A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #3 - March 2026

Voices of Character: Leadership Insights from the Hope Institute Network Summit

What does it really take to build a culture of character and make it last? 🎯 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: In this special compilation episode of Communities of Character, we take you inside the Hope Institute Network Summit, where school and district leaders gathered to continue the work of character-centered leadership. Recorded live in a pop-up podcast studio, this episode features short, powerful conversations with three influential voices in education: * Dr. Tom Lickona, a leading expert in character education * Drayton Nabers, respected leader and advocate for character-driven communities * Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent of Education with a broad perspective on school culture Each guest offers a unique lens on leadership, culture, and the role of character in today’s schools, while reinforcing a shared belief: Character isn’t an add-on. It’s the work. Whether you’re a principal, teacher leader, or district administrator, this episode will challenge you to think more deeply about what you’re modeling, what you’re prioritizing, and what will ultimately stick in your organization. * Why character must be embedded—not added—in school culture * Leadership insights from local, district, and state perspectives * What it takes to sustain culture over time * How leaders can model values in everyday decisions * Why this work matters now more than ever 💡 Key Takeaway Culture is not built in big moments, it’s shaped in consistent, intentional actions over time. 🔁 Reflection Question What is sticking in your leadership, and what are others learning from what you model? Follow along and join the conversation:📱 Instagram: @coc.podcast

A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #5 - May 2026

What do we actually believe? In this month’s Character Conversation, Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey reflect on their recent interview with Dr. Jimmy Shaw, former superintendent of Florence City Schools, and unpack one of the most important leadership questions schools and organizations can ask. This conversation explores the connection between clarity, culture, and character-centered leadership, and why meaningful culture work starts long before initiatives, programs, or expectations are introduced. Jennifer and Laura discuss: * Why “clarity creates stability” in schools and organizations * How shared values shape decision-making and relationships * The difference between posting values and actually living them * Why adult culture drives student culture * How leaders build buy-in through relationships, consistency, and trust * Dr. Shaw’s powerful idea of building a “coalition of the willing” This episode is a reminder that culture is not built through slogans or branding, it’s built through consistent modeling, everyday interactions, and leaders who are willing to return to what matters most. If you’re leading a school, team, or organization and trying to strengthen culture in a meaningful way, this conversation will challenge you to reflect on what your community truly believes and whether those beliefs are visible in daily practice. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and share with another leader who’s doing this work. 📱 Follow the conversation on Instagram: @coc.podcast

Character Isn’t Extra: Leading a District with Purpose

What does it take to lead character work at the district level, and make it stick? In this episode of Communities of Character, Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey sit down with Dr. Jimmy Shaw, former superintendent of Florence City Schools, to explore what it really looks like to build a culture of character across an entire system. With more than 25 years in education and nine years as superintendent, Dr. Shaw shares how a simple but powerful question: “What do we actually believe?” became the starting point for meaningful, system-wide change. This conversation moves beyond theory and into the real work of leadership: how to create alignment, build buy-in, and keep character at the center, even in the middle of competing priorities and daily demands. If you’re a school or district leader looking to move from ideas to implementation, this episode offers both clarity and encouragement. 🎯 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: * Why defining core values must come before setting expectations * How Dr. Shaw led a district-wide focus on character and culture * What it takes to build a “coalition of the willing” across schools * Early signs that character work is becoming part of the culture—not just an initiative * Lessons learned from leading change at the district level * Why adult culture is the foundation for student success * What it means to lead with legacy in mind 💡 Key Takeaway Character isn’t something you add to the work; it is the work. And when leaders get clear on what they believe and commit to living it out consistently, culture begins to shift in ways that last. 🔁 Reflection Question As you listen, consider: 👉 What do we actually believe in our school or district—and how consistently are we living that out? RESOURCES from the episode: Jimmy’s website - 431llc.net [http://431llc.net] Seeking a Learning University by Jimmy Shaw - https://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Learning-University-Meetings-Movements-ebook/dp/B0GS4GQQ2S [https://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Learning-University-Meetings-Movements-ebook/dp/B0GS4GQQ2S] The Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ [https://www.hopeinstitute.org/] Character.org - http://Character.org [http://character.org] Florence City Schools - https://www.florencek12.org/ [https://www.florencek12.org/] Episode with Dr. Ashley Bowling - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/character-isnt-extra-its-the-work-of-adults-first/id1598728843?i=1000747563865 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/character-isnt-extra-its-the-work-of-adults-first/id1598728843?i=1000747563865] 🔗 Connect with Dr. Jimmy Shaw Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/davisshaw/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/davisshaw/]  Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.shaw.7⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/jimmy.shaw.7]  📲 Stay Connected 👉 Follow Communities of Character on Instagram: @coc.podcast 👉 Catch up on previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts 👉 Share this episode with a leader who is committed to modeling character every day

A Pause to Reflect on Character - Bonus Ep. #4 - April 2026

What if one simple shift in how you listen and how you share could transform your leadership? In this mid-month Character Conversation, Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey reflect on their powerful interview with Lindy Walker of the Storytellers Live podcast and explore how storytelling shapes connection, culture, and trust in schools and organizations. This short, practical episode is designed for busy leaders who want something meaningful they can apply right away. Together, they unpack two key takeaways: * “Where can I meet this person in their story?” – a mindset that helps leaders move beyond behavior and lead with empathy and understanding * “Share stories for intention, not attention” – a reminder that the purpose of storytelling is connection, not recognition Jennifer also shares a real leadership moment from her return to Hoover High School, highlighting how culture doesn’t break overnight, but can quietly drift without intentional focus. Her story is a powerful reminder that strong culture is built through consistent, human interactions and not big initiatives. If you’re a principal, instructional leader, coach, or educator working to build a positive school culture, strengthen relationships, or lead with character, this episode will challenge and encourage you. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: * How storytelling can strengthen relationships and build trust * Why understanding someone’s story leads to better leadership decisions * Practical ways to bring empathy, connection, and intention into everyday interactions * How to refocus your team on what matters most when culture begins to drift As you head into your week, consider this: Every interaction is an opportunity to meet someone in their story. Don’t miss it. 🎧 Listen now and take one small step toward building a stronger culture - one conversation at a time.

Why Stories Matter: The Key to Connection, Belonging, and Culture

How do you build a stronger, more connected community? In this episode of the Communities of Character podcast, Jennifer Hogan and Laura Casey sit down with Lindy Walker of Storytellers Live to explore the powerful role storytelling plays in shaping connection, belonging, and culture. While Lindy’s work is rooted in creating spaces for people to share real, personal stories, this conversation focuses on what that means for leaders, especially those working in schools and organizations where relationships matter most. Together, they unpack how storytelling moves people beyond surface-level interactions and into meaningful connection and why that connection is essential for building a culture grounded in character. 🔑 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: * Why stories create connection in ways facts alone cannot * How storytelling helps individuals feel seen, heard, and valued * What happens in a room when someone shares an authentic story * How leaders can use storytelling to build trust without being performative * Why vulnerability and transparency are essential for strong adult culture * How stories help people internalize values like empathy and respect * The role of listening in understanding and leading others well * Simple ways to begin using storytelling to strengthen your community 💡 Key Takeaway People don’t connect through information, they connect through stories. And when leaders create space for those stories to be shared and heard, they lay the foundation for trust, belonging, and a culture of character. 📲 Stay Connected Follow Communities of Character on Instagram: @coc.podcastShare this episode with a colleague or leader who is working to build stronger community. 🔗 Connect with Lindy Walker Learn more about Lindy’s work and storytelling community through Storytellers Live. LindyWalker0 @ gmail.com RESOURCES from the episode: Story Tellers Live website - https://www.storytellerslive.org/ [https://www.storytellerslive.org/] Story Tellers Live - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/storytellersliveministry [https://www.facebook.com/storytellersliveministry] Story Tellers Live - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/storytellers_live/ [https://www.instagram.com/storytellers_live/] CoC Episode with guest, Kym Prewitt - https://open.spotify.com/episode/79uBINkU1A4MUYTKhwprkE?si=8ob51AdXQ4-vR0QhVm0lUA [https://open.spotify.com/episode/79uBINkU1A4MUYTKhwprkE?si=8ob51AdXQ4-vR0QhVm0lUA] The Hope Institute - https://www.hopeinstitute.org/ [https://www.hopeinstitute.org/] Character.org - http://Character.org [http://character.org] 👉 Follow us on Instagram @coc.podcast 👉 Catch up on previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts 👉 Share this episode with a leader who is committed to modeling character every day