Earlier this week, the world marked a somber anniversary—44 years since the tragic loss of John Lennon. For me, this day always stirs vivid memories. It was around this time that I first discovered The Beatles, embarking on a journey into a world of creativity, harmony, and collaboration that continues to shape my life and career. The Beatles have left an indelible mark on me, not only as a fan of their groundbreaking music but as someone who sees their legacy as a model for leadership, culture, and collaboration.

The Beatles’ story offers profound lessons for educators and leaders. Their journey is a testament to excellence, creativity, and innovation—qualities we all strive to cultivate in our schools and organizations. By nature, I am a storyteller, and I’ve always believed in the power of stories to build connections, foster belonging, and create psychological safety. In my years as a teacher and principal, I often found myself drawing comparisons to The Beatles, using their journey as a metaphor for teamwork and innovation. While I don’t expect everyone to love The Beatles as much as I do, I believe in sharing our passions as leaders. It’s a vehicle for hope, and education is a field that thrives on hope in abundance.

The Beatles didn’t invent creativity or collaboration, but they redefined it. They reinvented music, setting a standard for excellence that still resonates today. Imagine if we embraced their mindset in education—pushing boundaries, seeking new ideas, and innovating for the betterment of our students and communities. Steve Jobs, the visionary behind Apple, once credited The Beatles as his model for innovation and teamwork. He admired how the band’s chemistry and ability to balance each other’s strengths led to extraordinary accomplishments. Whether or not you’re a Beatles fan, every leader can appreciate the value of fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.

Next semester, I have the privilege of teaching a course on The Beatles at High Point University. It’s an opportunity to delve deeper into the band’s cultural impact and explore how their music and legacy continue to influence the world. Preparing for this course has inspired me to think about how The Beatles’ story resonates with others. Their music, recorded over a mere seven years, remains a staple on playlists and soundtracks across generations. The enduring relevance of their work speaks to their unparalleled ability to connect with people on a human level.

This reflection has also inspired the launch of my new podcast, Why The Beatles Matter, debuting December 12. Through this podcast, I aim to explore the band’s profound impact and why their music and legacy still matter today. I’m eager to hear and share stories from others who have been touched by The Beatles—whether as fans, creatives, or leaders. This podcast is a space to celebrate their influence and to discuss how their spirit of innovation and collaboration can inspire us in our own lives and work. I invite you to join the conversation by using the hashtag #WhyTheBeatlesMatter and share on the social media channel of your choice. Let’s connect, share, and celebrate the stories that bind us together.

As some of you may know, I am the author of The Pepper Effect, a book that explores how The Beatles’ timeless lessons can inspire creativity and collaboration in schools. If you’re interested, you can order a copy on Amazon. I hope the book serves as another bridge for connection and inspiration.

The Beatles matter because they remind us that we matter. They show us that we all have gifts to share, ideas to spark, and the potential to create something extraordinary. As we reflect on their legacy, let’s take a page from their story and embrace our own potential to innovate, collaborate, and make a lasting impact. I hope you’ll tune in to the podcast, join the conversation, and, together, let’s discover why The Beatles truly matter.