Bring on Summer! Even a Head of School Needs a Pool Float!
Written by SUSAN B. LAir, PHD - TEG SEARCH CONSULTANT & EXECUTIVE COACH
Let’s face it; summer is often billed as “downtime” for schools. So, do you ever get the feeling that some people think your business lunch with a donor is just an excuse to eat a fancy salad or go shopping?
While students are off chasing fireflies, attending camps, vacationing with family, or binge-watching nature from the comfort of air conditioning, Heads are deep in the weeds—reviewing the highs and lows of the school year, hiring new faculty, balancing budgets, planning calendars, running leadership retreats, preparing reports, and collaborating with school leaders on big questions like: What new programs should we offer? And if we add something… what comes off the plate?
But here’s the thing: even amid all that planning. Even when the to-do list looks more like a scroll, we must find moments to rest. Not just because we’ve longed for it since September, but because leadership demands renewal.
We pour ourselves into our communities all year long; supporting teachers, guiding students, partnering with parents and the board, and squeezing multiple events into a single evening: from Bridge Building Night and Kindergarten videos to intramural pickleball and Model United Nations. It’s a joy. It’s a calling. But let’s be honest; it’s also exhausting.
And if you don’t learn how to hit pause, you risk hitting a wall.
The Harvard Center for Public Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School underscores this truth. Through research on adaptive leadership and programs like Authentic Leadership Development, they highlight that sustainable leadership requires intentional time for reflection, rest, and inner growth, not just relentless productivity. One of their core takeaways?
“Leaders who take time to renew are not only healthier—they’re more courageous, ethical, and visionary.”
Renewal isn’t a luxury; it’s a leadership imperative.
So, this summer, I propose we lean into three simple but powerful areas of renewal:
1. Rest and Reconnection with Self
What it looks like: Sleep. Stillness. Time away from screens and decisions. An afternoon nap. A long walk. A few unhurried journal pages.
Why it matters: Rest is not laziness; it’s repair. Our minds and bodies aren’t designed for endless output. Renewal often begins with stopping long enough to hear yourself think.
2. Time in Nature and with Loved Ones
What it looks like: Beach trips, hikes, backyard barbecues, or simply slow, quiet moments with the people who know you as you, not just as “Head.”
Why it matters: Both relationships and nature offer perspective. They remind us of our humanity, our place in something larger, and our deep need for joy, family and connection beyond the role we play at school.
3. Creative and Spiritual Nourishment
What it looks like: Reading something for pleasure (and no, it doesn’t have to be by a thought leader). Traveling somewhere unfamiliar. Worship. Meditation. Painting. Cooking. Gardening. Anything that fills the well.
Why it matters: These pursuits feed the parts of us that don’t show up on strategic plans or budget spreadsheets. Creativity and spirituality restore a deeper sense of purpose and remind us that we’re more than our to-do lists.
Another school year is just around the corner. The challenges will be real. The opportunities will be grand. And your school and the community within it will need your very best.
So take the float. Take the nap. Take the break.
Because you can't fill anyone else’s cup if your own is empty.
2025 Kick-Back and Read: TEG Consultants’ Summer Reading List
2054 by Admiral James Stavridis and Elliot Ackerman
Written by one of my favorite authors, step into the not-so-distant future of 2054, a gripping geopolitical thriller where AI and shifting global alliances set the stage for a high-stakes showdown between the U.S. and China. With the fate of democracy hanging in the balance, this thought-provoking novel offers a chilling and believable glimpse into the next era of warfare and diplomacy. A must-read for heads of school wanting a quick fast-paced read.
Water, Water by Billy Collins
Former U.S. Poet Laureate Billy Collins returns with his signature blend of wit, wonder, and quiet reflection in Water, Water. These poems ripple with insight into every day, revealing the profoundness beneath the surface of ordinary life.
James by Percival Everett
Percival Everett delivers a sharp, witty exploration of race, identity, and artistic expression in James. This bold, thought-provoking novel challenges perceptions and dives deep into the complexities of storytelling and selfhood.
On Call by Dr. Anthony Fauci
Dr. Anthony Fauci’s firsthand account of a career dedicated to combating infectious diseases and guiding the nation through health crises brings heartfelt realism to On Call. Insightful, candid, and deeply human, this memoir offers a unique look behind the scenes of science, policy, and public service.
Last Patient of the Night by Gary Gerlacher
When an unidentified young woman dies in the ER, physician AJ Docker can’t let it go. Driven by a need for justice, he joins forces with a determined policewoman and her K-9 partner. Last Patient of the Night combines a gripping medical drama with heart-pounding suspense. Perfect for heads of school; it keeps you guessing until the last page. Don’t peek!
Revenge of the Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
In Revenge of the Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell returns to the phenomenon that made him a household name. This time exploring what happens after a social shift tips. With his trademark insight and storytelling flair, Gladwell uncovers how ideas, trends, and movements evolve, resist, and sometimes push back.
The Wager by David Grann
In The Wager, bestselling author David Grann unravels a harrowing true story of shipwreck, survival, and mutiny on the high seas. Gripping and meticulously researched, it’s a tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the razor-thin line between heroism and savagery.
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
Epic and unflinching, Empire of the Summer Moon chronicles the rise and fall of the Comanche empire and the riveting story of Quanah Parker, their last great chief. S.C. Gwynne masterfully weaves history, violence, and resilience into a gripping portrait of the American West.
The Women by Kristin Hannah
They told her women couldn’t go to war. She proved them wrong. Prepare to be deeply moved; this is the kind of story that stays with you long after the final page. In The Women, bestselling author Kristin Hannah shines a light on the courageous American women who served in the Vietnam War only to return home to silence, shame, and a nation unwilling to see them. They were forgotten, but they were never gone. This powerful, emotional novel follows one young nurse’s journey through war, heartbreak, and the fight to be seen and heard.
Thinking Slow and Fast by Daniel Kahneman
Ever wonder why you and people you encounter think the way we do? In Thinking, Fast and Slow, Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman uploads the two powerful systems behind every decision we make, one fast and intuitive, the other slow and thoughtful. Filled with fascinating insights and eye-opening examples, this bestselling book will change how you understand your mind (and others) and make better choices in life. Perfect for educators who love psychology and human behavior.
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Kimmerer
Robin Wall Kimmerer weaves together indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and heartfelt storytelling in Braiding Sweetgrass to reveal the profound relationships between people and the natural world. A beautiful invitation to listen, learn, and live in harmony with the earth and perfect for head of school.
Free by Amanda Knox
In Free, Amanda Knox reclaims her voice in a powerful exploration of identity, injustice, and resilience. More than a memoir, this gripping narrative unpacks what it means to survive the world's judgment and find liberation on your own terms."
The Ride of Her Life by Elizabeth Letts
Based on a true story, The Ride of Her Life follows champion jockey Sandy Allen as she breaks barriers in the male-dominated world of horse racing. Elizabeth Letts crafts an inspiring tale of courage, determination, and the pursuit of dreams against all odds.
The Curly Pajama Letters by Michael Leunig
A break from the stress of 24/7 schoolwork, Michael Leunig’s charming illustrations and playful prose offer a gentle meditation on life’s big questions with a twinkle of humor and heart. Whimsical, wise, and wonderfully odd, The Curly Pajama Letters follows the delightful correspondence between Mr. Curly and his friend Vasco Pyjama.
The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride
James McBride paints a vivid portrait of a small Appalachian town grappling with race, faith, and community. The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, rich with humor and heart, this story explores how unlikely friendships can transform even the toughest places.
Code Girls and The Sisterhood by Liza Mundy
In Code Girls and The Sisterhood, Liza Mundy shines a spotlight on the extraordinary women behind the scenes, brilliant codebreakers and trailblazing leaders, who transformed history through courage, intelligence, and unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
On the Brink of Everything by Parker Palmer
In On the Brink of Everything, Parker Palmer offers a heartfelt meditation on aging, courage, and embracing life’s transitions. Through essays filled with wisdom and grace, he invites us to find meaning and purpose when we stand at the edge of new beginnings.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
Thank you, June, another “inspiring” graduation speech is over. What would you say if you had one last opportunity to inspire the world? Grab a tissue and read or re-read The Last Lecture, Randy Pausch’s powerful and heartfelt message about living with purpose, dreaming big, and finding joy in every moment, even in the face of life’s greatest challenges. Uplifting, honest, and deeply inspiring, this memoir will help you remember what truly matters
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
What if the secret to peace, happiness, and freedom is simply this - let them? In The Let Them Theory, Mel Robbins delivers a powerful mindset shift that frees you from the trap of overthinking, controlling, or pleasing others. With her signature blend of candor, humor, and science-backed insight, Robbins invites you to stop fighting for control and start embracing the magic that happens when you let people be who they are and focus on who you want to become.
Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman
A dream honeymoon turns into a nightmare when a couple uncovers a shocking secret beneath the waters of Bora Bora. As they face the moral and legal fallout, their choices spiral into a web of secrets and deception. Something in the Water is a psychological thriller that will keep you guessing and away from class schedules!
Dinners with Ruth by Nina Totenberg
In Dinners with Ruth, Nina Totenberg offers an intimate and heartfelt portrait of her friendship with Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, filled with laughter, wisdom, and unforgettable moments shared over meals that nourished both body and soul
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Spanning generations and steeped in the lush landscape of South India, The Covenant of Water is a sweeping, unforgettable saga of family, faith, and a mysterious inheritance. Abraham Verghese delivers a deeply human story brimming with beauty, heartbreak, and hope.
The Seed Keeper by Diane Wilson
Diane Wilson weaves a powerful story of resilience, memory, and the sacred bond between women and the land in The Seed Keeper. Spanning generations, this moving novel explores what it means to protect what we love, no matter the cost."
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Discover the magic hidden in the heart of Dublin’s The Lost Bookshop, a time-spanning story where a mysterious bookshop appears only to those who need it most. As three lives collide across a century, secrets are unearthed, destinies rewritten, and hearts healed. A beautifully woven story of resilience, self-discovery, and the transformative power of books.
