Be The First to Say Hello

A single “hello” can change the tone of an entire day. In this episode, Susan and Tessa uncover the quiet but powerful impact of being the first to greet others. From a smile in the hallway to a quick check-in that shows genuine care, they highlight how these small moments ripple outward, shaping trust, connection, and culture. Through stories and simple strategies, the hosts remind us that leadership isn’t always found in big gestures—it’s often in the everyday choice to see and acknowledge the people around us. Tune in to learn how a few intentional words can brighten spaces, lift morale, and build stronger, more supportive teams.
The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:
Tessa Brock
Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.
Susan Rosenthal
Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.