In this inspiring episode of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck sits down with Jay Gross (@jgross811), a 36-year veteran educator whose journey into teaching is anything but ordinary.

Jay’s story begins with a devastating motorcycle accident...an event that could have ended his life but instead became the defining moment that gave him a renewed purpose. Through his recovery, he discovered his calling to teach, inspire, and uplift others. In a full-circle twist, he was hired into education by one of his former students, and from that point forward, his impact has reached countless lives.

Over the years, Jay has become an award-winning speaker and educator, known for his infectious positivity, deep care for students and colleagues, and relentless commitment to helping others find joy and purpose in their work. His mantra, “Live It. Breathe It. Be It.” is more than a phrase—it’s the way he approaches leadership, teaching, and life.

In this conversation, we explore:

• How a single defining moment can completely reshape your path.

• The power of relationships and full-circle leadership in education.

• Practical strategies for staying inspired and avoiding burnout.

• • Why joy and resilience are not just survival skills, but essential tools for thriving in education.
  • #UUPotential Dedication: Steve Wolff

  
  

• Whether you’re a new teacher finding your footing, a seasoned leader searching for renewed energy, or someone looking for inspiration in the face of life’s challenges, Jay’s story is filled with wisdom and encouragement that will resonate deeply.

  🎧 Tune in and discover how to unlock your unlimited potential by embracing the fire within.

  
  

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  🔔 Don’t miss out! Sign up for Brandon’s FREE “Something For You” newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BrandonBeckEDU.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for practical leadership tips delivered twice a month.

  🌟 Ready to take your team or organization to the next level? Learn more about Brandon’s keynotes, coaching, and consulting offerings at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BrandonBeckEDU.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

  #UUPotential

  #IntoTheFire

  
  

In episode 133 of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck sits down with Barbara Gruener, a 40-year educator and award-winning children’s book author.

Barbara’s journey began on a dairy farm in Wisconsin, where she was inspired by her Great Aunt Norma, a dedicated teacher for 50 years. She started her career as a Spanish teacher before finding her true calling in school counseling. Throughout her career, Barbara has empowered others to discover the leader within themselves—a mission she now carries forward through her heartfelt stories.

Her books, Mr. Quigley’s Keys and Birdie and Mips, weave timeless life lessons for readers of all ages. Her most recent release, Knit Back Together, tells the story of a child navigating the sudden loss of a grandparent. Through grief and uncertainty, he discovers hope and healing in the journey of starting over.

#UUPotential Dedication: Jillian DuBois

Website: https://barbaragruenerauthor.com/
Knit Back Together: Click Here

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🔔 Don’t miss out! Sign up for Brandon’s FREE “Something For You” newsletter at ⁠⁠⁠⁠BrandonBeckEDU.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ for practical leadership tips delivered twice a month.

🌟 Ready to take your team or organization to the next level? Learn more about Brandon’s keynotes, coaching, and consulting offerings at ⁠⁠⁠⁠BrandonBeckEDU.com⁠⁠⁠⁠.

#UUPotential

#IntoTheFire

In this inspiring episode of the Unlocking Unlimited Potential STORIES Show, Dr. Brandon Beck sits down with Dr. Naomi Hall (@therecoveringeducator).

Naomi, an educational consultant with 18 years of experience as a teacher and administrator, calls herself the Recovering Educator. Today, she works as a leadership consultant, coaching schools and educators to stay inspired, connected, and fueled by their leadership fire.

In this conversation, Dr. Hall shares powerful, field-tested tips for educators and leaders. She highlights the creation of the Thrive Conference—a free virtual conference series supporting educators across the globe—and explains how it grew into mentorship programs, positive coaching opportunities, and new ways to build sustainable impact in schools.

✨ #UUPotential Dedication: Phil Januzewski

Website: www.nrhdynamic.com