WEBVTT NOTE This file was generated by Descript 00:00:11.906 --> 00:00:17.966 jethro_2_04-23-2025_143737: Welcome to Transformative Principle, where I help you stop putting out fires and start leading. 00:00:18.476 --> 00:00:19.976 I'm your host, Jethro Jones. 00:00:19.976 --> 00:00:22.676 You can follow me on Twitter at Jethro Jones. 00:00:35.050 --> 00:00:37.510 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Welcome to Transformative Principal. 00:00:37.540 --> 00:00:39.220 I'm your host, Jethro Jones. 00:00:39.250 --> 00:00:46.600 I'm on all the social networks at Jethro Jones and I'm so happy to be here today to be recording another episode of Transformative Principal. 00:00:46.600 --> 00:00:48.280 I get such a kick out of doing this. 00:00:48.340 --> 00:00:52.465 This is, I. 700 episodes almost into this podcast. 00:00:52.465 --> 00:00:54.925 And I just love doing this every single time. 00:00:54.925 --> 00:01:00.355 In fact, is my third interview today and I'm still fired up about it. 00:01:00.805 --> 00:01:02.245 Uh, and it's the end of the day. 00:01:02.245 --> 00:01:08.575 I should be tired, but I just get so energized talking to people and sharing these things with you that it's totally worth it. 00:01:09.175 --> 00:01:13.015 Um, this podcast is a proud member of the BE Podcast Network. 00:01:13.255 --> 00:01:16.315 We have 50 amazing educational. 00:01:16.885 --> 00:01:19.225 Leadership and teacher shows on there. 00:01:19.525 --> 00:01:20.965 Lots of really great ones. 00:01:20.965 --> 00:01:24.205 And go check it out@bepodcastnetwork.com. 00:01:24.355 --> 00:01:27.865 You can see all our shows and get tuned into any one of those. 00:01:28.705 --> 00:01:31.135 today I have Samantha Hamilton on the show. 00:01:31.135 --> 00:01:40.255 She's an award-winning principal, a national education consultant, speaker, and author of nonfiction leadership books that incur inspire courage, connection, and culture change. 00:01:40.985 --> 00:01:49.865 has over two decades of experience in early childhood education and K 12 school leadership, and she's known for transforming vision into action and heart into strategy. 00:01:50.795 --> 00:02:06.515 debut book, brave On Purpose, how Courage, culture and Connection Create Lasting Impact is a love letter to educators and leaders navigating the reales of change and invites reader to lead with clarity, courage, heart, and a little sparkle. 00:02:06.815 --> 00:02:09.305 Samantha, welcome to Transformative Principle. 00:02:09.305 --> 00:02:10.535 It's so great to have you here. 00:02:10.540 --> 00:02:10.960 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Oh my gosh. 00:02:10.960 --> 00:02:11.620 Thank you so much. 00:02:11.620 --> 00:02:17.920 I'm also super excited and currently writing down the B podcast, making sure I have access to all of those. 00:02:17.920 --> 00:02:19.150 I thought I did, but I wanna make sure. 00:02:20.050 --> 00:02:20.590 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: That's right. 00:02:20.650 --> 00:02:24.190 Well, we have a lot of shows and they're all good in their own unique way, 00:02:24.195 --> 00:02:24.415 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yes, 00:02:24.580 --> 00:02:25.570 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: what I love about 00:02:25.685 --> 00:02:25.905 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: yes. 00:02:26.260 --> 00:02:34.210 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Um, so you've been in, uh, both public and uh, charter schools and you've taught. 00:02:34.690 --> 00:02:41.080 Uh, different grade levels you've worked with N-A-E-S-P for, um, being a professional developer with 00:02:41.165 --> 00:02:41.585 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Mm-hmm. 00:02:41.860 --> 00:02:44.710 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Um, so you've had a ton of experience. 00:02:44.950 --> 00:02:48.190 What is this idea of brave on purpose actually mean? 00:02:49.745 --> 00:02:52.420 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Here's what I think brave on purpose means, choosing courage. 00:02:52.765 --> 00:02:58.735 Even when it's easier to not, um, it's about being intentional leadership and not reactive leadership. 00:02:58.735 --> 00:03:02.365 It's about recognizing who you are when no one's watching. 00:03:02.965 --> 00:03:11.065 Um, just as much you as you do when everyone is watching and showing up for your team every day with honesty, hope, and some sparkle. 00:03:11.125 --> 00:03:11.875 I always add some of that. 00:03:13.525 --> 00:03:14.635 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: So what does that mean? 00:03:14.695 --> 00:03:15.505 Some sparkle. 00:03:15.955 --> 00:03:19.075 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Listen, I, I love Christmas, but I also just love fun. 00:03:19.135 --> 00:03:21.505 Um, the shoes I'm wearing today are full glitter. 00:03:21.925 --> 00:03:26.425 Um, I just like to add some, some sunshine and some fun to the day and sometimes literally glitter. 00:03:26.425 --> 00:03:29.455 But, um, like to laugh and not take ourselves too seriously. 00:03:29.455 --> 00:03:32.995 I really believe life's too short not to love what you do every day. 00:03:32.995 --> 00:03:35.185 So if I need to bring that fun, I'm willing to do it. 00:03:36.115 --> 00:03:36.505 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:03:36.805 --> 00:03:39.775 So how does this work in your school? 00:03:39.835 --> 00:03:41.875 Uh, your school's called Lisa, is that right? 00:03:42.010 --> 00:03:42.190 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:03:42.190 --> 00:03:42.880 Lisa Academy. 00:03:42.880 --> 00:03:43.030 Yeah. 00:03:43.030 --> 00:03:44.410 We're a, a charter school. 00:03:44.410 --> 00:03:44.890 K seven. 00:03:44.950 --> 00:03:45.070 Mm-hmm. 00:03:45.745 --> 00:03:45.865 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Mm-hmm. 00:03:46.165 --> 00:03:48.985 So how does this apply to your day-to-day work There? 00:03:49.675 --> 00:03:59.335 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: So I, I mean, I think that people would say that, um, uh, I've just, you know, add some color, so we wanna make sure and that people see you smiling, people see you, happy people just see you in general. 00:03:59.665 --> 00:04:04.555 Um, I think a lot of times as leaders, you can get bogged down in the office and away from all the things, but I. 00:04:05.475 --> 00:04:10.695 People need to see and see things are okay and just, um, be there and get to know them as people. 00:04:10.695 --> 00:04:12.315 So, how's your daughter doing? 00:04:12.315 --> 00:04:13.005 How's your mom? 00:04:13.005 --> 00:04:13.845 You know, what's happening? 00:04:13.845 --> 00:04:15.015 How's the car wreck? 00:04:15.015 --> 00:04:23.475 You know, making sure we connect with them as people, um, and just give them a little peace of mind that we're here to, um, as humans first, and then we can be great professionals. 00:04:24.295 --> 00:04:25.375 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah, for sure. 00:04:25.735 --> 00:04:28.105 So you talked about choosing courage. 00:04:28.105 --> 00:04:29.755 That's what brave on purpose means. 00:04:30.085 --> 00:04:33.985 Uh, what does that mean in a day-to-day life of a principal? 00:04:34.135 --> 00:04:39.445 Because to be honest, it seems like you really shouldn't need that much courage to be a principal. 00:04:39.745 --> 00:04:40.195 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Wow. 00:04:40.855 --> 00:04:44.965 Um, yeah, and I think, um, if you go by, you know, your, your. 00:04:45.070 --> 00:04:45.190 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: I. 00:04:45.910 --> 00:04:53.110 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Schooling and all the academics and education you get in order to be a principal, um, on paper, it, they, it would agree in real life, that's not true. 00:04:53.500 --> 00:04:57.670 Um, because I think you have to, leaders can't rely on titles to earn trust. 00:04:58.030 --> 00:04:59.380 Um, it's all about relationships. 00:04:59.380 --> 00:05:05.860 So, um, the courage means addressing those hard things, um, with honesty and addressing, um, things. 00:05:05.860 --> 00:05:08.770 And it means creating spaces where, you know, people can feel. 00:05:08.820 --> 00:05:14.940 Safe seen and valued, which is not the norm in the world of corporate, the corporate world, education world. 00:05:15.210 --> 00:05:16.320 It really doesn't matter anymore. 00:05:16.320 --> 00:05:18.900 It's really hard and, um, hard to find that. 00:05:19.200 --> 00:05:20.850 Um, so I think courage. 00:05:21.880 --> 00:05:23.530 Culture and connection go together. 00:05:23.950 --> 00:05:26.080 Um, and connection is what sustains it all. 00:05:26.110 --> 00:05:29.050 It's the invisible thread that holds us all together every season. 00:05:29.050 --> 00:05:35.890 So once we trust each other, the kids feel that, the parents feel that, we feel that, and we continue to come back each day and do that. 00:05:35.890 --> 00:05:40.390 So it, but it does take courage to lead that way, um, because it's not the norm. 00:05:40.660 --> 00:05:44.200 It's not what you see, and it's not what's on paper, um, that you're supposed to do. 00:05:44.650 --> 00:05:46.360 Having those hard conversations. 00:05:46.855 --> 00:05:52.915 Or just the consistent conversations and pushing through and doing what's best for kids is is not easy. 00:05:54.025 --> 00:05:54.325 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:05:54.655 --> 00:06:00.775 What, uh, I, can you give an example of, let me go, let me ask that 00:06:01.060 --> 00:06:01.350 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:06:02.035 --> 00:06:07.285 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Why doesn't our principal preparation program prepare us for having courage? 00:06:07.285 --> 00:06:09.325 You would think that it would. 00:06:09.530 --> 00:06:09.820 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:06:10.275 --> 00:06:11.925 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: but, but it really doesn't. 00:06:11.925 --> 00:06:18.615 And so, so many people have said, boy, I had no idea that this was what it was like to be a principal. 00:06:18.885 --> 00:06:21.315 My master's program did not prepare me for this. 00:06:21.315 --> 00:06:24.915 In fact, that's why I started doing, uh, my Transformative Principal 00:06:24.935 --> 00:06:25.355 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Oh yeah. 00:06:25.665 --> 00:06:34.485 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: with principals because I had people who would listen to the program and then they would say, Hey, I don't, I'm, I'm not getting this. 00:06:34.485 --> 00:06:35.145 Like, I don't. 00:06:35.920 --> 00:06:37.150 don't have anybody to talk to. 00:06:37.150 --> 00:06:41.380 I don't have any support in dealing with these, these decisions that I have to 00:06:41.775 --> 00:06:42.065 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:44.710 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Why don't our programs prepare us for it? 00:06:46.135 --> 00:06:48.535 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Why they don't, I can't figure that out. 00:06:48.625 --> 00:06:52.345 Um, and maybe it's partly because of what you said, it's about the relationships and about the people. 00:06:52.645 --> 00:07:00.235 Um, and so I think if you don't have access to them, it's, you know, it's kind of like you can be prepared to teach until you do student teaching, and then you realize what you're really getting into. 00:07:00.235 --> 00:07:07.135 But if you don't have those opportunities, and I think a lot of your, your online only courses and you're on, you know, where it's not connection even with your. 00:07:07.780 --> 00:07:15.730 Your professors and, and classmates, much less other people doing this job and have access to internships and access to, I just think we're setting people up to fail. 00:07:16.150 --> 00:07:19.360 Um, because what's on paper, I cover that with law. 00:07:19.450 --> 00:07:21.850 I'm thankful for the law because that's the same every time. 00:07:21.880 --> 00:07:28.750 Otherwise, so much of what we covered, um, doesn't come into play most of the time, so it's. 00:07:28.930 --> 00:07:32.260 I mean, I'm thankful to know it from time to time, but have I used it? 00:07:32.290 --> 00:07:33.040 Not a lot. 00:07:33.100 --> 00:07:36.370 Um, and maybe you have to have the background in order to build on it. 00:07:36.550 --> 00:07:37.150 I'm not sure. 00:07:37.270 --> 00:07:42.670 Um, but I do think, you know, great teachers don't necessarily make great leaders. 00:07:42.940 --> 00:07:54.400 Um, and great leaders don't necessarily make great super, you know, principals will make great superintendents, but I do think if you have what's in it to do with people and it's natural for you to work with people, then the facts. 00:07:54.445 --> 00:07:56.875 I can back that up, if that makes any sense at all. 00:07:57.295 --> 00:07:58.885 Um, but why they don't, I don't know. 00:07:58.975 --> 00:08:04.525 And I think, um, leadership on paper and leadership in real life are, and I, that's another thing. 00:08:04.525 --> 00:08:09.145 What I, I think is important is that it's important to let people know that it's messy for everybody. 00:08:09.145 --> 00:08:12.985 That it's not a day-to-day, here's my to-do list and check it off the list. 00:08:12.985 --> 00:08:19.735 Because when you're dealing with humans, there's not gonna be, uh, you know, a token response or a consistent answer for any of the conversations. 00:08:19.735 --> 00:08:21.925 You have millions of them throughout the day. 00:08:22.555 --> 00:08:25.810 So I think just, it's just hard for people to prepare 'em for that maybe, I don't know. 00:08:27.085 --> 00:08:29.245 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Well, I, I think that's absolutely true. 00:08:29.245 --> 00:08:36.145 And, um, the, I like that phrase of leadership on paper is d different than leadership in real life because it really 00:08:36.340 --> 00:08:36.640 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah, 00:08:37.495 --> 00:08:42.325 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: and it's easy to make a decision about something that you look at on paper. 00:08:42.790 --> 00:08:43.030 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: sure. 00:08:43.045 --> 00:08:53.305 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: when you think about the people that are involved, the, the experiences they're going through, the trust or lack thereof that exists and, and how people. 00:08:53.755 --> 00:08:56.545 Can really, truly just lie about so many 00:08:56.865 --> 00:08:57.405 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Oh man. 00:08:57.535 --> 00:09:03.835 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: are going on and not be upfront about it and have ulterior motives for why they're doing things. 00:09:04.105 --> 00:09:10.015 Uh, it really takes a lot more than just looking at a situation and making a decision. 00:09:10.315 --> 00:09:12.745 Like role plays and simulations are important, 00:09:12.790 --> 00:09:13.120 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Sure, 00:09:13.830 --> 00:09:16.165 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: there's so much more to it every single time 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:16.690 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: sure. 00:09:16.795 --> 00:09:17.155 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: what. 00:09:17.440 --> 00:09:17.920 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Every time. 00:09:18.055 --> 00:09:18.605 Every time. 00:09:19.435 --> 00:09:20.935 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Go ahead and talk about that a little bit. 00:09:21.400 --> 00:09:39.700 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Well, I think that's, it's one of the things I'm, I'm working with a, a assistant principal that we just hired for next year and I've talked with so much about that, of, you know, we can't ever assume, um, that we know what happened right before the kid hit the kid, right before the teacher yelled at the kid right before, you know, that's the question I ask is Right what happened right before blank. 00:09:40.120 --> 00:09:42.790 Um, and that's with any situation because I need to know. 00:09:43.180 --> 00:09:44.410 You know, the, the whole thing. 00:09:44.410 --> 00:09:48.790 And so much of it can be solved if we can really dig into the people and their reason for doing it. 00:09:49.360 --> 00:09:57.640 Um, but you know, my philosophy is people first, paper second, which means I work, I do, I do one job from eight to three and another job from three to eight. 00:09:58.480 --> 00:10:02.380 But that's because the people have to be first, whether they're big people or little people. 00:10:02.380 --> 00:10:09.220 And I think the more they feel that the more you begin to move forward with, um, leadership and getting our things accomplished because. 00:10:10.180 --> 00:10:19.570 Once you do the dirty work and the hard work, then the movements and the, um, mission and the vision and all those things can come to life once there's connection and, and, um, relationships. 00:10:19.570 --> 00:10:20.680 But that's dirty. 00:10:20.710 --> 00:10:21.460 That, that takes a while, 00:10:22.590 --> 00:10:24.160 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah, it, it does. 00:10:24.430 --> 00:10:28.930 And that idea of, uh, um, people first, paperwork second. 00:10:29.320 --> 00:10:34.180 Um, I, I get that I have a real hard line in the sand where I say. 00:10:34.870 --> 00:10:38.020 Uh, you can't have a second job from three to eight 00:10:38.050 --> 00:10:38.290 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: right? 00:10:38.800 --> 00:10:40.390 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: do good at your job, eight to three. 00:10:40.720 --> 00:10:43.450 So, um, so I push back on that a lot 'cause 00:10:43.495 --> 00:10:43.765 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah, 00:10:44.440 --> 00:10:48.940 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: you should be able to leave the school and, and go home and have another life 00:10:48.985 --> 00:10:49.375 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: should, 00:10:49.570 --> 00:10:50.650 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: just another job. 00:10:50.905 --> 00:10:51.355 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: I should, 00:10:51.370 --> 00:10:53.200 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: what's preventing you from doing that? 00:10:53.605 --> 00:10:55.345 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: you know, I think, um. 00:10:56.185 --> 00:11:01.885 What, where I'm working on that is that delegation piece of, okay, somebody else can take this over, somebody else can take this over. 00:11:02.245 --> 00:11:08.335 Um, you know, I've learned a whole lot in my, um, leadership world about true definition of servant leadership. 00:11:08.425 --> 00:11:13.315 It doesn't literally mean serving them on a platter, but initially that's kind of what has what drug me down. 00:11:13.585 --> 00:11:21.685 Um, and so when I say I work three to eight now, a lot of times it's researching, preparing and because my work and my hobby and my job are all the same. 00:11:22.165 --> 00:11:25.015 Um, and so I do a lot of that, but that is an area that I've gotten. 00:11:25.195 --> 00:11:29.695 I'm really trying to work on that growth is, Hey, here's some paper that I can pass on to someone else. 00:11:30.025 --> 00:11:31.105 A, it empowers them. 00:11:31.495 --> 00:11:39.265 Um, and I think that's a big piece that I missed out on for the first few years of leadership is giving someone something that I value and trust them to do. 00:11:39.505 --> 00:11:40.585 Bam, they roll. 00:11:40.585 --> 00:11:42.925 And then you built another connection that you didn't know you were making. 00:11:42.925 --> 00:11:44.785 So I am getting better at that. 00:11:44.815 --> 00:11:46.915 Don't ask my husband, but I really think I'm getting better. 00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:49.135 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah, he might have a 00:11:49.405 --> 00:11:49.885 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: He might. 00:11:49.885 --> 00:11:50.695 Let's not talk about it. 00:11:50.725 --> 00:11:50.726 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:11:51.865 --> 00:11:52.435 I get it. 00:11:52.495 --> 00:12:05.725 Um, so, uh, for more on, on that topic, Erica Garcia, Niles, another Missouri, uh, principal, um, talked a lot about that when I interviewed her, uh, for this podcast when I was at in 2022, 00:12:05.950 --> 00:12:06.490 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Okay. 00:12:06.685 --> 00:12:07.795 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: like an eternity 00:12:08.050 --> 00:12:08.800 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Really it does. 00:12:08.800 --> 00:12:09.160 Yeah. 00:12:09.385 --> 00:12:09.865 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: yeah. 00:12:09.955 --> 00:12:10.345 Um, 00:12:10.360 --> 00:12:12.015 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: olden days, as the kids would say, Uhhuh. 00:12:12.265 --> 00:12:12.615 Uhhuh. 00:12:12.865 --> 00:12:15.145 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: So delegation definitely helps with that. 00:12:15.145 --> 00:12:19.825 And um, and also just being okay with leaving things undone. 00:12:20.185 --> 00:12:21.115 Uh, that is okay 00:12:21.125 --> 00:12:21.545 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Mm-hmm. 00:12:21.895 --> 00:12:27.745 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: And that's a hard one because, uh, perfectionism is strong with us educators 00:12:27.880 --> 00:12:28.600 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: pleasers, right? 00:12:28.600 --> 00:12:30.040 We're pleasers and we're box checkers. 00:12:30.040 --> 00:12:30.280 Yeah. 00:12:30.285 --> 00:12:30.665 Mm-hmm. 00:12:30.910 --> 00:12:31.270 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:12:31.600 --> 00:12:33.910 Um, I got a good article about that that I'll send 00:12:34.000 --> 00:12:34.390 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Okay. 00:12:34.870 --> 00:12:36.670 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: if you're not on my email list at 00:12:36.760 --> 00:12:37.212 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: I am, I am. 00:12:37.217 --> 00:12:37.690 I'm on that. 00:12:37.695 --> 00:12:37.855 Yep. 00:12:38.530 --> 00:12:41.410 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: for, for other people listening, Transformative principle.org. 00:12:41.410 --> 00:12:43.720 Down on the bottom, there's a little spot to put in your email. 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:44.470 Put that in there. 00:12:45.720 --> 00:12:46.650 Perfectionism. 00:12:47.075 --> 00:13:05.885 A trap is like the fourth email that you'll get, um, if you sign up for my email list because, um, it really is, and it doesn't have to be that way, but we all fall into that and we think, and here's the thing, it is so important what we do, the work with other human beings, especially kids, is so important. 00:13:05.915 --> 00:13:13.355 And yet it's very easy to let that overshadow, uh, everything else and make that the priority. 00:13:13.725 --> 00:13:13.785 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:13:14.195 --> 00:13:15.515 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: what would you add to that, Samantha? 00:13:15.660 --> 00:13:27.450 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: I think the thing that I have learned and Covid man, COVID taught us this and all the things I've dealt with in my leadership from, you know, tornado to all the things, but is controlling what we can control and, um, you know, so. 00:13:28.065 --> 00:13:40.845 If we can put our biggest impact and our biggest amount of, of time into controlling our, our, um, time with kids and controlling, you know, making sure we're positive impact and making sure we're doing what we know is most important work first. 00:13:41.235 --> 00:13:45.195 And then, um, yeah, you know, I have learned quickly that, um. 00:13:45.315 --> 00:13:47.475 I don't have to answer every email right now. 00:13:47.475 --> 00:13:49.245 And sometimes they've solved that problem without me. 00:13:49.365 --> 00:13:57.075 And if that's great, I don't have to answer every message right now because the people I'm with need to know that they're most important and that's paid off in droves. 00:13:57.345 --> 00:13:58.005 That's worth it. 00:13:58.365 --> 00:14:09.165 So, um, the more, and then when they see how, um, how much, um, that means to them, then I think they have also stopped messaging me and emailing me and needing me because I've empowered them to do their job. 00:14:09.585 --> 00:14:10.905 And I think that makes a difference. 00:14:10.905 --> 00:14:13.845 So, um, yeah, that's, that's been a big step. 00:14:13.845 --> 00:14:15.255 But controlling what we can control. 00:14:16.485 --> 00:14:17.055 Is a big one. 00:14:17.835 --> 00:14:19.095 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah, for sure. 00:14:19.425 --> 00:14:24.675 Um, so you, you've been able to weave faith into your leadership journey. 00:14:24.675 --> 00:14:24.975 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:14:25.395 --> 00:14:27.975 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: about how faith has influenced your approach to leadership? 00:14:28.125 --> 00:14:28.485 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Oh man. 00:14:28.965 --> 00:14:30.615 I mean, the thing with um. 00:14:31.740 --> 00:14:39.420 With faith is ju I just, there's so many times that I know that I can't do this alone and, um, but it is a lonely profession by nature. 00:14:39.480 --> 00:14:43.020 Um, oddly we're with people all day, but you can still feel very lonely. 00:14:43.320 --> 00:14:45.780 And so, um, I'm so thankful to have. 00:14:46.245 --> 00:14:47.595 That faith that grounds me. 00:14:47.865 --> 00:14:51.135 Um, it's, you know, it reminds me that my identity isn't tied to Mrs. 00:14:51.135 --> 00:14:51.915 Hamilton, principal. 00:14:51.915 --> 00:14:56.625 It's not tied to, um, you know, teacher or boss or whatever. 00:14:56.625 --> 00:14:57.975 It's rooted in something deeper. 00:14:57.975 --> 00:15:03.135 And so, but it also helps me make decisions based on what's best for humans and what I want for my kids and my family. 00:15:03.135 --> 00:15:09.045 And, um, it definitely just helps me with that humility, compassion, and resilience, because I'm not doing this alone. 00:15:09.970 --> 00:15:10.260 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Mm-hmm. 00:15:10.650 --> 00:15:12.300 Yeah, that's, that's very true. 00:15:12.315 --> 00:15:12.585 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:15:12.720 --> 00:15:18.840 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Um, it's, it's interesting because, uh, my faith has also influenced my leadership greatly. 00:15:18.840 --> 00:15:28.410 And a big part of that is like what you said, what I don't see the kids in front of me as, um, as little brats or. 00:15:29.250 --> 00:15:32.940 who are struggling with something, I see them as their potential. 00:15:33.330 --> 00:15:33.550 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yes. 00:15:33.810 --> 00:15:35.190 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: that we are all children of God. 00:15:35.190 --> 00:15:40.950 And so I see them as children of God, not as the, the punk kids that they're acting 00:15:40.965 --> 00:15:41.055 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Right, 00:15:41.280 --> 00:15:43.590 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: because they're in my office 'cause they did something wrong. 00:15:44.010 --> 00:15:54.720 And, and being able to see that and say, alright, what can I do to help mold this kid into the best version of themselves going forward? 00:15:55.080 --> 00:15:56.400 That's, that's a really. 00:15:57.315 --> 00:16:12.850 Heavy responsibility, but it's also one that like inspires me and calls me up to like get out of my petulant, whining, complaining personality and realize that it's my opportunity to really make a big impact on this kid. 00:16:13.140 --> 00:16:14.430 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: And then it's not about me, right? 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:15.840 I mean, it's, it's way bigger than me. 00:16:15.840 --> 00:16:21.450 So that's what I try to remember too, is that, you know, it's my service, it's my mission, it's my passion in life. 00:16:21.450 --> 00:16:26.370 And this is the gift that God gave me, thank goodness, is to work with kids and to work with humans. 00:16:26.760 --> 00:16:28.350 And I'm thankful for that every day. 00:16:28.800 --> 00:16:32.760 Um, or at least I make sure I remind myself that to be thankful for that every day. 00:16:33.090 --> 00:16:38.130 But something that we've talked a lot about with my, you know, faith community is just making sure that we. 00:16:38.505 --> 00:16:41.055 Model ourselves as the people that we're supposed to be. 00:16:41.055 --> 00:16:46.545 And so people know that I am a woman of faith without me having to wear a shirt that says I'm a woman of faith and 00:16:46.595 --> 00:16:46.875 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:16:46.965 --> 00:16:55.125 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: I act that way and parents, and I, you know, just making sure that I, um, live my life in a way that shows that I'm grounded in faith. 00:16:55.935 --> 00:16:56.985 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah, for sure. 00:16:57.495 --> 00:17:04.485 So, uh, what would be your advice right now to principals who are feeling burnt out or stuck or fed up? 00:17:04.575 --> 00:17:06.255 Um, I'm hearing a lot of that right 00:17:06.405 --> 00:17:06.795 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Oh man, 00:17:06.855 --> 00:17:07.065 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: you 00:17:07.245 --> 00:17:09.315 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: it breaks my heart and it's, but it's true. 00:17:09.315 --> 00:17:13.245 I mean, it's not like you can say, don't feel this way because you've gotta feel the way you feel. 00:17:13.545 --> 00:17:21.405 I think the advice I give people, um, and, and I've talked with a lot of principals and fellow leaders and around here, is just give yourself that grace. 00:17:21.765 --> 00:17:22.635 Give yourself that grace. 00:17:22.635 --> 00:17:24.135 Let's define success today. 00:17:24.870 --> 00:17:29.550 You know, let's figure out what today would make, would define success is finishing this report. 00:17:29.550 --> 00:17:32.010 Success is making sure you impact this kid's success. 00:17:32.100 --> 00:17:35.190 Define what success looks like at the end of today, and let's see if we've met it. 00:17:35.730 --> 00:17:37.770 Um, and we don't have to fix everything right now. 00:17:37.830 --> 00:17:39.360 We can't fix everything right now. 00:17:39.360 --> 00:17:41.430 So go back to our why. 00:17:41.430 --> 00:17:44.880 And I know that's something that's been used so much, but man, why are you here? 00:17:45.300 --> 00:17:46.380 Why are you doing this job? 00:17:46.380 --> 00:17:47.520 And did you do that today? 00:17:47.790 --> 00:17:52.350 So many times when I get too far from kids is when I get bogged down and burn. 00:17:54.675 --> 00:17:57.375 Um, you forget your why, and these people are my why. 00:17:57.375 --> 00:18:04.005 So when I get out, get in the classrooms, get, I can't go to the lunchroom because that place is crazy, but I'll go to classrooms all day long. 00:18:04.575 --> 00:18:06.345 Um, but burnout doesn't mean you're broken. 00:18:06.345 --> 00:18:07.725 And I try to tell people that all the time. 00:18:07.725 --> 00:18:08.685 That doesn't mean you're broken. 00:18:09.075 --> 00:18:10.845 It's you've just been brave too long without rest. 00:18:10.845 --> 00:18:12.375 And you might need to give yourself some grace. 00:18:13.545 --> 00:18:14.025 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:18:14.175 --> 00:18:14.505 Hmm. 00:18:15.165 --> 00:18:15.735 like that. 00:18:15.795 --> 00:18:28.815 Um, one, what defines success today, and, and I, the way that I think about that, which is very similar is no matter what you're doing, you are doing your best. 00:18:28.980 --> 00:18:29.490 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yes. 00:18:29.985 --> 00:18:34.395 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: your best does not equal the best, but it, you know, 00:18:34.410 --> 00:18:35.100 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: And what does, 00:18:35.940 --> 00:18:36.600 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Exactly. 00:18:36.815 --> 00:18:37.435 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: define that. 00:18:37.470 --> 00:18:38.670 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: matter, yeah. 00:18:38.700 --> 00:18:49.740 No matter what you may have done today, it was the best you could possibly do because nobody is like, you know, I could do better, but I'm just gonna phone it in 00:18:49.790 --> 00:18:51.675 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: I am gonna come to work today and really screw up. 00:18:51.735 --> 00:18:52.365 That's my job. 00:18:52.365 --> 00:18:54.345 I'm gonna really come today and mess everything up. 00:18:54.525 --> 00:18:54.765 Yeah. 00:18:55.605 --> 00:18:55.815 Yeah. 00:18:55.905 --> 00:19:00.945 Nobody, and I tell, I talk to teachers about that too, with keeping that perspective with kids and parents. 00:19:01.125 --> 00:19:04.485 No kid gets up and says, I'm gonna ruin my teacher's life today, no parent. 00:19:04.485 --> 00:19:08.175 'cause I'm gonna send the worst thing I have to school today and let them destroy the place. 00:19:08.265 --> 00:19:11.025 Everybody's doing the best they can and we've gotta keep that perspective, you know? 00:19:11.780 --> 00:19:12.180 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:19:12.300 --> 00:19:14.730 And, and even if somebody is being really rotten 00:19:14.835 --> 00:19:14.895 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:19:14.940 --> 00:19:18.270 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: and being really difficult, that is literally the best that they can do that day. 00:19:18.315 --> 00:19:19.215 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: And they're communicating. 00:19:19.220 --> 00:19:19.470 Yeah, 00:19:19.860 --> 00:19:22.545 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: yeah, and, and giving them that grace to say, Hey. 00:19:23.400 --> 00:19:27.390 understand that this is your best, even if it's not the best that you would want. 00:19:27.480 --> 00:19:27.870 Right? 00:19:28.035 --> 00:19:28.096 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: yeah, yeah. 00:19:28.230 --> 00:19:35.940 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: And, and having that balance of, of giving them grace, but also holding accountable and saying, Hey, I know you can be better. 00:19:36.300 --> 00:19:39.210 Um, and you weren't today, but I know you can't be 00:19:39.430 --> 00:19:39.780 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Right? 00:19:40.170 --> 00:19:44.250 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: That, that positive, hopeful outlook really does wonders 00:19:44.295 --> 00:19:44.565 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:19:45.060 --> 00:19:45.600 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: where 00:19:45.645 --> 00:19:46.365 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: the age, right? 00:19:46.365 --> 00:19:46.425 Yeah, 00:19:46.845 --> 00:19:47.595 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Exactly. 00:19:47.685 --> 00:19:51.615 You call out the bad behavior and express hope that tomorrow can be better. 00:19:51.915 --> 00:19:53.895 And, and then you can move on. 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.190 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: yeah. 00:19:54.285 --> 00:19:57.405 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: it doesn't have to be like you were mean to me. 00:19:57.405 --> 00:19:59.625 And so therefore, I hate your guts and I never wanna talk to you 00:19:59.760 --> 00:20:00.110 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Right. 00:20:00.255 --> 00:20:00.825 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Doesn't have to be 00:20:00.930 --> 00:20:01.660 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: It's not about you. 00:20:02.090 --> 00:20:02.940 Back to that, right? 00:20:04.005 --> 00:20:04.395 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Yeah. 00:20:04.690 --> 00:20:04.980 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah, 00:20:05.025 --> 00:20:05.715 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: sensing a theme 00:20:05.730 --> 00:20:06.020 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: yeah. 00:20:06.020 --> 00:20:06.300 Yeah. 00:20:06.370 --> 00:20:06.490 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: good. 00:20:08.595 --> 00:20:16.245 So my last question is, what is one thing that a principal can do this week to be a Transformative Principal like you, Samantha? 00:20:19.485 --> 00:20:21.435 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: You know, I think, um, 00:20:23.565 --> 00:20:26.835 man, so I, I think that there is, 00:20:29.895 --> 00:20:32.775 you've gotta give yourself a, a permission to be human. 00:20:32.775 --> 00:20:33.825 You've gotta give yourself permission to. 00:20:34.935 --> 00:20:36.675 Lean into what you've gotta work towards. 00:20:36.675 --> 00:20:42.105 And you gotta pick one thing, pick something that you want to get better at tomorrow. 00:20:42.135 --> 00:20:45.525 You cannot improve yourself on everything right now, and that's not expected. 00:20:45.735 --> 00:20:49.425 So I think progress over perfection show up, stay the course. 00:20:49.815 --> 00:20:51.135 So focus on progress. 00:20:51.195 --> 00:20:57.615 Focus on showing up, focus on staying your course, whatever that may be, and then celebrate those small wins and celebrate the. 00:21:01.195 --> 00:21:02.570 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: I, I think that's fantastic. 00:21:02.570 --> 00:21:04.610 I love that idea of progress over perfection. 00:21:04.700 --> 00:21:07.640 Um, uh, if people wanna connect with 00:21:07.650 --> 00:21:07.950 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah, 00:21:08.210 --> 00:21:08.755 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: what's the best way? 00:21:08.810 --> 00:21:09.575 For them to do that. 00:21:10.200 --> 00:21:17.460 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: so I'm definitely on all the social media, um, you know, Samantha Hamilton on, um, you know, Facebook, Instagram, all those things. 00:21:17.520 --> 00:21:23.880 Um, the, um, barefoot Principle is what I'm known for and that my website is being. 00:21:24.870 --> 00:21:26.280 It should be live any minute now. 00:21:26.280 --> 00:21:27.630 So barefoot principle.com. 00:21:28.110 --> 00:21:32.010 I'm known for being barefoot most of the time 'cause I've gotta get dirty and get out, get after it. 00:21:32.010 --> 00:21:34.470 So, um, I love shoes, but I don't always wear 'em. 00:21:35.160 --> 00:21:38.910 So Barefoot principle, um, LinkedIn, Facebook, all those things. 00:21:38.910 --> 00:21:38.970 Yeah. 00:21:39.930 --> 00:21:40.890 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Okay, very good. 00:21:41.130 --> 00:21:47.040 Uh, once again, her book, brave On Purpose, how Courage, culture and Connection Create Lasting Impact is available. 00:21:47.040 --> 00:21:47.610 Wherever you get 00:21:47.845 --> 00:21:48.135 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Yeah. 00:21:48.390 --> 00:21:49.170 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: go buy it. 00:21:49.170 --> 00:21:56.760 And here's the really important thing I. Go buy it and then make sure you leave a review because those reviews really mean a lot, especially for a first time author. 00:21:57.060 --> 00:21:58.350 They need the five stars. 00:21:58.410 --> 00:22:02.670 If you don't give it five stars, like don't even bother, but give it five stars. 00:22:02.700 --> 00:22:04.260 Write a positive review. 00:22:04.320 --> 00:22:05.670 Tell her that you appreciate it. 00:22:05.670 --> 00:22:06.570 That means a lot to 00:22:06.695 --> 00:22:07.290 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Oh yes. 00:22:07.740 --> 00:22:09.390 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: Samantha, thank you so much for being 00:22:09.495 --> 00:22:09.965 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Thank you. 00:22:10.080 --> 00:22:11.070 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: part of the Transformative 00:22:11.280 --> 00:22:12.060 samantha-hamilton--she-her-_1_04-30-2025_171732: Thanks for what you do. 00:22:12.060 --> 00:22:13.110 I really appreciate it too. 00:22:13.200 --> 00:22:13.860 I really appreciate you. 00:22:13.860 --> 00:22:14.220 Thank you. 00:22:14.280 --> 00:22:15.030 jethro_1_04-30-2025_151709: my pleasure. 00:22:15.510 --> 00:22:21.870 If you enjoyed this podcast, then you will probably love working with me in the mastermind. 00:22:21.900 --> 00:22:36.270 Go to Transformative Principal dot com, apply to be a member there and get support all throughout the year, not just this microwave once a year conference kind of thing, but all year long you get support Transformative Principal dot com.