Hosts: Courtney Acosta & Mario Acosta
Bios: https://www.theedleadershippair.com/about-us
Podcast: The EdLeadership Pair – Unfiltered Conversations for Today’s School Leaders

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Episode Overview
Does reading really matter for school leaders who are already overwhelmed by the demands of the job?

In this episode, Courtney and Mario make a compelling case that reading is not optional for effective leadership; it is essential. They share the books that most shaped their own leadership journeys, why those texts mattered at critical moments in their careers, and how the ideas inside those books directly influenced how they led people, managed change, and protected school culture.

Rather than focusing on education-only texts, this conversation explores business, history, and change-management books that translate powerfully into school leadership contexts. Along the way, Courtney and Mario unpack lessons about systems, culture, dignity, consistency, trust, and developing future leaders from within.

Big Ideas from the Conversation
Reading expands perspective. Leaders who stop reading eventually lead in isolation.
Systems protect organizations. Sustainable success cannot depend on individual heroes.
Culture resists change by default. Momentum must be built with the willing, not forced on everyone.
Dignity preserves relationships. Strong leaders challenge ideas without destroying people.
Consistency beats charisma. Discipline and follow-through matter more than chasing every new initiative.
Great leaders grow replacements. The strongest cultures build leadership capacity from within.

Leadership Actions Recommended in This Episode

1. Build systems, not dependency on individuals
Audit your campus or district processes and ask: What would break if one person left tomorrow? Prioritize systematizing critical work so success is not personality-dependent.
2. Start change with the willing
When leading change, identify staff members who already see the need. Pilot, refine, and build momentum before asking the entire organization to move.
3. Protect dignity during disagreement
Commit to addressing conflict without humiliation. Leaders can hold firm to expectations while still allowing people to save face and maintain relationships.
4. Identify your “Grant”
Find a trusted advisor who will tell you the hard truth, challenge your thinking, and remain loyal once decisions are made. Leadership is too complex to do alone.
5. Practice disciplined consistency
Resist chasing every new initiative. Decide what matters most, then protect your staff by staying focused and consistent over time.
6. Grow your own leadership bench
Intentionally develop future leaders inside your organization. Hire for values, coach for growth, and prepare people to eventually take your job.