The Aspiring School Leader Podcast

From the classroom to the principal’s office: How did Jeff Linden make it happen?
In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II talks with Jeff Linden about his journey from teaching students in PE and math to leading an entire school.
Dr. Donovan Smalls II talks with Jeff Linden about:
✅How to successfully transition from teacher to principal
✅Mindset shifts for aspiring school leaders
✅Leadership strategies that inspire teachers and students
✅Daily habits that build a thriving school culture
✅Tips for navigating interviews and administrative challenges
Are you looking to make the leap from teacher to school leader, prepare for leadership interviews, and step confidently into administrative roles?
For interview preparation and leadership development, learn more about my coaching program: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
📘 Get your copy of my book, Beyond the Classroom today → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
For individual support, email me at donovansmalls2@gmail.com
Hit the subscribe button for more leadership tips. Don’t forget to like, comment your thoughts, and share with fellow educators!
📢 New episodes drop every Sunday.
Now streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify
🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
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#schoolleadership #principaljourney #teachertoleader #educationleadership #schoolprincipal #leadershipskills #teachersofyoutube #teacherlife #leadershipdevelopment #educatorlife #careergrowth #schoolleaders #teachercoaching #mindsetforleaders #educationcareer #teachertraining #schoolculture #leadershiptips #teacherinspiration #careertransition #studentengagement #educationstrategy #teachersuccess #principalmindset #futureleaders

Getting the job — or getting passed over — can come down to one simple leadership story mistake.
In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II shows you how to avoid that mistake and craft a story that makes the hiring panel say, ‘We need you on our team!’
Need LEADERSHIP interview preparation?
👉🏾 Visit my website: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
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👉🏾 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
1 | The #1 leadership story mistake aspiring leaders make in interviews
2 | How to craft and deliver your leadership story with confidence
3 | What hiring committees really want to hear
4 | Proven strategies to stand out and land your first leadership role
💡 Whether you’re interviewing for an assistant principal, supervisor, or another school leadership role, telling your story the right way can set you apart from other candidates.
OTHER EPISODES:
• https://urlgeni.us/youtube/0GH1J
• https://urlgeni.us/youtube/iXK0S
👉🏾 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more school leadership interview and leadership tips.
📕Grab my book Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
Book call today for consultation: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
#schoolleadership #leadershipinterview #leadershipstory #interviewtips #interviewquestions #interviewpreparation #aspiringleaders #assistantprincipal #educationalleadership #leadershipskills #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipcoaching #careergrowth #jobinterviewtips #schooladministrator #teacherinterview #educators #careeradvancement #interviewmistakes

How to Answer Leadership Interview Questions with Confidence in 2025
#schoolleadership #leadershipinterview #interviewquestions
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Whether you’re interviewing for an assistant principal, supervisor, or other school leadership role, tough interview questions can feel overwhelming.
LEADERSHIP interview preparation: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
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In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II will teach you how to appropriately respond to common school leadership interview questions in a way that sets you apart from other candidates.
Common INTERVIEW QUESTIONS FOR SCHOOL LEADERSHIP!
Q1. What are the most important skills and qualities needed to be a great leader?
Q2. How would you manage conflict in a team?
Q3. Tell me about a time when you demonstrated leadership skills.
Q4. How would you delegate responsibility in a team?
Q5. What values are most important to you as a leader?
Q6. Describe a situation when something went wrong at work, and you took control.
Q7. A member of your team disagrees with one of your leadership decisions. How do you respond?
Q8. Describe your decision-making process.
OTHER EPISODES:
• https://urlgeni.us/youtube/0GH1J
• https://urlgeni.us/youtube/iXK0S
👉🏾 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more school leadership interview and leadership tips.
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
 
#leadershipskills #leadershipskillstraining #interviewquestions #interviewquestionsandanswers #aspiringleaders #leadershipcoaching #careergrowth

Sweaty palms, racing heart, or a blank mind during your school leadership interview? You’re not alone. Learn how to stay confident, calm, and completely prepared!
In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II shares three strategies for aspiring school leaders to overcome interview anxiety and shine under pressure.
⏱️ CHAPTERS:
0:00 – Introduction: Why Interview Anxiety Happens
6:43 – Strategy 1: Reframe the Interview
9:08 – Strategy 2: Build Your Leadership Story
11:35 – Strategy 3: Practice Like You’ll Perform
Helping aspiring school leaders confidently land their first leadership role & lead with impact from day one.
1:1 interview preparation coaching available to help you confidently land your first school leadership role: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
Comment below your biggest interview fear and let’s tackle it together!
Don’t forget to follow, like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more school leadership interview and leadership tips.
Streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
#schoolleadership #overcomeanxiety #anxiety #interviewanxiety #interviewtips #leadershipcoaching #confidence #careergrowth #educationleadership #teachertips

Leadership is not just a title it is about inspiring others, guiding them the right way, and creating positive change.
What is Leadership? How to Lead with Influence & Impact
In this episode, Dr. Donovan Smalls II explains the true meaning of leadership and shares four important leadership skills that every aspiring school leader should know.
This episode is especially helpful if you want to learn:
✅What leadership really means
✅How to lead others using influence
✅Why self-awareness is a leader’s greatest strength
✅How to become a true leader through service and impact
✅How to start leading today in your school, work, or family
👉🏾 Watch this episode to learn how to use influence, self-awareness, service, and impact to become a truly effective leader. https://urlgeni.us/youtube/kUqk9EP51
📕Grab my book Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
Book a call today for a free consultation: https://calendly.com/donovansmalls2/15min 
Learn more about coaching programs and resources at: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on leadership, education, and personal growth.
💬 Comment below and share: In your opinion, what is the most important quality of a great leader?
#Leadership #LeadWithImpact #LeadWithInfluence #LeadershipSkills #EffectiveLeadership #ServantLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #Influence #LeadershipTips #AspiringLeaders #LeadershipQualities #SelfAwareness #TeamLeadership #LeadershipStrategies #SchoolLeadership #TeacherLeadership #LeadershipGrowth #LeadershipMindset #ImpactfulLeadership #LeadershipCoaching #LeadershipSuccess #LeadershipJourney #ProfessionalLeadership #LeadershipMentorship #InfluentialLeadership #LeadershipGoals #LeadByExample #LeadershipDevelopmentPlan #LeadershipLessons #LeadershipInAction

Dreaming of becoming a school leader? Start by acing your interview! In this video, Dr. Donovan Smalls II breaks down what makes a WINNING school leadership interview and shares 3 ways you can work with him, actionable steps to help you ace your interview and confidently step into your first leadership role.
Whether you're preparing for an upcoming interview or planning your leadership journey, this video covers:
✅ How to craft a compelling leadership story
✅ Proven interview strategies to help you stand out from other candidates ✅ Personal and professional development tips to build confidence and presence
✅ Why mentorship and coaching are critical to your leadership success
Don’t just aim to get the job — learn how to lead with impact from day one and truly make a difference in your school community.
About Dr. Donovan Smalls II:
An educator, best selling author, and school leadership coach dedicated to guiding teachers through their leadership journey with practical advice and real-world experience.
Grab my book Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
Take the Next Step: Book your discovery call today: https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
Learn more about coaching programs and resources at: donovansmalls2@gmail.com
Don't forget, Like, Comment, Share & Subscribe for more tips on school leadership and career growth!
Streaming on: 📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
#schoolleadership #teachertoleader #interviewtips #leadershipcoaching #schoolprincipal #interviewpreparation #leadershipdevelopment #teacherleadership #schoolleadershipinterview

If you’re an aspiring school leader, you might be tempted to rush the process and chase the title. But here’s the truth, leadership readiness is about becoming the leader schools need, not just arriving at the role.
In this episode, I’m breaking down 3 essential keys to leadership readiness so you can position yourself for success, grow with purpose, and be fully prepared when opportunity knocks.
Here’s what you’ll discover:
1️⃣ Lead From Where You Are – You don’t need a title to lead. Start now by influencing change, mentoring peers, and initiating projects that matter. This is how your leadership story begins.
2️⃣ Learn the Work Before You Chase the Role – Observe and study great school leaders. Watch how they manage people, lead instruction, navigate conflict, and make decisions under pressure.
3️⃣ Grow Through Guidance, Not Just Credentials – Degrees and certifications matter, but they’re not enough. Mentorship, coaching, and self-reflection will transform you into a leader who is ready on day one.
💡 Why this matters: Many educators get the job but aren’t ready to lead effectively. These 3 keys will help you build the skills, mindset, and confidence you need to step into leadership and make an immediate impact.
📌 Work with me: My Elevate Your Impact Coaching Program is designed for aspiring school leaders like you who want to transform their leadership story, prepare for interviews, and step confidently into administration roles.
🎯 Whether you're updating your resume, prepping for interviews, or reflecting on your next leadership move, this is your growth moment.
📘 Grab my book Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
🎧 Subscribe for weekly school leadership episodes Get personalized coaching for your resume, interview prep, and leadership journey: 👉🏾 https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
📧 Email me at donovansmalls2@gmail.com for 1:1 support.
🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
👋🏾 Until next time — keep teaching, leading, and learning 📢 New episodes drop every Sunday.
Now streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
 
#AspiringSchoolLeader #SchoolLeadership #EducationalLeadership #LeadershipReadiness #AssistantPrincipal #TeacherToLeader #LeadershipGrowth #MentorshipInEducation #LeadWithImpact #LeadershipDevelopment #FuturePrincipal #SchoolAdministrator

Are you an aspiring school leader who's tired of being overlooked, rejected, or “almost chosen” for leadership roles?
This episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast is for educators who feel stuck, frustrated, and ready to walk away from the dream of becoming an assistant principal, instructional coach, or school administrator. But before you give up on your education leadership journey, hear these 3 hard truths that could change everything.
Hosted by Dr. Donovan Smalls II—assistant principal, bestselling author of Beyond the Classroom, and school leadership coach—this episode is a motivational wake-up call packed with practical insight and encouragement.
🎯 You’ll discover:
1. The truth about school leadership hiring and why your breakthrough may be closer than you think.
2. How to build confidence and stay ready—even when you’re not getting interviews.
3. Why your leadership development is still happening behind the scenes.
If you're an educator who's ready to lead but keeps getting passed over, this episode will reignite your purpose and help you keep going with clarity and confidence.
🔥 Want to get interview-ready in just 4 weeks?
Join my coaching program, Elevate Your Impact, designed to help you polish your resume, own your leadership story, and crush your next school leadership interview. Learn more at www.donovansmalls2.com/coaching
📢 Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this with a fellow educator who's ready for the next level.
📘 Grab my book Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
🎧 Subscribe for weekly school leadership episodes Get personalized coaching for your resume, interview prep, and leadership journey:
👉🏾 https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching 📧 Email me at donovansmalls2@gmail.com for 1:1 support.
🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
👋🏾 Until next time — keep teaching, leading, and learning
📢 New episodes drop every Sunday.
Now streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr 

Are you an aspiring school leader looking for real-world insights that actually shift how you lead? In this episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I’m breaking down 3 powerful lessons I took away from attending a national school leadership conference — and how you can use them to level up, whether you're interviewing for your first role or already leading without the title.
 
✅ Lesson 1: Broaden your vision by seeing what’s possible outside your current school or district
✅ Lesson 2: Build a leadership network that opens doors and sharpens your practice
✅ Lesson 3: Reconnect with your “why” and stay grounded when the work gets heavy
 
This isn’t just theory — these are real takeaways from real conversations with leaders across the country. If you’re serious about stepping into leadership and leading with confidence, this episode will give you the clarity and inspiration to move forward.
 
🎯 Whether you're updating your resume, prepping for interviews, or reflecting on your next leadership move, this is your growth moment.
📘 Grab my book Beyond the Classroom → https://shorturl.at/74Bgy
🎧 Subscribe for weekly school leadership episodes
💬 Comment below: Which of the 3 lessons hit home for you?
 
Get personalized coaching for your resume, interview prep, and leadership journey:
👉🏾 https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
📧 Email me at donovansmalls2@gmail.com for 1:1 support.
🎧 Enjoyed the episode?
Like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
 
👋🏾 Until next time — keep teaching, leading, and learning
📢 New episodes drop every Sunday.
Now streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr 

Are you spending your summer updating your resume or watching leadership webinars — but still not landing the job? The truth is, some aspiring school leaders don’t get hired because they miss the real work that makes you stand out in interviews and thrive as a leader.
In this episode of The Aspiring School Leader Podcast, I reveal four overlooked yet powerful summer strategies that will give you a competitive edge — and help you lead with confidence before you earn the title.
This isn’t generic leadership advice — these are the actionable school leadership strategies you won’t find in books or webinars.
📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
➡️ Why Most Leadership Prep Fails
➡️ Anticipate the Unwritten Rules of School Culture
➡️ Build Micro-Influence Without the Title
➡️ Create a Crisis Response Playbook (for Real-World Pressure)
➡️ Reverse Engineer the Interview Questions
➡️ Final Takeaways + How to Work With Me
🚀 This Episode Is For You If You’re Asking:
How do I become a school leader?
What’s the best way to prepare for a school leadership interview?
How can I stand out as an aspiring assistant principal?
What do hiring teams actually want to see?
How can I gain leadership experience without the title?
📈 Ready to Get Interview-Ready and Lead with Confidence?
Get personalized coaching for your resume, interview prep, and leadership journey:
👉🏾 https://donovansmalls2.com/coaching
📧 Email me at donovansmalls2@gmail.com for 1:1 support.
🎧 Enjoyed the episode? Like, comment, and share it with someone who needs to hear it.
👋🏾 Until next time — keep teaching, leading, and learning
📢 New episodes drop every Sunday.
Now streaming on:
📺 YouTube 🔗 https://urlgeni.us/youtube/channel/L0Y2m
🎧 Apple Podcasts 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/mv7f683k
🎧 Spotify 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/4wydt4nr
#AspiringSchoolLeader #SchoolLeadership #EducationLeadership #InterviewPrep #ElevateYourImpact