A new season of Child Care Rockstar Radio begins with Jennifer Conner, CEO of the Child Care Success company, stepping in as host! Jennifer shares the real behind-the-scenes of her own journey: buying a struggling center, realizing “love and passion” alone won’t sustain a business long-term, and learning how systems, finances, and leadership create the stability that protects your mission. Then Jennifer welcomes Michael Ingram, a legacy child care leader and school owner with multi-generational roots, to talk about the kind of leadership growth that doesn’t show up on an org chart.
Michael reflects on moving from defensiveness to connection, mentorship and choosing community over isolation, and learning how to create space. Michael also shares how mentorship changed his leadership, and why being the one everyone calls for answers can be a signal that it’s time to find your own room of mentors.
Now also streaming video recorded versions of each episode on YouTube! Visit our channel, The Child Care Success Company, and make sure to subscribe so you never miss a new recording!
Click here to listen to more episodes of Child Care Rockstar Radio™ with Jennifer Conner!
Below you can read the key takeaways from this episode:
- [1:10] Jennifer shares her journey from childcare owner to building a strong leadership team and moving to Mexico.
- [1:25] She highlights how systems, finances, and leadership are critical to a sustainable childcare business.
[2:28] Jennifer talks about shifting from running schools remotely to becoming a coach and CEO rooted in love for children and families.
[9:32] Michael reflects on taking feedback too personally early on and learning to get comfortable with discomfort.
[16:20] Michael explains how stepping aside from his own ego and seeking mentorship transformed his leadership.
[20:22] He describes his school’s model, which includes on-site OT, speech, and ABA therapy for children with higher needs.
[22:31] The challenges that Michael faces in his school, and how he works to overcome them.
[26:02] Michael’s passion for advocacy and advice for someone who wants to get involved but doesn’t exactly know how.
[29:11] Finding the right group that advocates for your cause.
[31:17] QTIP – Quit Taking It Personal, and how Michael learned to not take things so personally.
[35:23] Learning how to give and take space as a leader, and embracing the mantra “just for today”.
