From Bronx roots to shaping the future of public education: Jessica Sutter shares how a life grounded in service, trust, and intellectual rigor led her from the classroom to national education policy and consulting. Jessica is an education leader and consultant based in Washington, D.C., whose career spans teaching, charter school leadership, policy, and research.

Raised in a large Catholic family in the Bronx, Jessica grew up in a household that prized education and community, values that continue to guide her work today. Though no longer religious, she carries forward a Jesuit-inspired commitment to social justice and leaving institutions better than she found them. That throughline has shaped her decades-long dedication to students, families, and mission-driven organizations.

Jessica traces her journey from teaching in Chicago to training educators in Los Angeles, before becoming a founding teacher at KIPP LA Prep in the early days of the charter school movement. Those formative classroom years, including launching a middle school that eventually grew into a full district, grounded her leadership in the lived realities of students and families. Her curiosity about systems-level change later pulled her into education policy, beginning in Washington, D.C. during the Obama era, where an Education Pioneers fellowship and doctoral training deepened her impact.

Today, Jessica brings together lived experience, qualitative research expertise, and hard-earned perspective as an independent consultant. She shares why trust, self-discipline, and intellectual honesty are non-negotiable in consulting, and why leaders must sometimes say no, or refer work elsewhere, to protect long-term credibility. She also reframes mergers and consolidations in education not as failures, but as mission-preserving strategies in a shifting philanthropic and funding landscape.

At its heart, this conversation is about leadership with humanity - balancing ambition with vulnerability, innovation with stewardship, and meaningful work with a life well lived. Tune in for a thoughtful, deeply grounded discussion that will resonate with educators, nonprofit leaders, and anyone navigating change with purpose.

Chapters

00:31 👋 Meet Jessica Sutter Building Trust in Education

00:59 🎧 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check Out podcastsmatter.com

01:14 👩‍🎓 Jessica’s Early Life and Education

12:30 📚 Career Journey From Teaching to Policy Work

24:19 🌟 If You Are a Leader or Changemaker Looking for Support, Check Out geniusdiscovery.org

25:47 🤝 The Role of Relationships in Consulting

27:29 🧭 Balancing Self Discipline and Curiosity

28:53 🔍 Why Trust and Expertise Matter in Consulting

32:40 💡 Navigating Financial Pressure and Building Trust

36:42 🔗 Mergers, Acquisitions, and Organizational Sustainability

39:38 📝 Find Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at booksthatmatter.org

53:04 ✨ Reflections on a Life Well Lived

57:17 🎙️ Find More Podcasts That Matter at podcaststhatmatter.org

Links

Website: https://www.edproconsultingllc.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/edpro-consulting/?viewAsMember=true
Connect with Jessica: www.linkedin.com/in/jessicasutter
Connect with Jessica Sutter through her website and social channels, follow her work in education advocacy and consulting, and explore her insights on strategic partnerships and leadership to stay inspired and informed.

Connect with Mike: www.linkedin.com/in/mmsc

Stronger Consulting: strongerconsulting.com

Publish a Book That Matters: booksthatmatter.org

Start a Podcast That Matters: podcastsmatter.com

Go from Expert to Thought Leader: geniusdiscovery.org

For more great podcasts like this one, visit https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

Stay strong.

From sixth-grade math teacher to superintendent to leadership coach — Kelli Marshall shares how data-driven courage, deep relationships, and a clear “why” can transform schools and the people who lead them.

Kelli Marshall, a proud Indianapolis native and IU Bloomington graduate, has spent her career shaping education across Indiana. Growing up near Butler University and attending Indianapolis Public Schools, her early experiences sparked a commitment to improving outcomes for students regardless of circumstance. She is known for her work as a former superintendent and now as the founder of Vine Elements LLC, where she coaches and consults with school and education nonprofit leaders navigating growth and change.

Kelli reflects on her early teaching years, including the challenges of finding the right role and ultimately thriving as a sixth-grade math teacher in an innovative, open-concept environment. She gained recognition for rigorous instruction and strong classroom management, crediting her success to data-informed decision-making rather than chasing educational trends. Throughout her leadership journey, she witnessed cycles of reform come and go, reinforcing her belief that effective change must be grounded in what works for specific students and communities.

As a superintendent, Kelli led large-scale curriculum and system changes, emphasizing the importance of trust, clarity, and pacing. She shares practical insights on frontloading preparation, using consistent data meetings, and implementing change in manageable doses. Central to her philosophy is building strong relationships with educators before introducing new initiatives, especially in systems fatigued by failed reforms.

Beyond strategy, the conversation explores responsibility, purpose, and the human side of leadership. Kelli discusses how clarifying one’s role, cultivating a trusted inner circle, and staying true to core convictions sustain leaders through the loneliness of the work. Listeners will leave inspired to lead with intention, courage, and compassion — and to remember just how powerful educators can be in shaping lives. Tune in for a thoughtful, grounded conversation on leadership that truly lasts.

Chapters

00:31 🎙️ Meet Kelli Marshall and Her Journey in Education

00:54 🎧 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check Out podcastsmatter.com

01:27 🍎 Early career experiences in the classroom

04:05 🔄 Navigating challenges and change in education

20:27 🏫 How Indianapolis education has evolved over time

22:14 📘 Find Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at booksthatmatter.org

24:14 🧠 Reflecting on lessons from past experiences

24:47 🚀 New ventures and future goals ahead

26:54 ❤️ Family perspective and personal impact

30:34 🧭 Leadership insights and practical advice

34:10 🌱 If You Are a Leader or Changemaker Looking for Support, Check Out geniusdiscovery.org

37:28 🙏 Final reflections and gratitude

45:59 🎶 Find More Podcasts That Matter at podcaststhatmatter.org

Links

Website: https://www.vineelementsllc.com

Connect with Kelli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelli-marshall-70216417a/

Connect with Kelli Marshall to learn more about her work through Vine Elements LLC and explore how intentional, data-driven leadership can create lasting impact in schools and education organizations.

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmsc/

Stronger Consulting: https://strongerconsulting.com

Publish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.org

Start a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.com

Go from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org

For more great podcasts like this one, visit https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

Stay strong.

From a childhood shaped by instability to a career dedicated to building pathways of opportunity, The Stronger Podcast host, Mike Montoya, shares how resilience, education, and supportive adults can change the trajectory of a life and an entire generation.

Mike, a consultant with Stronger Consulting, reflects on growing up in 1970s Colorado Springs as the son of a barber and a homemaker, rooted in agricultural communities and first-generation aspirations. Though his parents never attended college, they made deliberate sacrifices to create better educational opportunities for their children. That commitment to upward mobility and purpose now anchors Mike’s professional mission, shaping how he helps organizations stay grounded in why their work matters. His story underscores how values formed early in life often become the foundation for meaningful leadership later on.

He opens up about childhood adversity marked by unresolved trauma, emotional conflict, and unpredictability at home. Stability came through structured environments like Boy Scouts, swimming, church, and school programs, where trusted adults offered safety and consistency. As a teenager and later as a college student, Mike intentionally sought distance and growth, eventually attending Boston College before transferring to Colorado College, where he found confidence, belonging, and direction. These experiences ignited his passion for youth development and resilience research.

Mike shares how global travel with Up With People and later work at UC San Diego deepened his commitment to expanding access to education for underserved students. He explains why college remains a powerful lever for first-generation families, despite rising costs and systemic challenges. Drawing on his experience, he advocates for cradle-to-career pathways, community partnerships, and accountability beyond high school graduation alone.

Mike’s story is a compelling reminder that investing in young people is both a moral and societal imperative. Tune in to hear why Mike believes we can’t afford to give up on education, and what it will take to ensure opportunity is truly within reach for every child.

Chapters
🎙️ 00:31 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check Out podcastsmatter.com

🌄 00:47 Growing Up in Colorado Springs

🏠 05:03 Family Dynamics and Childhood Challenges

🎓 06:54 High School and College Journey

🌱 10:44 Discovering Youth Development and Early Career

🌍 12:52 Up With People and a Global Perspective

🏫 15:10 Building a Career in Youth Development and Education

🔮 25:18 Reflections on Purpose and Future Aspirations

🔗 27:15 Find More Podcasts That Matter at podcaststhatmatter.org

Links

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmsc/

Stronger Consulting: https://strongerconsulting.com

Publish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.org

Start a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.com

Go from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org

For more great podcasts like this one, visit https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

Stay strong.

The Stronger Podcast host, Mike Montoya, looks ahead to the future of school leadership, unpacking why the next hiring cycles will define whether schools stabilize or continue to struggle with turnover and burnout.

In this episode, Mike reflects on what’s coming in 2026 and beyond for K–12 education, with a sharp focus on hiring season and leadership trends. Drawing on years of experience placing more than 90 school leaders and interviewing tens of thousands of candidates, he speaks candidly about the growing strain on principals and district systems alike. He names a clear inflection point in education, where teacher shortages, principal turnover, and fragmented talent pipelines are colliding.

Mike explores why strong school leadership almost always begins with excellent teaching experiences paired with early-career mentorship and development. While there’s no national consensus on how to grow great leaders, research from organizations like the Wallace Foundation reinforces what Mike has seen firsthand: principals have a powerful, positive impact on school outcomes when they are supported and allowed to stay. Frequent leadership transitions, he explains, create organizational chaos that disrupts culture, instruction, and student success.

It is unrealistic to expect one leader to manage instruction, operations, and community engagement alone. Mike shares examples of long-tenured principals who, with the right systems and support, built thriving school communities where both students and adults flourished. These environments serve learners across the spectrum through intentional resource allocation, data-informed decisions, and a deep commitment to belonging.

Looking ahead, Mike predicts moderate turnover in the near term, with increased movement expected around 2027. Rather than competing in a tight market, he urges systems to double down on developing their own people. He offers a grounded, hopeful vision for how schools can invest in leaders who love the work and stay long enough to make a lasting difference. Tune in for a thoughtful look at what it will take to build stable, thriving schools in the years ahead.

Chapters
🎧 00:31 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check Out podcastsmatter.com

🏫 00:45 The Current State of School Leadership

🧭 01:57 Challenges and Pathways in School Leadership

🌱 08:11 Success Stories and Leadership Reflections

🔮 12:15 Predictions and Opportunities Ahead

🔗 15:33 Find More Podcasts That Matter at podcaststhatmatter.org

Links

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmsc/

Stronger Consulting: https://strongerconsulting.com

Publish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.org

Start a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.com

Go from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org

For more great podcasts like this one, visit https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

Stay strong.

From educator to nonprofit leader, Cathy shares her journey of transforming education and community engagement, helping Bexar County’s youth access post-secondary opportunities while empowering women leaders and cultivating meaningful partnerships.

Cathy recently joined Up Partnership in San Antonio as a leader of a nonprofit backbone network supporting the Future Ready Plan, a bold initiative aiming to ensure seventy percent of Bexar County’s 550,000 youth pursue post-secondary education by 2030. With 21 years in public schools, including 14 in Austin ISD, she brings deep experience as a teacher, administrator, and assistant superintendent, as well as 13 years leading a nonprofit in Austin. Cathy’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to student success, mentorship, and building systems that amplify community impact.

Her path was shaped by pivotal moments, including the realization that legislative mandates and budget constraints limited her ability to effect change within schools. Transitioning to the nonprofit sector allowed Cathy to complement educational efforts rather than bear them entirely, offering flexibility to engage volunteers, provide mentoring relationships, and ignite student passion for learning. Personal experiences, such as balancing a demanding career with raising her own children, further informed her approach to leadership and work-life integration.

Cathy shares practical insights on fostering effective partnerships, supporting women leaders, and implementing strategic interventions that create measurable outcomes. From mentoring staff to coordinating school and community resources, she emphasizes that small but intentional efforts can open significant opportunities for students. Her leadership frameworks blend empathy, strategic alignment, and professional development, enabling individuals and organizations to thrive.

Listeners will gain inspiration from Cathy’s story of courage, adaptability, and lifelong learning, seeing how one leader can impact systems, communities, and future generations. Tune in to hear how she navigates complex challenges, builds meaningful connections, and continues to lead with heart, vision, and purpose.

Chapters
👋 00:30 Meet Dr. Cathy Jones and UP Partnership

🎧 01:06 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check Out podcastsmatter.com

📚 01:40 Cathy’s Journey in Education and Nonprofit Work

⚖️ 04:02 Challenges and Rewards in Public and Nonprofit Work

🤝 10:49 The Importance of Partnerships and the Future Ready Plan

✍️ 22:38 Find Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at booksthatmatter.org

👩‍💼 25:36 Reflecting on Women’s Leadership Challenges

🏡 26:59 Balancing Career and Family

🌱 28:22 Mentorship and Leadership Development

🌟 32:53 If You Are a Leader or Changemaker Looking for Support, Check Out geniusdiscovery.org

📝 34:38 Board Engagement and Challenges

🚀 41:57 Personal Growth and New Beginnings

🎙️ 47:04 Find More Podcasts That Matter at podcaststhatmatter.org

Links
Website: UP Partnership
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/uppartnershipsa/
Connect with Cathy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathyjonesphd2025/
Connect with Cathy, explore the Future Ready Plan, and follow her work to support youth education, community partnerships, and leadership development across San Antonio.

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmsc/

Stronger Consulting: https://strongerconsulting.com

Publish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.org

Start a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.com

Go from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org

For more great podcasts like this one, visit https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

Stay strong.

From Watts to leading a national education movement, Sharhonda Bossier shares her journey of championing educational equity and economic mobility for young people of color while redefining leadership with purpose and authenticity.

Sharhonda Bossier, CEO of Education Leaders of Color (EdLoC), has dedicated her career to uplifting Black and Latino students and supporting talented leaders of color in education. A former public school teacher and nonprofit advocate, she is known for her commitment to disrupting cycles of generational poverty and creating holistic solutions for communities historically denied opportunity. Sharhonda’s leadership is deeply informed by her Catholic upbringing, her grandparents’ practice of mutual aid, and the liberation theology that shaped her understanding of social justice.

Her journey has been marked by pivotal transitions and challenges. Initially pursuing law and then teaching, she witnessed firsthand the systemic inequities affecting students of color. Personal and professional advice prompted her to move from direct service work into nonprofit leadership and philanthropy, allowing her to align financial stability with her mission-driven work. Along the way, she grappled with questions of identity, leadership style, and the societal expectations placed on Black women in professional spaces.

Sharhonda emphasizes values-based leadership and the importance of creating spaces where others can thrive. She shares practical insights on cultivating inclusive networks, mentoring emerging leaders, and embracing authenticity without compromising one’s purpose. Her philosophy centers on nurturing others’ potential and fostering environments where talent and innovation can flourish. She also speaks candidly about balancing meaningful work with financial security, reflecting on systemic disparities in education and the economic challenges facing even highly skilled professionals.

Listeners will gain inspiration and actionable wisdom from Sharhonda’s reflections on leadership, resilience, and personal growth. Her story underscores the power of mentorship, intentional career navigation, and integrating personal values into professional life. Tune in to hear how Sharhonda’s experiences offer lessons on courage, service, and redefining success on your own terms.

Chapters

👩‍💼 00:31 Meet Sharhonda Bossier and Her Journey as a Reluctant Leader

🎙️ 00:55 Want a Podcast Just Like This One? Check Out podcastsmatter.com

🏫 01:54 Sharhonda’s Early Life and Career Beginnings

⚖️ 05:15 Challenges and Realities of Leadership

📚 10:38 The Future of Public Education and Leadership

✍️ 19:43 Find Support for Writing Your Impact-Driven Book at booksthatmatter.org

🧩 29:31 Exploring Introversion and Leadership

🌟 32:02 Navigating Socialization and Ambition

⚖️ 36:20 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

💡 40:26 If You Are a Leader or Changemaker Looking for Support, Check Out geniusdiscovery.org

🏃‍♀️ 43:57 Physical Wellness and Endurance Challenges

🎯 49:14 Advice for the Next Generation

🎧 53:51 Find More Podcasts That Matter at podcaststhatmatter.org

Links
Website: EdLoC
Connect with Sharhonda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharhonda-bossier-92a40a65/
Connect with Sharhonda Bossier through EdLoC to explore her work supporting education leaders of color, learn about advocacy initiatives, and discover ways to engage with programs that drive systemic change.

Connect with Mike: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmsc/

Stronger Consulting: https://strongerconsulting.com

Publish a Book That Matters: http://booksthatmatter.org

Start a Podcast That Matters: http://podcastsmatter.com

Go from Expert to Thought Leader: http://geniusdiscovery.org

For more great podcasts like this one, visit https://podcaststhatmatter.org/

Stay strong.