New Blog Post: "Who Has Your Ear? The Leadership Habit That Can Build a Team or Quietly Divide One" kellycroy.com/blog/we-become…

Last week I had the incredible opportunity to keynote Miami County Educational Service Center’s Opening Day, where they brought 400+ educators and staff members together to kick off the new school year. And what an amazing group! There is something powerful about an organization that intentionally brings everyone together before the year begins and reminds them that regardless of role, title, building, or responsibility, we are all here for the same reason: students. A huge shoutout to Superintendent Bethany Whidden. Bethany had a vision for what Opening Day could be, and she brought people together around that vision. Great leaders have vision. They see what could be, bring people together around it, and then make it happen. There’s a reason I dedicated an entire chapter of Along Came a Leader to the importance of vision. Vision gives people something bigger to work toward, and you could feel that throughout the day at Miami County ESC. I was incredibly honored to share stories, ideas, laughs, and lessons from Along Came a Leader with this team. What has meant even more is what happened afterward. The conversations before I left, the emails that followed, and the messages and comments on social media have been incredible. I heard from so many people who are excited about the year ahead and genuinely committed to making a difference in the lives of students. These are people who want to make a difference. And they will. My challenge to them was simple: It only takes one person. One interaction. One extra step to change the course of a student’s life. Thank you, Bethany, and thank you to the entire Miami County ESC team for the incredibly warm welcome, the energy, the laughter, and for allowing me to be part of such an important day. Excited teachers make excited students. Have an AMAZING year, Miami County ESC! #Education #Educators #Leadership #SchoolCulture #TeacherLeadership #EducationalLeadership #AlongCameALeader #WiredEducator

Join me on Thursday, August 6, at 9:00 a.m. for my first session with the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC): Six Leadership Habits That Transform Schools. I’d love to have you join me! Simply scan the QR code or visit OhioLeadership.org to register. It’s a virtual session, so you can listen while you’re driving, exercising, getting ready for the school year, or checking things off your to-do list. I hope you’ll spend an hour with me as we explore six practical leadership habits that can transform your school, your team, and your impact. I’m honored to partner with OLAC for a four-part professional learning series this year. If you can’t make this session, I hope you’ll consider joining me for one of the others: Thursday, August 6 Six Leadership Habits That Transform Schools Wednesday, September 23 From Meetings to Momentum: Turning Collaboration into Measurable Results Friday, October 2 Ambassador of Awesome: Elevating Culture Through Everyday Leadership Thursday, December 3 Who’s Going First? Leading Teaching and Learning in the Age of AI I hope you’ll join me for one session or all four. I think you’ll leave each one with practical ideas you can put to work immediately, helping you become the kind of leader people are excited to follow. #OHEDLeadership #OLAC #Leadership #AlongCameALeaderBook

Matthew, a coaching client of mine for the last six months gives his first Keynote next week. His dream. He will crush it. What’s your dream? Are you living the greatest year of your life? kellycroy.com

Heather, a coaching client of mine for two years, reignited her passion for her career, pursued and landed her dream leadership position, and is publishing her first book this fall. She's crushing it. Her dream. What's your dream? Are you living the greatest year of your life? kellycroy.com

Erin, a coaching client of mine, who attended my Greatest Year of Your Life event in January, and did a one-day, 1:1 coaching session with me, recalibrated, hit eject from her toxic job, found her dream job and starts August 3. Her dream. Are you living the greatest year of your life? kellycroy.com

I’m looking for a severe behavior specialist to interview on the Wired Educator Podcast, especially someone with expertise in elementary schools. As I speak with superintendents, principals, and teachers across the country, I keep hearing the same concern: severe student behaviors are increasing and schools are looking for practical solutions that work. What systems, interventions, and supports should educators and leaders have in place? What are the most effective strategies for helping students while maintaining safe, positive learning environments? If you know someone who would make an outstanding guest and help educators level up, please leave a comment or send me a message. I’ve interviewed educational leaders from across the nation and around the world, and many are describing the same trend. Who is the leading voice on severe student behavior that every educator should be listening to right now? #edchat #education #schoolleadership #behavior #elementaryeducation #WiredEducator

Start your day with a masterclass in grit, resilience, and true servant leadership! 🎧🔥 On Episode 264 of the Wired Educator Podcast, kellycroy.com/blog/episode-2… I sit down with Frank Polen @frankpBCC to discuss his powerful journey from riding a garbage truck to becoming a decorated educational leader, and why modern schools need the power of CareerTech. Plus, massive updates on new summer reads like "The Drip Effect" by @casas_jimmy & @JessicaCabeen, and open dates for my 2026-2027 district keynotes! Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or kellycroy.com! 👇 #satchat #podcast #edu #WiredEducator #EdLeadership #ServantLeadership #CTE

New Youtube video os out! LEADERSHIP MATTERS: Let’s give the world something worth following. 📺 **Watch the full video interview here:** youtu.be/qVs1rlXBCEU?si=r93e… Start your day with a masterclass in grit, resilience, and true servant leadership! Episode 264 of the Wired Educator Podcast with Frank Polen is officially live, and you can now watch our entire conversation on YouTube. From a rocky start in higher education to riding the back of a garbage truck to pay off his initial debt, to finding his way back through a chance basketball coaching opportunity—Frank’s journey is an absolute must-watch for any educator or leader looking to find the greatness in change. We dive deep into why modern education needs Career & Technical Education (CTE) and how to fight leadership burnout with an encouraging heart. Go out there, stay positive, and make a difference in the lives of others. You're awesome. #satchat #podcast #edu #WiredEducator #EdLeadership #ServantLeadership #CTE

As we close one school year and begin planning for 2026-2027, many districts are already thinking about how they’ll set the tone for the year ahead. Do you have your opening day keynote speaker? Are you looking to strengthen leadership, elevate culture, and reignite the passion that brought people into education in the first place? I partner with school districts to help educators see the impact they have, recognize the greatness in those around them, and lead with greater purpose, clarity, and intention. My keynotes and leadership experiences blend practical ideas, meaningful reflection, humor, and inspiration that people can put into action immediately. The goal isn’t just a great day. It’s creating momentum that lasts long after the event ends. As an Apple Distinguished Educator, Google Certified Innovator, author, speaker, and Director of Innovation & Instruction, I’ve had the privilege of working with educators across the country who are committed to building schools where both students and adults thrive. If you’re planning for 2026-2027, I’d welcome the opportunity to connect and learn about your goals. Kelly Croy⁠

Leaders don’t just check boxes. They check in. And that changes lives. In leadership, it’s easy to get caught up in metrics and deliverables. But true leadership and great communication are rooted in authentic human connection. A simple check-in can completely change everything. Great leaders don’t just broadcast information—they check in, listen deeply, and create a culture where people feel seen and valued. Connection is a two-way mission, and consistency builds trust. Let’s make it a priority to look out for each other and keep the lines of communication open. Who are you checking in on today? 👇 #Leadership #speaker #TeamCulture #Communication #AlongCameALeaderBook

🚀 NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO IS OUT!Watch the full interview right now: youtu.be/qVs1rlXBCEU?si=S9J4… LEADERSHIP MATTERS: Let’s give the world something worth following. Start your day with a masterclass in grit, resilience, and true servant leadership! Episode 264 of the Wired Educator Podcast with Frank Polen is officially live, and you can now watch our entire conversation on YouTube. From a rocky start in higher education to riding the back of a garbage truck to pay off his initial debt, to finding his way back through a chance basketball coaching opportunity—Frank’s journey is an absolute must-watch for any educator or leader looking to find the greatness in change. We dive deep into why modern education needs Career & Technical Education (CTE) and how to fight leadership burnout with an encouraging heart. Go out there, stay positive, and make a difference in the lives of others. You're awesome. #satchat #podcast #edu #WiredEducator #EdLeadership #ServantLeadership #CTE

New podcast is out! Episode 264 of the wired educator podcast is life with my guest Frank Polen. Frank Polen #edu you can't listen to it on your favorite podcast app or watch it on YouTube all links in the link below. kellycroy.com/blog/episode-2…