Episodes
July 28, 2025
Culture and Change
Imagine this: the principal's office is empty. The nameplate is gone, the atmosphere feels lighter, and whispers of "finally" float down the hall. But just as the door closed on one chapter, a new one opens—and in walks you ....
July 23, 2025
It's Not About Titles
In this episode, Susan and Tessa challenge the idea that leadership is defined by position. They explore how true leadership is rooted in humility, collaboration, and the willingness to put ego aside. A title doesn’t automati...
July 21, 2025
Tips to Avoid Communication Breakdowns
Susan and Tessa dive into one of the most overlooked but critical leadership skills—clear communication. Using Warren Buffett’s quote, “The most important investment you can make is in yourself. And one of the best ways to do...
July 16, 2025
Onboarding and Reboarding with Purpose
Ever notice how flight attendants never skip the safety briefing, even if most passengers have flown dozens of times? That’s because when it comes to crucial information, repetition matters. In this episode, Susan and Tessa d...
July 14, 2025
Sitting With Silence When No One Is Applauding
Applause is wonderful. But what happens when the crowd is silent? In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa unpack an article that explores how we must teach our children to be proud of themselves, not just rely on external...
July 9, 2025
Are You Leading with Heart?
In the hustle of meetings, emails, and endless to-do lists, it's easy to lead with your head down and your heart tucked away. In this episode, Susan and Tessa explore what it truly means to lead with heart—not through grand g...
July 7, 2025
Negative People
What do you do when you’re surrounded by negativity? In this thoughtful episode, Susan and Tessa explore how to lead with intention when faced with negative voices in your school or workplace. They challenge the common reacti...
July 2, 2025
People Will Always Try to Push Your Buttons
Ever feel like someone is deliberately trying to get under your skin? In this eye-opening episode, Susan and Tessa explore the emotional landmines of leadership—those moments when students, staff, or parents seem to poke at e...
June 30, 2025
The Hidden Grief of Leadership
No one really talks about the quiet grief that comes with stepping into leadership—until now. In this reflective and deeply human episode, Susan and Tessa unpack the often-unspoken losses that accompany a leadership title. On...
June 25, 2025
Do You Have Bullies in the Workplace?
Sometimes the school hallways aren’t the only places where bullying happens. In this honest and vulnerable episode, Susan and Tessa recount personal experiences where they were made to feel small—times they were belittled, ca...
June 23, 2025
To Notice or Not to Notice
Do we truly see what’s right in front of us? In this episode, Susan and Tessa unpack a common leadership tendency—focusing on what’s broken instead of what’s blooming. When we're constantly scanning for problems to solve, we ...
June 18, 2025
Acquiring New Skills
Think back to learning how to drive. You may have watched from the passenger seat, played racing video games, or confidently ridden the Cars attraction at Disneyland. But none of those experiences truly prepared you for the r...
June 16, 2025
No Guilt
Leadership comes with many rewards but also with a heavy cost: time. In this honest and heartfelt episode, Susan and Tessa open up about the guilt that often shadows school leaders as they juggle long hours, late-night events...
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...