Why I Returned to the Principals' Chair

The Principal School Podcast - Episode 41

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After years consulting and supporting school systems from the outside, Dr. Michael Meechin is back in the principalship—and he's got something to say about why the work still matters more than ever. In this episode of The Principal School Podcast, Mike shares the real reason he returned to the front lines of school leadership, what stepping back into the building has taught him, and why now is the time to double down on presence, purpose, and people.

This is a story about coming home to the work. To the chaos. To the clarity. And to the calling.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

✅ Why leading from the building hits differently than leading from the boardroom
✅ The moment in the Roman Colosseum that reframed Mike’s leadership lens
✅ What’s changed in schools—and what hasn’t
✅ How to return to the work with sharper focus, stronger systems, and deeper relationships
✅ Encouragement for leaders who are in the arena, fighting the good fight

📢 Share this with another leader who’s in the arena—or thinking about stepping back into it.

Show Notes


Here are a few totally FREE ways that I try to make Ed Leadership a bit easier for educators.

🎧 My podcast launched in 2022 and has a ton of content on topics for school leaders.

💻 My blog has been around for a while, and there are many articles, tips, strategies, and stories for ed leaders to explore.

📱My Instagram account launched in 2020, and I share tips, stories, and motivation for educators and all things education there, too.

One of the ways you can impact education is by hitting the forward button and sharing this content with any educators in your life. Thanks a bunch.