BONUS Series – Aspiring Leaders Part 3: Defining Your Leadership Identity

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Aspire to Lead, Joshua Stamper, Aspire to Lead Cohort, Teacher Leader

What kind of leader do you want to be when the title finally arrives?

In Part 3 of the Aspiring Leaders Bonus Series, Joshua Stamper helps aspiring leaders move beyond simply naming the role they want and begin defining the values, mission, vision, and commitments that will guide their leadership. A title may change, responsibilities may shift, and your career path may take unexpected turns, but your leadership identity can serve as the compass that keeps you grounded.

In this episode, you will explore how to avoid copying another leader’s style, make decisions that align with your values, and communicate your leadership purpose with greater clarity and confidence. Joshua also shares his own experience of stepping into a dean of students role and realizing that leading according to others’ expectations was not creating the impact he hoped to make.

Use the reflection questions below to begin building your leadership identity. This is not meant to be a final answer. It is a personal, authentic first draft that can evolve as you gain experience, receive feedback, and continue growing as a leader.

Reflection Questions

  • When I am at my best as a leader, I am…
  • When I am struggling as a leader, I tend to…
  • What values do I want to guide my decisions?
  • Ten years from now, what do I hope people say about my leadership impact?
  • What kind of culture do I want to create?

Leadership Identity Statement

“I am a leader who values [core values]. I lead so that [mission]. In my future role as [aspired role], I will create [vision]. My leadership will be guided by [key commitments].”

Aspire to Lead Cohort

Are you ready to stop guessing your way through your leadership journey and start building a clear plan for your next role? The Aspire to Lead Cohort is a supportive community for aspiring educational leaders who want practical guidance, meaningful accountability, and real strategies for advancing their careers. You will gain access to two live Zoom workshops each month, weekly Voxer support, leadership resources, accountability partners, interview preparation, and a network of educators who are growing alongside you. Whether you are a teacher leader, department chair, aspiring administrator, or a new leader looking for support, this cohort will help you build your leadership identity, gain the right experiences, strengthen your interview readiness, and take intentional steps toward your goals.

Special Founding Member Opportunity

The first five people to join the Aspire to Lead Cohort by August 31 will receive the Founding Member rate, a 55% discount. This discounted rate is limited, so do not wait to take the next step in your leadership journey. Learn more and apply at joshstamper.com/leadership-cohorts.

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If today’s episode has you thinking more intentionally about your leadership journey, my book, Aspire to Lead, is a great next step. It is designed to help aspiring and current school leaders reflect on their strengths, build meaningful relationships, develop practical leadership skills, and lead with greater confidence and purpose. Whether you are preparing for your first leadership role or looking to grow in the one you already have, Aspire to Lead offers strategies and reflection points to support you along the way. Grab your copy today and continue building the leadership foundation your school community needs.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon.

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Follow the Host, Joshua Stamper:

About the author, Joshua

Joshua Stamper is the creator of Aspire Media and Author of Aspire to Lead and The Language of Behavior, as he supports schools and organizations with Keynotes, trainings, cohorts, and coaching. Prior to Joshua's current position, he was a middle school Administrator, classroom art educator, and athletic coach.

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