357. Creating a Values-Driven Leadership Life: Featuring Dr. Sarah Johnson

In this transformative episode of Aspire to Lead, Dr. Sarah Johnson rejoins host Joshua Stamper for a masterclass in authentic leadership and personal growth. Together, they share candid stories about why every educator, no matter their role or experience, needs to clarify their core values to build trust, weather challenges, and find joy in their journey. Dr. Johnson reveals lessons from her recent doctoral research on resilience, burnout, and spiritual self-care for school leaders, explaining how defining your leadership language and grounding your practice in faith and balance can help you rise above stress and uncertainty. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for value reflection, tips for aligning their mission with their daily actions, and the inspiration to be both vulnerable and visionary in their work. This episode is an essential resource for anyone seeking purpose-driven leadership that starts from within.

About Sarah Johnson:

Sarah Johnson is a former teacher and school principal, turned author, speaker, and podcaster. She is passionate about assisting others in seeking greater satisfaction in all areas of their full lives by helping them go beyond work-life balance as well as develop strong leadership foundations. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education, Master of Science in Educational Administration, and a Certificate for Women in Leadership from Cornell University. She hosts the weekly In AWE Podcast where she is proud to amplify women’s stories every week.  Sarah is co-author of Balance Like a Pirate: Going Beyond Work-Life Balance to Ignite Passion and Thrive as an Educator and author of Lead with Faith: Firm Foundations of Leadership to Empower You to Slay Fear and Lead with Courage.  Sarah lives the balance message in her life by pursuing passions such as running, writing, focusing on family with her two daughters and teacher husband, while also honing her leadership skills through networking, teaching, and learning.

Sarah Johnson: 

• Sarah's Website
• Sarah on Twitter 
• Sarah on IG 
• Sarah on LinkedIn 
• Sarah on Facebook 
• Podcast Website
• Subscribe to the In AWE Podcast 
• Join Sarah’s FREE Five Day Going Beyond Balance Challenge: 

https://www.amazon.com/Lead-FAITH-Building-Strong-Foundation/dp/1950714012?crid=VYP5R2KY2LOK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.x_xwMEzPSCkrtulkysw8zsa-i38hLX2OQZgWrXMbBCyKzPaygwwiVaLpxaHGNVneBfJtzjE0nJHVLbzZuLVTS9CtoB6oD_Bg6K-GRhzBWrI.85iLuFZvxDETwvxUxWR5xP4sPdzgIEEgJHJneN-dwSk&dib_tag=se&keywords=lead+with+faith+sarah+johnson&qid=1763261652&sprefix=lead+with+faith+sarah+johnson%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=51188604eaeb73dd84534dbb0cd8dd62&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Like-Pirate-Work-Life-Educator-ebook/dp/B07F88KJZY?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=a96c43aa0faa7f3c3db0649e3b02b0fa&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl -- NEW Aspire to Lead Cohort: Join the December 1st Launch Ready to move from teacher to administrator? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a monthly leadership program designed for educators pursuing administrative roles. Get expert training, peer accountability, interview prep, and a clear roadmap to advance your career. December 1st cohort launching soon. Limited spots available. READY TO JOIN? Apply for the Aspire to Lead Cohort: https://bit.ly/47xWzIu Limited spots available. Next cohort starts 12/1/25 📧 QUESTIONS? Email me: [email protected] — #1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available!  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders  —

Need a Presenter for a conference or school PD?

Contact Brad Waid to book Joshua Stamper for your next event on Improving Student Behavior, Impacting School Mental Health, or Creating healthy habits.  

Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:

Contact: https://joshstamper.com/contact/ Twitter: www.twitter.com/Joshua__Stamper Instagram: www.instagram.com/joshua__stamper Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-stamper Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AspirePodcast Subscribe: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/aspire-the-leadership-development-podcast/id1384210762?mt=2  

Aspire to Lead Won the FireBird Award!

I’m happy to announce that my book, “Aspire to Lead”, won the 2022 Leadership Book Award from Speak Up Talk Radio!  It is a great honor to get this kind of recognition and I really appreciate all your support! The book is available for purchase on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1953852386/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1953852386&linkCode=as2&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=0d9c336e3db6ab16cbb08421ef3e4175

Review the Podcast

I want to give a huge shout out to those who have taken the time to provide a review on Apple, Spotify or any other podcast platform. It truly means the world to me that you would take the 30- 90 seconds to share how the podcast has positively impacted you or why other educators should check out the show. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through these links,...