The Elemental Educator Podcast

What You’ll Get From This EpisodeIn this episode, two of Alberta’s most respected educational leaders — Ray Hoppins and Kurt Sacher — unpack the realities of leadership that most people never see. Across decades of service as principals, superintendents, mentors, and system-builders, their insights cut beyond theory into the lived experience of leading people, culture, and complex organizations.Together, we explore the leadership m...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this conversation, human physiologist, author, and performance expert Dr. Greg Wells reveals the mindset shifts that turn adversity into adaptation. From breaking his neck at 15 to rebuilding his career after COVID, Greg has faced the kind of “shatter points” that force complete reinvention. He shares how radical responsibility, curiosity, and resilience shape true growth—and why our biggest bre...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this conversation, performance coach and author Alan Stein Jr. unpacks the discipline of doing what works — not occasionally, but consistently. We explore why leaders tend to chase complexity, why fundamentals are often avoided, and what it looks like to build culture through repeated, observable habits. This episode challenges you to assess whether your actions match your intentions and whether...

Empathy is often mistaken for softness, kindness, or emotional sensitivity. But in this conversation, empathy advocate and author Mimi Nicklin shows us something fundamentally different: empathy is a hard skill rooted in the brain, essential for psychological safety, leadership, collaboration, and even human survival.

We explore why so many leaders struggle to listen, how stress and urgency shut down empathy neurologically, and why...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this deeply human conversation, Leading Our Own Way host Andrew White opens up about authenticity, trauma, and the cost of pretending everything is fine. From enduring workplace bullying to nearly losing his life to stress, Andrew shares how vulnerability became his turning point. Together, we explore what it means to create safety in leadership, how connection transforms culture, and why showin...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this episode, The Teacher’s PT Martin Malone shares how one devastating teaching experience led him to rebuild his life, his health, and his purpose. From losing all income during COVID to building an online coaching business that serves thousands of educators, Martin’s story reveals the tension between luck and skill, and the courage it takes to stay authentic when easy money calls. We explore ...

Power isn’t about titles... it’s about influence, intention, and integrity. Microsoft leads with empathy. Spotify leads with freedom. Apple leads with perfection. Each has redefined what power feels like inside an organization — and what it costs. In this video, we’ll break down how these three leadership philosophies are reshaping business, culture, and human connection. 💭 Question for you: If you could choose one kind of power —...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this conversation, creator, strategist, and educator Mike Saad breaks down what it really takes to build a brand that lasts. From content that converts to the discipline behind creativity, we explore why most creators get stuck in volume over value—and how to shift toward clarity, consistency, and community. Mike and Tyler unpack the difference between chasing views and leading with purpose, rev...

In this episode of Applied Leadership, we analyze two leadership moves making headlines this week. Walmart’s CEO Doug McMillon delivered an unflinching warning about AI’s disruption of jobs, while JLL created a brand-new CEO role to elevate property management to the executive level. Together, they illustrate the dual role of leadership: naming disruption honestly, and structuring opportunity deliberately.

We explore what these mov...

What you’ll get from this episode Principal-certified wellness coach and former Canadian National Barefoot Water Ski team member Michelle Sigmann breaks down how high performance translates to schools: unlearning to truly listen, building connection through communication, and replacing willpower myths with daily, sustainable habits. We examine the balance of luck and skill, the leadership cost of poor listening, and practical routi...

What You’ll Get from This Episode In this episode, Chris DT Gordon shares his extraordinary journey from battling a flesh-eating bacteria to running marathons and inspiring others through what he calls the “attitude of gratitude.” We explore how resilience is built in moments of crisis, why perfection is the wrong pursuit, and how gratitude can reshape both personal and professional life. This conversation challenges you to rethink...

The biggest threat to leaders today isn’t failure — it’s hesitation. In the age of AI, every delay is a decision made for you. Every silence is power surrendered. And leadership without action? It’s already outdated. This episode of Applied Leadership equips you with: Why you can’t lead what you don’t understand The role of AI literacy in modern leadership How to guide others through uncertainty without having all the answers Don’t...

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler sits down with Mitch Zuvela — educator, international teacher, instructional designer, and EdTech innovator. Mitch’s journey has taken him from classrooms around the world to the cutting edge of digital learning, math innovation, and educational technology. With a background in teaching, consulting for Pearson, and graduate studies at UBC, Mitch is shaping how leaders and educators can h...

before listening to this episode I wanted to apologize for the sound quality. In wanting to keep the message out there I decided to still publish the episode, on the caveat that some concepts will be hard to hear.

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler welcomes Dr. Stephanie Van Deynze-Snell — veterinarian, co-owner of a thriving veterinary hospital, flow state coach, consultant, and speaker. After scaling her business whi...

The strongest leaders don’t just issue directives — they show up. And if no one sees you, no one follows you. In this Applied Leadership breakdown, we unpack 3 research-backed shifts that will transform how you lead with presence this week: ✅ Visibility Builds Safety — Why showing up in hallways and meetings reduces fear and builds trust ✅ Your Energy Spreads — How emotional contagion impacts cooperation, conflict, and team perform...

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler welcomes Steve Bollar — also known as Stand Tall Steve — a nationally recognized speaker, author, former superintendent and principal, and a 2023 Global Gurus Top 30 Education Professional. With boundless energy and a proven track record of transforming culture and climate, Steve brings practical leadership insights that resonate far beyond schools. Leaders, CEOs, executives, managers, a...

The best organizations don’t lead with pressure — they lead with purpose. And the most resilient schools? They’re rooted in belonging. In this Applied Leadership breakdown, we dive into 3 powerful shifts from Superintendent Christopher Fuzessy’s story — and what they mean for your leadership this week: ✅ Why belonging outperforms test scores ✅ How to empower without micromanaging ✅ Why staff wellbeing is a leadership strategy, not ...

In this episode of Elemental Educator, Tyler sits down with Christopher Fuzessy, Superintendent and Chief Education Officer of Foothill School Division in southern Alberta. Together, they explore how leaders—whether in education, business, or community organizations—can empower people, build wellbeing, and create thriving environments where everyone can succeed.

Leaders, CEOs, executives, managers, and teachers alike will discover ...

In a world moving faster than ever, human connection remains our most powerful lifeline. In this deeply reflective episode, we explore what it truly means to be seen, heard, and understood. From quiet moments of presence to the courage it takes to be vulnerable, this podcast invites you to reconnect—with yourself, and with those around you. Whether you're feeling isolated, emotionally exhausted, or simply longing for deeper relatio...