Next Man Up: An MCEL Podcast

The AP Life: What they don’t tell you, Pt. 2

About this Episode Kareem Thomas, host of Next Man Up and The MCEL Podcast, sits down with Dr. Rodney Harrison and Barry Wilkins to explore the real lives of assistant principals. This conversation dives into leadership, identity, and the creation of safe, community-centered schools, while also shedding light on the daily challenges, rewards, and the necessity of leading with authenticity and prioritizing self-care. Key Takeaways * Community is the foundation of school culture * Authentic leadership matters * AP's role is both a pipeline and a pressure cooker * Self-care is essential, not optional About Barry Wilkins Barry Wilkins was born and raised in Philadelphia. He has spent nearly two decades in the financial sector, holding leadership roles in investment banking and wealth management. But in 2016, a shift in the national landscape forced a personal reckoning. He realized that the most important work wasn't in a boardroom; it was in our schools. His mission is to position our scholars for limitless success by investing in their social-emotional well-being, championing equity, and challenging them to be the architects of their wildest dreams. This means bridging the gap between economic opportunity and educational equity by leading rigorous, student-centered schools that serve as launchpads rather than holding cells. About Dr. Rodney Harrison Dr. Rodney Harrison is a student-centered educational leader with over seventeen years of experience spanning teaching, counseling, and school administration. Throughout his career, he has focused on elevating instructional practices, strengthening inclusive school cultures, and empowering both students and educators through data-driven decision-making and collaborative leadership. His journey from school counselor to assistant principal across multiple districts reflects his commitment to equity, professional growth, and creating thriving learning environments where every stakeholder feels supported and seen. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact. Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mcelleaders.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://mcelleaders.org/podcast] or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

Women Making Moves: Leadership, Resilience, and Impact

About this Episode In this Women’s History Month special episode of Next Man Up, Kareem Thomas is joined by Dr. Nadia Bennett and Natalie St. Louis for a powerful conversation on authenticity, resilience, and leadership. From overcoming barriers to uplifting leaders of color, they share real strategies for impact, mentorship, and sustainability in the work. About Natalie St. Louis Natalie St. Louis is an ICF-PCC Certified Executive Leadership Coach who supports education leaders through 1:1 coaching and professional development. Grounded in the International Coaching Federation Core Competencies and Code of Ethics, she helps leaders clarify their vision, align their values, and set meaningful goals while feeling seen, supported, and heard. With over 20 years in education, including more than a decade as a school leader, Natalie has led significant gains in student achievement and enrollment, earning recognition for driving turnaround success. Her experience spans roles as a teacher, reading specialist, instructional coach, staff developer, assistant principal, and principal. A 2018 Neubauer Fellow, Natalie holds two master’s degrees from Bank Street College and Teachers College, Columbia University, and is currently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also a proud wife and mother of two. About Dr. Nadia Bennett Dr. Nadia A. Bennett is the founder and CEO of When Brown Girls Lead®, a consulting firm focused on building equity-driven schools and districts nationwide. Through culturally relevant leadership development, she supports educators in creating anti-racist, high-impact learning environments. A former charter superintendent and principal, Dr. Bennett has a proven track record of driving results, doubling ELA scores, improving attendance and staff retention, and leading school turnaround efforts. Notably, she led Simon Gratz Mastery High School to the top of Philadelphia’s charter rankings during her tenure. Dr. Bennett holds degrees from Dillard University and Howard University, completed the Urban Superintendents Academy through AASA, and earned her doctorate as part of her ongoing commitment to educational excellence. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact. Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mcelleaders.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://mcelleaders.org/podcast] or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

The AP Life: What they don’t tell you, Pt. 1

About this Episode Kareem Thomas, host of Next Man Up, The MCEL Podcast, sits down with Dr. Rodney Harrison and Barry Wilkins to explore the real life of assistant principals. This conversation dives into leadership, identity, and creating safe, community-centered schools, while also shedding light on the daily challenges, rewards, and the necessity of leading with authenticity and prioritizing self-care. Key Takeaways * Community is the foundation of school culture * Authentic leadership matters * AP's role is both a pipeline and a pressure cooker * Self-care is essential, not optional About Barry Wilkins Barry Wilkins was born and raised in Philadelphia. He has spent nearly two decades in the financial sector, holding leadership roles in investment banking and wealth management. But in 2016, a shift in the national landscape forced a personal reckoning. He realized that the most important work wasn't in a boardroom; it was in our schools. His mission is to position our scholars for limitless success by investing in their social-emotional well-being, championing equity, and challenging them to be the architects of their wildest dreams. This means bridging the gap between economic opportunity and educational equity by leading rigorous, student-centered schools that serve as launchpads, not holding cells. About Dr. Rodney Harrison Dr. Rodney Harrison is a student-centered educational leader with over seventeen years of experience spanning teaching, counseling, and school administration. Throughout his career, he has focused on elevating instructional practices, strengthening inclusive school cultures, and empowering both students and educators through data-driven decision-making and collaborative leadership. His journey from school counselor to assistant principal across multiple districts reflects his commitment to equity, professional growth, and creating thriving learning environments where every stakeholder feels supported and seen. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact. Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠mcelleaders.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://mcelleaders.org/podcast] or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

Developing The Next Leader

About this Episode In this episode of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas speaks with guests Ray Pace and Dr. Wardell Hunter about the critical importance of leadership development programs for aspiring school leaders. They explore the frameworks for effective leadership training, the significance of mentoring and coaching, and the need for self-assessment and reflective conversations in preparing future leaders. The conversation also addresses the challenges faced by assistant principals and the importance of adaptability in diverse educational environments. Key Takeaways * Reflective conversations help aspiring leaders understand their motivations. * Self-assessment against leadership standards is essential for growth. * Mentoring provides technical assistance, while coaching focuses on mindset. * Transitioning to new roles can enhance leadership skills. About Raymond Roy-Pace Raymond Roy-Pace is an education leader and strategist with over 15 years of experience advancing instructional excellence, leadership development, and equity-driven school improvement. He currently serves as a Professional Learning Specialist for the School District of Philadelphia, where he leads large-scale leadership development for nearly 300 assistant principals across more than 200 schools. Ray’s career includes roles as a high school principal, assistant principal, adjunct professor, instructional coach, and classroom teacher. A national presenter and published contributor, his work focuses on developing culturally responsive leaders, strengthening leadership pipelines, and improving outcomes for students and educators. About Dr. Wardell Hunter Dr. Wardell Hunter is a seasoned education leader with over 25 years of experience serving schools across the metro-Atlanta area. He previously served as Director of Leadership Development for Atlanta Public Schools, where he supported aspiring principals, assistant principals, instructional leaders, and central office teams. Across his career, Dr. Hunter has held roles including principal (interim), assistant principal of instruction, academy leader for business and entrepreneurship, and instructional leader in both Atlanta Public Schools and DeKalb County Schools. His work centers on leadership development, instructional improvement, and building strong school-community partnerships to support student success. Dr. Hunter holds a doctorate in Educational Administration from Georgia Southern University and is a certified Gallup and John Maxwell Coach. He is deeply committed to developing effective, equity-focused leaders and improving outcomes in urban education. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his three sons and engaging in family activities. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact. Learn More: To learn more about the Next Man Up podcast or to be a guest, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠mcelleaders.org/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [http://mcelleaders.org/podcast] or follow us on social media at @mcelleaders.

Building Bridges: The Role of the Care Team

About this Episode In this episode of Next Man Up, host Kareem Thomas discusses the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL) in education with guests Errin Smith, Dr. Arman Lakes, and Dr. Chuck Curtis. They focus on SEL’s impact on young men of color, emphasizing how emotional well-being affects academic success. The conversation covers student support roles, common misconceptions about SEL, the challenges faced by care teams, and the need for self-care. The guests share personal insights and advice for aspiring educators, stressing the value of community commitment and understanding the complexities of their work. About Errin Smith Errin Smith is an educator and leader dedicated to empowering young Black men. A Hampton University graduate with a Master’s in Teacher Leadership, he began his teaching career in 2009. Errin became a founding staff member at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School in 2016, where he serves as Special Education Coordinator and Coach. His work focuses on emotional healing, restorative practices, and guiding young men through challenges while promoting accountability and growth. Errin’s leadership prioritizes equity, empowerment, and the creation of pathways for students’ success both in and beyond the classroom. About Dr. Arman Lakes Dr. Arman Lakes is the Director of School Redesign and CTE Academies at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School. He leads initiatives to improve academic and operational success, including retention strategies and professional development. Before this role, Dr. Lakes served as a school counselor, focusing on college readiness and early interventions. He holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Howard University and is passionate about helping students unlock their unique potential for personal transformation. About Dr. Charles Curtis Dr. Charles Curtis is a psychologist and restorative practitioner focused on the well-being of Black boys and men. A Morehouse College graduate, he earned his Ph.D. in Clinical and School Psychology from the University of Virginia. Dr. Curtis works at Ron Brown College Preparatory High School and maintains a private practice that offers culturally grounded counseling. His approach integrates healing, ancestral wisdom, and accountability to help Black individuals thrive. About the Podcast Next Man Up amplifies the voices of men of color in education. Hosted by Kareem Thomas, it explores the challenges and triumphs of educational leaders who drive systemic change. The podcast empowers current and aspiring leaders to embrace their power and make an impact.