About The Master Leadership Podcast

The purpose of the podcast is to take our listeners on a journey to collectively Master Leadership as we embark on conversations with exceptional leaders who are making a difference.

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Meet The Host

 Lily has been in education for over 25 years. She has taught students ages 0-adult and has been a student of leadership for over 20 years.

She served as a CEO of an early intervention agency, a director of a charter school, and a program director for a Pre-school for children with special needs.

She taught and supervised students at Hofstra University, where she completed her Advanced Certification in Educational Leadership.

Lily is an Executive Director with the John Maxwell Team Leadership, a premiere, international leadership development organization.  Lily is a certified facilitator for The Color Code Personality Assessment.  She currently partners with organizations to effectively equip leaders to navigate challenges.  Lily prepares future leaders as an adjunct professor at Manhattan College.

She is also the creator of Master Leadership Podcast, which was launched in 2016.

Reach Lily at: Lily@masterleadership360.com

Go Ahead…Get Inspired

ML131: Lisa Kandra (Exec. Dir. of JMT)

Lisa Kandra believes that when 'emotions are high, wisdom is low', which has guided her in her work to empower others...lean in and listen to her powerful journey! More Info: www.johnmaxwellgroup.com/lisakandra  

ML128: Ev Roth (Founder & CEO)

Ev Roth is the Founder & CEO of Thrive Kids, Inc., a place where Spirited kids can be fit, focused and fearless. She shares her path through hurdles, towards advocacy and in creating a strong alternative program for kids to thrive. Don't miss this! More Info:...

ML127: Dr. Sonny Magaña (Leader, Author & BeeKeeper)

Sonny shares leadership pillars from his extensive research. He discusses the differences in transactional, transformational and transcendent leaders. He also talks about his T3 Framework from his latest book: Disruptive Classroom Technologies...don't miss this! More...

ML126: Mike Ganino (Author & Coach)

Mike Ganino, author of Company Culture for Dummies shares his "yes...and" process, a powerful tool that allows leaders to operate more from possibilities rather than from their default. Don't miss this! More Info: www.mikeganino.com

ML125: Tenisha Malcolm-Wint (Leader / Non-Profit)

With over ten years in the nonprofit sector, Tenisha has a proven track record of directing large-scale innovative fundraising strategy development and implementation efforts. Lean in as she speaks about the Four Agreements that are pillars for how she leads herself...

ML123: Sharif El-Mekki (Principal)

Sharif El-Mekki is a strong proponent of the "Excellence, No Excuses" mindset, who believes that school-based teams must leverage their strengths on behalf of students. He shares an extraordinary recovery story after a brutal attack that shifted his journey...

ML122: Melissa Agnes (CEO & Author)

Melissa Agnes is a leader who believes that every organization needs to be Crisis Ready. Every stakeholder needs to be put first; people above process and bottom-line! Don't miss powerful insights on how to become Crisis-Ready in schools! More info:...

ML120: Brandon White (Ed. Leader)

Since it was hip-hop that made education relevant to him as an adolescent, Brandon White specialized in providing that cultural relevance and responsiveness through pedagogy, content and leadership. Lean in to learn more from a 'leader to watch'.

ML118: Dr. Carol Radford (CEO of Mentoring In Action)

Dr. Carol Radford, Educator and Ed Leader, describes herself as having a Collaborative-Directive style of leadership...never heard of it? Tune in to learn the effectiveness of having diversity in your team, being accountable, practicing self-care...and more! 

ML116: JT McCormick (President & CEO of Scribe)

JT McCormick believes that Mindset + Choices + Hardwork = Success. He lives his beliefs as the current CEO of Scribe, a very successful publishing company.   Coming out of a "failed school system", JT shares his journey of being the lowest-paid in a software company...

ML115: Lori Koerner (Principal – Pat-Med S.D.)

Meet Lori Koerner, again...she was first featured in ML83! Lori talks about leadership and innovation in Patchogue-Medford S.D., an incubator for both. Don't miss this great conversation! Learn more about Master Leadership at Schools Podcast Program:...

ML114: Luis Eladio Torres (Principal)

Luis Eladio Torres believes that our view of schools shouldn't be limited to being an Oasis with only 'some' life in it. The community itself should be a rainforest, thriving with life. Instagram: @torresascd Twitter: TorresRealTalk Register to MBK online Event on...

ML113: Richard Simon (Ed. Leader)

Richard Simon believes that building and sustaining positive and nurturing relationships within your organization is the single most important work to create a culture that provides students and staff with a positive learning environment.

ML109: Matthew Cook (Superintendent of Newark)

Matthew Cook believes that leading is a privilege and loves the challenges of creating a culture and climate that is accepting of the need for change. Lean in to learn about his non-traditional journey to leadership and much more.

ML107: Dolores Hirschmann (CEO of Masters In Clarity)

Dolores works with 'Ideapreneurs' to get out of their own way so that they will have an opportunity to impact others. She guides others to get clarity of message, strategy and action in order to be master of their own clarity. More Info: http://mastersinclarity.com...

ML105: Dr. Toby Travis (Headmaster)

Dr. Toby Travis believes that a typical organizational chart should be flipped upside down. The “top leaders” should be seen as the foundation of the organization whose job is to make those they support/influence, become wildly successful....

ML104: ECET2LI Conference

On May 3, 2018 Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers (ECET2LI) Conference was launched and we captured powerful take-aways from NYS Commissioner Mary Ellen Elia, NYS Regent Roger Tilles and many more including former Master Leadership guests,...

ML103: Dr. Megan Allen (Director)

Dr. Megan Allen believes that the path to an amazing education for every child is paved by the expert educators who know what student learning looks like, feels like, sounds like. Tune in as Megan shares her continuous journey towards improving student learning for...

ML102: Eric McElvenny (Leader/Speaker/Athlete)

This 7-time Ironman Finisher, exemplifies Resiliency.  Having lost his leg while serving in Afghanistan, Eric experienced how important it is that leaders choose humility and accept support from others. Lean in and learn so much more! www.ericmcelvenny.com

ML100: Journey Through Forgiveness

Episode ML100!!! This episode is very different from the others...it's a story of forgiveness and the important role it plays in order to lead ourselves well and lead others well. I hope that it will serve YOU well. Lets keep this conversation going...comment at:...

ML98: Walter Finnigan (Director, LEAF Advising)

Nominated for a Premiere JMT Culture Award for Consistency and Equipping others, Walter Finnigan is a leader who values those around him. He believes that failure is just a result one should learn from and that one should make every day count. 

ML97: Dr. Byron Darnall (Principal – Head Learner)

Dr. Byron Darnall asks the very important question of himself and those he leads: Why would talented people want to work here? His knowledge, competence, passion and vulnerability shine through as he generously pours into us! Dissertation: The Value of Iowa School...

ML96: Bobby Allen (CEO of Legacy Leadership & Coaching)

From the tender age of 3, Bobby was making things happen.   He believes that 'people are not interruptions but opportunities' and he calls us to ask others an important question: What does it feel like to be on the other side of me? Many nuggets...lean in! Website:...

ML94: Gary Shulman (Leader/Consultant)

Gary Shulman continues to pursue his passion to make a difference well into his "retirement" years.  He believes that leadership is about motivating others to be the best that they can be.  This relentless leader uses his OCD as his "superpower"...tune in and get...

ML93: William Anderson (Educator-Leader)

Watch William deliver a powerful keynote:  William faces challenges by staying "prayed-up" and by surrounding himself with others who speak LIFE into what he is doing. He believes that in order to do the important work of leading others, we must be rooted in...

ML91: Don Wettrick (Educator, Author, Innovator)

Don believes that "a great teacher makes one thirsty"; that "passion is fleeting"; and that one should focus more on "staying curious and having a drive to be better."   He talks about "winning your morning" and looking for "peekers and seekers"...and so much...

ML86: Leadership Skills are Timeless

How are we preparing our students for the complex, uncertain future? How well are we preparing those who prepare our students? If we grow and teach essential Leadership Skills, we can lay a strong foundation for any future! Continue or start your journey here: The...

ML76: Alan Stein (Leadership Coach) Part 2

This is Part 2 of a 2-part Interview:  Alan brings it home as he discusses powerful concepts like Time-Audits, Embracing your full palate of emotions, the Importance of finding your purpose and much more! Having worked with some of the highest performing basketball...

ML75: Alan Stein (Leadership Coach) Part 1

Having worked with some of the highest performing basketball players on the planet, Alan Stein brings some of the same strategies to his leadership coaching. This interview is FULL of great content, you may want to stop what you're doing and take notes. For more info:...

ML73: Amy Modglin (Ex. Dir. of John Maxwell Team)

Tune in as Amy talks about 'unleashing your inner amazing'. This authentic, resilient, intentional leader speaks from her heart and calls us to live a life that makes others hungry. Don't miss this powerful discussion full of delicious nuggets! For more info:...

ML72: Brian Biro (America’s Breakthrough Coach) Part 2

Listen to Part 2 of this 2-part interview as we get energized by America’s Breakthrough Coach, Brian Biro. Well-known author and speaker, Brian believes that we are all leaders and CEOs of our own lives. In this episode Brian discusses teams, energy, the secret behind...

ML64: Dr. Anael Alston (Superintendent of Hamilton CSD)

 Dr. Anael Alston is full of great insights and surprises as he shares his leadership journey. Lean in as he tells us several leadership secrets - one of which involves him, in a fighting ring at Madison Square Garden! You’re Hired: The Inside Secrets of landing Your...

ML63: Nicolette James (Educational Trainer & Coach)

Nicolette believes that leadership is being willing to take responsibility for getting something done while enlisting others along the way. She is highly reflective and organized and offers us a new tool to help us become more effective. Her passion shines through as...

ML61: Dr. Timothy Eagen (Superintendent of Kings Park)

Dr. Timothy Eagen shares his journey from being an engineer to becoming Superintendent of Kings Park. He believes that the main job of leaders is to listen to where the organization wants to go and then pave the way. Tim is also passionate about mentoring, which is...

ML60: Dr. Bruce Torff (Professor at Hofstra University)

Dr. Bruce Torff - scholar, professor, leader, pianist and songwriter...among other things!  Bruce's insights on leadership are based on years of research, observation and experience. Lean in to activate your mind and your heart! Music: Down the Line / Bruce Torff...

ML58: Jessica Cabeen (Principal)

Jessica believes that "if serving is beneath you, leading is beyond you", which motivates her to balance her day with opportunities to serve and lead. She speaks about being intentional in how she sets her day and continues to learn efficiency and effectiveness...a...

ML57: Melanie Sirof (Teacher-Leader)

After listening to Melanie, you will agree - she is IMPRESSIVE!!! Wow! This teacher-leader rocks it as she speaks about having good conversations, living a good life, building strong connections, having talent crushes, being passionate, valuing others, trust,...

ML56: Dr. Daniel Domenech (Exec. Director of AASA)

Dr. Daniel Domenech is a leader of school leaders in serving The School Superintendents Association as the Executive Director. He speaks on the importance of influence, trust and creating a team of diversity...among other things. He demonstrates his generosity as he...

ML53: Ed DeCosta (Author & Executive Coach)

Ed DeCosta is one of the most engaging executive coaches of our time. He has changed countless lives as a trusted mentor, powerful leadership cultivator...and a friend. Lean in as he talks about building strong teams, walking-the-talk, what he's learning now...and...

ML50: Scott Love (Author of WHY THEY FOLLOW)

Lean in and listen to Scott give us tactical ideas to lead in ways where others WANT to follow! His book: WHY THEY FOLLOW is based on 20 years of empirical research...this data speaks volumes! For more information: www.scottlove.com

ML49: Johane Ligonde (Principal of Dodd M.S.)

Johane makes decisions from a place of peace, clarity, authenticity and intentionality. She is a leader who is passionate about activating the heart in her staff and students. Listen closely and she will activate your heart too...

ML47: John Merrill (Secretary of State of Alabama)

John is very intentional about connecting with others and especially those he serves in the State of Alabama. He has high expectations of himself and those he leads...Make sure to lean in to listen to his parting words about leadership - powerful!

ML39: Kent Julian (Youth Leadership Expert)

Kent is a lot of things: a leader, a family man, a speaker, an entrepreneur, an author, a swim coach. In everything he does, his overarching theme is to lead by serving. That’s why he’s so committed to empowering teens to SHOW UP AND SHINE in their life and...

ML35: Kristy Khoury (Educational Coach)

Kristy Khoury is passionate about her mission...to make sure every child can read! With this, and the backing of a billionaire investor, Kristy is making a difference wherever she goes...get inspired! Contact Kristy: KristyKhouryconsulting@gmail.com

031: Dennis McIntee (Author and Leadership Coach)

Dennis McIntee (a.k.a. The Drama-Free Guy) works with leaders to uncover constraints and build roadmaps for growth to increase performance in organizations. Listen in as he discusses his personal journey to his passion and how he uses "pattern interrupts" to diffuse...

030: Dr. Joseph Rella (Superintendent of Comsewogue SD)

Dr. Joseph Rella’s role as a leader is similar to an orchestra conductor. She/he cannot play as well as any of the people sitting in from of her/him. They are virtuosi. The conductor’s task is to help shape the performance, help them to play as an ensemble. When that...

027: Cory Muscara (Leading Mindfulness Coach)

Cory takes us on a journey that speaks to his passion for helping others become self-aware; a must for leaders. He tells us about asking the tough questions and the practice of having a beginner's mindset. Meditate on this! For more info: www.LImindfulness.com

026: Dr. Paul Gavoni (Leadership Coach)

Enter the ring with Dr. Paul Gavoni (Coach Paulie Gloves) and learn the science of human behavior to lead effectively. Powerful!  Book:  Quick Wins (coming soon).  For more info:  Contact Dr. Gavoni at:  gavonip@hotmail.com

024: Bryan Paul Buckley (ENERGY Coach)

As leaders, we can get to a point of exhaustion because we haven't learned to tap into our personal, sustainable ENERGY.  Bryan talks about his own experience with this and how he developed a way to leverage everyday major activities and find that ENERGY we need....

023: Dr. Lorna Lewis (Superintendent of POB)

Listen to how Dr. Lorna Lewis (who didn't originally set out to become an Ed. Leader) remained OPEN to possibilities and now leads one of the finest school districts on Long Island, NY. She shares that some of her team-building ideas appear crazy...yeah, crazy like a...

016: Juanita Sifflet (Ed. Leader & Ripple Maker)

Coming from a family of educational leaders, the mindset of being a continual learner and helping others to achieve was embedded in Juanita’s heart and mind early on. She co-hosted, with two radio shows, “The Parenting Factor “ and “Tuned to Health” on the nation’s...

015: Jamy Bechler (Sr. Dir. of Leadership Engagement)

Jamy has worked as a college basketball coach, administrator and professor. His major passions lie in helping leaders grow their influence and building championship team cultures. Jamy recently joined one of the nation's premier leadership companies, The Guidestone...

011: Victor Jaccarino (Sr. Education Consultant)

A leader in both pedagogy and academics, Victor works with administrators and teachers to improve instruction through practical, hands-on workshops and coaching. Victor invites us to listen intently. He reminds us that what we do is about the kids, improving their...

010: Dr. Lynn Lubecki (Executive Director of RCN)

Dr. Lubecki has worked in a variety of early childhood programs. She is currently the Executive Director of RCN and is a Pyramid Model Master Cadre Trainer.  Lean in and learn why and how she differentiates her approach to those she leads.

007: Constance Barnes (Regional Mgr. of K12.com)

       Constance Barnes, Regional Manager of K12.com, values those around her, which is paramount to building a strong team.      She is a Servant Leader who “Inspects what she Expects” of her Team…a valuable and effective way to lead.

006: Dr. Richard Shear

Dr. Richard Shear champions the uncomfortable question, "What if failure were not an option?"... Listen to Richard speak on how love or fear can drive leaders towards success or failure...self-reflection is key. Having a coach can make a difference!

005: Bola Disu

     Bola Disu is the founder of Learning Leadership International who shares her journey from student-leader to teacher-leader.      Learn how she chose to equip herself in order to add value to others.

004: Michael Keany

Michael Keany has vast experience in Educational Leadership.  He was selected by Nassau BOCES of NY as one of the 14 Most Influential People in Education on Long Island. Listen and learn how he used a unique tool to adapt his vision and help others embrace the...

003: Dr. Larry Aronstein

Dr. Aronstein founded Educational Performance Consultants. He consults and trains school leaders in the development and implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review plan (APPR), among other projects.  Listen to learn about his journey through adversity...

003: Dr. Aronstein

Dr. Aronstein founded Educational Performance Consultants. He consults and trains school leaders in the development and implementation of the Annual Professional Performance Review plan (APPR), among other projects. Listen to learn about his journey through adversity...

002: Dr. Tom Dolan

  Tom's leadership has shifted many things in his life and in the life of others.  Learn how he gains perspective which influences how he leads.