Best Josh Hightower Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 404 - The Dog Daycare Hiring Playbook with Josh Hightower 38:03

3d ago38:03

38:03

What do you do when your staff quit without warning - and your Indeed ad pulls in nothing but no-shows and duds? Is your hiring process actually attracting the right people - or just weeding through whoever’s left? And how do some daycares seem to have a pipeline of great candidates - while you’re stuck covering shifts yourself? In this episode, I’…

1
What 30+ Years in the Superintendency Taught Dr. Dennis Peterson About Leadership Today 53:54

1d ago53:54

53:54

In this week’s episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we sit down with veteran superintendent Dr. Dennis Peterson to explore the shifting landscape of school leadership over the decades. 👇 💡 Key Insights: 🔄 Leadership Has Evolved: From autocratic to inclusive, with school boards now at the center of decision-mak…

1
The Power of Wholehearted Leadership with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 55:29

6d ago55:29

55:29

🌟 The Power of Wholehearted Leadership: 4 Key Insights from Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver 🌟 In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we have an incredible conversation with Dr. Kathryn Fishman-Weaver, the Executive Director of Mizzou Academy. Some key takeaways from our conversation include: 📖 1. Stories Are …

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Episode 403 - Build Your Canine Kingdom: How Eve Molzhon Claimed Her Throne in the Pet Industry (and how you can to at IMPACT 2025!) 16:04

10d ago16:04

16:04

What can a self-proclaimed Midwest trailer park kid teach you about building a million-dollar pet business empire? What’s the right way to go from garage-grooming to a full-blown dog daycare dynasty? And how can hiring a VA finally give you back your time and sanity? In this week’s episode, I’m joined by special guest and keynote speaker of Impact …

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Dr. Laura Chávez-Moreno and How Schools Make Race: What They Miss by Staying in "Sesame Street" 48:53

13d ago48:53

48:53

This week on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we talk with UCLA's Dr. Laura Chavez Moreno, author of "How Schools Make Race: Teaching Latinx Racialization in America". Dr. Chavez Moreno's work challenges us to think beyond superficial approaches to racial identity in schools. Here are three key themes and insights fr…

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Episode 402 - Fix Your Prices, Fix Your Pet Business: Dom's No BS Guide to Charging More 17:59

17d ago17:59

17:59

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your profits with outdated pricing? What’s the real cost of keeping your fees just a little higher than your competitors’? And how can a smarter pricing strategy unlock growth, better clients, and a better life? In this episode, I reflect on some of the most common pricing problems I've tackled recently - from daycare…

1
Beyond the Checklist: Jill Molli and Leading School Culture with a Conscious Bullseye 51:21

19d ago51:21

51:21

🚀 New episode alert! 🎧 Tune into the latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast featuring Jill Molli, Chief Growth Officer for Conscious Discipline. We had a truly insightful conversation about how conscious leadership can drive significant culture shifts in education! Here are a few key takeaways from our dis…

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Episode 401 - Scripting Success: How to Plan, Prioritise and Grow a Pet Biz That Runs Like Clockwork 22:59

23d ago22:59

22:59

Can you really write the script of your own success story in the pet business world? What would happen if you planned a whole 12 months ahead instead of just 12 days? And how much progress (and profit) are you leaving on the table by winging it month-to-month? In this solo episode, Dom reflects on his time at the Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo in La…

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Restorative Practices for School Leaders to Embed Systems & Shift Adult Culture with Nicholas Bradford 59:57

27d ago59:57

59:57

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Nicholas Bradford, Founder and Executive Director of the National Center for Restorative Justice. Nicholas is also the co-author of A Real-World Guide to Restorative Justice in Schools: Practical Philosophy, Useful Tools, and True Sto…

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Episode 400 - The Secret to Bullet-Proof Business Confidence 15:43

29d ago15:43

15:43

A short, sweet but very special (400th) episode this week. See, I debated putting together a big montage of past show clips, but in the end I decieded to share an intimate moment from behind the scenes at the recent Pet Boarding and Daycare Expo... You’ll hear two inspiring stories from AJ and Lynnie, staff member and owner of Positively Perfect in…

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How This Principal Fixed a Failing School Culture to Hit the Top 5% - Amy Galloway 53:44

1M ago53:44

53:44

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Dr. Amy Galloway, former principal, state education leader, and co-founder of Pivot School Improvement Leaders. As a school leader, Amy led one of Tennessee’s most dramatic school turnarounds, moving a neighborhood school in Nashville…

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Episode 399 - Behind the Scenes Stateside with Dom: One Week, Two Masterminds, Unlimited Pet Business Opportunities 29:31

1M ago29:31

29:31

Ever wondered why the top business owners in any industry attend a mastermind every quarter? How can stepping into a hot seat in front of fellow owners change your business perspective? And what surprising lessons do you learn when you stop working in the business and start working on it? In this episode, I’m bringing you along for a unique peek be…

1
Speaking the Same Language: Communication Strategies for Bridging Divides with Lori Weigel and Jonathan Voss 1:08:43

1M ago1:08:43

1:08:43

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Lori Weigel, Principal at New Bridge Strategy, and Jonathan Voss, Former-Partner at Lake Research Partners and Founder of Voss Research and Strategy. Two leaders from opposite ends of the political spectrum who are united by a common mission: to help…

1
398 - Pet Care Staffing Summit Secrets: Smarter Hiring, Stronger Teams, Better Business! 29:59

1M ago29:59

29:59

Are you hiring with confidence or just simply hoping for the best? Do you ever worry what would happen if your whole morning crew called in sick? Can you use automation to attract better staff and save your sanity? In this episode, I’m sharing highlights from the first ever Pet Care Staffing Summit - a game-changing event for dog daycare, boarding,…

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Innovation Lessons for School Leaders to Build Real Student Agency with Josh Reppun 1:06:03

2M ago1:06:03

1:06:03

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Peter Stiepleman sits down with Josh Reppun, host and Global Community Director of What School Could Be. Josh, a former history teacher turned educational innovator, shares his journey of challenging traditional education models. Through his work with the What Schoo…

1
Episode 397 - How to Be Your Dog's Superhero: Behind the Scenes at a Book Club Discussion with Jamie Engerdahl 30:51

2M ago30:51

30:51

Something different in this weeks special episode, where I’m the guest - not the host! Amazing dog trainer Jamie Gerald invited me to join her international dog trainer book club to talk about my very first book, How to Be Your Dog’s Superhero. What followed was a fantastic discussion about why real connection beats control, and how playing with yo…

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From Controversy to Collaboration: Co-designing Education in Anacortes with Dr. Justin Irish 57:15

2M ago57:15

57:15

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Justin Irish, Superintendent of the Anacortes School District in Washington and a former principal at Edmonds School District. Dr. Justin Irish shares how systems thinking, co-design, and meaningful partnerships have helped his district navigate …

1
Episode 396 - Stop the Pet Biz Payroll Bleed: How to Slash Labour Costs and Boost Profitability with Sean Felty 23:51

2M ago23:51

23:51

Could your staffing costs be draining your profits? How do you scale pet care services without multiplying mistakes? What’s the easiest way to increase profitability without adding more clients? In this episode, I sit down with Sean Felty from Greenlin Pet Resorts - owner of six busy facilities and founder of Next Tree Strategies - to talk about ho…

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Cultural Frameworks for K-8 Leaders to Build Equity and Cut Suspensions with Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower 46:55

2M ago46:55

46:55

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Lupita Ley Hightower, the 2023 Arizona Superintendent of the Year and the 2024 Voice for Equity Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Dr. Hightower, who recently retired from her role as the superintendent of the Tolleson Elementary School Distri…

1
Episode 395: Why a Better Team Means Bigger Profits In Your Pet Business 26:49

2M ago26:49

26:49

Do you want a pet business that makes money without running you into the ground? What’s the difference between a business that grows efficiently—and one that just gets busier? And how can better systems set you free while boosting your bottom line? In this episode, I’m joined by Josh Hightower, who shares how pet business owners can create a scalab…

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How Student Leadership & Community Engagement Are Transformative for Schools with Michelle Caulfield 52:13

2M ago52:13

52:13

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Caulfield, Superintendent of the Corning-Painted Post Area School District in Corning, New York. Michelle shares how her district is expanding access to opportunities by centering student voice, investing in innovative programs, and building…

1
Episode 394: Pet Care Staffing Summit Preview: How to Fix Your Pet Care Hiring Problem 23:17

2M ago23:17

23:17

Are your staff stuck at a dead end with no room to grow? Could a simple enrichment tweak transform your team’s motivation and retention? What if the key to attracting A+ hires was hiding in plain sight on your website? In this special Pet Care Staffing Summit preview episode, I’m joined by two fantastic guests -Tim Jackson and Joe Latona - who shar…

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Unlocking Communication: Moises Morgenstern of Empat Speech on Bridging the Speech Therapy Gap 42:56

3M ago42:56

42:56

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Moises Morgenstern, co-founder and CEO of Empat Speech, a leading platform that connects schools with experienced speech-language pathologists (SLPs). Moises shares how his company is improving access to speech therapy using technology, addressing th…

1
Episode 393: The 2025 Pet Care Staffing Summit is on! Fix Your Hiring Nightmares Once and for All 17:19

3M ago17:19

17:19

Are you tired of posting job ads only to hear crickets… or worse, getting flooded with unqualified applicants who disappear after two shifts? Why does it seem like every other business is poaching the best employees while you’re stuck with a revolving door of unreliable hires? And most importantly—what can you do to fix it? The hiring crisis in pet…

1
Kim Armstrong and Sandy Husk and the Power of Clear Communication During Challenges 1:04:30

3M ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Sandy Husk, former interim superintendent of Portland Public Schools, and Dr. Kim Armstrong, the district’s current superintendent. These two remarkable leaders discuss the challenges and opportunities of transitioning leadership, navigating budg…

1
Episode 392 - Dom’s Five Step Guide to Pet Business Glory 18:57

3M ago18:57

18:57

Are you relying too much on social media to attract clients? What’s the secret to getting the best customers to refer you to their friends? And how can you ensure your business evolves in a way that keeps YOU profitable and happy? In this episode, I share the next five pet biz rules that will help you build a more profitable, stress-free, and futur…

1
How Going Phone-Free Increased Student Focus and Improved School Culture with Damian McBeath 50:44

3M ago50:44

50:44

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Damian McBeath, Principal of the John Wallis Church of England Academy. As an experienced school leader and author, Damian brings a wealth of knowledge on education reform, leadership, and the evolving role of schools in shaping students beyond academi…

1
Episode 391: Simple Pet Business Sales Secrets with Adam Delderfield 24:33

3M ago24:33

24:33

How do successful entrepreneurs make BIG breakthroughs in their pet business? More to the point, are you getting the help you need to elevate your thinking (and your vision, for where your business will go next?) See, for Dom this week has been all about helping others to move forward, AND I've been getting some help with my business challenges too…

1
AI in education and navigating a school through crises with Dr. Curtis Cain 51:42

3M ago51:42

51:42

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, I'm joined by Dr. Curtis Cain, Superintendent of the Rockwood School District and 2022's National Superintendent of the Year. With decades of experience in educational leadership, Dr. Cain offers deep insights into navigating the complexities of leading a major scho…

1
Episode 390 - Elevating Your Dog Daycare Business with Eve Molzhon 31:11

3M ago31:11

31:11

Are you struggling to keep up as your pet business grows? Worried that hiring more staff will lead to more headaches, not more profit? Curious about the strategies top pet business owners use to scale with confidence? In this episode, I sit down with Eve Molzhon from Dog Handler Academy to break down the game-changing strategies pet business owners…

1
Lee Loving's Guide to Asking the Right Questions - Including What Might Happen if I Close the School's Library? 😬 48:29

3M ago48:29

48:29

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, our guest is Lee Loving, Superintendent of the North Santiam School District in Stayton, Oregon! In our conversation, Lee shares insightful perspectives on leadership, strategic planning, and community engagement. Listen in as we discuss: Connection: The importance …

1
Episode 389 - The Game-Changing Power of a Pet Business Mastermind 23:35

4M ago23:35

23:35

Are you working harder than ever but still not seeing the results you want? Have you moved on from 'best practices' and now need some new, innovative growth strategies? Wondering how some pet business owners scale with ease while others stay stuck? Curious if a mastermind could be the secret to unlocking your full potential? In this episode, I brea…

1
Marcus Chambers on Community, Relationships, and Post-Pandemic Realities 55:53

4M ago55:53

55:53

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, Marcus Chambers shares his insights on leadership, community, and navigating the challenges in education today. Here are three key takeaways: A+ School District: Superintendent Chambers explains Okaloosa County's focus on being an "A+ school district" ➕, emphasizing…

1
388 - Swipe Right for Pet Biz Success Success: How to Woo, Win, and Wow Your Pet Care Clients 21:31

4M ago21:31

21:31

Are you still in love with your pet business - or has the spark started to fade? How can you make pet owners fall head over heels for your services and choose YOU over the competition? And what can some of the greatest romantic movie moments teach you about standing out, marketing your services, and attracting dream clients? In this special Valenti…

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Beyond Best Practices: Earl Franks on "Next Practices" and the Future of Elementary Education 55:23

4M ago55:23

55:23

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader, we had the pleasure of speaking with Earl Franks, the Executive Director of the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP). We explored some critical themes for today's educational leaders: 🤝 The Power of Collaboration: Earl emphasizes how crucial it is for educational organizations to work …

1
Rethinking Grades: Joe Feldman on Creating Fair and Motivating Learning Environments 54:30

4M ago54:30

54:30

On this week's podcast, we had the pleasure of speaking with Joe Feldman, the founder and CEO of Crescendo Education Group, about equitable grading practices. 🍎 It was an insightful conversation, and here are three key things I'm taking away: Traditional grading often undermines learning: Many teachers receive little to no training on grading. As a…

1
387 - The Big Dog Daycare Biz Bootcamp Breakdown: Lessons, Laughs, and Serious Levelling Up 27:52

4M ago27:52

27:52

What happens when you put some of the most ambitious dog daycare owners in one room for two days? What business breakthroughs did attendees walk away with—and how can you apply them to your own pet business? Why premium pricing, memberships, and storytelling are the secret sauces to a thriving pet business? In this special episode, Dom Hodgson take…

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A Walk in Their Kicks: Dr. Aaron Johnson and School Environments That Value All 56:53

4M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast, we get to sit down with Dr. Aaron Johnson, leader, author, and professor. Here are some takeaways from our conversation: 🗣️ Humanizing Students: It's so crucial to allow students to be themselves, express their opinions, and share what they like and dislike about sc…

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Episode 386 - Pet Biz Bootcamp Secrets: Building a Premium Pet Business That Stands Out 42:03

5M ago42:03

42:03

What’s the secret to running a pet business that clients rave about? How do you charge premium prices and attract the best clients? And why does stepping away from your business sometimes lead to the biggest breakthroughs? In this episode, I take you back in time to the highlights of my 2018 Bootcamp, packed with game-changing strategies to help yo…

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Beyond the Arena: Melissa Sonnek's Journey in Education and Equity 58:22

5M ago58:22

58:22

This powerful conversation dives deep into leadership, equity, and creating inclusive educational spaces. Melissa, Associate Superintendent at Roseville Area Schools, shared invaluable lessons that are a must for any leader. Here's a quick recap: 💪 Courageous Leadership: Melissa emphasizes the need to challenge inequity head-on. 🌱 Identity & Achiev…

1
Episode 385 - How to Scale a Pet Business - Five Simple Steps to Success 26:59

5M ago26:59

26:59

What if you could finally stop being the bottleneck in your own business? How do you go from being hands-on, and worried about every little detail, to stepping back and still running a well-oiled machine? What do you need to turn your family pet business into a wealth generating machine? In this episode, I share the five crucial steps to building a…

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An Imperfect Leader: Michelle Osterhoudt on Connection, Community, and Courage 57:42

5M ago57:42

57:42

📢 Exciting new episode of An Imperfect Leader! 📢 I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Michelle Osterhoudt, Superintendent of Margaretville Central Schools, and it was an incredibly insightful conversation! Here are some of the key themes: Rethinking Traditional Education 🏫: Michelle shared her personal experience with her daughter's struggl…

1
Episode 384 - How to Increase Pet Care Profits with Experiencial Enrichment Upsells 24:41

5M ago24:41

24:41

Are you sick and tired of dealing with penny pinching PITA customers who complain about your prices? Do you recognise that dogs need more than just a safe place to stay, but do you struggle to convince clients they should invest in enrichment upsells? Would you love to be able to attract affluent clients who value premium, personalized pet services…

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Stephen Pruitt on Removing Barriers and Leading with Compassion and Action 1:01:42

5M ago1:01:42

1:01:42

📢 We had an INCREDIBLE conversation with Dr. Stephen Pruitt, President of the Southern Regional Education Board. 🎧 We dove deep into education, leadership, and creating real change. Here are some of the key takeaways: 🤝 Stakeholder vs. Shareholder: Dr. Pruitt brilliantly explained that in education, we need to move beyond "stakeholders" and cultiva…

1
Episode 383: How to Train Your Dog with Love and Science with Annie Grossman 35:47

5M ago35:47

35:47

What if you could transform your dog training methods with simple, science-backed techniques? How do operant and classical conditioning help you become a more effective trainer, handler, walker or groomer? And why are those first few training sessions so crucial to building trust and achieving long-term success? In this episode, I’m joined by Annie…

1
Quintin Shepherd: Owning the Complexity of Leadership 39:11

5M ago39:11

39:11

Have you ever felt like the traditional leadership models just don't fit? 🤔 Then you NEED to listen to our latest episode of An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast with the incredible Dr. Quintin Shepherd. 🎧 We dive deep into #transformational #leadership, the power of language, and how to truly connect with your #community…

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382: Dom and Eve's New Year Pet Business Planning Session: Lessons Learned, Mistakes Made, and Our Big Plans for 2025 37:39

5M ago37:39

37:39

What happens when you hire someone just like you - but can’t coach them? How can you ensure that you learn from this years mistakes, so you don't repeat them in 2025? In this festive episode, I’m joined by the amazing Eve Molzhon, founder of Dog Handler Academy, as we reflect on our big lessons from 2024, and give a sneak peak into some of the exci…

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An Imperfect Leader with Doug Reeves: Coaching, Courage, and Classroom Connections 47:56

6M ago47:56

47:56

📢 The tree is lit and the cookies have been set out for Santa. It's the perfect time to tune in to an amazing remastered encore episode with Douglas Reeves on An Imperfect Leader: The Superintendents and Leadership Podcast! 🎧 We dive deep into crucial topics for today's education leaders. Here are some key takeaways: 1️⃣ Theme 1: The Urgent Need fo…

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381: Elite Mastermind Reflections: How the Top Pet Business Owners are Prepping for 2025 28:09

6M ago28:09

28:09

Are you ready to wind down from a busy year—but not sure how to switch off? Want to know how some of the top pet business owners are preparing to crush 2025? Curious about the wins, struggles, and strategies behind their success stories? In this special holiday episode, I reflect on a transformative 2024 and share exclusive snippets from my Elite U…

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Small Town, Big Decisions: Casey Hallgarth Leads with Heart in Rural Oregon 47:25

6M ago47:25

47:25

This week, Casey Hallgarth, Superintendent of the Baker School District in Baker City, Oregon, joins the podcast. Here are a few key takeaways: Building relationships is paramount to successful leadership. Casey emphasizes the significance of authentic and genuine connections with staff, community members, and board members. Shared image of success…

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Josh Hightower Podcasts

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