Randy Lindquist sits down with Assistant Principal Willie Burrel to discuss the transformative power of leading with love, vulnerability, and intentional relationship-building in a middle school setting. Through personal stories and practical habits, Burrel illustrates how leaders can move beyond administrative tasks to create a culture where every student and staff member feels truly seen.
Visibility is Non-Negotiable: Impactful leadership happens in the hallways, at lunch tables, and during "Crew Time," not behind a closed office door.
The "Coffee Guy" Philosophy: Small, consistent acts of service—like brewing the morning coffee—build massive amounts of relational capital with staff.
Vulnerability Creates Connection: Being "real" and sharing your personal background allows students and staff to trust the person behind the title.
Clear is Kind: Drawing from Brené Brown’s philosophy, Burrel discusses how clear communication is the most effective way to handle accountability.
Creating "Sailor Experiences": Intentionality in providing clubs for non-athletes ensures every student has a "village" where they belong.
[04:12] The Pivot: How an English professor saw Willie’s potential as a teacher before he did.
[09:45] Defining Culture: What it looks like to make a building feel like a "family" from the moment someone walks in.
[15:20] The Muskegon Connection: Using community roots and shared history to reach "hard to reach" students.
[22:30] Middle School Magic: Why Willie chose to stay with an age group many others avoid.
[31:15] Rapid Fire: A look into Willie’s 4:00 AM routine, his stance on the LeBron vs. Jordan debate, and his secret skill for folding fitted sheets.
"We don’t only say it, but we exemplify it in all that we do. From the moment you walk into our building, I think you feel special."
"Being clear is kind... the more clear our communication can be and the more we can build that trust, the better we can support our kids."
Dare to Lead by Brené Brown
MEMSPA (Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principals Association)
Fresh Coast Counseling