About This Course

This 12-hour virtual course, along with individual coaching, offers a welcoming and supportive space for current and aspiring women district and school leaders. Together, we’ll explore strategies and build connections to navigate challenges and thrive in leadership roles.

Here is a sampling of areas that we will dive into: 

  • Have you noticed the perceived trade-off between success and likability? We will discuss  situations where successful women may face more scrutiny  and less acceptance compared to their male counterparts.
  • Are you encountering bias or microaggressions as a leader? From being interrupted in meetings to being unfairly labeled, we’ll explore ways to respond confidently and effectively.
  • Have you received meaningful feedback from your boss that helps you grow as a leader and positions you for advancement? We will talk about how to manage up to gain constructive insights about your performance
  • Do you find yourself managing workplace dynamics by keeping the peace, even at the expense of addressing problematic work behaviors? We’ll work on strategies to respectively and assertively take on these situations while maintaining productive relationships without compromising your values or well-being.
  • Are you ready to shift from feelings of anxiety or self-doubt back to the pride and fulfillment you once felt in your role? We will rediscover your purpose and day-to-day satisfaction in your work.

 

This virtual (5-Sessions) program will cover the following topics over five sessions:

Session 1: Courage First for Ourselves (4 hrs.)
Discover how to embrace daring leadership while letting go of defensive habits. Drawing on the work of Brené Brown and others, we’ll explore ways to understand and , navigate vulnerability, overcome imposter syndrome, and become an ally for yourself and others.

Session 2: The Power of Feedback (2 hrs.)
Learn to seek out and leverage feedback, even when it’s tough to hear. We’ll guide you in transforming feedback—constructive, challenging, or unclear—into opportunities for growth.

Session 3: Delivering High-Impact Feedback (2 hrs.)
Master the art of providing feedback that’s clear, helpful, and actionable that reflects accountability for both the framer and recipient of the feedback.

Session 4: Managing Change & Conflict (2 hrs.)
Tackle the underlying challenges that can disrupt organizational culture. From addressing the effects of back channeling, favoritism and perfectionism to navigating conflict with grace, you will  develop skills to lead through change and conflict more effectively.

Session 5: Courage on the Frontline (2 hrs.)
Gain strategies to handle tough team dynamics and toxic situations. You’ll learn how to lead with courage and resilience, fostering a positive and productive environment for yourself and those you lead. 

Each session provides practical tools, insightful discussions, and actionable strategies to empower your leadership journey.   Join us to share experiences, gain practical tools, and reignite your passion for leading with confidence and resilience.


In addition, the program includes two (2) 1-hour individual virtual coaching sessions to be scheduled directly with the instructor. 

This course has given me the confidence to handle more difficult situations, and I am already seeing an increase in my willingness to take on these conversations.

Women Leaders Program Participant

Goals

Using the book, The Superintendent's Work with Principals: Improving Instruction and Achieving Results (Durkin, 2020), current research on women's leadership, and the foundational work of major voices in the field (Brené Brown, Jessica Nordell, Sophie Williams, etc.) participants will:

  • recognize, acknowledge, and analyze barriers/struggles women face in the workplace and how to muster the will and skill to overcome them
  • frame changes in mindset, practices, and habits to target one's full potential
  • plan strategies and use effective techniques/tools to empower ourselves as courageous leaders in an array of circumstances
  • engage within a network of supportive women leaders who will challenge assumptions and validate each other's progress toward becoming more daring leaders
  • consider multiple pathways for attaining higher-level leadership positions

This course was amazing! The specific language used, clear examples and strategies provided are relevant and actionable.

Course Format

This virtual (5 session) led by consultant Pia Durkin will balance the delivery of current thinking in the field and the discussion of real-life scenarios with deep participant engagement to form both a support and challenge network. 

The program includes two (2) 1-hour individual virtual coaching sessions to be scheduled directly with the instructor. 

Resources

Course Information

Groups of 25 or more: Submit a Service Request to discuss how this course could benefit educators in your school or district.

Individuals or less than 25: Fill out our Open Enrollment Interest Form to be notified of the next open enrollment opportunity.