Leadership Is a Mindset Long Before It's a Title

Hey everybody, welcome to today's episode. I am joined by Joyce Connley-Hemmings, and we're going to have a "Let Me Be Clear" conversation and drop some truths. Joyce has spent the past 17 years in education—as a teacher, instructional coach, and school administrator—and knows firsthand that school leadership isn't something you can fully prepare for with a manual. She's passionate about helping new and aspiring leaders build the confidence, resilience, and practical leadership skills they need to lead with clarity, support their teams well, and thrive for the long haul.Today, Joyce shares a message that has become the foundation of her work, and it sparked one of my favorite conversations about leadership, mindset, and what really prepares us to lead. 

Her statement is simple, but it carries so much weight:

"Training builds skills. Mindset determines whether it becomes leadership."

Joyce Connley-Hemmings

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Training Gives You Information. Mindset Determines What You Do With It.

Joyce explained that two people can sit in the exact same training, hear the exact same content, and walk away with completely different results. The difference is how they receive it, implement it, or even reject it.

If your mindset isn't ready to navigate everything leadership throws at you, even great training can fade away before it ever changes your leadership.

Why Joyce Focuses on Mindset Instead of Handbooks

For years, assistant principals asked Joyce for handbooks, checklists, and templates.

Her response made so much sense. Every district has different systems, expectations, and policies. One person's handbook is never going to fit everyone.

The Inventory Comes Before the Advice

One of my favorite parts of Joyce's book is that it starts with an inventory instead of chapter one. Before readers dive into the content, they identify where their mindset gaps are.

Depending on the results, they may start in chapter two today and chapter six six months from now. The book becomes a resource you return to instead of something you finish once and put on a shelf.

Leadership Growth Is a Cycle

Joyce described leadership growth as a continual process. First comes awareness. Then comes the work of unlearning behaviors you've picked up from watching other leaders. Finally comes reflection, asking what needs to change so you can make a greater impact.

1. Become aware of your mindset gaps.
2. Unlearn behaviors that no longer serve you.
3. Reflect and adjust.
4. Repeat the cycle as you continue leading.

Mindset Shows Up Outside the Office Too

One of my favorite moments from our conversation had nothing to do with meetings, leadership frameworks, or school systems.

Joyce shared the story of wearing her hair straight for years because she believed it looked more professional. After becoming a principal, she realized she was carrying a belief that no longer fit who she was. She stopped straightening her hair simply to meet someone else's definition of professionalism.

Later, a little girl told Joyce, "Your hair is like mine." That reminder reinforced why showing up as yourself matters. People are always watching, and sometimes your confidence gives someone else permission to embrace their own.

Leadership Is a Way of Being

As we wrapped up, I kept coming back to Joyce's original statement. Leadership is much bigger than a title. There is only so much training we can attend. Eventually the work becomes practicing, reflecting, and choosing the mindset we bring into every conversation and every decision.

Where is your mindset helping your leadership grow, and where might it be asking you to do a little deeper work?