Few roles demand more heart, humility, and resolve than leading a public school district.

In this episode, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with Dr. Travis Madison, superintendent of New Albany Floyd County Schools, for a candid conversation about leadership rooted in purpose—and the power of showing up for students, staff, and the community every day.

With nearly three decades in education, Dr. Madison offers the perspective of someone who has served at every level—from the English classroom to the superintendent’s office. He reflects on how coaching shaped his leadership style, why visibility and trust matter more than ever, and how career education can serve as a powerful equalizer for students across the district.

Listeners will explore:

• Empathy and consistency as foundations for effective school leadership
• Visibility, relationships, and trust as drivers of districtwide success
• Career education access and how programs like Prosser prepare students for life beyond the classroom
• District alignment and the strategies behind building systems that support long-term impact

Whether he’s cheering on students at an evening event or navigating big-picture strategy, Dr. Madison leads with an unwavering commitment to doing what’s best for kids.

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In this insightful episode, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with Wendy Muston—concert harpist and former school board president—for a conversation about leadership, service, and the lasting impact of the arts in education.

With a career that spans international concert halls and 25 years of public service in The Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township, Wendy shares how her experiences as a musician shaped her leadership style and fueled her advocacy for equitable arts education. From navigating challenges on stage to leading through a pandemic, her story is one of resilience, integrity, and a deep commitment to community.

Listeners will hear about:

• Developing a music career with adaptability and purpose
• Leading without a personal agenda—and why that matters
• Advocating for early instrumental education as a foundation for equity
• Drawing leadership lessons from orchestral collaboration

This episode is a powerful reminder that creative disciplines can build the skills leaders need most: empathy, collaboration and the ability to listen with intent.

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In this inspiring episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, guest host Audra Blasdel speaks with Dan Robison, director of the Jackson County Chamber, about returning home, building ecosystems, and leading rural transformation through connection and creativity.

After nearly two decades in Florida, Robison made the bold decision to return to Seymour, Indiana—just days before the pandemic hit. What followed was a reimagining of community leadership rooted in servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and a relentless belief in the power of people.

Listeners will hear about:

• The journey from big-box retail to rural innovation
• Rebuilding trust and energy in a hometown community
• Why “being a connector” is a leadership superpower
• The bold vision behind the Spark Shop and rural entrepreneurship
• Turning perceived disadvantages into strategic advantages
• Leading through uncertainty—and staying grounded in purpose

With humor, honesty, and a deep sense of mission, Robison shares how returning home became his greatest act of leadership—and how building supportive ecosystems can unlock opportunity for generations to come.

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In this inspiring episode, CEO Sarah Hempstead sits down with Dr. Carolyn Gentle-Genitty, inaugural dean of Founders College at Butler University, to explore how visionary leadership and lived experience are reshaping access to higher education.

Dr. Gentle-Genitty shares her journey from growing up in Belize to serving as dean of a bold new college model designed for high-ability, low-wealth students. With stories that span grassroots youth leadership, systemic change in U.S. higher education, and her role in leading a program built on access, equity and purpose, this conversation is a masterclass in servant leadership, innovation and resilience.

Listeners will hear about:

• Designing academic spaces with intentionality and belonging
• Removing barriers to student success through policy and practice
• The power of mentorship, storytelling and showing up
• How education can shape better citizens, not just better careers

This episode is more than a conversation. It is a call to design boldly, lead with purpose and make space for those too often left behind.

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In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, host Sarah Hempstead speaks with Dr. Tanuja Singh, president of the University of Indianapolis.

Dr. Singh shares her extraordinary journey from particle physics in India to purposeful leadership in higher education. She discusses the importance of belonging, mentorship, and preparing the next generation of women leaders—offering a candid and inspiring look at what it means to lead with empathy, curiosity and conviction.

Key highlights:

• From particle physics to people-centered leadership
  Singh began her career in science, but discovered her true calling in higher education—where she could make a personal impact. “I liked particles, but I liked people better,” she said.
• Parental support and early empowerment
  Raised in a household that valued independence and education, Singh credits her father—a self-described feminist—for instilling in her the belief that she could do anything.
• Creating community and belonging
  Her decision to attend Millsaps College in Mississippi was shaped by a sense of personal connection. That same value of caring deeply for individuals now informs her leadership at UIndy.
• Empowering women leaders through action
  Singh helped launch the Women’s Executive Leadership Institute, a program rooted in mentorship, skill-building and support for emerging women leaders across industries in Indiana.
• Reimagining lifelong learning
  Through UIndy Online and the CS Institute, Singh is championing accessible, real-world education for adults seeking to reskill or upskill in today’s rapidly changing workforce.
• Curiosity as a leadership imperative
  Singh underscores the role of curiosity in personal and professional growth. “Higher education is where your mind learns to be resilient, adaptable and imaginative,” she said.
• A global perspective on education and equity
  Singh calls for renewed investment in U.S. higher education, warning that countries like India and China are rapidly advancing their research and experiential learning infrastructures.
• Leading with purpose—one student at a time
  Singh’s legacy is rooted in helping others discover their potential. Whether it’s a student gaining confidence or a professional finding their voice, her mission is to inspire belief in what’s possible.
• Recharge through travel and reflection
  A passionate traveler, Singh finds joy in exploring new cultures—and sees it as a way to better understand shared human values.

Singh also shares two compelling reads: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, and In Case of Emergency, Break Glass, a book about finding calm and clarity in an overstimulated digital world.

This episode is a must-listen for educators, leaders, and anyone committed to building a more inclusive, curious, and purpose-driven future. Hear how Dr. Tanuja Singh is shaping the future of higher education—one meaningful connection at a time.

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In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, host Sarah Hempstead sits down with Matthew Deck, Director of Facilities and Events for the City of Westfield, Indiana and Audra Blasdel, Waypoint Strategies Division Lead.

Deck shares how his deep-rooted love for community, inspired by his mother and mentors like former mayor Andy Cook, has shaped his leadership journey. From overseeing Grand Park—one of the largest sports complexes in the U.S.—to planning community-defining events and fostering a culture of service, Deck speaks candidly about the values that drive him. He reflects on personal growth, public service, and the importance of building spaces that bring people together.

Key highlights:

• Lessons in servant leadership: Deck recalls how witnessing leaders pick up trash or organize roadside cleanups instilled in him a humble, action-oriented approach.
• Grand Park’s transformation and future: What started as a bold idea now draws over 5 million visitors annually. Deck shares how the park is reshaping Westfield’s identity and economy.
• Investing in the next generation: From scholarships to mentorship, Deck emphasizes the importance of giving back and encouraging young people to love and serve their city.
• Balancing passion and purpose: Whether organizing large-scale events or raising daughters who understand the power of a simple thank-you, Deck brings intention to everything he does.
• Advice for aspiring public leaders: Love your city, surround yourself with good people and stay physically and mentally strong. Leadership starts with showing up—authentically and consistently.

Tune in for a conversation that will inspire anyone who believes in the power of community, creativity and committed leadership to shape a brighter future.

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In this episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, host Sarah Hempstead speaks with Brian Tomamichel, assistant superintendent for business and operations at Westfield Washington Schools.

Tomamichel shares his unconventional path to education leadership, his passion for the outdoors, and his approach to managing growth in one of Indiana’s fastest-growing school districts. From fostering collaboration to balancing a $150 million budget, he provides insights on adaptability, resilience and the power of lifelong learning.

Key highlights:

• The power of hard work and community
  Growing up in Beech Grove, Indiana, Tomamichel learned the value of resilience and teamwork—lessons that continue to guide his leadership style.
• A passion for the outdoors and leadership parallels
  Tomamichel’s love for hiking and national parks has taught him patience, problem-solving and the importance of taking one step at a time—wisdom that applies directly to his role in education leadership.
• Leading through change and growth
  Westfield Washington Schools has grown by 1,700 students in the past four years—essentially adding an entire elementary school’s worth of students annually. Tomamichel discusses the challenges and strategies involved in maintaining excellence amid rapid expansion.
• Balancing family, leadership and personal growth
  With three children, a full-time working spouse and a Ph.D. in progress, Tomamichel reflects on the importance of time management and teamwork at home and at work.
• The business of education
  Tomamichel explores why school districts must operate with a business mindset, ensuring efficiency and sustainability while delivering high-quality education.
• A commitment to early learning
  Westfield Washington Schools is expanding its early childhood education offerings, reinforcing the critical role of preschool in student success.
• Advice for aspiring leaders
  Tomamichel’s key takeaway: Be honest, be adaptable and recognize that true leadership means making the right decisions—even when they aren’t easy.

Book recommendation: You Can’t Send a Duck to Eagle School – A leadership book emphasizing the importance of attitude in success.

This episode is filled with actionable insights and inspiring stories for educators, leaders and anyone looking to grow both personally and professionally. Tune in to hear how Tomamichel navigates the complexities of education, community service and leadership with clarity and purpose.

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In this inspiring episode of Luminate: Navigating the Unknown Through Creative Leadership, Sarah Hempstead sits down with Mike Springer, Superintendent of Norwell Community Schools, to explore his remarkable 30-year journey in education. From his humble beginnings on a farm in Illinois to leading transformative educational initiatives, Mike shares lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of student-centered learning.

Key Highlights from the Episode:

• Early Roots in Leadership
  Mike reflects on how his upbringing on a farm instilled a strong work ethic, teamwork, and resilience—values that shaped his career in education.
• Engaging Students in Learning
  He emphasizes the importance of hands-on, immersive learning experiences, sharing anecdotes about inspiring students to wake up early for birdwatching fieldwork.
• From Teacher to Superintendent
  Hear how Mike transitioned from teaching middle school science to leading entire districts, with lessons learned from mentors and tough but transformational conversations.
• The Role of Space in Learning
  Mike shares insights from a recent project to redesign rigid, outdated classrooms into flexible environments that support collaboration, creativity, and cognitive development.
• Advice for Aspiring Educators
  His message for new teachers: stay resilient, choose the right district, and embrace the joy and reward of shaping young minds.
• The Future of Education
  Mike highlights the growing focus on cognitive development, systematic teaching approaches, and the importance of preparing students and educators to adapt to an ever-changing world.
• Book Recommendations
  Don’t miss his picks: Toy Box Leadership by Ron Hunter and Michael Waddle, and Your Child Learns Differently, Now What? by Roger Stark and Betsy Hill, which explore leadership and the science of learning.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, compelling stories, and a heartfelt passion for education. Whether you’re an educator, a leader, or just someone passionate about lifelong learning, this conversation will leave you inspired and energized.