There is something that always brings a smile to my face when I look at my calendar and see the words Record with Donya. Our monthly conversations on Real Riffs with Donya Ball have become one of the most rewarding and enriching creative collaborations I have experienced. We have now recorded six episodes, and I genuinely look forward to each opportunity to connect, reflect, and explore the realities of educational leadership.

What I especially appreciate is how naturally our conversations unfold. We have reached the point where there is no elaborate preparation, no scripted questions, and no predetermined agenda. We simply hit record and start riffing. There is something refreshing about allowing a conversation to develop organically, particularly when both participants bring trust, mutual respect, and a willingness to listen.

The Art of Riffing

I often think about the similarities between our conversations and a jazz jam session. Great improvisation requires more than individual talent. It requires deep listening, trust, and an understanding of what another musician brings to the performance. One musician introduces an idea, another builds upon it, and something new emerges through the collaboration.

That is the dynamic I value in working with Donya. We challenge and expand each other’s thinking in a supportive and trusting environment. Donya brings thoughtful perspectives and a wealth of leadership experience to our conversations, and I appreciate how our exchanges often lead me to consider ideas from a different angle. We are not competing for the spotlight. We are simply having meaningful conversations and learning from one another.

The Sixth Riff: Getting Into the Real Stuff

Our latest episode, The Sixth Riff: Educelebrity Culture, Brokenness, and the Courage to Lead, explores some challenging realities of educational leadership.

We examine the educelebrity phenomenon and the tension between visibility, recognition, and authentic leadership. We also discuss the brokenness that leaders sometimes experience in education, including disappointment, isolation, and the challenge of maintaining a sense of purpose when the work becomes difficult.

These are conversations that deserve more attention. We approach them with honesty, reflection, and a willingness to acknowledge that neither of us has all the answers. That is the spirit of Real Riffs. We are unflinchingly real about the profession we care deeply about and the human experiences that accompany leadership.

Looking Ahead

I am excited that our next episode in November will be recorded in person! After six virtual conversations, it will be a welcome opportunity to continue our discussions in the same room. We will maintain the approach that has worked so well for us: no script, no agenda, and plenty of room for spontaneous conversation.

I am grateful for this collaboration and for everyone who has listened and supported Real Riffs. This experience continues to reinforce something I believe deeply about leadership and creativity. Meaningful collaboration grows through trust, reciprocity, and the willingness to make room for another person’s voice.

Sometimes the best ideas emerge when we stop trying to control every moment and simply listen to one another. That is what makes a good jazz session, a good conversation, and a good collaboration.

Listen to The Sixth Riff

The Sixth Riff: Educelebrity Culture, Brokenness, and the Courage to Lead

🎧 YouTube:
https://youtu.be/FMei4pggSEE

🍎 Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sixth-riff-educelebrity-culture-brokenness/id1891174949?i=1000795835232

🟢 Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5K563HhNFouJyYOwjmmKDh?si=msTk3e6vRKqPRfq63v6dHA

We appreciate every listen, share, review, and subscription. Please subscribe so you do not miss our November episode, when we will be recording together in person!

Thank you for supporting Real Riffs and being part of these conversations!