This is one of the most powerful TED Talks I have ever watched. Linda Cliatt-Wayman, a principal at a very challenging underserved school in Philadelphia, faced incredible adversity and a severe lack of resources when she took over. However, she stepped firmly into a leadership role rather than join the chorus of staff who had resigned to hopelessness. She did so with compassion and by seeing the opportunity to make a real difference by betting on herself and assembling a great team to rise above the immense challenges. I keep Linda’s words in my head when the obstacles for myself or our society seem too great, knowing that we have such incredible ability when we dig deep, come together, and dare to lead with a big heart.

Watch the entire TED Talk for full context, which can be found here.

For more information on this amazing human, Linda Cliatt-Wayman, visit her website.

My 5 favorite quotes from the talk:

“And then, there were the teachers, who were incredibly afraid for their own safety, so they had low expectations for the students and themselves, and they were totally unaware of their role in the destruction of the school’s culture.”

Linda Cliatt-Wayman

“If you’re going to lead, lead.”

Linda Cliatt-Wayman

“I am a leader, so I know I cannot do anything alone.”

Linda Cliatt-Wayman

“Leaders make the impossible possible.”

Linda Cliatt-Wayman

“So what. Now what? What are we gonna do about it? Eliminating excuses at every turn became my primary responsibility.”

Linda Cliatt-Wayman

BONUS! If you’d like to see my technique for fully digesting the books, podcasts, and videos that impacted me, check out My Learning Process in the Toolshed.

If you haven’t already, subscribe to the email list to stay up to date on new content and see what I’m personally working on each month. Plus! I’ll send you a great tool I developed to create momentum when I am feeling stuck.