From science classrooms to the C-suite, Shakira Petit’s journey embodies what it means to lead with purpose, humility, and strategy.
A former educator turned CEO of SKP Consultants, Shakira joins Ron to unpack how organizations can identify and develop the leaders already within their walls, before crisis forces their hand. Her story bridges the worlds of education, operations, and executive leadership, proving that the best leadership pipelines are grown, not hired.
Shakira shares how divine timing redirected her from a pre-med track to a transformative teaching career at Newark Public Schools, Harlem Children’s Zone, and beyond. What began as a temporary substitute assignment turned into a lifelong calling to develop others. From teaching middle school science to leading district turnarounds, and raising graduation rates from 39% to 95%, her path reflects a deep belief in the potential of people when given structure, trust, and stretch opportunities.
Through her leadership journey, Shakira experienced firsthand how mentorship and intentional development shape strong teams. Drawing from mentors like Geoffrey Canada and Shavar Jeffries, she learned that effective leaders multiply their impact by reproducing excellence in others. Her Antarctica research expedition, corporate leadership at Democrats for Education Reform, and tenure as Chief of Staff at the KIPP Foundation all reinforced a single truth: leadership is both art and discipline, cultivated through reflection, accountability, and courage.
In this conversation, Shakira breaks down her succession planning framework: how organizations can proactively prepare for change, assess internal depth, and strengthen team dynamics. Her “positionless leadership” philosophy, inspired by basketball greats, encourages fluid collaboration and cross-functional strength. Listeners will walk away with a renewed understanding that true leadership is not about titles or tenure, but about nurturing talent and building legacy.
Tune in to hear Shakira’s inspiring perspective on leadership, legacy, and the power of investing in the people you already have.
Chapters
👋 00:51 Meet Shakira Petit and Her Unexpected Journey into Education
📘 01:26 The Power of Publishing and Personal Growth
🔗 01:32 Publish your book at https://leveragepublishinggroup.com/
🎓 02:16 From Substitute Teacher to Educational Leader
🏫 06:55 Leadership Lessons and Challenges in Education Today
🌐 23:10 If you are a leader or changemaker looking for support, check out geniusdiscovery.org
🧭 32:26 The Importance of Succession Planning
⚖️ 33:44 Challenges of External Leadership
🤝 34:29 Building a Strong and Aligned Team
🏀 39:12 Leadership Lessons Inspired by Sports
📚 43:31 Find support for writing your impact-driven book at booksthatmatter.org
💡 49:45 Creating an Effective Leadership Development Program
🎙️ 59:04 Want a podcast just like this one? Check out podcastsmatter.org
Links
Website: https://skpconsultants.com/
Check out Shakira Petit’s website to explore her leadership development programs, connect with her consulting firm, and learn how to build strong, sustainable teams from within your organization.
Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com
Leverage Publishing: www.leveragepublishinggroup.com
Books That Matter: http://booksthatmatter.org
Genius Discovery: http://geniusdiscovery.org
Podcasts Matter: http://podcastsmatter.org
Connect with Ron: www.linkedin.com/in/rapatalo
Ron’s book: www.amazon.com/dp/1613431473
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