Next Man Up: An MCEL Podcast
Next Man Up: An MCEL Podcast
Podcast Description
Next Man Up amplifies the voices and experiences of men of color in educational leadership. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, the podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape leaders breaking barriers and driving systemic change in education. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Next Man Up inspires listeners to embrace their unique power, build community, and foster mentorship. Whether you’re a current leader, aspiring changemaker, or ally, this podcast will empower you to step up and make an impact. The next man up could be you!
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast highlights themes such as mentorship, leadership challenges, systemic barriers, and the importance of community. Specific episodes delve into topics like the transformative power of diverse leadership, the effects of mentorship in personal growth, and the key traits necessary for resilience among men of color in education. For instance, one episode discusses the significance of honest feedback in leadership effectiveness, while another focuses on the role of allyship in breaking barriers.
Next Man Up amplifies the voices and experiences of men of color in educational leadership. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, the podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape leaders breaking barriers and driving systemic change in education. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Next Man Up inspires listeners to embrace their unique power, build community, and foster mentorship. Whether you’re a current leader, aspiring changemaker, or ally, this podcast will empower you to step up and make an impact. The next man up could be you!
Summary:
In this episode of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas engages with Dr. Aaron Dukes and Mr. Brandon Johnson, two leaders who transitioned from school principal roles to central office positions. They discuss their personal journeys, the challenges of recognizing when to move on, the importance of mentorship, and how they apply skills from their principalship in their current roles. The conversation also touches on the need for authenticity in leadership, the impact of financial constraints on education, and strategies for supporting principals from a systems perspective. The episode concludes with reflections on defining success in leadership and recommendations for future guests.
About our guests
Dr. Aaron Dukes is a proud graduate of Alabama State University who has dedicated his career to helping schools become places where both children and adults can truly thrive. From teacher to principal to Chief Impact Officer, he’s learned that real transformation begins when people feel seen, valued, and trusted. His leadership is grounded in a deep belief in the power of culture, community, and purpose-driven action.
Brandon Johnson is a dedicated educator with more than a decade of experience advancing equity and excellence in education. He began his career as a teacher and instructional math coach before becoming a Leader in Residence and later founding The Social Justice School, where he served as principal for six years. Under his leadership, the school grew into a thriving community grounded in justice, joy, and rigorous learning. Today, Brandon serves as the Managing Director of The Social Justice School, continuing his mission to empower educators and students to lead with purpose and impact.
Key Takeaways
- Transitioning from principal to district leadership is complex.
- Mentorship plays a crucial role in career advancement.
- Recognizing when to move on is essential for personal growth.
- Communication skills are vital in leadership roles.
- Empathy is key in supporting school leaders.
- Understanding systems is crucial for effective leadership.
- Feedback is essential for improvement and growth.
- Authenticity in leadership fosters trust and respect.
- Outcomes are a measure of leadership success.
About the Podcast
Next Man Up amplifies the voices and experiences of men of color in educational leadership. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, the podcast explores the triumphs, challenges, and pivotal moments that shape leaders who break barriers and drive systemic change in education. Through candid conversations and expert insights, Next Man Up inspires listeners to embrace their unique power, build community, and foster mentorship. Whether you’re a current leader, aspiring changemaker, or ally, this podcast will empower you to step up and make an impact. The next man up could be you!
Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit mcelleaders.org/podcast or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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