Why do so many school improvement efforts fail—even when everyone is well intentioned?

Our guest this episode is Dr. Lisa Riegel, author of the book Aspirations to Operations. Dr. Riegel explains how stress, perception, and brain biology impact adult learning.

We explore why clarity, celebration, and psychological safety matter more than new programs.

The conversation highlights collective efficacy as the true driver of sustainable change. Using neuroscience, she explains how stress shuts down thinking and fuels resistance.

We discuss what leaders can do to create cultures where adults feel safe to try, fail, and grow.

This episode reframes school improvement as a human process, not a compliance exercise.

What resonated with you? What challenges do you face in your day to day principal practice? Take 5 minutes to share your thoughts at https://www.restorative.ca/cff

Be sure to check out the website https://restorative.ca

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Aspirations to Operations by Dr. Lisa Riegel

https://www.amazon.com/Aspirations-Operations-leaders-making-transformative/dp/B0GHF3P15G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=152TKMXNO90B6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xOQPF1B8MGVMlMYIf495ag.GLS1pk10GzGrqujWZM8I1rW7lBG9upGofo4DgRRoLAE&dib_tag=se&keywords=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+book&qid=1768851706&sprefix=riegel+aspirations+to+operations+boo%2Caps%2C229&sr=8-1