The Ascending Above Podcast is Launched!!
Listen to the First Episode by
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Case Studies
Leadership Case Scenarios
One of the lessons I have learned throughout my personal and professional journey is that when we encounter adversity, we often already possess many of the strengths, skills, and experiences necessary to overcome it.
What we sometimes lack is a trusted guide, a supportive partner, or a framework that helps us make sense of what we are experiencing.
Through the Ascending Above Podcast and Coaching Services, I use a simple but powerful framework to highlight 3 main areas that leaders confront in not for higher education, not for profit, and K-12 leadership:
The Weight – Understanding what we are carrying.
The Role – Understanding who we are, our identity, and the expectations placed upon us.
The Work – Developing intentional strategies and sustainable practices that help us address current challenges and prepare for future ones.
These case studies will serve as the foundation for present and future conversations, presentations, workshops, and coaching sessions that will be presented, unpacked, and supplemented with helpful and sustainable solutions.
Danielle is a 39-year-old Director of Student Success at a midsize university. She oversees:
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retention initiatives
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student crisis response
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staff supervision
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DEI-centered programming
On paper, Danielle is highly respected:
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strong performance reviews
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trusted by leadership
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admired by students and staff
But privately, she feels emotionally exhausted almost every day.
The Weight of the Role in Higher Education
When the Role Has No Clear Boundaries
Northbridge Learning Collective hired Maya Thompson as its first Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion after a series of public complaints from staff and students regarding racial climate, inequitable disciplinary practices, and leadership distrust.
During the interview process, leadership described the role as:
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“Transformational”
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“Culture-shifting”
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“A bridge-builder”
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“Someone who can unify everyone”
However, no clear strategic plan, reporting structure, authority level, or measurable goals were outlined.
How Not to Avoid Conflict
Brookside Preparatory Academy serves a diverse student population in a rapidly changing urban community. The school has experienced:
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Increased behavioral referrals
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Teacher burnout
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Declining parent engagement
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Rising student mental health concerns
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Budget reductions
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Staff turnover
The Assistant Principal, Daniel Rivera, entered the school year determined to rebuild culture and trust.
Instead, by October, he found himself navigating conflict from every direction.