When mistakes happen, do we instinctively look for someone to blame, or do we assume best intentions and focus on solutions? In this episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the blame game mindset and how it can derail progress, morale, and trust in leadership.

Tessa shares a powerful story about a workplace mishap that had everyone bracing for blame, and together, she and Susan unpack how leaders can shift from pointing fingers to problem-solving. Tune in for practical strategies to navigate adversity, reframe setbacks, and create a culture where mistakes become opportunities for growth—not shame.

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.

Bad days are inevitable, even for leaders. Like a crashing wave, they can knock us down, but the tide eventually recedes, giving us the chance to rise again. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of struggle and offer practical strategies to navigate hardship, tragedy, or overwhelming emotions.

They remind us of the resilience within each of us and emphasize the importance of acknowledging tough moments without dwelling in them. Tune in for thoughtful insights and tactics to help you bounce back, regain your footing, and move forward as a stronger, more grounded leader.

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.

In this episode, Susan and Tessa tackle the essence of commitment, sharing a powerful definition: Commitment is what we do long after the mood has left us. As the excitement of the new year fades and goals or resolutions start to feel challenging, they reflect on how fleeting emotions often derail our personal and professional aspirations.

Susan and Tessa provide thought-provoking questions to help leaders evaluate their dedication and strategies to stay steadfast in pursuing professional goals, visions, and dreams. Tune in for actionable insights and inspiration to keep serving others with purpose and resilience, even when the initial motivation wanes.

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.

In this reflective episode, Susan and Tessa dive into the idea of joy—both personal and professional. Inspired by a recent conference Susan attended, they discuss how the concept of joy didn’t initially resonate with her and how she reframed the message to explore what joy means in the context of leadership. While it’s easy to identify joy in personal aspects like family and friends, finding joy in the challenges and demands of our professional roles can feel much harder.

Join Susan and Tessa as they unpack the questions leaders need to ask themselves to uncover positivity amidst the stress and hardships of the job. They share strategies for recognizing small wins, celebrating impactful moments, and discovering what makes leadership fulfilling. It’s a thoughtful and encouraging conversation about finding happiness and joy in the journey of leadership!

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.

Sleepless nights happen to the best of us, especially during stressful seasons of leadership. In this episode, Susan and Tessa share personal stories of restless nights and how stress has impacted their ability to recharge. They dive into the critical role sleep plays in our success and offer practical strategies to quiet your mind, manage stress, and create a bedtime routine that sets you up for restful nights. Whether it’s calming your thoughts or breaking the cycle of late-night overthinking, this episode is your guide to waking up ready to tackle the day ahead!

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.

Do you ever feel like all eyes are on you or that people are saying unkind things behind your back? Susan and Tessa unpack this common leadership worry and offer a refreshing perspective: most people aren’t scrutinizing your every move. In fact, we often overestimate our importance in others’ minds. In this episode, they explore how to shift focus away from these fears and onto what truly matters—serving your team, staying grounded in your purpose, and being the best version of yourself. In the new year, let go of the noise and lean into your role with confidence and clarity.

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.

Susan and Tessa revisit the excitement of the new year and ask the big question: Have your resolutions, goals, or "one word" already taken a backseat? It's easy to lose momentum as the weeks roll on, but they’re here to remind you that it’s never too late to realign. In this episode, they explore how leaders can give themselves grace, embrace flexibility, and take small, meaningful steps toward progress. Remember, every day is a new opportunity to reflect, refocus, and keep moving forward on your leadership journey.

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.

In this week's episode, "Are You an Influencer as You Lead with Intention?", Susan and Tessa explore what it means to inspire and empower those around you, while discussing the critical difference between simply being a boss and becoming a true influencer within your organization. As the new year begins, they encourage leaders to adopt a mindset of intentionality, fostering trust and positive relationships. With insights on creating a warm, inviting culture and being open to feedback, this conversation will help you lead in a way that motivates and uplifts your team while setting the tone for a successful year ahead.

The Hosts of The Dips of Doubt:

Tessa Brock

Tessa is a passionate, engaging and inspiring presenter who tackles the tough topics of Organizational Culture, Trauma Responsive Approaches, Communication, Reflective Practice, and Self-Care with a balance of expertise, honesty, and humor. Tessa has worked with schools through Fortune 500 organizations to enhance interpersonal interactions. Through her genuine and authentic manner, Tessa skillfully uses story to drive home key concepts that make a lasting impression. Tessa has a Master’s degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), is Infant/Toddler Mental Health Endorsed Level III (IMH-E III), and is a Certified Executive Coach. Tessa actively coaches, trains, and consults with organizations and schools to enhance relationship-based and trauma-responsive skills and strategies used with professionals, students, and parents. The Neurosequential Network acknowledges that Tessa has completed NMT Training Certification through the Phase I level. She is an international speaker and national consultant.

Susan Rosenthal

Prior to joining the Pima County School Superintendent's office, Susan spent 30 years in the Catalina Foothills School District (CFSD) where she served in a variety of roles. She found her passion for mentoring early in her career and had a Superintendent who supported her desire to create a Beginning Teacher Assistance Program that helped new teachers onboard, acclimate and thrive. Later her work morphed into an Induction Program through her work as a Career Ladder Supervisor for K-12 educators. Susan's unique approach to teaching, learning and leadership is a result of her K-12 perspective and experiences as a former elementary teacher, high school assistant principal and middle school principal. She was afforded many training opportunities over her career and upon retiring from her former district, she spent her first year mentoring new administrators and coaching individuals obtaining their teaching certificate through Arizona Teachers of Tomorrow. Susan now serves as the Director of LEADNow! In her role, she is the co-facilitator of the LEADNow! Institute for new and aspiring principal leaders, and she provides mentorship to former LEADNow! participants who want to continue to optimize their leadership skills. She has her M.Ed., Standard Principal, PreK-12, Standard Professional Elementary, K-8, Early Childhood Endorsement, and she is a Certified NAESP National Principal Mentor.