Gather Around, Growth Alliance Members,
Hi, I’m Gearl Loden, and I’m so glad you’re here. Whether you’re exploring our site for the first time or returning to learn more about what we offer, I encourage you to browse and discover the resources, support, and opportunities we provide.
I’d like to take a few moments to share a bit about myself and why Loden Leadership is unique.
A Leader, Educator, and Practitioner
Leadership is not just something I teach—it’s something I live every day. My career has been rooted in education and leadership, working with the public and private sectors to provide training, coaching, mentoring, and team-building. What makes Loden Leadership different is that we are all practitioners.
The team you’ll work with, including myself, is actively engaged in the field. We’re not just talking about leadership; we’re doing it—building teams, fostering community engagement, developing capacity, and working with boards and organizations.
We understand the challenges you face because we’ve been there, too. And we’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, how critical the right resources, support, and mentors are to success.
My Personal Journey
My leadership journey didn’t begin with a clear path. In fact, I started as a kid who struggled in school. I didn’t attend kindergarten, entered first grade behind my peers, and discovered later in life that I had dyslexia, ADHD, and needed speech therapy. I am color-blind too!
Despite those challenges—or perhaps because of them—I’ve been blessed with a fulfilling career and opportunities to lead.
- Mississippi State Superintendent of the Year (2015): Recognized for my work in transforming schools and fostering leadership at all levels.
- Springfield Man of the Year: Honored for my contributions to the community and the impact of my work.
These accomplishments, however, are only part of the story. They’re milestones on a journey shaped by perseverance, growth, and the support of mentors and colleagues.
May your leadership journey be rich with purpose, relationships, resilience, and discovery. I look forward to exploring new insights together in our next post.
