Episode 23:“Do What You Love and Love What You Do”- Dr. Essie McKoy

This week's Leadership Tidbits with Coach Tee Wilson features the empowering Dr. Essie McKoy. Dr. McKoy received her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) and an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed. S.) in Educational Leadership from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Special Education with certification in Learning Disabilities from Winston-Salem State University. She has additional areas of certification in Public School Administration/Principalship, Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in English, and the Superintendency. She is known as a transformational leader and has improved the academic performance and success indicators of all the schools she has led. She started her own Educational Consulting Business, Dr. Essie Speaks. She travels the nation doing speaking engagements about her books School transformation, Coaching Champions- How to understand the players before giving the plays; A Guide to Improvement and Success, Women of Virtue: Walking in Excellence, The Gyrlfriend Code Sorority Edition, and Leadership Tidbits. In addition, she is the Senior Executive Director of the DMV Mastermind Organization and serves as a faculty member at George Mason University! 

Beginning the show, Dr. Essie shared more with us about her leadership journey. She explained that she did not start out wanting to become a leader in the education field, she just wanted to teach. Early on in her journey she taught at an alternative middle school. Dr. Essie recalls her experience at the alternative school as a blessing that propelled her career. When asked about the strengths and qualities a leader needs to thrive, Dr. Essie was able to list off many. These included: Have the skill to be adaptable, know the role you’re taking on, do all your homework, be able to modify your leadership style, and never stop learning. It is also important to have the hindsight, insight, and foresight. “Use every opportunity as a learning opportunity” she stated. In her experience, while she was transforming schools there were many academic and social challenges. Many students are  missing very basic things like how to count to ten, spell their name, and struggle with emotional stability. As an administrator, you want to put programs in place to address all of those issues. Through her journey as a prominent leader in education, she has learned many lessons. Dr. Essie explained that when it comes to failure and learning lessons, you have to continue to extend your knowledge base and refuse to remain stagnant. In addition, stay true to yourself and be sure to embrace every opportunity. Fear is one of those things that can either prevent you from moving forward or propel you. Dr. Essie reminds you to do self-assessments and check in with yourself. 

Check out the full show for more amazing tidbits from Dr. Essie McKoy!! She invites you to visit her web site at www.dressiespeaks.com.