WHERE'S YOUR HEAD AT?

A Quick Summary: In this engaging conversation, Peter shares his transformative journey from struggling middle school student to independent school leadership expert. He discusses the critical business challenges facing independent schools in the United States, the widening financial gap between revenue and operational costs, and why traditional leadership training hasn't prepared heads of school for the entrepreneurial demands of their roles. Bio: Peter has spent the past 20+ years serving independent schools, including five years as the Chief Member Relations Officer at the Enrollment Management Association, and as board member, and champion for independent schools, with a primary goal of helping schools and school leaders succeed. Today, through MoonshotOS, he helps schools execute their strategic plans and strengthen the business skills required to navigate an increasingly complex school model. We hope you enjoy this episode of WYHA, voted the number 7 international education podcast according to Feedspot. https://podcast.feedspot.com/international_education_podcasts/ Key Conversation Points and Insights: Personal Journey & Transformation (0:00-7:00) Peter's life-changing experience at a New Hampshire boarding school From academic probation to complete transformation Career path through independent schools, nonprofits, and ed-tech (Whipple Hill/Blackbaud) Role at Enrollment Management Association (EMA) The Business Model Crisis (7:00-18:00) 2019 research on the future of independent school business models COVID's impact on the sector 200+ interviews with heads of school revealing unprecedented pressure The realization that most school leaders receive zero business training Key Challenges Facing Independent Schools (18:00-28:00) Hiring & retention crisis: Teachers leaving due to increased demands without additional compensation Increased competition: Public schools, charter schools, magnet schools, online schools, micro schools, homeschooling The amplified promise: Schools must differentiate more strongly while absorbing costs of new programs (SEL, etc.) The widening gap: Financial gap between tuition revenue and operating costs has grown from 20% to 30% in just two years Generational shifts: Gen Z and Millennials seeking work-life flexibility that brick-and-mortar schools struggle to provide Solutions & Recommendations (28:00-End) Building business competencies into leadership development pipelines earlier Self-assessment for aspiring leaders across entrepreneurial strategy, finance, operations, and marketing Leveraging resources: podcasts, business books, YouTube, professional development The role of AI in potentially buying back time for educators Importance of auxiliary revenue and entrepreneurial thinking Creating "unreasonable hospitality" for families (inspired by 11 Madison Park) Memorable Moments: The Thanksgiving phone call from teacher Richard Faye that changed Peter's life The importance of leaders who give you "room to make mistakes" Resources Mentioned: Ian Simmons (management consultant and provocateur) National Business Officers Association (NBOA) Book: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara Podcast episodes: John Farber on what boards look for; David Sullivan on auxiliary revenue Moonshot OS (Peter's company) Connect with Peter: Website: moonshotos.com Call to Action: Have thoughts or questions? Want to suggest a future podcast topic? Reach out at www.educationtomorrow.com. Thank you for listening to Where's Your Head At? Stay tuned for more episodes on leadership, innovation, and community in international education.   Show notes created by https://podium.page