In this inspiring episode of Standing Tall | Voices in Leadership, Dr. Debbie McFalone—a nationally recognized leadership coach, author, and founder of Live Well, Lead Strong—joins us for a powerful conversation about what it truly means to lead with courage, conviction, and compassion. Whether you’re a veteran superintendent or just stepping into a leadership role, you’ll walk away with practical strategies to strengthen your leadership impact, build trust, and create brave cultures in your schools.
Guest: Dr. Debbie McFalone, Leadership Facilitator, Author, and Founder of Live Well, Lead Strong
Key Topics Covered:
Leadership Journey: Debbie shares pivotal moments from her career as a teacher, principal, superintendent, and now a full-time coach and consultant.
Core Values in Leadership: Learn why courage and integrity are non-negotiables in effective school leadership, and how to align your actions with your beliefs.
Mindful Leadership: Discover how self-awareness fuels trustworthiness and informed decision-making.
The Power of Reflection & a Personal Board of Directors: Debbie encourages leaders to reflect on their formation and to surround themselves with trusted thought partners.
Her Book – Meeting the Moment: Debbie introduces ideas from her latest book focused on leading with conviction and practical strategies for navigating challenging times. Explore her publications.
Creating Brave Cultures: Understand the connection between trust, vulnerability, and student success—and how brave conversations can elevate a school’s culture.
Leadership Development Work in Michigan: Hear about her work with principals across Muskegon County and the impact of empowering people, building strong cultures, and optimizing systems.
Future of Education: Debbie reflects on the changing landscape of education and the importance of flexibility, relevance, and transferable skills.
Rapid Fire Fun: Get to know Debbie with a fun round of questions—from her guilty pleasure TV show to whether a hot dog counts as a sandwich.
🔗 Helpful Links:
Learn more about Debbie: Live Well, Lead Strong – About Debbie
Debbie’s new book: Meeting the Moment
Explore leadership coaching and workshops: Live Well, Lead Strong Services