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The greatest investment we can make in students may begin by investing in the adults who influence them every day.

As we wrap up our special summer series highlighting the people who help students thrive beyond the traditional classroom, Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts welcome Cristy Kettering—leadership coach, nonprofit consultant, connector, and passionate advocate for developing leaders who create lasting impact.

Throughout her career in education, fundraising, coaching, and leadership development, Cristy has discovered a simple but powerful truth: when leaders grow, everyone benefits—especially the next generation.

Together, they explore why schools, businesses, churches, nonprofits, and families all share responsibility for preparing young people for the future. Cristy shares the timeless poem The Bridge Builder, discusses the importance of seeing potential in others before they see it in themselves, and challenges listeners to build organizations that outlive their founders by multiplying leaders and investing in relationships.

The conversation concludes with Cristy's passion for Growing Leaders' iLead curriculum and her vision of every student having the opportunity to discover their identity, build strong character, and develop the leadership skills needed to thrive.

Whether you lead a classroom, a nonprofit, a business, a church, or your own family, this episode is a reminder that every investment you make in another leader has the potential to impact generations to come. 

Resources Mentioned

• Nominate a Guest for Season 5 of School on a Mission
  Know someone who exemplifies transformational leadership? We'd love to hear their story.
  Click here for the nomination form.

• The Bridge Builder by Will Allen Dromgoole
  
  
  
• Try the iLead Leadership Curriculum for Free
  
  
  
• Contact Growing Leaders About Professional Development
  
  
  

Learn More About Cristy Kettering

Cristy Kettering is a Maxwell Leadership Coach, host of Live2Lead Dayton, member of the Dayton iLead Advisory Team, and a major gift fundraising consultant.

She brings decades of experience in Christian education, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, coaching, and organizational development. Cristy is passionate about helping leaders expand their capacity, strengthen their organizations, and multiply their impact by investing in the people around them.

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️

Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!

Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.

🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

💡 Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

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🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.