Name: Kirsten Wilson

Title: Founder/ Lead Consultant

Organisation: The Bulldog Educator Consulting, LLC

Kirsten is an educator with 25+ years of experience spanning from the classroom to the Arkansas Department of Education. She is the founder and educational consultant for The Bulldog Educator Consulting, LLC.

She is pursuing a Ph.D. at UCA in Change Leadership for Equity and Inclusion Program, concentrating in Digital Age Curriculum and Instruction. Kirsten produces the podcast "The Bulldog Educator," has presented at regional and national conferences on the topics of technology integration, Universal Design for Learning, Online Course Development, Artificial Intelligence, and Social Emotional Learning, and serves as an online development curriculum consultant to various programs and organizations.

Additionally, Kirsten serves on the board of directors for the non-profit organization “Bearapy,” the advisory board for the Instructional Technology Education Master’s program at UCA, and the advisory board for the EdTech Company Oplan. She enjoys spending free time with her fur babies, husband, and adult children.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Leadership!

I hope Kirsten's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as a leader?

Maintaining a life of well-being as a leader is the most challenging part of the role. Juggling multiple responsibilities, meetings, and priorities while maintaining work-life balance is a persistent challenge.

2. How did you become a leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

This question is hard for me to answer. If you want to know about my journey to leadership through formal roles... check out my LinkedIn or my portfolio. But if you want to know how I believe leadership is lived out, then this is my explanation: For me, leadership isn’t confined to formal titles or positions—it’s about recognizing moments to support, guide, and advocate for others.

Whether as a parent, teacher, or colleague, I believe leadership happens when you take responsibility for completing tasks, bridging gaps, and addressing inequities. Some of my most impactful leadership experiences have been in unconventional, informal spaces, where I’ve had the opportunity to innovate, champion justice, and break down barriers to create opportunities for others.

I also prioritize empowering those around me—helping them realize their potential, connecting them to opportunities, and fostering accountability in a supportive way. Leadership, to me, is about action and advocacy, no matter the context.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I start my mornings with a 3-mile walk at 5:15 a.m. with my neighbor, followed by a cup of coffee, getting ready for the day, and dedicating time to Bible reading and prayer. Afterward, I review my schedule, prioritize tasks, and identify opportunities to connect with others. I structure my work to tackle tasks requiring more focus and cognitive energy in the morning, when my mind is sharpest, and reserve lighter tasks for the afternoon when my energy naturally dips.

Throughout the day, I intentionally schedule breaks to step away from work, listen to music, and reset. These moments help me return to tasks with fresh eyes, often leading to better solutions or new insights. At the end of the day, I review incomplete tasks, add any new ones to my list, and set a clear starting point for the next day.

I make it a priority to stop working at 5 p.m. so I can focus on personal projects like my podcast, PhD, and book, as well as spending quality time with my husband. Three evenings a week, we go to the gym together, and I prepare dinner at home using a weekly menu I plan over the weekend to maintain healthy eating habits. Although I strive for an early bedtime, I often stay up later than ideal to make the most of the day.

4. What's a recent leadership lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of?

A recent lesson I’ve been reminded of as a leader is the importance of prioritizing yourself, your health, and your loved ones over your work. No matter how skilled or dedicated you are, you are ultimately replaceable in any role. Organizations and jobs, while they may offer a positive culture, are not inherently loyal, and their primary focus is the work, not the individual.

It’s essential to recognize that phrases like “we’re a family here” or “we want what’s best for you” often don’t reflect the reality when tough decisions need to be made. True loyalty and care come from the people in your personal life who genuinely support and love you. As a leader, I’ve learned to set boundaries and ensure that my well-being and relationships take precedence over professional demands.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so

far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

One book that has profoundly impacted my journey as a leader is Atomic Habits by James Clear. It taught me the power of tackling big goals through small, consistent steps rather than becoming overwhelmed by the enormity of the task—much like the saying, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

This perspective has shaped how I approach both personal and professional challenges. For example, working toward my PhD could have been daunting if I had focused on everything required—research, writing, and eventually defending my dissertation. Instead, I’ve approached it one step at a time, breaking the journey into manageable milestones. This mindset has kept me motivated and on track, and now I’m just three terms away from earning my doctorate.

The book’s lessons have also influenced how I support the goals of the organizations I work with and the learners I mentor, helping them embrace transformation through small, actionable steps.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young leader, what would you say to them?

Leadership isn’t about holding a title—it’s about using your gifts and passions to make a difference, starting right where you are. Focus on improving the world around you through your unique talents, and don’t force yourself into roles or spaces that don’t align with your strengths or values.

If your contributions aren’t recognized, seek environments where you can be seen and appreciated. Leadership also requires earning trust—showing up consistently, demonstrating loyalty to the work, completing tasks reliably, and taking the initiative to solve problems and improve systems without being asked. Leadership is built through action, not entitlement.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader, so far? One meaningful story from my time as a leader revolves around my ability to recognize the hidden potential in people—gifts and talents that others might overlook. I’ve had the privilege of empowering individuals who might not have seen themselves as leaders and helping them grow into roles or opportunities where they could thrive.

One particular example stands out: a quiet, unassuming individual who initially went unnoticed by others. Through careful observation and intentional conversations, I saw their unique wisdom and potential to contribute in profound ways. By creating space for their voice to be heard and providing encouragement and development, they blossomed into a confident leader, making a significant impact on their team and community.

This experience reinforced my belief that some of the most extraordinary gifts come from those who might not appear as leaders at first glance. When we take the time to truly listen, notice, and elevate those voices, the ripple effect benefits not just the individual but the world around them.