For decades in educational circles worldwide Bill Spady is well-known as a catalyst for transformational education practices and as a systems builder of empowering, human-centered learning environments. 

Throughout my 50+ years in K-12 and higher education, I have experienced his impact as a colleague, co-creator, mentor, and friend.  His influence and insights have not only broadened the scope of my work, but more importantly, have helped me frame and find everyday ways to connect my learning and self-growth to go beyond the engrained confines of traditional educational leadership practices.   His passion and unique ability to lift up humanity itself by challenging limiting core beliefs of schooling have greatly impacted me.  His persistence, tenacity, and courage to grapple with the constraints of traditional educational paradigms consistently evoke, provoke, and uncover needed breakthrough approaches relevant in today’s lifelong learning landscape.    

Bill intentionally lives at the edge of education’s toughest questions. He digs into these spaces of inquiry and unbounded exploration where the traditional whys and hows collide.  He opens abundant possibilities and strategies that rarely, if ever, are considered by others in the mainstream of deep school change.

His inquisitive mind, energetic spirit, and extraordinary abilities place him at the edge where movements originate, worthy awakenings emerge, bold insights challenge fundamental assumptions, and where unique perspectives shine light upon the invisible elements of our schools, especially as they relate to current complex and volatile world.  His ideas refresh, rejuvenate, and result in high impact initiatives where amazing results sow confidence and breathe life into one’s actions to turn their potential into positive power to help others thrive.   

Bill illuminates an invitational path for anyone seeking to elevate their positive performance.  I am grateful for his support as his insights and friendship reside deeply in my life, especially as a school administrator and life coach.  His playful, wholehearted engagement with others, the ever present depth of his musical expertise, metaphoric agility (oh yes . . . his poetic penchant for alliteration), and kind intention breathe life into any and all efforts that center upon turning one’s potential into positive power.  

The world of human potential development and schooling needs the light that comes through Bill who live in the presence of everyday enlightenment, energizing heart-felt wholeness, and emergent understanding from neuroscience related to human learning.

Vice President, Community College - Institutional Effectiveness (ret.), Life Coach, Education Consultant