LM Sept 2021

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SESSION

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During the Opening General Session, registrants of IASA’s 57th Annual Conference can expect to be “energized” and hear a “timely message” from keynote speaker Morris Morrison that focuses on challenges school administrators face today. “Superintendents need the opportunity to hit the reset button and get re-energized,” says Morrison. “I also make sure I deliver content that can equip them to do their jobs better.” The Opening General Session is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. Wednesday in the Main Hall of the BOS Center. Morrison’s presentation is titled, “DISRUPT YOURSELF: Driving Change, Growth and New Opportunities On Purpose!” Audiences can expect a high-energy presentation tailored to the challenges superintendents face. As CEO of StoryMaker Brands and owner of Windmill Park Media, Morrison is a world-class DISRUPTION speaker and author, whose journey began in New York City before a doctor’s words changed his life forever, after being orphaned a second time. IASA spoke to Morrison about his keynote address, overcoming challenges, the characteristics of strong leaders and how schools can better support students from difficult backgrounds. Q: Why is the theme of disruption so important to you? A: Because disruption is a gift. It’s amazing what a person can do, when they have to. Many of us are at our best when we are growing and that is what disruption does— it forces us to grow. Q: You endured an incredibly difficult childhood. Why do you think you were able to overcome significant challenges and go on to create this company and inspire others? A: All progress I have made in my life can be directly attributed to the community around me. My educators, coaches, pastors and community supporters never stopped challenging me, even though my life was already challenged. They set clear expectations and accountability for what they expected from my leadership. I am still trying to make up ground every day to fulfill those expectations, even though my wife would say I still have a long way to go. Q: Was there an educator early on in your life who helped you become the person you are today? A: Mrs. Cinalli was the first teacher who made me cry and that was because she was so disappointed in me because

I wasn’t who she knew I could be. The other was Mrs. Morgan, my AP English teacher. She taught me what work ethic in the classroom should look like. I never worked so hard for a B in my life. Q: Is there something schools can do to better support students who have similar backgrounds and experiences as you did? A: After you meet the immediate needs of students, which may include literally feeding hungry kids and sending them home with food, you can’t be afraid to push them harder because, oftentimes, you are the only one making eye contact with them—with a look of expectation and accountability in your eyes. And most of the time that is all it takes for a child. Q: Can you share a piece of leadership advice for superintendents? A: It’s very rare you will find two districts that are exactly alike. Today, it is extremely important for superintendents to have the courage to trust their gut as leaders and set the vision, values and direction that is needed to serve their district most. Most superintendents find that very difficult to do because of the political and parental environments we serve in. Nevertheless, the best superintendents always seem to find a way to navigate those dynamics so that they still put the students first. And, they are overly transparent about their process, while including all stakeholders along the way. You are going to burn out when you try and take on all these issues by yourself because you will take on all the stress, which may compromise your personal health and your leadership effectiveness. Furthemore, you are going to make a bunch of mistakes along the way. After all, a lot of this is uncharted territory. It’s pretty awesome to know, if you make a mistake, your intention was in the right place and you gave your last drop of energy to support your students. Q: Anything else you want IASA members to know about you? A: My wife says I have a couple of pet peeves. I can’t stand throwing away a perfectly good piece of aluminum foil. I only use a half sheet of a paper towel, and I can’t stand when I see people wasting food that they don’t eat. Other than that, my wife would say I am almost a normal guy.

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LM September 2021