors: The skills and experiences gained in education can be effectively translated into the corporate world, highlighting the adaptability and relevance of educators in various sectors.
  • The Power of Storytelling: Combining data with personal stories can create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences and stakeholders, making it easier to communicate impact and attract support.
  • Building Relationships at Scale: Stephen shares how building a network of quality relationships has been crucial in his journey, providing support and opportunities for collaboration.
  • Inspiration Over Indoctrination: When working with adults, it's essential to inspire rather than dictate, understanding their perspectives and helping them see the value in their contributions.
  • Mentorship Beyond Titles: Mentorship is not limited to formal titles; it can come from anyone with intention and insight, offering guidance and support in various forms.
  • Clarity in Mission and Impact: Organizations should focus on clarity in their mission and the impact they aim to achieve, which can help in attracting funding and support.
  • Personal Reflection and Growth: Stephen reflects on past experiences, emphasizing the importance of using teachable moments to grow and improve as a mentor and leader.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to TeacherCast and Digital Learning Today
  • 01:46 Meet Stephen Minix: From Educator to Corporate Leader
  • 03:01 Transitioning from Classroom to Corporate: Insights and Challenges
  • 09:35 Inspiration Over Indoctrination: Working with Adults
  • 11:57 The Importance of Understanding Adult Learners
  • 14:50 The Role of Mentorship in Personal and Professional Growth
  • 18:17 Data and Storytelling: Bridging the Gap in Education
  • 22:55 Clarity in Communication: Telling Your Story Effectively
  • 28:51 Empowering Nonprofits: Tools for Success
  • 33:56 The Value of Mentorship: Giving Back to the Community
  • 37:14 Teachable Moments: Learning from Mistakes
  • 41:58 Legacy and Impact: A Father's Pride

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:


About our Guest:

Stephen is a former educator, now using his experiences to influence the impact space—philanthropy, impact investing, and nonprofits—toward true collaboration and partnership. His background as a PE teacher, Athletic Director, Administrator, and basketball coach in Watts shapes how he works to disrupt harmful power dynamics and foster progress. As the Vice President of Community at UpMetrics, he helps partners leverage information and relationships to accelerate their goals. Passionate about uplifting communities, Stephen serves on the board of A Reason To Survive, Positive Coaching Alliance San Diego, and is the board chair for MENTOR California. He lives in San Diego with his wife, three daughters and dog Malibu.

Links of Interest


Links of Interest


Let’s Work Together


Follow on Social Media


Subscribe to This Podcast


Check Out Additional TeacherCast Programming


Book Jeff for your Next Event

Jeff Bradbury (ISTE “20 to Watch” Award Winner and ISTE Certified Educator) is available for keynote speaking, workshop facilitation, and live event broadcasting. With expertise in educational technology and professional development, Jeff brings engaging content and practical strategies to conferences and professional learning events.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ [gravityform id="2" title="true"]