Leadership Coaching for Innovation: Who It’s For and Finding the Right Coach
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2sP9oPIKS4TWC270dDE2Pa?si=07bd240fc29947f4
When people hear the phrase "Leadership Coaching for Innovation," they often assume it’s just for superintendents or central office leaders navigating large-scale transformation. And yes, those roles are an ideal match—but this kind of coaching is so much broader than a job title.
Leadership Coaching for Innovation is for any educator or leader who sees potential in people and processes and is ready to take action to shape the future of their school, district, or organization. Whether you're an assistant superintendent designing a new instructional model, a building principal with a bold idea for student engagement, or an emerging leader simply looking to grow, this service is for you.
As I shared in the recent MiSoundBoard podcast with MASB's Don Wotruba, innovation isn’t about waiting until your schedule clears or until you have the “perfect” role. It’s about having the courage to ask, What if…? and the commitment to explore what’s possible now.
And because every leader’s context, goals, and experiences are unique, the right-fit coach matters more than anything.
At Michigan Virtual, our Leadership Coaching for Innovation team is intentional about match-making. We take time to listen deeply through a discovery process to understand your innovation goals, leadership style, and personal strengths and constraints. From there, we help pair you with a coach who has the right experience and gets you. Someone who knows how to listen, challenge, support, and walk alongside you with no side agenda—just the goal of helping you lead with impact.
And when the fit is right? Everything changes. Conversations deepen. Confidence grows. Ideas evolve. Action takes root.
So if you’ve been wondering whether Leadership Coaching for Innovation is “for you,” the answer might be simpler than you think: Do you want to grow? Do you want to lead change, not just manage it? Then yes—it’s for you.
Tovah Sheldon
School Design Strategist
Dr. Tovah Sheldon is a School Design Strategist for Michigan Virtual. For 20+ years, Dr. Sheldon has served pK-12 and higher education as a dynamic leader and educator driving positive change. Her expertise ranges from instruction to capacity building to systems change. She has a passion to cultivate relationships, bring innovation to spaces managing complex change, and promote equity and opportunities for ALL. Additionally, Dr. Sheldon serves on various boards while enjoying time with her family and going on adventures.
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