Check out my latest blog post for the Biofreeze Berkeley Half Marathon - it's all about pacing and helping others with their goals! #assistantsuperintendent #dublinunified #asca #PortolaValley #LisaGonzalesSuperintendent #leadershipdevelopment #leadership #good #lisa #ACSA #knowledge #competent #positive #acsapresident

Here it is - another Monday is upon us. What are your goals for this week? This week's theme is "gratitude." And was I fortunate when it comes to my commitment to practicing gratitude. I grew up as part of the Youth Focus program out at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds and learned early on the role of gratitude. As a leader in that program, we were always reminded to "write and practice gratitude." After every event, I wrote thank you notes. Every time I was handed the micr

Happy Monday! Quite a few years ago, I ran across Liz Wiseman's book, The Multiplier Effect. WOW! As a second year superintendent, I was convinced that this book was an essential read for my leadership team. Each week, we'd focus in on a chapter and identify a key individual who we would hone in on to support and encourage. We'd articulate our objectives and hold one another accountable. Want to lead like a multiplier? When I arrived in Dublin as an Assistant Superintendent,

A new mentee of mine on LinkedIn engaged me in a conversation the other day. A principal with a four year old at home, her concern was balance. "How do I do it?" she asked. Ah.....such a great question. And I can't say I have all the answers because we, as moms, sort of figure it out as we go. What research of current administrative staffing data will show is that more than half of public school principals are women and for the most part, with the retirements of so many bab

Are you looking for a mentor? Look no further (no, I'm not offering my services but I am offering some tips). Over the years I've had many mentors and been part of formal mentoring programs through San Jose State University, the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), and the California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators (CALSA). And along the way, I've learned a thing or two. Know what you want. When seeking a mentor, look to those who y

At a time of smart phones, smart watches, always-on round-the-clock atmosphere, and immediate access to just about everyone and everything, distractions are at a premium. That’s where being a mindful leader is so very powerful. Mindfulness is just this - the act of being consciously aware, of focusing on the present moment in a nonjudgmental way. Mindfulness has had a recent surge in popularity, having started back some 2,600 years ago in Buddhist times because of the self-aw

Ever used Padlet? If the answer is no, think again. Padlet is an easy but effective approach to collecting, displaying and sharing information. It is an online message board - think allowing people to put post-its on a webpage. There's both an app or you can simply go to the webpage and sign up for a free account. Another perk? They don't really send you emails. Okay, maybe one or two a year and I've had my account for at least five years. And its easy. Did I mention its easy

Now that most schools are out of session for the summer, the celebration of graduations and promotions is about over. And certainly, those on the higher ends of education have received their fair share of unsolicited advice. They’ve been exposed to the useful messages, the not-so-useful. They’ve heard the stories and the ramblings of those who turned speeches into political statements (not a criticism, just an observation). Have you ever stopped to consider what you might wan

Dewitt Jones is one of America's top professional photographers. Twenty years with National Geographic photographing stories around the globe has earned him the reputation as a world-class photojournalist. As a motion picture director, two of Dewitt's films were nominated for Academy Awards. In the business community, Dewitt's work is also well known. He rose to the forefront of creative marketing by photographing national advertising campaigns for organizations such as Dewar

I've always loved this video. Whether used in its entirety or in small segments, the ability to think big and dream bigger is what always draws me in. But what I love most of all is the exploration of the world around us, or going back in time to what feels like the reality of dinosaurs, in a way that does nothing short of completely engaging students. As I watch the students on the field trip, I think of my own 10 year old, 5th grade twins and what learning environments like

Find me a profession where I can love my work, make a living in the Silicon Valley, and be stress free. My gut tells me that may not be possible, regardless of my background and experience. Thus, if I really want to overcome stress, maybe I just need to learn better to deal with it. At the ISTE Conference a few years ago (International Society for Technology in Education) hosted researcher Kelly McGonigal as a keynote speaker. She spoke about the psychology behind gaming and

While Superintendent in the Portola Valley School District, I had the honor of being selected as one of Computer Using Educator's (CUE) Innovative Superintendents, invited to spend two days sharing our stories of innovation in our districts with others at the CUE Super Symposium. “The CUE Super Symposium showcases amazing Future Ready California Superintendents that eagerly shared some of their best, most actionable ideas for other leaders to adopt and adapt,” said Jon Coripp

Success isn't always based on skill, talent or experience. Sometimes it is simply based on opportunity. And often that opportunity came about because of the art of asking. There really is something about putting oneself in a position to advance simply by seeking out opportunities and asking the question - can I do this ? Can I try that approach? What if I help out with (fill in the blank)? The challenge with many of us is that we don't ask. We don't ask because we are fearful

It is simply not possible to watch this video and not feel that a happy life is possible, likely because you'll find that whatever is happening in your personal life that might seem trivial will, in no way, be anything like the life led by the speaker in this video. Sam Berns, a high school junior in Foxboro, Massachusetts, has progeria - a rare, rapid aging disease. His time here on Earth will not be as long as anyone would have liked. But Sam's perspective on life, on achie

One of my tried and true videos for years - Derek Sivers' "How to Start a Movement." Need a great video for the start of the school year? Need a great example of leadership, starting with the importance of followers? Need something a little silly that really hits home a point at the beginning of a presentation? This is the video for you. #lisa #gonzales #release #superintendent #not #acsa #good #fit

Having recently viewed this ‘not so recent’ Ted Talk with Sheryl Sandberg, I realized the business world is not that different from that of public education. Over the last couple of decades, women in top leadership positions in California school districts has not come close to 50%. Yet, the numbers have been on the increase in the last few years….but only close to 39%, based on the most recent data I’ve seen. So what does that mean for our schools…and what does that mean for

Thanks, Lady Gaga, for launching a campaign that many of us can get behind. A campaign we can relate to. Launched on Instagram over the weekend, Lady Gaga reminded us of what is so imperative about knowing ourselves in this ever-so-busy world...that while we can be many things, they do not define us. Granted, she has struggled with what many do - depression, anxiety, judgment, knowing who we really are inside, and I'm sure a great deal more that will be unveiled as this campa

Ever heard of management by walking around? This is a well-worn strategy used by teachers to monitor and mold student behavior in the classroom. And it works for adults too. One of my favorite parts of being a superintendent, particularly in a small district, is spending time walking around and observing students in classes. The sitting in my office responding to emails, prepping for meetings, and doing paperwork just doesn't hold a light to observing the magic that great tea

Chances are good that you're surrounded by others at work (and in life) who believe in your abilities, your leadership and the special and unique qualities that make you you. But do you believe in you? Let's face it. If we don't believe in ourselves and the skills we bring to the table, it's doubtful that, in the long run, others will either. But how to we believe and truly invest in ourselves? Develop Yourself Is there something you've wanted to learn? Is mentoring available

I've learned over the years that working in public education is a passion. Too many have tried it and realized they really weren't in tune with the work - it wasn't a passion. They didn't have the fire in their belly that pushed them out of bed each morning and off to face the kids, both young and small. And those in public education who are in the classroom generally become those who do the leading. But do you ever wonder why teachers move up into leadership roles? Why are t