Episodes
June 11, 2025
Eye Rolling
A sigh, a smirk, a well-timed eye roll are all silent cues, which can speak volumes about a workplace culture. In this episode, Tessa kicks things off with a story that many of us have witnessed: a cashier fumbling through a ...
June 9, 2025
If You See Something, Say Something
What if the most powerful leadership move you make today is simply noticing? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack what happens when we move past assumptions and lean into compassion. When a colleague hasn’t smiled in month...
June 4, 2025
I Don't Know
In this honest and empowering episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the fear many young leaders have of admitting, "I don't know." Early in leadership, we often feel pressure to have all the answers, hiding our uncertainties out of...
June 2, 2025
Lessons from a First Responder
In this important episode, Susan and Tessa dive into leadership insights inspired by Eric Danetz’s article highlighting four essential lessons from first responders. As school leaders, it can often feel like we’re constantly ...
May 28, 2025
Accountability Isn't Micromanaging
In this important conversation, Susan and Tessa unpack the common leadership dilemma—how to hold others accountable without being labeled a micromanager. They explore what happens when leaders avoid addressing issues like tar...
May 26, 2025
Half Full or Half Empty
In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa explore how our outlook, positive or negative, impacts our mindset, our leadership, and our daily productivity. Tessa shares how negativity often becomes our default setting, especi...
May 21, 2025
Everything is Figure-Out-Able
In this encouraging episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a concept from Tessa’s latest article—“Figure-out-able.” As leaders, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and fall into a spiral of doubt when challenges seem unsolvable. But wi...
May 19, 2025
Reboot
As the school year winds down, it’s easy to feel like hitting a quick reset button and moving on—but real growth requires more than a simple reboot. In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa invite leaders to pause and trul...
May 14, 2025
What Do You Do When You Are Uncertain?
In moments of uncertainty, it’s easy for leaders to spiral into the “what if” cycle, losing focus and direction. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the realities of leading when the future feels unclear and distractio...
May 11, 2025
Gifts of Wisdom From Our Two Favorite Leaders-our moms!
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...
May 7, 2025
This is Heavy
In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional weight so many of us carry, both seen and unseen, in our daily roles as educators and leaders. Inspired by Tessa’s recent article, they dive into the metaphor o...
May 5, 2025
Why?
In this episode, Susan shares a sweet and funny moment with her granddaughter, who has entered the “Why?” phase of childhood, responding to every request with that simple, yet profound question. While it may be endearing, and...
April 30, 2025
The Sunday Blues
Do you ever feel a heaviness settle in as Sunday winds down? In this episode, Susan and Tessa open up about the all-too-common "Sunday Blues"—that anxious feeling as the week ahead begins to take over your thoughts. From staf...
April 28, 2025
It Was an Accidental Take Over
Sometimes as leaders, our enthusiasm can unintentionally overshadow others. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a story from Tessa’s recent newsletter blog about leading a staff birthday celebration and realizing after...
April 23, 2025
Act As If...
What does it really mean to “fake it till you make it” in leadership? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the phrase and explore the balance between confidence and authenticity. As new leaders, it's common to step into ro...
April 21, 2025
The Blame Game
As a leader, it can feel like no matter what decision you make—someone will be upset. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the all-too-familiar “Blame Game,” where staff, students, or parents point fingers, and leaders ...
April 16, 2025
Ouch, That Hurt!
Taking risks is part of leadership but what happens when the outcome stings? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into a powerful article Tessa shared, sparking a vulnerable conversation about stepping into opportunity, faci...
April 14, 2025
We Made It to 100!
It’s a celebration! In this milestone episode, Susan and Tessa reflect on the incredible journey to 100 episodes and express heartfelt gratitude to the people who helped make it all possible—family, friends, special guests, a...
April 9, 2025
Reasons and Seasons
Not every "no" is the end of the road. In fact, it might just be the redirection you needed. In this heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa kick off the conversation with a personal story about a missed opportunity that, at the t...
April 7, 2025
You Don’t Have to Prove Yourself to Anyone
Leadership often comes with the pressure to perform, to be liked, and to constantly prove your worth. But what if that mindset is doing more harm than good? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dig into the emotional weight leade...
April 2, 2025
Two Important Words – Thank You
In the fast-paced world of leadership, it’s easy to overlook the power of two simple words: Thank you. But do they really matter? Shouldn’t staff just do their jobs without expecting recognition? In this episode, Susan and Te...
March 31, 2025
Do Your Thoughts Derail You?
In this powerful episode, Susan and Tessa explore the power of our thoughts with the quote, "We become what we think about." Susan shares a personal story about how receiving a poor medical test result affected not just her m...
March 26, 2025
The Devil is in the Details
In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the chaos of leadership and the challenge of managing endless details. Using the metaphor of a snow globe, they remind us that even in the middle of a storm, the snow eventually sett...
March 24, 2025
Are You a Professional and How do You Know?
What does it truly mean to be a professional? As leaders, we often assume professionalism is understood, but it requires continuous teaching, modeling, and reinforcement. In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the three p...