Brain Space in Learning and Leadership

The Power of Mattering with Zach Mercurio

What is one of the highest leverage strategies we can use to improve engagement and performance for both staff and students? Showing people they MATTER. Dr. Zach Mercurio has uncovered the power behind this concept, and shares actionable strategies for how to create mattering that simultaneously accelerate connection and achievement. Some pearls from Zach during the episode: "We've told students or employees that they should be valued once they add value. That's how our society has been structured. Our worth is dependent on what we produce. Sadly, the opposite is true. People need to feel valued in order to add value." "Mattering is different than belonging and inclusion. Belonging is being picked for a team. Inclusion is being asked to play in the game. Mattering is feeling that the team wouldn't be complete without you." "When people feel replaceable, they act replaceable. When people feel irreplaceable, they show up and they commit. When people feel like they matter, they act like they matter." "Before you evaluate someone, understand them. We have to go from 'what's wrong with you', to 'what is it like to be you'?" "Your job is not to get the test score. Your job is not compliance to a state assessment level. Your job is to create an environment that makes sure people feel worthy and capable and supported enough so they can accomplish those things."

A Healthier Path Through Change with Britt Andreatta (Part 2)

We know people's brains are wired to resist change. So what do we do next? Whether you are responsible for leading change in your job, or you are receiving changes from above, what are healthy ways to navigate these uncomfortable experiences? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Britt Andreatta, author of the book Wired to Resist, she uncovers several actionable strategies that allow us to have a healthier experience through change. From identifying a "Air Traffic Control" monitor for the numerous impacts of change, to distinguishing the difference between normal resistance and toxic negativity, Britt gets into it all. Listen for concrete strategies to ways to use the science of change to have a more balanced experience through these inevitable phases in work and life.

Why Our Brains Resist Change with Britt Andreatta (Part 1)

Do changes at work or home instill an instant sense of panic? Turns out there is a scientific (and evolutionary) explanation for this. Dr. Britt Andreatta, author of Wired to Resist, explains how and why our brains are actually wired to resist change. In Part 1 of our conversation with her, we dive into why change is perceived as threatening and how leaders can strategically approach this human response with more realism and empathy. You won't want to miss this! Download a free chapter [https://www.brittandreatta.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Wired-to-Resist-2e-Sample-Copy-Andreatta.pdf] of Wired to Resist 2.0. Get 25% off your purchase of Wired to Resist 2.0 [https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=6lm2f33JkVsCeH0vgX89OBDvwvdIk2aliP24bUkWQTQ ]: The Brain Science of Why Change Fails and a New Model for Driving Success. Get 25% off your purchase of Wired to Grow [https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=knNFLOdMmJ3mY3C3Ez1pLE4WBz4qbVJ9CFPOR78U1v1 ]: Harness the Power of Brain Science to Learn and Master Any Skill

How a School Transformed Learning with Sticky Lessons with Fred Backhaus

What actually makes learning stick? Hear the story of motivated leader Fred Backhaus, who guided his elementary school teachers to design lessons with impact using one or more of the gears from our Six Gears (R) Framework - trust, agency, passion, memorable, meaningful, or motivational. The experience was transformational. Learn key leadership and instructional strategies that facilitate lasting learning for students and teachers alike.

Why Less is More with Leidy Klotz

We are all feeling the effects of having too much to do and not enough time to do it. Are there ways to do less that we might be missing? Dr. Leidy Klotz, author of Subtract, explains why our brains default to adding when faced with problems and how the less obvious options to subtract can save us time and energy. He also gives us a preview of his next book soon to be released called In a Good Place, exploring how space shapes our ability to think, learn, and thrive, featuring PLP and Pennsbury School District's partnership project called Portrait of a Classroom.