The Ripple Effect of Every Decision:
In a recent podcast episode, Jen Schwanke shares a memorable childhood story about her brother being paid to shoot pigeons, and how her father quickly discovered that every decision brings unintended consequences.
It’s a simple story with a meaningful leadership lesson.
In schools, we’re constantly solving problems. But even well-intentioned decisions can create ripple effects we didn’t anticipate. The challenge isn’t just finding solutions, it’s thinking ahead about how those solutions will impact people, systems, and culture over time.
This conversation is a good reminder to pause, reflect, and consider the bigger picture before acting.
If you’re leading in a complex environment, this one will resonate.
You can listen to the full episode on the podcast to explore the conversation more deeply.
William D. Parker
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Founder/CEO of Principal Matters, LLC. Host of Principal Matters Podcast. Edu Leadership Services. Certified Teacher, Principal, Supt
04/27/2026
Recently, Jen Schwanke shared a newsletter about wayward solutions, and it sparked a powerful conversation on this week’s Monday Matters.
We explored how solving one problem can sometimes create new ones down the road. School leaders like to fix things quickly, but the real challenge is stepping back, seeing the bigger picture, and thinking through the long-term impact before acting.
Jen even shares a humorous childhood story that perfectly captures how good intentions can take unexpected turns.
If you’ve ever implemented a solution that led to more complexity later, this episode will resonate.
Watch and listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWatKS3wBKQ
Listen in to hear the full conversation and reflect on how you approach problem-solving in your own leadership. 🎧
Will Parker | Principal Matters Podcast MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker - Wayward Solutions
04/22/2026
Today I had the opportunity to join a team meeting at First Bank of Owasso, thanks to my friend Conny Van Wyhe, who invited me as a Client Spotlight.
It was a full-circle moment. I’ve known Conny and her family since she was a child, and now she’s leading as a Branch Manager.
As she introduced me, I shared three reflections:
1. They model exceptional service. I’ve chosen to visit in person many times not out of necessity, but because of the way their team treats people.
2. My work is built on service too. I have the privilege of working alongside some of the most dedicated educators in the country.
3. We are all beneficiaries of someone else’s investment. Just as others have poured into my life, even small acts of service can make a lasting difference.
Grateful for the opportunity and for the team at First Bank of Owasso for supporting my business along the way.
04/20/2026
As someone who frequently works with school leaders, I am constantly trying to remind myself that doing the work is not the same as talking about the work. This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and I talk about making sure we center the voices of principals and teachers in our work. Listen in to learn how this lesson applies to school leaders wherever you get your podcasts!
Will Parker | Principal Matters Podcast MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker - Staying Connected to the Work
04/17/2026
Ever wonder how Jen Schwanke, Ed.D. and I record the podcast?
Here is a peek behind the scenes of Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast 👇
Twice a month, we batch record four episodes in one sitting.
Because many of our guest interviews are recorded in advance, we use that time to record intros and Q and A segments for our Wednesday shows. Then we shift gears and record our Monday Matters episodes where we reflect on what we are learning right now about school leadership.
So in just one hour, we typically record
• 2 Wednesday intros and Q and A segments
• 2 Monday Matters episodes
That means listeners are hearing both our current thinking and conversations we recorded earlier with incredible guests.
It is a tight window, but it works because we come in with a shared system
✔️ Ongoing notes
✔️ Clear structure
✔️ Focused intention
Every great product requires a great system. Our shows do not happen by accident.
And even with that structure, there is still room for mistakes and plenty of spontaneity!
Stay tuned. This week's recording session is bringing some great conversations your way 🎙️
I had such a wonderful conversation with Lauren Berlin this week on Principal Matters Podcast. We talked about leading schools through times of crisis and the role that a principal plays when schools go through hard times. You can listen in to the full conversation on Youtube or wherever you listen to podcast!
It's very easy for school leaders to get sucked into an urgency mindset when solving a crisis. Principal Matters guest this week, Lauren Berlin, talks about strategies that leaders can employ to push back against that urgency mindset. Listen in to hear more of Lauren's tips for dealing with crisis and preventing burnout!
AP to Principal: Balancing Expertise and Humility
In a recent Q&A, Jen Schwanke and I share advice for a listener preparing for an upcoming interview.
We explore the balance every aspiring principal needs—showing confidence and courage while also demonstrating curiosity and a willingness to learn.
If you’re stepping from AP to principal, this conversation is for you.
Listen in to Principal Matters: The School Leader’s Podcast to hear more!
04/13/2026
Being part of a school community means that sometimes your school is where you want to fall during hard times. Jen Schwanke and I discuss hard times that school leaders may face and the different ways that people respond to them. Check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker - Getting Through Hard Times This week on Monday Matters Jen Schwanke and Will Parker take some time to talk about finding solace in work during hard times. Every leader experiences bad ...
This week's episode of Monday Matters is all about building trust between school leaders. Jen Schwanke shares three questions that help uncover leadership styles and bring individual goals into alignment. Having these conversations are essential for leadership teams to build the trusting foundation they need to thrive. Check out the full episode wherever you listen to podcasts!
School leadership is both a tough and rewarding job. In this week's episode of Principal Matters, Leanne Nichol spends some time talking about teacher and principal burnout, and how to reconnect with your passion. Listen in to learn about becoming a fierce-hearted leader and how to led from the inside out!
04/06/2026
Trust between members of school leadership teams is essential for the success of that team. This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and I talk about the conversations that need to happen between leaders to build a trusting relationship. Listen in wherever you get your podcasts or head over to YouTube to watch!
MONDAY MATTERS with Jen Schwanke and Will Parker - The Expectation Conversation This week on Monday Matters, Jen Schwanke and Will Parker take some time to talk about building trust through communication. Specifically, they focus on how ...
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