Run Your Life Show With Andy Vasily

Send us a textThis episode was scheduled to be released right after the New Year, so it’s a bit late in getting out. Neila and Andy recorded their 14th episode of ‘4 X Mindfulness’ while vacationing in Paris in early January. To kick start 2017 they both shared their recent insight and inspiration in regards to living a more mindful life, especially going into the new year. Andy’s first seed of mindfulness has to do with better dealing with the stressors that the holiday season can bring with it to our lives if we are not careful. Regardless of the time of year, vacations, celebrations, and other holidays can cause stress, anxiety, and tension as we tend to build these moments up to mean much more than they actually do. Without knowing it, we can unravel when things don’t go as planned during these big moments, causing even more stress. Andy shares a blog written by one of his favorite authors, Brene Brown, that is all about the importance of taking on a different perspective when it comes to holidays and celebrations. Andy’s second seed of mindfulness has to do with goal-setting and the anxiety that comes with it as we sometimes tend to focus only on the future without being grateful for the present moment when it comes to the small successes that we experience with the goals we set for ourselves. He was inspired to share this perspective on goal-setting after hearing Tim Ferriss and Tony Robbins speak about in a recent podcast. For Neila’s two seeds of mindfulness, she shares a very mindful Japanese way of looking at life and it’s difficult moments. She delves into how this perspective takes on a very mindful approach when dealing with potential difficulties that can arise in our lives. As well, Neila shares a 3-step strategy inspired by the work of Stanford PHD, BJ Fogg that has been proven to be successful in changing unwanted habits in our lives. In controlling what is within our spheres of influence, we can have much more success in creating the habits that we need to better serve us in life. Although an originally scheduled New Year’s episode, Andy and Neila hope you are able to capture a gem or two that can be applied to both your personal and professional life regardless of the time of year. BioNeila Steele and Andy Vasily are international educators who have worked at fully authorized IB schools in 4 different countries over the past 16 years (Japan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and China). Andy is a consultant, workshop leader, presenter, and speaker. Neila presents and leads multiple workshops in the area of mindfulness. They have devoted themselves to sharing the powerful effects that mindfulness has on promoting greater mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being.Connect With Neila, Andy, and MikeNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comThemes Discussed: Tiny Habits, Gratitude, Perspective, Power to Change, Presence, Self-Awareness, Reflection, Goal-Setting, BJ Fogg, Brene Brown

Send us a textIn what ways do you take charge of your own professional learning? What do you need to be aware of within yourself in order to become the educator that you would like to be? What have major pivot points shaped your own journey in education? What are cognitive coaching and the key fundamentals of the model itself?In today’s episode, Jim Roussin and I deconstruct his amazing journey and the major lessons he has learned that have helped to shape his career as an educator and a renown consultant in his field. We explore what cognitive coaching is and strategies that we can all put into action that can help us to move toward more of a self-authoring approach in regards to our personal and professional growth. We also explore the important roles of efficacy, interdependence, flexibility, craftsmanship, and consciousness as they relate to the development of our pedagogy and practice.Jim will inspire listeners to find greater purpose and value in the work that they do. You are sure to gain many useful gems that can be immediately applied in the work that you do. Thanks for listening to today’s show with Jim Roussin.About JimJim Roussin has worked as a language arts teacher; gifted coordinator; ESL coordinator; curriculum director; executive director of teaching, learning, and school improvement; adjunct professor; and educational consultant. He is currently the executive director for Generative Learning (www.generative-learning.com).Jim is the author of a variety of articles as well as a coauthor of the book Guiding Professional Learning Communities: Inspiration, Challenge, Surprise, and Meaning (with Shirley M. Hord and William A. Sommers, 2010). His new book will be published in 2013 with Shirley Hord — Implementing Change Through Learning. Jim is a teaching associate for Human Systems Dynamics (an institute that is using complexity theory to impact organizational development work). He also facilitates program evaluation.Connect With JimEmail: jim.roussin@gmail.comWebsite: http://www.thinkingcollaborative.com/Themes Discussed:Teacher Empowerment, Purpose, Cognitive Coaching, Self-Authoring, Meaning of Work, Personal and Professional Growth, Inspiration

Send us a textIn today’s ‘4 X Mindfulness’ episode, our special guest, Mike Kuczala, joins us in sharing valuable insight and wisdom related to strategies and approaches to living a more mindful life. Andy discusses strategies to detect negative thought patterns in our lives and what we can do to break ourselves free of these potentially harmful ways of thinking by applying the ‘pyramid of influence’ into our daily routines. Neila shares her list of 10 intentional ways to bring more joyfulness into our everyday lives and Mike discusses what a gratitude letter is and how he plans to put it into action in his own life by honoring someone who means a great deal to him. Mike also shares his thoughts on the valuable role that music can play in our lives when approached in a very mindful manner. It was a pleasure to record this episode with our good friend, Mike Kuczala. We hope you find as much value in the discussion as we did. Thanks for listening! Andy and Neila’s BiosNeila Steele and Andy Vasily are international educators who have worked at fully authorized IB schools in 4 different countries over the past 16 years (Japan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and China). Andy is a consultant, workshop leader, presenter, and speaker. Neila presents and leads multiple workshops in the area of mindfulness. They have devoted themselves to sharing the powerful effects that mindfulness has on promoting greater mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being.Mike’s Bio:Mike Kuczala is a leading authority on using movement and understanding the brain/body connection in both Screen Shot 2016-04-20 at 8.31.09 AMeducational and corporate settings.  His keynotes, workshops and professional development programs have been enjoyed by tens of thousands of teachers, administrators, parents, trainers, and corporate executives across the United States. The Director of Instruction for the Regional Training Center, an educational consulting firm based in Randolph, New Jersey, and President of Kuczala Consulting, Mike is the coauthor of the Corwin best-seller and Association of Educational Publishers’ Distinguished Achievement Award nominated The Kinesthetic Classroom: Teaching and Learning through Movement.  Mike’s 2nd book, Training in Motion: How to Use Movement to Create Engaging and Effective Learning was released in June of 2015.His standing room only presentations have been experienced in such diverse settings as The American Society for Training and Development, The Forum for Innovative Leadership, the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, the American Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, and the Lawyer Brain OD Roundtable.Mike proudly and humbly comes from a family of educators including his wife, sister, both parents and three grandparents. “I am the product of three generations of teachers. Education is what I love and do. It is always an honor and pleasure to work with both educators in helping them to become true instructional leaders and corporate executives and trainers in providing presentation skill and effectiveness. My background in education gave rise to my love of teaching, public speaking, curriculum and training design, and helping people create goals and live their dreams.”Connect With Neila, Andy, and MikeNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comMikeTwitter: @kinestheticlassWebsite: mikekuczala.comEmail: michaelskuczala@gmail.comThemes Discussed: Gratitude Letters, Habitual Thought Patterns, The Pyramid of Influence, Cognitive Coaching, Joyfulness, Music, Physical Activity, Reflection, Social and Emotional Well-Being

Send us a textWhat is your sense of purpose as an educator? How do you sustain your motivation over time to ensure constant growth and development? What are the intangibles behind leading successful change and authentically transforming school culture? What does teaching with the head, heart, and hands mean? How do you become the best version of yourself? These are just a few of the questions explored in today’s episode with Madeleine Hewitt and Cathryn Berger Kaye. Both Madeleine and Cathryn bring a wealth of wisdom, insight, and knowledge with them having been in the field of international education for more than 30 years each. Drawing upon many major life lessons both personally and professionally, Madeleine and Cathryn share many gems that have allowed them to take action to strive for excellence within their roles in education. Creating systemic change that transforms school culture is dependent upon instilling within all stakeholders a genuine sense of purpose and meaning. Find out how Madeleine and Cathryn continue to clarify their life purpose through the work that they do and the steadfast commitment they have shown toward bringing out the very best in the teachers and students that they learn alongside. What is your growing edge? You are sure to find many takeaways in today’s episode with Madeleine and Cathryn. Thanks for listening!About Maddy and CathyMaddy HewittMadeleine (“Maddy”)  Hewitt has served as the Director and a founding member of The KAUST School, a 3-programme IBO World School serving a research University community in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. Maddy has served previously in four other International Schools; The International School of Tanganyika, Taipei American School, Cairo American College, and the American International School of Johannesburg. Maddy holds a BA in English Literature from Mount Holyoke College,  and an M-Ed in Teaching, Curriculum and Learning Environments  from the Harvard Graduate School of Education. She has recently been appointed the new Executive Director of the Near East South Asia (NESA) Council of International Schools, effective July 2017. Maddy has a passion for systems work in schools, and has presented at international conferences on a wide range of topics including gender issues in schools, transforming school culture through teacher-led appraisal, and data-informed decision-making.  Maddy appreciates the case study method, and her workshops often start with case studies generated by participants and end with tools, systems and execution of strategy to drive change. Cathy Berger KayeWhen asked, “Where do you live?” Cathryn Berger Kaye, M.A., often answers “in Los Angeles and airports.” As president of CBK Associates and ABCD Books, Cathryn travels 200+ days a year globally providing professional development to schools and universities, conference keynotes, in-depth institutes, and exceptional education and learning resources on service learning, social and emotional realms, climate and culture, youth engagement and leadership, effective approaches to teaching and learning, and advisory programs. Cathryn is fortunate to spend significant time consulting with international schools worldwide, and has also been consulting with the International Baccalaureate Programme to assist in the development of the new CAS Guide, and program resources for the new IB Career Related Programme. Cathryn is the author of the widely used book The Complete Guide to Service Learning, and two books with environmental advocate Philippe Cousteau. A former teacher, Cathryn inspires with practical ideas that work, poignant stories worth remembering and strategies that enliven education. Having taught in rural, suburban and urban settings, and bringing years of experience in diverse settings, she is knowledgeable about the landscape of education and communities today. She is known for sustained relati

Send us a textDo you have a set of fundamental principles that help to guide your life? How often do you take time out of your busy day to remain goalless and do nothing? Is it possible for our water and food to change it’s molecular structure when love and energy are directed toward them? What does the Sanskrit word ‘Namaste’ mean and how does it apply to those who cross our paths each day? In the 12th episode of ‘4 X Mindfulness’, Neila and Andy explore these questions by sharing their latest seeds of insight and inspiration related to living a more mindful life. Andy shares a powerful 7-Point Creed that he first learned about from listening to a Tony Robbins podcast from 28 years ago when Tony had interviewed world renown basketball coach, John Wooden. In the Robbins podcast, Wooden discusses the 7-Point Creed that his father taught him to live by. The 7-Point Creed is a special set of guiding principles that are very mindful in nature and can challenge us to reflect on the importance of creating our own creed to live by. Andy also shares an amazing study done by Dr. Masaru Emoto that has to do with how the molecular structure of water changes depending on the emotions and feelings that are cast upon it. In this comprehensive research project, Emoto exposes water to a wide range of both positive and negative emotions and proves how the structure of water can change from fragmented and chaotic forms to being beautifully crystallized in different shapes and sizes. A truly astonishing experiment with paying attention to.As this episode was recorded in Italy, Neila delves into a wonderful Italian expression, ‘dolce far niente’, which literally translates into the ‘Sweetness of Doing Nothing’. She discusses how the Italians embrace this type of attitude each and every day through the interactions that they have with others and how they structure this type of time into their own lives. She challenges everyone of us to think about how we might carve out time in our daily schedules to do the same. Neila also shares the meaning of the Sanskrit word, ‘Namaste’ and why this is so much more than a single word but a beautiful philosophy to embrace in our lives. Neila and Andy hope you find a gem or two that resonates with you in this episode which was recorded in the amazing, rustic, old fishing village of Monterosso, Italy. BiosNeila Steele and Andy Vasily are international educators who have worked at fully authorized IB schools in 4 different countries over the past 16 years (Japan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and China). Andy is a consultant, workshop leader, presenter, and speaker. Neila presents and leads multiple workshops in the area of mindfulness. They have devoted themselves to sharing the powerful effects that mindfulness has on promoting greater mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being. Connect With Neila and AndyNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comThemes Discussed:John Wooden, Tony Robbins, Dr. Masaru Emoto, Gratitude, Energy and Love, Mindfulness, Principles to Live By, The Molecular Structure of Water

Send us a textHow closely do you monitor your own mindset? To what degree are you self-aware in regards to your own tendencies to be either fixed or growth mindset in nature? How have you taken action to transform yourself both personally and professionally? In today’s episode, Eric Sheninger, a Senior Fellow at the International Center For Leadership in Education, opens up about the transformation of his own mindset a few years back when he was the principal at New Milford High School in New Jersey. As a result of this transformation, Eric and the great team that he surrounded himself with all played a pivotal part in re-creating the culture of the school by getting all stakeholders to embrace and embed the use of social media and technology as major tools in the learning process. One must wonder and be curious about the steps that Eric took in re-inventing the school and its’ culture.In our conversation, Eric deconstructs the success that he had by identifying specific strategies that he and his team put into action. It is these exact strategies that any educator can apply to their own work if they open themselves up to the possibilities that exist within their day-to-day teaching and leadership. Regardless of your role in education, there is no question you will leave this episode feeling inspired and motivated to be a change maker in your own work space.  Eric’s belief is that gratitude is about ‘paying it forward’. Everything that we do in education is about paying it forward in a way that honors the potential that we have to be genuine difference-makers in the world. When paying it forward, not only do we benefit both personally and professionally, but we also have the ability to change the lives of those who matter most — the students in our schools. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Eric Sheninger. About EricEric is a Senior Fellow and Thought Leader on Digital Leadership with the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE).  Prior to this, he was the award-winning Principal at New Milford High School.  Under his leadership, his school became a globally recognized model for innovative practices.  Eric oversaw the successful implementation of several sustainable change initiatives that radically transformed the learning culture at his school while increasing achievement. His work focuses on leading and learning in the digital age as a model for moving schools and districts forward. This has led to the formation of the Pillars of Digital Leadership, a framework for all educators to initiate sustainable change to transform school cultures.  As a result, Eric has emerged as an innovative leader, best-selling author, and sought after speaker.  His main focus is purposeful integration of technology to facilitate student learning, improve communications with stakeholders, enhance public relations, create a positive brand presence, discover opportunity, transform learning spaces, and help educators grow professionally.Eric has received numerous awards and acknowledgments for his work. He is a CDE Top 30 award recipient, Bammy Award winner, NASSP Digital Principal Award winner, PDK Emerging Leader Award recipient, winner of Learning Forward's Excellence in Professional Practice Award, Google Certified Innovator, Adobe Education Leader, and ASCD 2011 Conference Scholar.  He has authored and co-authored the following:    BrandED: Tell Your Story, Build Relationships, and Empower Learning (coming soon)Uncommon Learning: Creating Schools That Work for KidsDigital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times Communicating and Connecting With Social Media: Essentials for PrincipalsWhat Principals Need to Know About Teaching and Learning ScienceConnect With Eric:Twitter: @E_Sheninger Website: http://ericsheninger.com/esheninger?sid=28Themes Discussed:Technology, Innovation, Teacher Empowerment, Student Agency, F

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Dean Dudley, a senior lecturer in physical education and health from MacQuarie University in Australia, shares his journey in education and the major life lessons he has learned that have helped shape the direction of his career. Dean also discusses the key factors necessary for providing students with a quality physical education experience and ways that practitioners can become researchers in their own teaching space. The divide between research and practice is explored to better understand how this gap might be better bridged in order to enhance the overall physical education experience for students of all ages. If you are a physical education and health teacher, you are sure to find a gem or two applicable to your own practice in today’s episode with Dr. Dean Dudley. BioDean Dudley is currently a Senior Lecturer in Education at Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia and a Chief Examiner for the New South Wales Board of Studies and Teacher Education. Prior to undertaking a career as a researcher, Dean was a Head Teacher in secondary schools, Director of Education for the Australian Sports Medicine Federation, National Education Manager for Surf Life Saving Australia and Soldier in the Australian Army. Dean completed his PhD and a Master of Education (Research) at the University of Wollongong and also holds a Graduate Diploma of Education (Secondary) and a Bachelor of Health Science.In 2012, Dean was awarded Churchill Fellowship in the fields of Health, Medicine and Education. Following this fellowship, Dean worked as an Expert Consultant to the United National Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and was appointed as the Australian Delegate to the International Federation of Physical Education (Fédération Internationale d'Education Physique- FIEP). Dean's research focuses on evidence-based teaching, learning, and health research in schools and the metacognitive assessment of pre and in-service teachers. He is also interested in understanding the associations between health and learning in school-aged children and adolescents.Connect with DeanTwitter: @deandudleyEmail: dean.dudley@mq.edu.auThemes Discussed:Quality Physical Education, Research to Practice, Curriculum, Student Achievement in PE, Teacher Empowerment, Drawing on All Disciplines

Send us a textHow do you strive to connect with others in your life? What does human connection mean to you? What is a microadventure and how can it benefit you? Mindfulness allows us to be present with our thoughts in order to reflect upon our best selves and sometimes this is only possible when we remove ourselves from the environment that we make routine in our lives. In today’s ‘4 x Mindfulness’ episode, Neila discusses a recent solo trip to Campagnano, Italy that allowed her to put some specific mindfulness strategies into practice thus opening herself to be in a more reflective state. Neila also shares an important message and perspective that is important to embrace when learning something new in our lives in order to take on a more effective mindset when approaching this learning. Andy shares his thoughts regarding a powerful video about human connection and how mindfulness allows us to be more present and open to connecting with others that goes beyond a superficial level. Andy also shares a new podcast that he is listening to that deconstructs how people pursue mastery in their lives. BiosNeila Steele and Andy Vasily are international educators who have worked at fully authorized IB schools in 4 different countries over the past 16 years (Japan, Azerbaijan, Cambodia, and China). Andy is a consultant, workshop leader, presenter, and speaker. Neila presents and leads multiple workshops in the area of mindfulness. They have devoted themselves to sharing the powerful effects that mindfulness has on promoting greater mental, social, emotional, and physical well-being. Connect With Neila and AndyNeilaTwitter: @neilasteeleWebsite: www.mindfulandpresent.comAndyTwitter: @andyvasilyWebsite: www.pyppewithandy.comThemes Explored:The Power of the Microadventure, Finding Mastery Podcast, Human Connection, A Learner’s Mindset, Reflection, Self-AwarenessUseful Resources:http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/ & https://21clradio.com/around-earth-wonder-curiosity-adventurers-mindset-15/Looking Beyond Boarders: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7XhrXUoD6UJon Kabat Zinn: http://www.mindfulnesscds.com/

Send us a textWhat forces help to shape your own journey of learning both personally and professionally? Where to you gain your greatest insight from? How do you apply this learning to your own line of work? In today’s episode, my good friend, Ross Halliday and I, have an informal discussion about life and learning and the major forces that continue to influence the work that we do. We recorded this in one take with no preparation whatsoever, so we truly didn’t know where the conversation was going to take us. These are the exact types of conversations that I love to have on my podcast as they are just informal chats from the heart. Ross exemplifies what it means to take initiative and action in regards to his own learning in order to find meaning that genuinely applies to his work as a leader in education. As both Ross and I have a deep connection and love of physical education, we share major takeaways that have impacted our own careers as physical educators, but also extend this learning over to education in general. There are many gems of insight and inspiration shared in today’s episode that we hope resonate with you and the work that you do. I’d like to thank Ross for his time, energy, and willingness to be a part of my Run Your Life podcast series. About RossGrowing up in the west coast of Scotland, Ross could be found playing sport in nearby parks, climbing trees, building things out of random materials, and practicing many musical instruments (some of which he continues to attempt to master).It is fair to say that Ross’ impressions of school were mixed.  A collection of the very best and worst teachers (and the impact they had on him) led him to pursue his passion, to make school a place where students can develop curiosity, dream, invent, learn by doing and to foster a culture in which students can pursue their interests and achieve more that they ever thought possible.  Ultimately, to create, and be part of, a school that offers an education worth having.Simultaneous with a short period as a professional footballer, the completion of his undergraduate honors degree at the University of Edinburgh affirmed Ross’ decision that improving the quality of education - and life chances - for young people was to be his core driving purpose.Following a somewhat intense initiation into teaching in the tough schools of Glasgow, a mixture of football and travel desires led Ross to Australia where he has now worked and lived for the last nine years. In this time he has been able to learn to learn, learn to teach and learn to lead with some of the most inspirational students, colleagues, mentors, and coaches.Ross’ transition from Physical Education Teacher to Deputy Head of School (including a period as Acting Head) has afforded him valuable insight about how school culture, effective change management and transformational school leadership can impact improving student outcomes.His time in Australia has also brought him the joy of meeting his wife Louisa, with whom he now shares the responsibility of parenthood.  As first-time parents, their baby daughter, Helena, brings them daily joy and in Ross’ words ‘provides a constant reminder of what it really means to be a life-long learner’ (for baby and for Mum and Dad!). Ross hopes that the rich and varied experiences he has been lucky to have in both his personal and professional life to this point will provide strong foundations upon which to make a lasting positive contribution in his next professional role.Connect with RossWebsite: MakingPEFizz.comTwitter: @fizzicaledThemes DiscussedAustin Kleon(Steal Like an Artist), Empowerment, Leadership, Being a Socially Connected Educator, Lifelong Learning, Motivation, Physical Education, Making a Difference

Send us a textIn what ways have you evolved as an educator throughout each stage of your career? To what extent has reflection played a role in moving you forward in a way that helps to embrace the change needed to deepen your pedagogy and practice? In today’s episode, I interview Jon Davidson, currently working as curriculum coordinator at the King Abdul University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia. Jon is a leader in the field of education who continually strives for excellence in deepening his understanding of teaching and learning. Jon has held several positions ranging from classroom teacher to head of school over the past 20 years in the 7 different countries he has worked. He is a thoughtful and reflective educator who truly exemplifies what it means to be a lifelong learner. In today’s episode, Jon and I have an informal discussion related to the thoughts we have about how pedagogy and practice can be improved upon to bring out the very best learning experiences possible for students and teachers alike. Jon is both leader and learner who continues to inspire those around him with his insight and wisdom. BioDespite his South African roots, Jon was raised in the United Kingdom and spent the early years of his career in Bristol. Over 24 years ago, he moved to the Caribbean on a total whim and yet after 3 years he returned to the UK where he completed his Master’s Degree in Education at The University of Wales at Cardiff. Rediscovering his itchy feet Jon’s next stop was Switzerland where he became deeply involved with the International Baccalaureate. Taking on the roles of workshop leader and school visitor, has allowed Jon to visit dozens of schools across Europe, Asia, Australia and, most recently, the Middle East. With an international career that has seen him working in seven countries as homeroom teacher, MYP teacher, curriculum coordinator and Principal, Jon is the now the PYP coordinator at The KAUST School in Saudi Arabia. His curiosity about what contributes to great teaching remains unquenched and Jon is now fortunate enough to work in a school that actively Connect With JonTwitter: @DavidsonJondThemes Discussed:Inquiry, Teacher Empowerment, Leadership, Strategies to Move Teaching Forward, Student Engagement, Autonomy and Purpose