Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In this episode of Monday Matters, Will Parker brings together a group of school leaders from Ohio who participate in an ongoing Impact Mastermind in partnership with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Adkins & Company, LLC, and Principal Matters, LLC.
The conversation centers on how collective coaching and collaboration strengthen leadership practice and help leaders better develop others.
Meet the Ohio Impact Mastermind
This week’s guests (pictured above) include Kelly M. Brodzenski, Breen Slauter, Julita (Julie) Flowers, Danielle Morris, and Renee Holt.
Additional members mentioned but not present include: Jared Hawk, Allison Chardell, Joe Weisen, Ken Goodrum, and Chris Brooks. I’m grateful for each of them, and I’m excited to share lessons from our regular sessions together.
Let’s Keep Learning as Leaders
A key theme throughout the discussion is that leadership can feel isolating, but being part of a trusted community creates space for honesty, reflection, and growth. The leaders describe how regular mastermind sessions provide:
- A safe, non-evaluative environment to process real challenges
- Opportunities to learn from others’ experiences and apply solutions proactively
- Support in navigating emotionally complex decisions, especially around staff and school culture
- Accountability to stay focused on professional growth and reflective practice
Several leaders highlight how coaching has sharpened their ability to:
- Listen deeply and ask better questions rather than rushing to solutions
- Separate emotion from evidence when making difficult decisions
- Build confidence and clarity in high-stakes leadership moments
The group also emphasizes the practical impact of this work. They are not just learning—they are translating these strategies back into their schools by:
- Using coaching questions with assistant principals and staff
- Creating more reflective, people-centered staff meetings
- Encouraging team growth beyond just data and performance metrics
- Modeling collaboration and continuous learning within their own organizations
Another major insight is the distinction between typical school meetings (focused on data and outcomes) and mastermind conversations, which focus on the “how” of leadership—mindset, decision-making, and personal growth.
Parting Words of Wisdom
As the conversation concluded, each leader offered a meaningful parting word of advice for fellow school leaders, reinforcing the importance of connection, growth, confidence, and purpose in the work.
Danielle Morris reminded listeners, “You are not alone—seek out community.”
Julita (Julie) Flowers encouraged leaders to remain grounded in their development, sharing, “Stay committed to growth to sustain leadership success.”
Breen Slauter added the importance of trusting oneself while continuing to learn, noting, “Trust your instincts while remaining open to learning.”
Finally, Renee Holt brought the focus back to purpose, urging leaders to “Always reconnect to your ‘why’ for leading.”
Let’s Wrap This Up
Great leaders don’t grow in isolation. They grow through intentional, collaborative learning with others who understand the work. If you’re interested in learning more from these leaders, reach out through their websites listed in the introduction. If you’d like to connect about opportunities for coaching, mentoring, or Masterminds for yourself or your leaders, reach out to Will at will@williamdparker.com
Until next time, thank you for doing what matters!
