Laura K Spencer, Ed.D.

Tag: Leadership

  • “Stand Back,” Said the Elephant: What a Children’s Book Taught Me About Leadership, Innovation, and Intentional Impact

    “Stand Back,” Said the Elephant: What a Children’s Book Taught Me About Leadership, Innovation, and Intentional Impact

    “Stand Back,” Said the Elephant: When Leadership Echoes Louder Than We Think

    The other day, I was chatting with a new mom, trading favorite childhood books, when one came rushing back to me:
    “Stand Back,” Said the Elephant, “I’m Going to Sneeze!”

    If you’ve read it, you know how it goes. A giant elephant announces he’s about to sneeze and total jungle chaos breaks out. Birds panic. Monkeys flip. Even the crocodile gets nervous.

    Why? Because the last time he sneezed, the whole forest turned upside down.

    As a kid, I thought it was hilarious.
    Reading it now, I see something else entirely.

    Leadership (and Sneezes) Are Bigger Than They Seem

    The elephant wasn’t being reckless. He wasn’t out to scare anyone. In fact, he gave fair warning. But still, his sneeze carried a force he couldn’t fully control. His size made even a simple act feel seismic.

    That image has stuck with me. Not just because it’s funny, but because it’s true.

    In leadership, we often forget how much weight our words and decisions carry. What feels like a small adjustment, such as a platform update or a new policy, can send ripples through a whole system.

    To us, it’s just a sneeze.
    To others, it might feel like the whole jungle is shaking.

    Leading Innovation with Intention

    At our charter school, we’re stepping into bold new territory: integrating artificial intelligence and virtual reality to create immersive, student-centered learning experiences.

    It’s exciting, no doubt. But we’re not doing it just because it’s cutting-edge. We’re doing it because we believe it can deepen learning, elevate student voice, and open doors to new ways of thinking and creating.

    And that means being intentional at every step.

    This kind of innovation requires more than cool tools. It requires care. It requires asking: Are our teachers supported? Are students engaged, not just entertained? Is this helping them grow, or just adding noise?

    We’re not handing students a VR headset and saying, “Go.” We’re inviting them to explore the moon, to train with an AI-powered speaking coach, to step into simulations where empathy, critical thinking, and creativity all matter.

    Yes, we’re introducing new tech. But more importantly, we’re creating new opportunities for students to see themselves as capable, curious, and connected.

    The Pause Before the Sneeze

    What I keep coming back to is this: the elephant didn’t sneeze without warning. He paused. He looked around. He gave everyone a chance to prepare.

    That’s leadership.

    It’s not just about vision or bold ideas. It’s about noticing who’s in your path and being thoughtful about how your actions might affect them. It’s asking: Who will this impact? Are they ready? What support do they need?

    Because innovation without awareness can flatten people.
    But with empathy, it can lift them.

    At Elite Academic, we ask ourselves these questions constantly:

    • Is this truly serving students?
    • Are we empowering teachers, not overwhelming them?
    • Does this leave room for curiosity, for voice, for choice?

    Sometimes, the most important thing a leader can do is pause, take a breath, and ask:
    Is now the right time to sneeze?

    The Books That Stay With Us

    I didn’t expect a children’s book to circle back into my life like this. But it did, and not just for the nostalgia.

    It reminded me that leadership isn’t always about big moves or dramatic moments. More often, it’s about the quiet awareness of how much our presence can shape what happens around us. Even small decisions can carry weight. Even good intentions can have unintended effects.

    And sometimes, the most important thing we can do is slow down long enough to notice that.

    I’m still smiling at the story. But now, I’m also thinking about what it means to move through the world, especially as a leader, with care.

    So now I’m curious:
    Has a children’s book ever stuck with you in an unexpected way?
    What story from your childhood keeps showing up in your thinking today?

    I’d genuinely love to hear it.

  • Turn Up the Music, Even on the Rainy Days

    Turn Up the Music, Even on the Rainy Days

    Every time this commercial pops up on Hulu for Pella windows, I can’t help but smile.



    The energy of the girl dancing.
    The simple but powerful message: don’t let what’s happening outside control what’s going on inside.
    It’s such a perfect little reminder, especially in leadership, education, and life.
    There will always be rainy days, unexpected delays, tough conversations, or outside pressures.
    But how we show up inside – our attitude, our creativity, our hope – is something we can choose.
    Let this be your nudge today: Turn up the music. Shake it out. Reclaim your energy.
    Even if it’s raining. 🌧️

  • Leadership Wisdom from a Re-Read of The Tao of Pooh

    Leadership Wisdom from a Re-Read of The Tao of Pooh

    I picked up The Tao of Pooh again recently, expecting a cozy, familiar read. I’ve read it before, but this time I noticed something I missed the first time around.

    Beneath the charm of the Hundred Acre Wood is a quiet, powerful introduction to Taoist philosophy—one that feels especially relevant to how we lead. Taoism reminds us that leadership doesn’t always require action. Sometimes, it asks for stillness, presence, and trust in the natural flow of things.

    Pooh models this beautifully. He listens when Piglet worries, sits silently with Eeyore, and simply enjoys Tigger’s chaos. He doesn’t fix or push or force. He’s just there. Fully present. And that’s the kind of empathy I keep coming back to in my own leadership journey.

    Too often, I’ve rushed to solve things. Jumped in with advice. Tried to shape outcomes. But empathy isn’t about control—it’s about showing up. About making space for others to be fully seen and accepted.

    Pooh also leads without ego. He doesn’t try to change others or turn every moment into a teaching opportunity. He accepts each character exactly as they are. That kind of acceptance is deeply human, and a leadership skill I’m still working to grow.

    What struck me most on this re-read is how Taoist leadership is so quiet. It’s not about charisma or control. It’s about presence. Attunement. A conversation. A shared moment over honey. In a world that often rewards the loudest voice in the room, that approach feels surprisingly radical.

    So this week, I’m taking a note from Pooh: slow down, be present, and let empathy guide the way.

  • Finding Humanity in the “Enemy”: Empathy’s Crucial Role in Kahane’s “Collaborating with the Enemy”

    Finding Humanity in the “Enemy”: Empathy’s Crucial Role in Kahane’s “Collaborating with the Enemy”


    Just finished Adam Kahane’s Collaborating with the Enemy, and it’s truly shifted my perspective on conflict and collaboration. What struck me most powerfully was the central role of empathy, not as a soft skill, but as a vital tool for transformation.
    Kahane’s gems, like “Adversaries aren’t the enemy—they’re key to transformation,” and “Listening is an act of courage,” really hammered this home. It’s easy to dismiss those we disagree with, to paint them as the “other.” But as Kahane emphasizes, true progress requires us to look beyond those surface differences and recognize the shared humanity beneath.
    He doesn’t sugarcoat it. Listening to someone you fundamentally disagree with is hard. It takes courage to set aside your own biases and genuinely try to understand their perspective. But that’s precisely where empathy comes in. It’s not about agreeing, it’s about acknowledging their experience, their fears, and their motivations.
    Think about the concept of “polarization is an invitation, not an obstacle.” This is only possible if we approach those on the other side with a willingness to understand. If we see polarization as a battleground, we’ll only dig our heels in deeper. But if we see it as an invitation to explore different perspectives, to find common ground, we can unlock transformative possibilities.
    Kahane’s work reminded me that empathy isn’t just a feel-good emotion. It’s a strategic necessity. It’s the key to unlocking the wisdom hidden within conflict, to finding solutions that benefit the whole. By truly listening and understanding, we can move beyond the limitations of our own perspectives and create a more collaborative and just world.
    Ultimately, Collaborating with the Enemy teaches us that profound change starts with personal transformation. It begins with the willingness to see the humanity in those we consider “enemies,” and to embrace the power of empathy to bridge divides and foster meaningful collaboration.

  • Embracing My INFP Journey

    Embracing My INFP Journey

    Recently, I took the 16 Personalities test and discovered that I’m an INFP, often referred to as the Mediator. While I wasn’t surprised by my results, having words and explanations for my feelings and actions is reaffirming. Understanding how my personality influences my interactions with others helps me be a better leader.

    As an INFP, I naturally gravitate towards inner values and authenticity. I thrive in environments where I can express my creativity and connect deeply with others on a meaningful level. However, I also recognize the challenges that come with being a dreamer in a fast-paced world—moments of self-doubt and anxiety that can cloud my confidence.

    Here are a few of my insights:

    1. Authenticity Matters: Being true to who I am allows me to build genuine connections. It encourages others to open up and share their own stories, creating a space where vulnerability is welcomed and celebrated.
    2. Empathy is a Superpower: My innate ability to understand and empathize with others enriches my professional interactions. It helps me to see beyond surface-level conversations, fostering collaboration and supportive environments.
    3. Self-Care is Essential: Understanding my introverted tendencies reminds me to prioritize self-care. Taking time to recharge enables me to show up fully for others, ensuring that I can contribute positively while managing my own energy.
    4. Growth is a Journey: This self-awareness inspires me to embrace personal and professional growth. Every encounter is an opportunity to learn more about myself and others, and I cherish the insights that come from these experiences.

    Understanding my INFP identity not only enriched my understanding of myself but helps me deepen my connections with those around me.

    I’d love to hear from you! What personality type are you, and how has it influenced your journey?