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A Quick Note to Listeners:
Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:
I’m planning PD for next year and want to pour into my leadership team. Suggestions for making my good intentions a reality?
Listen in to hear their response!
Meet Lauren Berlin:
Lauren Berlin is an education leader with more than 20 years of experience helping schools navigate everything from daily challenges to real crises — including natural disasters and student tragedies.
As a school administrator, she managed million-dollar budgets and led community-wide crisis responses, learning firsthand what separates reactive managers from intentional leaders.
Today, she works as an executive and leadership coach, helping overextended school leaders break free from the constant urgency that leads to burnout. Lauren teaches how to tell the difference between what’s truly important and what just feels urgent, so leaders can focus on the meaningful work that brought them into education in the first place.
Her coaching emphasizes balance — staying calm in crisis, setting healthy boundaries, and leading with purpose instead of reaction. You can learn more or connect with her at https://www.laurenberlincoaching.com/.
Now Let’s Get Into the Episode:
In the world of education, leaders are often faced with unpredictable challenges that require not only quick thinking but also emotional resilience. In this episode of the Principal Matters podcast, host Will Parker engages with Lauren Berlin, an experienced education leader and coach, to explore crisis-tested strategies that can help school administrators navigate tumultuous times with grace and effectiveness.
Lauren’s Journey:
Lauren Berlin’s path to education leadership is anything but traditional. Starting her career as an educational psychologist, she worked with students with autism before taking on administrative roles that included managing a high school as an assistant principal and later as the principal of a continuation high school. Lauren emphasizes that there is no single route to leadership; rather, it’s essential to find your own passion and interest in the field.
Crisis Management:
One of the key topics discussed is the range of reactions to crises within school communities. Lauren recalls her experience in Santa Barbara, where she faced multiple crises, including natural disasters and student tragedies. She highlights how the best gift a leader can offer during such times is their presence—actively listening and supporting the grieving community rather than trying to fix problems immediately. This approach fosters a sense of solidarity and understanding among staff and students alike.
The Importance of Reflection:
Will and Lauren dive into the necessity of reflection for school leaders, especially when faced with overwhelming situations. They discuss the Eisenhower Matrix, a tool that categorizes tasks into four quadrants based on urgency and importance. Lauren urges leaders to spend most of their time focusing on quadrant two—tasks that are important but not urgent, such as strategic planning, relationship building, and instructional leadership.
Practical Strategies:
To help leaders shift their focus from urgent tasks that may be less impactful, Lauren suggests practical strategies such as reviewing calendars to identify unnecessary meetings or tasks that can be delegated. She emphasizes the importance of setting aside time for reflection and meaningful work. Additionally, she points out that email can be a productivity trap and encourages leaders to replace email communication with quick phone calls or scheduled check-ins to foster deeper connections and more efficient problem-solving.
Staying Connected:
If you would like to learn more about Lauren Berlin and her work, you can visit her website: https://www.laurenberlincoaching.com/.
