In this episode, learn how an entrepreneur turned her passion into a global business with a purpose. She has spent the last 20 years helping people find meaning and build connections around the world!

Step inside the energy of youth leadership, genuine connection, and powerful transformation with this special episode of the We Not Me: Inclusion in Action podcast—hosted by Dr. Nikki Harding, live from the Kansas State School for the Blind.

What happens when a vibrant crew of high schoolers from across Kansas City gathers to share their stories? You get laughter, candid confessions, and a masterclass in student-led inclusion, ambition, and leadership with the dynamic IM Foundation in the spotlight.

Meet inspiring teens like Levyon (speech & debate champ/gardener/sporty volunteer), Diego (the tall skater and quiet influencer), Kendell (artist and IM Foundation ambassador), Raven (Broadway hopeful and hair stylist), and more—as they open up about their journeys, leadership growth, and the impact of finding a place where every talent is valued.

You’ll hear:

• Why real leadership isn’t all about being the loudest voice in the room—and how every kid brings a unique gift to the table.
• How the I AM Foundation’s all-summer program exposes students to businesses, colleges, and hands-on service for true career discovery.
• Teen perspectives on balancing program commitments, navigating procrastination, and learning to thrive in a group with diverse personalities and dreams.
• Raw stories of overcoming social anxiety, building confidence, and what happens when students get lost on field trips, plus Elijah’s secret for staying calm under pressure (spoiler: he credits his faith—and the importance of “praying and acting at the same time!”).
• Insights on the real struggles Kansas City youth face—and how positive engagement, mentorship, and belonging flip the narrative from risk to growth.

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or youth advocate, you’ll be inspired by these honest voices and the everyday leadership lessons that shape future changemakers.

Tune in for authentic student voices, unforgettable moments, and a celebration of inclusion and leadership—right at the intersection of community, purpose, and possibility.

Episode Title: Cultivating “Somebodiness” in School Leadership with Tim Terrentine

Episode Overview: In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Tim Terrentine, founder of Translators Consulting Group, to explore how school leaders can foster belonging, build high-trust teams, and tackle tough conversations head-on. Tim shares his journey from executive burnout to developing the “somebodiness” framework—helping educators recognize the unique genius in every individual and create systems that sustain meaningful change.

📋 Key Topics & Timestamps

• 00:00 – 03:00 Introduction & Tim’s personal journey from adoptee to leadership coach
• 03:00 – 07:00 Defining “Somebodiness”: Why every team member needs to feel valued
• 18:00 – 21:00 Urgency in Education vs. Business: Creating a sense of purpose and momentum
• 24:00 – 27:00 Navigating Taboo Conversations: Practical steps for leaders to go first and set the stage
• 44:00 – 46:00 Transforming Draining Meetings: One small change to honor people’s time and boost engagement
• 31:00 – 34:00 Avoiding Burnout: Aligning your purpose, relationships, and work to stay effective

🔑 Key Takeaways

1. Lead with “Somebodiness.” Cultivate environments where everyone—from students to CFOs—knows they matter and can bring their full gifts to the table.
2. Honor People’s Time. Challenge your most soul-draining meeting by adding recognition moments, clear agendas, or turning bullet points into thought-provoking questions.
3. Go First on Tough Topics. Leaders must model vulnerability: send discussion prompts in advance, frame agendas as questions, and invite healthy conflict to spark growth.
4. Balance Urgency & Intentionality. Embrace a culture of accountability—ask, “What matters most this semester?”—while slowing down enough to build sustainable systems.
5. Align to Avoid Burnout. Ensure your personal values, relationships, and daily work wheel remain in alignment to keep serving effectively over the long haul.

🎧 Listen & Resources

• Stream or download
• Connect with Tim: Visit translatorscg.com or find him on YouTube and LinkedIn.

“It’s not about fixing people; it’s about creating spaces where they already belong.”

Ready to cultivate belonging and lead with purpose? ▶️ Listen now

Boost your classroom’s AI intelligence and digital literacy! In this episode of the We Not Me Inclusion and Action Podcast, Dr. Nikki Harding interviews Reed Hepler—an AI-focused instructional designer and digital initiatives librarian—about leveraging Boodle Box AI and Mike Caulfield’s SIFT toolbox to teach information literacy, combat disinformation, and build inclusive, accessible learning experiences. Tune in for actionable strategies on integrating AI into project-based learning, safeguarding FERPA compliance, and empowering students to critically evaluate online content.

Here are all the links mentioned in the episode:

SIFT Toolbox:Caulfield's Original: https://checkplease.neocities.org/My BoodleBox: https://box.boodle.ai/a/@SensemakingwithSIFTToolboxAll podcast listeners can get a free month of BoodleBox by using code: ONEMONTHRCHSIFT Method: https://pressbooks.pub/introtocollegeresearch/chapter/the-sift-method/UEN Book Chapter: https://uen.pressbooks.pub/teachingandgenerativeai/chapter/navigating-benefits-and-concerns-when-discussing-genai-tools-with-faculty-and-staff/Intro to AI and Ethics in Higher Ed: https://edtechbooks.org/introduction_to_ai_and_ethics_in_higher_educationRelevant COLLABORAITION posts: Most recent Copyright article which links to the first one too: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/ai-and-copyright-a-new-type-of-userMis-, Dis-, Mal-information: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/identifying-mis-dis-and-malinformation Insta-Research: https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-perils-of-insta-researchAI and Elections (Counterfeit): https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/the-phantasm-of-ai-and-electionsGenOER, GenAI, GenLearning (project-based): https://reedhepler.substack.com/p/generative-oer-generative-learningThank you again for having me!

In this inspiring episode of We Not Me: Inclusion in Action, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Jason Crippen—transition coordinator at Goddard Public Schools and founder of What’s Next, a disability employment service making a real difference in the Wichita area. With over 20 years of experience in special education, Jason shares how he's bridging the gap between school and work by helping young adults with disabilities find meaningful, competitive employment. Together, they unpack: Why inclusive hiring isn’t harder—it’s just different How Jason builds relationships with businesses to create sustainable, supported job placements The systemic challenges—and creative solutions—surrounding postsecondary transition What schools and districts can do better to support students with disabilities into adulthood Real stories of transformation that highlight dignity, persistence, and possibility If you're a school administrator, special education teacher, or advocate for disability inclusion, this episode is full of practical insights and heartfelt moments. 🔗 Learn more about Jason’s work on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089917969813 📞 Want to bring inclusive employment support to your district? Contact us to start the conversation.

### 🎙️ We Not Me: Inclusion in Action —

Episode Highlight

**Unlocking Belonging and Retention Through Reflective Practice:

A Conversation with Sibme CEO, TJ Hoffman**

In this powerful episode, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with TJ Hoffman, founder and CEO of Sibme, to explore how intentional, AI-supported instructional coaching is transforming professional learning—and redefining what it means to truly support educators. From humble beginnings in Houston classrooms to a nationwide platform, Sibme was built on one foundational belief: Teachers thrive when they feel supported, seen, and empowered to grow. TJ and Nikki unpack: The origin story of Sibme and how it bridges gaps in teacher mentoring and support How AI is used as an intelligence accelerator, not a replacement, giving educators rapid, bias-aware insights into their practice Why *video-based reflection** increases teacher retention and decreases behavioral disruptions The safeguards in place for *FERPA-compliant**, equity-focused implementation What school districts gain: lower turnover, stronger culture, and higher student achievement What makes this partnership truly impactful is the fusion of Sibme’s powerful platform with Dr. Nikki Harding’s deep expertise in instructional leadership, special education, and school improvement. With 20+ years in the field, Nikki brings hands-on experience as a teacher, director, and systems-level change agent—ensuring that the technology is paired with real-world strategy, inclusive coaching, and meaningful results. As Nikki puts it: “We expect teachers to personalize learning for every student—why wouldn’t we personalize their learning too?”* 💡 Call to Action: If you're a school or district leader looking to strengthen teacher retention, improve classroom practice, and build a true culture of belonging, we’d love to talk. 💬

Connect with Dr. Nikki Harding to learn how the Inclusive Leadership Lab and Sibme partnership can help your team thrive: 📧 [nikki@inclusiveleadershiplab.org](mailto:nikki@inclusiveleadershiplab.org) 🌐 [inclusiveleadershiplab.org](https://inclusiveleadershiplab.org)

Exciting news! 🌍 The "We Not Me: Inclusion in Action" podcast is officially global! In our latest episode, Dr. Nikki Harding sits down with Dr. Lewis Fogarty, founder of Edventurous Leadership and Director of Education at Brunel University, for an inspiring conversation that bridges continents. Tune in as we explore leadership, self-leadership, and creating positive impact in both Europe and Africa. Dr. Fogarty shares powerful insights from his work in early years education, his leadership journey across the UK, and his transformative charity projects in Uganda. Discover how inclusion, collaboration, and learning from diverse cultures are shaping the future of global leadership. Join us as we celebrate going international, helping leaders and change-makers build community, resilience, and authentic impact worldwide! 🌎✨ #InclusionInAction #GlobalLeadership #PodcastLaunch

Dr. Fogarty can be found here: https://www.edventurousleadership.com/

For more information about his work in Uganda, click here: https://www.connectedintl.com/

For his LinkedIn profile, click here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lewis-fogarty-eyleader/

New Episode – “Staff-First Leadership that Supercharges Learning”

Middle school principal Brenna Dooley joins host Dr. Nikki Harding to unpack the Inclusive leadership moves that transform teacher morale and student outcomes at Jeff West Middle School.

In this fast-paced chat, you’ll hear how Dooley: Creates psychological safety by mastering the simple—and powerful—act of getting every name right. Uses staff appreciation rituals (“Whoop Wagon” shout-outs, handwritten notes) to ignite teacher engagement and instructional innovation. Models high-impact instructional practices firsthand—subbing in classrooms, co-teaching, and proving that leaders can still “walk the walk.” Balances accountability and support when rolling out school-wide initiatives, turning initial resistance into advocacy.

Links teacher recognition to measurable gains in student engagement, classroom management, and academic growth—showing why appreciation is a strategic lever, not fluff.

If you’re searching for fresh insights on teacher retention, school culture, and inclusive instructional leadership, this episode is a must-listen.

🔗 Tune in now—and nominate an inspiring educator to be our next guest: inclusiveleadershiplab.org/wenotme

Keywords: inclusive leadership, staff appreciation, psychological safety in schools, high-impact instructional practices, teacher retention strategies, middle school principal, school culture, instructional coaching