IASP Leadership Podcast Season 7: Episode 245

🎙️ IASP Leadership Podcast

Season 7, Episode 245: From the AP Lens – Leadership Lessons Through the Interim Principalship

Leadership growth rarely happens under perfect conditions. More often, it unfolds through unexpected opportunities, shifting responsibilities, and the courage to step into roles before feeling fully ready.

In this episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast, Dr. Tiffany D. Barrett welcomes Kristen Peterson, Associate Principal at Chesterton High School and IASP Assistant Principal Liaison, alongside Kortney Golden, who recently served as Interim Principal at Clinton Central Elementary.

Through the metaphor of Olympic endurance, adaptability, and teamwork, Kristen and Kortney share authentic reflections on the transition from assistant principal to principal leadership. Listeners will hear powerful insights about becoming the final decision maker, leading through visibility and vulnerability, and supporting staff through intentional leadership actions that often happen behind the scenes.

Kortney highlights how leadership is rarely about grand gestures. Instead, it is built through trust, difficult conversations, mentorship, and removing barriers that allow students and staff to thrive. Kristen provides encouragement for assistant principals across Indiana, emphasizing the importance of seeking leadership opportunities, learning through experience, and building confidence through growth.

This episode is especially meaningful for assistant principals, aspiring leaders, and building administrators seeking practical and human-centered leadership insights aligned with the realities of today's schools.

🎧 Tune in to explore:

• Mindset shifts when stepping into principal leadership
• How small leadership actions create meaningful culture shifts
• The role of vulnerability, trust, and recovery in leadership growth
• Strategies for balancing endurance, wellness, and sustainability
• Encouragement for assistant principals preparing for future leadership opportunities

To continue your leadership reflection, we encourage listeners to read Kortney's full article in the February issue of the IASP Indianagram.

Thank you for listening and for your continued commitment to leading schools, supporting staff, and serving students across Indiana.