Episode

Lead with Belonging | Creating School Culture Where Every Student Thrives

Podcast

Standing Tall: Voices in Leadership

Published

Apr 20, 2026

Duration seconds

2270

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Summary

Middle school leadership is a journey of high stakes and higher hormones. Randy Lindquist sits down with Joshua Smith, Principal of Orchard View Middle School in Muskegon, Michigan. With nearly a decade of experience in the same building, Josh shares his "belonging-first" philosophy and explains why authenticity is the currency of leadership. Whether you are leading a classroom or an entire district, this episode offers a masterclass in building trust before asking for change and treating relationships as the work, not just an addition to it.