Episode 162: Uncommon Sense with Dr. Ryan Donlan

Leaning into Leadership

Are you ready to take your leadership and your team to the next level? As a leadership coach and speaker, I’m passionate about helping school leaders and leadership teams like yours gain the clarity you need to walk confidently in your purpose. I believe that when leaders are clear about their purpose, they can lead with more authenticity and create a ripple effect that impacts every level of their organization. If you’re ready to inspire your team, foster deeper connections, and drive meaningful change, I’d love to work with you.

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And now...about our guest this week on the show:

Dr. Ryan Donlan, Professor in the Indiana State University and Bayh College of Education’s Department of Educational Leadership, served for 20 years in K–12 education, most of that time as a Superintendent, as well as a school building leader. He has served in both traditional and charter schools and school districts. Dr. Donlan has taught for years at the college and university level and provides educational program reviews, speeches, presentations, and trainings for educators. Currently, he is a Board Trustee for the Mensa Foundation and Chair of the Editorial Advisory Board of the Mensa Research Journal. He has served prior as Acting Associate Dean of the Bayh College of Education and Chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning.

Once a frequent skydiver, Dr. Donlan today enjoys more conservative, contemporary pursuits, such as cooking, reading, and walking. He has written/co-written numerous articles and books, including Gamesmanship for Teachers: Uncommon Sense is Half the Work; The Secret Solution: How One Principal Discovered the Path to Success; Minds Unleashed: How Principals Can Lead the Right Brained Way; The Hero Maker: How Superintendents Can Get Their Boards to Do the Right Thing; The School Board Member’s Guidebook: Becoming a Difference Maker in Your District; All Other Duties as Assigned: The Assistant Principal’s Critical Role in Supporting Schools Inside and Out, Ensuring Teacher Matter: Where to Focus First So Students Matter Most, and Uncommon Sense for New Teachers: A Good Beginning is Half the Work.

You can follow Dr. Donlan on X, or visit him at www.ryandonlan.com and www.mindsunleashed.net