About This Episode

In this episode of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas sits down with experienced school leaders Dr. Presley Charles and Ryan Stokeling to discuss the realities of navigating a school principal's first year. They share practical insights on building strong teams, managing staff and parent relationships, establishing a positive school culture, and balancing leadership demands with personal well-being. The conversation highlights the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and leading with confidence as you navigate the challenges of stepping into the principalship. Whether you're an aspiring principal, a first-year school leader, or a seasoned educator, this episode offers valuable lessons, encouragement, and strategies for leading successfully.

About Dr. Presley Charles

Dr. Presley L. Charles was born in Freeport, Bahamas, and raised in Pompano Beach, Florida, by parents who immigrated to Florida from Haiti. A servant and human-centered leader, Dr. Charles has built his career around developing people, transforming organizations, and creating systems that help both students and leaders thrive. Charles currently serves as Principal of Howell L. Watkins Middle School in the School District of Palm Beach County. Throughout his career, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including Assistant Principal and Manager of Leadership Development for the School District’s Professional Growth Department. His leadership journey has spanned multiple school districts across Florida and Georgia, and he is known for improving school culture, strengthening leadership capacity, and increasing opportunities and outcomes for students. Beyond the principalship, Dr. Charles founded PLC Educational Group, where he provides leadership coaching, mentoring, and professional learning focused on helping leaders move from vision to execution. He recently completed his John Maxwell Leadership Certification and is a member of Leadership Florida. His work centers on a simple belief: sustainable transformation requires strong systems, empowered people, and leaders who never lose sight of the human beings at the center of the work.

About Ryan Stokeling

Ryan Stokeling is the principal of Katherine Johnson Global Academy in Baltimore City and a passionate servant leader committed to expanding opportunities for students and developing the educators who serve them. His leadership journey has taken him from fourth-grade English Language Arts teacher to climate manager and assistant principal, and now to principal. During his first year, he led his school community in significantly reducing chronic absenteeism. In his second year, Ryan is focused on building a new leadership team, strengthening school culture, and ensuring every student experiences excellence.

About the Podcast

Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact.

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.