School Leadership: An Honest Look at the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Leadership isn’t always inspirational quotes and Instagrammable moments. In this brutally honest and refreshingly real workshop, Dr. Howard Stribbell pulled back the curtain on the realities of school leadership—highlighting the triumphs, the struggles, and the sometimes uncomfortable truths.

Through personal stories, candid reflections, and a no-BS lens, participants explored:

• The Good: The joy of leading great teams, the global opportunities in international education, and the power of vision-driven leadership.
• The Bad: Work-life imbalance, accountability without authority, the loneliness of leadership, and the impossible expectations that come with the role.
• The Ugly: Online gossip, blame culture, burnout, entitlement, and the harsh realization that even your best may not be enough.

Dr. Stribbell challenged participants to confront their own leadership myths, reflect on their motivations, and take action—anchored in courage, self-awareness, and a healthy dose of humility.

This session was not for the faint of heart—but it was for anyone ready to own their leadership journey, navigate the messiness, and come out stronger on the other side.