Join the Growth Blueprint Podcast as we explore the inspiring world of elementary education with MG Bertrand, a dedicated second-grade teacher from the San Francisco Bay Area. MG shares his passion for creating classroom communities filled with joy, belonging, and growth, drawing on his extensive experience and education from UC Berkeley and Stanford.

In this episode, MG discusses the importance of patience, understanding, and flexibility in teaching, and provides practical examples of fostering leadership and character growth in young students. He shares touching stories, including moments from his summer math class where students not only mastered new concepts but also grew in confidence and collaboration. MG also offers valuable advice for teachers facing resistance and emphasizes the significance of preparation and passion in education.

Whether you're an educator, parent, or anyone interested in leadership and personal growth, MG's thoughtful approach and genuine love for teaching will leave you inspired and motivated. Subscribe now to the Growth Blueprint Podcast and share this episode to continue attracting high-level thinkers on leadership and culture-building.

In this compelling episode of the Growth Blueprint podcast, we delve into the art of leadership and character development with the insightful Kathryn Kozak. As a coach, consultant, researcher, and advocate, Kathryn brings a wealth of experience in helping individuals and organizations align with socially just principles and values. She shares her journey of fostering critical consciousness, a concept rooted in Paulo Freire's work, to empower leaders and teams to understand their context and effect meaningful change. Kathryn's unique approach emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and unwavering commitment to one's principles, even in the face of challenging organizational dynamics.

Join us as Kathryn Kozak, a Certified Organizational Coach and holder of a doctorate in Applied Developmental Psychology, discusses the essential elements of creating spaces that nurture social justice and authentic leadership. She explores the challenges of navigating resistance, the importance of being open to change, and the courage to stand firm in one's values. Whether you're a leader, an aspiring leader, or someone passionate about personal and professional growth, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for building character and fostering a thriving organizational culture.

In this engaging episode, justice-driven researcher and education leadership consultant JAKE Small joins hosts to discuss the vital importance of equity and mattering in education and beyond. JAKE dismantles common misconceptions about DEI work, emphasizing that it is not inherently difficult if approached with compassion and understanding. He passionately argues against harmful stereotypes and advocates for the liberation of marginalized groups, underscoring that true equity benefits everyone.

Listeners will be inspired by JAKE's innovative approach to advocacy through poetry, as showcased in his book, "For Every Black Boy," a poignant exploration of blackness, boyhood, and love. His insights on the power of community, the radical act of asking questions, and the importance of including impacted voices in decision-making processes are both profound and actionable. This episode is a must-listen for anyone committed to fostering inclusive and equitable environments.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that challenges preconceptions and encourages heartfelt, communal efforts towards justice and equity.