July 2010   This episode is an interview with Maria Myrback, a lady I met in the Orlando, Florida airport as I was awaiting a flight to Memphis.   Maria has just begun a non-profit organization, The Great Experiment Scholarship, designed to award small scholarships of $10-40 to support simple science experiments. If you desire more information, you may contact Maria by email or visit her web site.   I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire.  You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways:  Email me  Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.  

This is Part Two of a series with two special guests: Lucy Gray and Carol Anne McGuire.Lucy Gray is an Instructional Technology Specialist at the University of Chicago (IL) Center for Elementary Math and Science Education.  Among her numerous awards are having been named an Apple Distinguished Educator (2005), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, and Google Certified Teacher.  Lucy is a popular speaker at national and international conferences.  Also, Lucy has a strong reputation as a collector and organizer of robust online resources, using such technologies as blogs, wikis, nings, Twitter, and Facebook, among others.Carol Anne McGuire is a teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist at the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, CA.  Formerly, she was an award-winning teacher of blind and visually impaired students.  The fact that amazes most people is that Carol Anne was teaching these visually impaired students to make videos!!  Those videos have been shown around the world.Among the awards and recognitions that have come Carol Anne's way are: Apple Distinguished Educator (2004), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, Google Certified Teacher, Top Online Educator, Disney Teacher of the Year, SMARTBoard Exemplary Educator, American Film Institute Screen Educator, and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Teacher of the Year (2008).  Like Lucy, Carol Anne is a highly-sought after keynote speaker, as well as workshop leader, at professional conferences around the globe.Carol Anne also serves as "Lead Rocker" for an internationally-acclaimed project, "Rock Our World."So, you can see that I was highly honored to be able to share conversation with these two outstanding ladies.  Their ideas on improving education are stellar.  You will discover that, as you listen to this episode, if you hadn't known it already.This episode represents Part Two of a two-part series.  I believe you will be inspired and stirred by listening to these fabulous educators.  Please send your questions and comments.If you wish to contact either Lucy or Carol Anne, they can be reached by clicking on the links to their names. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

My special guests for this episode are Lucy Gray and Carol Anne McGuire.Lucy Gray is an Instructional Technology Specialist at the University of Chicago (IL) Center for Elementary Math and Science Education.  Among her numerous awards are having been named an Apple Distinguished Educator (2005), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, and Google Certified Teacher.  Lucy is a popular speaker at national and international conferences.  Also, Lucy has a strong reputation as a collector and organizer of robust online resources, using such technologies as blogs, wikis, nings, Twitter, and Facebook, among others.Carol Anne McGuire is a teacher and Instructional Technology Specialist at the New Village Leadership Academy in Calabasas, CA.  Formerly, she was an award-winning teacher of blind and visually impaired students.  The fact that amazes most people is that Carol Anne was teaching these visually impaired students to make videos!!  Those videos have been shown around the world.Among the awards and recognitions that have come Carol Anne's way are: Apple Distinguished Educator (2004), Discovery Educator Network Star Teacher, Google Certified Teacher, Top Online Educator, Disney Teacher of the Year, SMARTBoard Exemplary Educator, American Film Institute Screen Educator, and ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education) Teacher of the Year (2008).  Like Lucy, Carol Anne is a highly-sought after keynote speaker, as well as workshop leader, at professional conferences around the globe.Carol Anne also serves as "Lead Rocker" for an internationally-acclaimed project, "Rock Our World."So, you can see that I was highly honored to be able to share conversation with these two outstanding ladies.  Their ideas on improving education are stellar.  You will discover that, as you listen to this episode, if you hadn't known it already.This episode represents Part One of a two-part series.  I believe you will be inspired and stirred by listening to these fabulous educators.  Please send your questions and comments.If you wish to contact either Lucy or Carol Anne, they can be reached by clicking on the links to their names. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Vicki Davis, a very successful classroom teacher in Camilla, GA.  Vicki is also a grant-winning educator who has created several collaborative projects involving students and schools around the world.Vicki and/or her projects have won several awards.   She and her co-collaborator, Julie Lindseay (Qatar Academy, Qatar), have built a global audience around their Flat Classroom Project.Flat Classroom Project  Other projects in which Vicki is active include:Net Gen EdDigiteens As you listen to Vicki's comments during this episode, I believe you will be struck with the reality that this teacher is dedicated, motivated, and determined to prepare her students for success in the 21st Century -- and in a global environment.Should you wish to contact Vicki, she can be reached at [email protected] I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Kelly Janzen, a very successful educator, musician, and leader among her peers.Kelly is a motivating teacher who discusses the role of technologies in the lives of her students and how they grow as a result of interacting with new technologies.Also, Kelly talks about teachers' roles as leaders who can model excellent leadership behavior to peers and superiors.The web site for Kelly's school is http://www.wcdhs.ca -- so feel free to visit and see what she and her students are accomplishing. Should you wish to contact Kelly, she can be reached at [email protected] I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

I have two pieces of information to pass along to you: New email address for the podcast: [email protected] New series of episodes forthcoming. The general topic is key principles/characteristics of an effective leader. A sampling of topics is: good listener compassionate reliable leader vs. manager consistent risk-taker unselfish It is very important for you to participate by suggesting additional topics (key principles or characteristics), making general comments, telling stories about your experiences with good (or poor) leaders, or asking questions to be addressed on the episodes. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Our special guest for this episode is Ms. Lori Clark, a very successful young business leader who has demonstrated remarkable persistence, determination, and resolve as she has built a large team of business partners. Not only is Lori Clark successful in business, but she also is very active in community affairs, youth activities, and her church. During this episode, Lori discusses difficult events early in her life that contributed to her success currently. While living in Memphis, Tennessee, her father experienced a significant downsizing in the corporate world. As a result, Lori's family went through a bankruptcy. She learned many lessons during this time that have helped her through the years. She had to begin working at an early age, but also pursued a four-year degree at Mississippi State University. Times were hard and many family decisions were profoundly difficulty, but she persisted through all these obstacles. During those years of living and working hard in Memphis, her persistence paid off by earning the MBA degree from the University of Memphis--all while holding down a full-time job. She believes that leaders early in her life were responsible for setting that expectation for her. In less than four years, Lori has built a business with an annual revenue in excess of a million dollars in her position as National Vice-President of Arbonne, International. She has developed a strong team of associates and continues to build, nurture, and promote those individuals so they can experience success, as well. Without a doubt, as you listen to this episode, you will recognize easily that Lori is extremely passionate about her life, and the impact she is being able to have upon thousands of people, not only through her business, but also through her participation in community and church activities, as well as the events in which her children are involved. My hope is that Lori's passionate enthusiasm will be viral, that you will "catch it" as you listen to her talk. Although Lori is quite humble and soft-spoken, I find a Gibraltar of strength in her words. No doubt, her children are quite proud to call her "Mom." In this episode, Lori shares with us several of the books and authors to which she credits much of her personal development. In addition, she shares some one-liners and adages from key people who have influenced her life positively. As you listen to the podcast, I truly hope you will take a few minutes and send your comments, questions, and suggestions. I will forward those to Lori, because she has agreed to come back for a follow-up episode to talk about teams and how you build a team for success. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. Lori recommended several books to listeners. (If an audio version of the book is available, that link is shown, also.) And, here are a few resources that I recommended: You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

I've been anticipating this episode for many months!  My two guests are:  Dr. Michael O'Dell and Dr. Ed Hill, two premier physicians from the North Mississippi medical community. Dr. Mike O'Dell is Director of the Family Medicine Residency Center in Tupelo, MS.  Mike has a background in academic circles, having taught and led at several major universities, including the University of Kansas, University of Texas, and University of Alabama.  Now, he is not only a family physician, but also leads the preparation program for physician residents.  Dr. O'Dell is very active in community affairs, including Rotary Club and his church. Dr. Ed Hill is a man who has achieved numerous accomplishments during his medical career.  He founded the Family Medicine Residency Center and ran it for several years until Dr. O'Dell was recruited to come in and relieve Dr. Hill to address some of the other activities that called him.  He has been extremely active in medical profession affairs, including a year's stint as President of the American Medical Association.  Now, he is Chairman of the Board for the World Medical Association, a global enterprise involved directly with 84 countries.  Perhaps Dr. Hill's greatest pride, though, is in serving proudly as a grandfather! During this episode, both doctors discussed principles of leadership that can apply to anyone--not just those in the medical profession.  Their "take" on leadership is intriguing, probably different from what we read and hear from mainstream authors and speakers.  But, as is their natural way of functioning, Drs. O'Dell and Hill make good, common sense in their remarks. I look quite forward to reading your comments on this blog.  Please click the link at the bottom of this posting and let us hear what you think.  It's possible that your comments will be the ones that stir some other reader into taking the precise action that we desire. Dr. O'Dell and Dr. Hill recommended several books to listeners: You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

Two outstanding ladies join me for this episode -- Dr. Mabel Murphree and Mrs. Doyce Deas -- to discuss the philosophies, roles, and conditions of women in leadership. Dr. Mabel Murphree is a freelance consultant, dealing in education, workforce education and development, and political matters.  She is former Director of the Appalachian Region Commission, with offices in Tupelo, MS.  Dr. Murphree is a well-respected educator, speaker, and civic activist. Mrs. Doyce Deas is, among many other things, a current member of the Tupelo (MS) City Council.  She has been active for many years in health care, education, arts, and civic boards and events. During this episode, Dr. Murphree and Mrs. Deas enumerate many traits and characteristics of effective leaders that are particularly applicable to females.  However, as you will hear, these are not limited to one gender. Some of the outstanding books they recommend are: The Fred Factor The Servant Leadership Five Dysfunctions of a Team In Search of Excellence Good to Great The Rise of the Creative Class A Whole New Mind If you would like to order one of these books from Amazon, click on the link below. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.

What does leadership mean in a growing community? What organizations in a community will help young people become stronger leaders? What are the characteristics you have found among others you consider as leaders that have helped you become a stronger leader? Two outstanding corporate CEOs and community leaders, Mr. Chauncey Godwin (Heavenly Ham, Tupelo, MS) and Mr. Mike Thomas (CEO of American Furniture Manufacturing in Tupelo, MS), discuss these and other pertinent topics. This episode has a lot of "meat" in it that will give you some good ideas. But, rather than just listening passively to this episode, I suggest that you do the following: Take good notes, making sure you capture the key points Write down any questions and/or comments Send them to the Think Like A Leader offices. Contact me if you would like to submit an audio file containing your comments on anything related to this podcast Let me hear from you (can you tell I really want your feedback and input???) I strongly encourage you to submit your comments and/or questions so we can use them in a future episode. No doubt, many of you have instituted some outstanding leadership principles in your school, company, or community. So, I encourage you to participate by sending in your material to the podcast -- or, at least, leave a comment at the end of this blog posting. You can contribute to this podcast in any of the following ways: Email me Podcast hotline: 206/984-3136 Leave comments by using the link shown below If you have not done so already, please subscribe to this podcast (via iTunes™) so you can receive all episodes automatically.