Episode 73

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Published on:

23rd Jul 2025

How Mentorship Transforms Education and Leadership featuring Stephen Minix

In this episode of Digital Learning Today, we dive into the transformative power of mentorship with Stephen Minix, a former educator turned corporate leader. Stephen shares his journey from the classroom to the boardroom, highlighting how mentorship has shaped his path and continues to influence his work at Upmetrics. Discover how mentorship can be a free, yet invaluable resource in both personal and professional realms, and learn how Stephen's experiences with mentors have fueled his passion for giving back. Whether you're an educator, a leader, or someone seeking inspiration, this episode offers insights into the profound impact of mentorship on building communities and fostering growth. Tune in to explore how you can harness the power of mentorship in your own life.

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  • Curriculum Design and Implementation: Discover practical strategies for integrating digital learning into existing curricula, creating vertical alignment of skills, and mapping digital learning across grade levels.
  • Effective Instructional Coaching: Master the art of coaching people rather than technology, building relationships that drive success, and measuring impact through student engagement rather than just technology usage.
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Key Takeaways:

  • Mentorship as a Lifelong Resource: Stephen Minix emphasizes that mentorship is a free and endless resource that can significantly impact personal and professional growth.
  • Translating Skills Across Sectors: The skills and experiences gained in education can be effectively translated into the corporate world, highlighting the adaptability and relevance of educators in various sectors.
  • The Power of Storytelling: Combining data with personal stories can create a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences and stakeholders, making it easier to communicate impact and attract support.
  • Building Relationships at Scale: Stephen shares how building a network of quality relationships has been crucial in his journey, providing support and opportunities for collaboration.
  • Inspiration Over Indoctrination: When working with adults, it's essential to inspire rather than dictate, understanding their perspectives and helping them see the value in their contributions.
  • Mentorship Beyond Titles: Mentorship is not limited to formal titles; it can come from anyone with intention and insight, offering guidance and support in various forms.
  • Clarity in Mission and Impact: Organizations should focus on clarity in their mission and the impact they aim to achieve, which can help in attracting funding and support.
  • Personal Reflection and Growth: Stephen reflects on past experiences, emphasizing the importance of using teachable moments to grow and improve as a mentor and leader.

Chapters:

  • 00:00 Introduction to TeacherCast and Digital Learning Today
  • 01:46 Meet Stephen Minix: From Educator to Corporate Leader
  • 03:01 Transitioning from Classroom to Corporate: Insights and Challenges
  • 09:35 Inspiration Over Indoctrination: Working with Adults
  • 11:57 The Importance of Understanding Adult Learners
  • 14:50 The Role of Mentorship in Personal and Professional Growth
  • 18:17 Data and Storytelling: Bridging the Gap in Education
  • 22:55 Clarity in Communication: Telling Your Story Effectively
  • 28:51 Empowering Nonprofits: Tools for Success
  • 33:56 The Value of Mentorship: Giving Back to the Community
  • 37:14 Teachable Moments: Learning from Mistakes
  • 41:58 Legacy and Impact: A Father's Pride

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

About our Guest:

Stephen is a former educator, now using his experiences to influence the impact space—philanthropy, impact investing, and nonprofits—toward true collaboration and partnership. His background as a PE teacher, Athletic Director, Administrator, and basketball coach in Watts shapes how he works to disrupt harmful power dynamics and foster progress. As the Vice President of Community at UpMetrics, he helps partners leverage information and relationships to accelerate their goals. Passionate about uplifting communities, Stephen serves on the board of A Reason To Survive, Positive Coaching Alliance San Diego, and is the board chair for MENTOR California. He lives in San Diego with his wife, three daughters and dog Malibu.

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Digital Learning Today
From Strategic Vision to System-Wide Impact
How do we lead sustainable change in our schools? Digital Learning Today, hosted by Jeff Bradbury, explores the big-picture ideas and strategic systems that shape the future of education. This podcast is for the forward-thinking leader—the principal, district administrator, or instructional coach focused on systemic growth. Each episode dives into topics like digital learning leadership, school improvement plans, and building a culture of innovation. Subscribe to join the conversation on designing the high-impact schools of tomorrow.
Whether you're looking to enhance student engagement, master new educational tools, or build stronger classroom relationships, our show provides the actionable advice you need to succeed in today's digital learning environment. Join us weekly for professional development that's both inspiring and immediately applicable.

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Jeffrey Bradbury

Jeff Bradbury is a globally-recognized educator, educational broadcaster, public speaker, and entrepreneur whose powerful message has inspired thousands of educators through the TeacherCast Educational Network.