#onethingseries: Service Leadership w/ Fay Blake

#onethingseries: Service Leadership w/ Fay Blake

by | Mar 18, 2018 | #onethingseries, Learning to Lead, Service Leadership

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Fayetta M. Blake is the founder and Executive Director of Pathways to Success, Inc. Fay started her career in the Lending Institution with Security Pacific National Bank as a loan officer. She then enjoyed a 20-year banking career at All First Financial where, in 1995, she was appointed as Sr. Vice President of operations–the first African American to be appointed to that level in the banks 200-year history. During that time, she had global oversight of all operations units in the Mid-Atlantic regions. In 1998, she was recognized by the banking institution for Quality Assurance as well as being recognized in the industry by Visa, USA for Quality Service and outstanding customer service.

Fay established Pathways to Success Inc. in 2006. The work that Fay does with Pathways is indeed her passion and it embodies her need to give back to the community, especially in Sussex County Delaware where she was born and raised.  Fay herself comes from humble beginnings and understands the devastation of poverty. Fueled with that knowledge and experience, she and the Pathways team strive to make a positive difference in the lives of the people she serves in Sussex County.

The Pathways mission is to prepare youth, adults, and their families for successful lives within our communities. Pathways utilizes innovative and creative approaches in mentoring, education, and community outreach to inform, educate, and empower people.

 

  • Fay’s mission is service–to fill a need where others are unable to do so by adding value to them and in turn adding value to herself. Fay introduces us to the guiding model for Pathways to Success, CARE, which steers everything so that every decision and every action demonstrates care: Consistent, Authentic, Respect, Empowerment. Listen to her describe how it works as her model for serving others. Fay also describes how her entire team at Pathways is committed to providing this valuable service, through CARE, to at-risk youth because of their own stories and commitment to students who need support. You can’t miss hearing how Fay’s grandmother showered her with love and positivity, which continues to be a driving force and guiding light in her life.
  • As someone committed to improving the lives of others and helping them succeed in school so that they have a chance in the future, Fay describes how she uses the work of Benjamin Zander, the musical director of the Boston Philharmonic, for inspiration. His book, The Art of Possibility, guides her thinking as she strives to be a spark in the lives of students by considering all possibilities. She tells us about her own notion of “enrollment,” getting others to see your vision to help you achieve it. Listen to what she says about how considering great possibilities for kids, even amid difficult circumstances, has allowed Pathways to boost it’s graduation rate among enrolled students to 98%.
  • Fay reminds us of the importance of gratitude and how grateful she is to be in a position to give back to students and the community after enjoying a successful career in banking. She gives us a quick tip on how she uses a rubber band that she can quickly snap on her wrist to remind her to quit thinking negatively and embrace positivity.
  • Regarding what she still wants to accomplish, hear her describe her true desire to be in every school in Sussex county to provide a much needed service to at-risk youth. She discusses all the services they provide but ultimately how they create a safe haven for kids. She emphasized how her team SHOW UP– literally. Whether it is the first meeting in the child’s home or meeting them at school, she and her team are committed to providing mentorship and guidance to keep kids on the track to success.
  • Her answer to our #onethingseries personal growth question reveals the work of Joel Barker and how paradigm shifts take us to ground zero–starting from a new perspective to look at things in a different way so that the team is able to step forward from the sidelines and into the game.
  • Fay used to think that she had to do everything, which is not something she believes anymore. Listen to her talk about how teams are critical for success and how each team member must be vested into the vision. She describes how her team compliments one another and how they operate from a free-falling perspective–that if she falls back someone will be there to catch her and vice versa.

Let us know what you think of this #onethingseries podcast with a like, follow, or comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And if you want a new leadership interview every month to help you lead better and grow faster, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen. Finally, if you want more on the topics we cover, contact us.

Joe & T.J.

#onethingseries: Building Stronger Teams w/ Joe Purzycki

#onethingseries: Building Stronger Teams w/ Joe Purzycki

by | Feb 11, 2018 | #onethingseries, Learning to Lead, Teamwork

Failure only makes you stronger. ~ Joe Purzycki

Joe Purzycki was the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of Barclaycard, the 5th largest issuer of credit cards globally and the 9th largest issuer of credit cards domestically. Prior to joining Barclays, Mr. Purzycki was Executive Vice President of Chase Card Services and a member of the Card Services Senior Management Team. Mr. Purzycki managed the Business Development Segment, which was responsible for partnerships with companies like Disney, Amazon.com, Starbucks, and Sony.

Before his time in the executive office of some of the largest banks in America, and after receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from University of Delaware, Joe went on to become the head football coach at Delaware State University and James Madison University. And with a decade of coaching experience, which includes an appointment as the first white man to be named head coach of a historically black university, Joe continues to thrive in the leadership arena.

Joe Pyrzycki has been inducted into the State of Delaware Sports Hall of Fame, the State of Delaware African American Hall of Fame, the University of Delaware Alumni Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Athletics Hall of Fame, and the University of Delaware’s Athletics Hall of Fame. Needless to say, Joe is an expert in the field of developing and winning with incredible teams and that’s why he joined us for a great conversation about teamwork…and much more.

  • No matter the position, Joe reminds us that if you want to be a leader, you have to embrace a coaches mentality. He opens with a discussion on teamwork and the power of bringing people together. Joe acknowledges that “…you can go fast alone, but you can go far together.” His philosophy is grounded in the foundation that teams come together and move forward based on trust. Don’t miss as he retels his first days as the first ever white head coach of a historically black college in 1981. He describes the protests and how he, ultimately earned people’s trust.
  • As someone who has created winning teams on the field and the boardroom, Joe describes how he has used the powerful work of Pat Lencioni and has hired The Table Group to help develop his own teams. He emphasizes the great work being done by Roselyn Torres of the Boston Consulting Group, and reinforces our need to anticipate change, develop diverse networks, abandon the past, and be courageous enough to explore new ideas.
  • Purzycki tells our listeners that we need to be cognizant of our attitude and that we need to check our passion levels. He describes how to burn strong and burn slow with passion for greater success.
  • Regarding what he still wants to accomplish in his lifetime, amid so much achievement, he talks about writing a book to help our great nation. He proposes a book about his experiences as the head football coach at an HBCU with the pure desire to give insight into how we might better unite as society. You can hear his disappointment in where we are in terms of a racial divide, and his belief that we truly can come together is inspiring. We’re buying that book, and it will be a #readthisseries selection.
  • His answer to our #onethingseries personal growth question is incredible. He talks about how he lives a life of discovery, whether from great books or by surrounding himself around fantastic people. Don’t miss it.
  • Joe used to think that losing is fatal and that losing is final. For years in the corporate world, he witnessed countless people suffer from the thought that failure was final. He shared how he truly learned that failure is really what we make of it and that he was inspired by the words of Nelson Mandela: “I never lose. I either win or learn.”

Life is discovery, you can’t stop learning. ~ Joe Purzycki

Let us know what you think of this #onethingseries podcast with a like, follow, or comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And if you want a new leadership interview every month to help you lead better and grow faster, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen. Finally, if you want more on the topics we cover, contact us.

Joe & T.J.

 

#onethingseries: Understanding & Applying Systems Thinking w/ Ted Fujimoto

#onethingseries: Understanding & Applying Systems Thinking w/ Ted Fujimoto

by | Jan 14, 2018 | #onethingseries, Learning to Lead, Systems Thinking

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Systems cause people to do very strange things out of survival. ~ Ted Fujimoto

Have you ever wondered why the implementation of a new idea doesn’t seem to be working well? If so, don’t miss this insightful leadership interview with Ted Fujimoto, President of Landmark Consulting Group, Inc., a management and investment consultancy for scaling innovations in learning.

Ted helped to design and create the replication systems and strategy for several of the largest scalable, fastest growing, highest performing public school designs in the country that created over 350 schools, including Big Picture Learning and New Tech Network. Big Picture Learning public schools are located in some of the toughest urban areas in America, are graduating over 95% of their students with nearly 100% of them being accepted to college. The New Tech Network has created over 130 public schools and is opening 30 to 40 new schools per year.

Ted also serves on the Board of Directors of the California Credit Union, a $1.2 billion credit union. This interview is packed with great lessons in leadership and fantastic information about systems thinking and educational reform.

TheSchoolHouse302 · One Thing Series: Understanding & Applying Systems Thinking w/ @tedfujimoto
  • Freshwater fish can’t survive in saltwater tanks! Ted opens with a discussion of systems thinking in education where people enter into the school system with the best of intentions but that the system itself is failing, not the people. He says it’s like taking a healthy freshwater fish and putting it into saltwater tank. His example about an awesome teacher who underperformed in a new situation is painfully common because it’s too often the system, and no the people, that is misunderstood. He also describes a scenario where one school was built on the idea of project-based learning but came close to failure because the system couldn’t let go of pacing guides. Plus, much more…we promise.
  • As someone who is obsessed with creating healthy systems, Ted surrounds himself with those who are pushing boundaries and closely follows the work of Richard Branson. Listen to what he says about being a disruptor in a sector that is foreign to you.
  • Fujimoto tells our listeners that the environment around you impacts the way you behave more than we often realize. Listen to what he says about spending years behaving in ways that are contrary to what we know would be more effective.
  • Listen to Ted talk about the  future of artificial intelligence, automation, and the magic of humans doing things that computers can’t do in a time when computers can do so much. It’s an incredible discussion of creativity and innovation.
  • His answer to our #onethingseries personal growth question is awesome. He talks about isolation as stagnation and working to widen your perspective. Don’t miss it.
  • Ted used to think that a convincible innovative idea would be enough, but too often the established systems gets in the way. Listen to what he says about actively changing systems or replacing them entirely.

The one thing that I keep scratching my head about is the use of artificial intelligence and what it means for the future. ~ Ted Fujimoto

Let us know what you think of this #onethingseries podcast with a like, follow, or comment. Find us on Twitter, YouTube, iTunes, Facebook, & SoundCould. And if you want a new leadership interview every month to help you lead better and grow faster, follow this blog by entering your email at the top right of the screen. Finally, if you want more on the topics we cover, contact us.

Joe & T.J.

#onethingseries: The Power of Positivity w/ @JonGordon11

#onethingseries: The Power of Positivity w/ @JonGordon11

by | Nov 19, 2017 | #onethingseries, Learning to Lead, Positivity

Don’t miss this incredible leadership interview with author and keynote speaker, Jon Gordon, @JonGordon11. We’re sure that Jon doesn’t need an introduction, but just in case, Jon is the author of more than 15 books, including 5 best-sellers. We’re sure that you’ve heard of The Energy Bus, Training Camp, The Power of Positive Leadership, and so many more great titles. Watch our #readthisseries on positivity for our favorite picks. Jon has worked with Fortune 500 companies, he’s been featured on Fox and Friends, and his clients include The Los Angeles Dodgers, Southwest Airlines, Campbell Soup, and so many more. As you’ll hear from this great interview, Jon knows a ton about staying positive as a leader and the power it has to lift others.

TheSchoolHouse302 · One Thing Series: Being a Present Leader w/ Jon Rennie — #onethingseries
  • Listen to what Jon says about positive leadership and it’s impact on vision, putting the organization first and leading with optimism and grit. What he says about having a telescope and microscope, working together, is profound.
  • He wants us all to check out Erwin McManus on YouTube.
  • Jon takes a walk of gratitude every morning to be thankful for the day. Listen to what he says about the power of this routine.
  • He wants to figure out the secrets of the universe. You can’t miss what he says about matter and energy.
  • He tells our listens to be lifelong learners…stay curious.
  • And, you have to pay attention to what he says about being a victim of circumstance versus leading your life from the inside out.

Jon Gordon’s interview is jammed with awesome advice for leaders, and it’s a wonderful zen experience to hear him speak to TheSchoolHouse302.

Please follow, like, and comment. Use #onethingseries and #SH302 so that we can find you.

Joe & T.J.

#onethingseries: Leaders Listen w/ Judge Dan Walzl

#onethingseries: Leaders Listen w/ Judge Dan Walzl

by | Oct 22, 2017 | #onethingseries, Leadership, Learning to Lead, Listening

 

Don’t miss this incredible leadership interview with the Honorable Dan Walzl, Alamosa County Judge in San Luis Valley Colorado. Judge Walzl was the Deputy State Public Defender for the 12th Judicial District prior to his current term, voted into the position of judge with a unanimous recommendation. Dan holds a J.D. from the University of Colorado School of Law. And, as you’ll hear from the interview, he knows a thing or two about listening and about leadership.

  • Listen to Dan talk about being in court and having to listen all day, every day, where he needs to remain neutral so that he doesn’t pre-judge the scenario.
  • He talks about knowledge and inspiration, finding objective sources of information and balancing ideas in a time when people seem to be picking sides on every issue. He mentions peers and supervisors as a source of inspiration.
  • Hear what he says about managing stress as a key leadership quality. A positive mental outlook and a healthy outlet are important.
  • He tells listeners that an important leadership quality is the ability to keep an open mind. Don’t miss what he says about the device he wishes he could install on his brain.
  • We loved hearing Dan say that “work ethic” is his advice for any leader who wants opportunity. That and the ability to deal with difficult people. Listen closely to his point about getting involved but without attachment.
  • Finally, he tells our listeners that leadership is about the realization that most answers to important questions are gray…not black and white like we wish the answers could be.

Judge Walzl’s interview is packed with leadership learning from beginning to end.

Please follow, like, and comment. Use #onethingseries and #SH302 so that we can find you.

Joe & T.J.

#onethingseries: Leaders Listen w/ Judge Dan Walzl

#onethingseries: Leading for Energy & Enthusiasm w/ Dr. Lillian Lowery

by | Sep 17, 2017 | #onethingseries, Energy, Equity, Leadership, Learning to Lead

 

Don’t miss this incredible interview with Dr. Lillian Lowery, a distinguished leader in education. Dr. Lowery has an impressive and storied career in a variety of different roles that range from secondary school English teacher, principal, superintendent of schools, Secretary of Education in Delaware, and State Superintendent of Schools in Maryland. Currently, Dr. Lowery is the Vice President for P-12 policy for The Education Trust, which is a national nonprofit advocacy organization that promotes high academic achievement for all students at all levels, particularly for low-income students and students of color.

Lillian brings a ton of her own personal experiences to this interview, leaving us in awe of her passion and desire to ensure that all students succeed. This is beyond an interview on leadership, it’s a testament to what it takes to lead with energy and enthusiasm. You can’t miss what she says about how to be caring and nurturing while also being disruptive.

  • She tells us how the leader has to know what the salient work is and always remember who she or he is serving. She hones in on how to be a thoughtful and caring leader who remains sensitive to the needs of individuals through listening and how that is what creates energy and enthusiasm in the organization. She even references some of the ideas from our blogpost on employee motivation and retention as a way to energize the people.
  • Listen to her describe the power of working with great leaders who come with an “equity lens,” like Dan Domenech, now the Executive Director of AASA.
  • She talks about the power of listening to really hear what people are saying and how that makes the difference in our daily endeavors. Treat people as trusted advisors.
  • She tells us that we have to market and brand what we do so that our story is clear, honest, and fair.
  • She discusses the importance of spending time in the field, despite your position, how getting into classrooms is critical to remaining sensitive to what is happening and what is important regarding school improvement and student success.
  • She used to think that making a case with data was the primary factor for instituting change, and although it’s important, she says that it’s far more about hearts and minds than she once realized.

This interview is powerful and humble at the same time, and you simply can’t miss all of the other critical pieces of leadership learning that it provides.

Please follow, like, and comment. Use #onethingseries and #SH302 so that we can find you.

Joe & T.J.