Join Summer from Child Care Business Growth as she sits down with Tym Smith at CBG Live Miami to discuss resiliency, leadership, and transformational practices in early childhood education.

In this episode, Tim shares insights on:

• How post-pandemic challenges have reshaped child care in 2025
• The concept of “what’s in your bag” and why curiosity beats judgment
• Transforming staff interactions and fostering a growth mindset
• Understanding the experiences children carry into your classrooms
• Creating a supportive community among child care leaders

If you’re an early education business owner looking to lead with empathy, inspire your team, and adapt to today’s world, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world stories.

Episode Notes / Key Takeaways

1. Resiliency is essential: Schools operate very differently than pre-2019—adapt and grow.
2. The “Bag” Concept: Everyone carries experiences that shape their beliefs—approach with curiosity, not judgment.
3. Energy Drives Transformation: Movement, music, and engagement create meaningful change.
4. Empathy for Children: Understand the developmental gaps caused by the pandemic.
5. Community Matters: Lean on peers and staff to navigate challenges effectively.

In this episode, Nick sits down with childcare leaders Jessica Hampton and Katy Denk to dive into what it really takes to grow a thriving childcare business. From building trust with families to empowering staff and creating systems that drive success, Jessica and Katy share practical insights and honest reflections every childcare owner needs to hear.

Whether you’re just starting your center or scaling to the next level, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger about leadership, community, and the future of early childhood education.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why building trust is the foundation of childcare success
• The importance of measuring what truly matters
• How to empower your team instead of doing it all yourself
• Practical tips for balancing purpose and profit

Tune in for real-world strategies and empowering advice to help you create lasting impact in your center and community.

Culture drives performance — but most childcare business owners underestimate the connection. In this powerful conversation, Nick sits down with Wei-Li Chong, Founder & Chief Impact Officer of Wynn Consulting, CEO of Otter Learning and Former President of KinderCare Learning Companies, to uncover how leaders can transform disengaged teams into thriving, high-performing cultures.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
✅ Why only 1 in 3 employees are engaged (and how to move the needle)
✅ The 3-5-2 dynamic of staff performance and where to invest leadership energy
✅ How to apply the culture-performance matrix to identify where your business sits today
✅ The real difference between activity vs. outcomes in leadership
✅ Why leverage, self-reflection, and “sharpening the Axe” are critical to success

If you’re struggling with staffing, culture, or accountability in your childcare business, this episode is a roadmap to creating sustainable, optimized growth.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more strategies on leadership, culture, and growth in the childcare industry.