Shift Out Loud with Tracy Spears
Hosted by Tracy Spears, speaker, co-author of two best selling leadership books, founder of The Leader Lab, coach, and head cheerleader for anyone trying to play bigger. Shift Out Loud is a podcast designed to inspire you to play bigger. You'll hear from real live people sharing what their shift was, when it happened, and why it was out loud. What you think is true, and when you move from the external locus of control to the internal locus of control, your shift can happen and anything becomes possible. This podcast is your invitation to listen to others who have made the shift, and also serve as a catalyst for you to play bigger.
Shift Out Loud with Tracy Spears
Navigating Challenges as a Leader with Dr. Deborah Gist
In this inspiring episode, Tracy Spears sits down with Dr. Deborah Gist, former superintendent of Tulsa Public Schools, to explore what it means to lead with purpose, courage, and compassion. Dr. Gist shares the story of how her passion for teaching shaped her career and how transformational leadership demands a steadfast commitment to integrity and change.
From navigating public scrutiny to building trust within a divided community, Dr. Gist opens up about the challenges and triumphs of leading a large school district. She emphasizes the importance of being present, listening deeply, and staying anchored in one’s values—even in the most turbulent times.
As she looks to the future, Dr. Gist reflects on the necessity of self-care in sustaining leadership and her growing focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders. This conversation is a powerful reminder that effective leadership isn’t just about strategy—it’s about how you make people feel.
Key Takeaways:
- Transformational leadership requires courage, vision, and integrity.
- Community trust is earned through transparency and accountability.
- Listening and emotional presence are powerful tools for any leader.
- Self-care is not a luxury—it’s essential for longevity in leadership.
- Leadership is ultimately measured by the positive impact on others.
Highlights
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Deborah Gist
02:50 Dr. Gist's Journey in Education
05:31 Transformational Leadership and Change
09:55 Navigating Challenges in Leadership
12:51 Addressing Allegations and Integrity
17:38 The Importance of Community Trust
21:10 Personal Reflections on Leadership
30:46 Future Aspirations and Self-Care
37:40 Lessons Learned in Leadership
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Discover your tactical leadership toolkit: www.theleaderlab.com
Interested in working with me or having me speak at your event? Find more information at http://www.tracyspears.com
For insights that will help you play bigger in your life, work, and community, visit my resource library: http://www.tracyspears.com/blog
