Host Dr. Chris Dennis celebrates his birthday with a short episode, reading page 44 from his upcoming book Lonely Graduation: The Journey After the Milestone. He introduces a section called "The Conveyor Belt of Achievement," which explores how continuous striving can overshadow the ability to honor and process success. The book is available March 24, with pre-sales open now.

After the reading, Chris signs off with a reminder to take care of yourself on the way to school and a brief birthday farewell.

Purchase your pre-sale copy here: https://www.campusculturegroup.com/lonelygraduation

Today I caught myself thinking about something we all do, but rarely admit: disengaging.

You know the moment. You’re in a meeting. Your mind is somewhere else. You’re tired, frustrated, distracted, or just over it. Your body is there, but your energy isn’t. And slowly, you start to disappear from the room.

In today’s episode, I challenged myself and you not to default to disengagement.

Because disengagement doesn’t just stay in one meeting. It spills into collaboration. It shows up in relationships. It quietly reshapes culture.

I shared how powerful it felt to sit in a meeting with no devices, no notes, no distractions, just presence. It reminded me that sometimes the most radical leadership move is simply staying in it, even when it’s uncomfortable.

So this week, I’m asking myself: If I feel myself pulling back, what do I actually need? A break? A conversation? Clarity? Or courage?

Before you disengage… pause. Name what’s happening. Choose presence on purpose.

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You’ve got this. #OnTheWayToSchool #LeadershipTok #EducatorTok #Presence #SchoolLeadership #TeamCulture

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📍 This Monday had me thinking about something we don’t talk about enough as leaders: making room.

With everything happening right now—winter storms, community unrest, family safety, and the daily realities of school—it’s easy to feel like we have to carry everything ourselves. I’ve been there. Wanting to lead every project. Wanting to be in every decision. Wanting to hold onto responsibility because it feels like control, relevance, or care.

But today’s episode reminded me of something deeper: Sometimes leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about creating space.

Space for colleagues to step in. Space for new voices at the table. Space for people whose skills match the moment better than ours.

Making room doesn’t mean you’re less capable. Sometimes it means you’re essential somewhere else. Sometimes it means the mission is bigger than your role.

And sometimes… it means you finally get a moment to breathe.

So as we move through the year, I’m asking myself: Where do I need to hold on? And where do I need to let someone else run the race?

Here’s to leadership that trusts, shares, and makes room. #OnTheWayToSchool #LeadershipTok #EducatorTok #Capacity #Teamwork #SchoolLeadership