Return With Clarity: A Summer Leadership Challenge

Return With Clarity: A Summer Leadership Challenge

From Change Starts Here by Franklin Covey Education

June 2, 2026 · 11 min

About this episode

Dustin Odham challenges educators to rethink their summer break for true renewal and clarity through reflection and personal mission crafting.

In the season 6 finale of Change Starts Here , Dustin Odham invites educators and leaders to rethink their summer break. While taking time off is crucial for physical recovery, Dustin challenges listeners to aim for true renewal and clarity. By applying Dr. Covey's 7th Habit, "Sharpen the Saw," leaders can intentionally renew themselves mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Listeners are challenged to take one uninterrupted day alone this summer to pause and reflect. Dustin guides leaders through a powerful internal process: starting with gratitude rather than problem-solving, identifying personal "genius" to avoid disconnecting from their true selves, and defining a lasting leadership legacy. By crafting or refining a personal mission statement, educators can ensure they return in the fall not just rested, but deeply intentional. Download the Handout, Reflection and Mission Statement Guide: https://resources.franklincovey.com/c/csh_summer-reflectio?x=bfYNCN Hosts : Dustin Odham (FranklinCovey Education) Timestamps : 00:00 Podcast intro 01:06 Wrapping up the season 02:28 The weight educators carry 03:20 Habit 7 Sharpen the saw 04:54 Start with gratitude 05:51…

People in this episode

Host: Dustin Odham

Topics covered

  • leadership
  • self-renewal
  • reflection
  • personal mission
  • educator challenges

Keywords

  • leadership
  • summer break
  • reflection
  • personal mission statement
  • self-renewal

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: FranklinCovey Education

Books & works: 7th Habit

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