In the Pursuit of Impact with Dr. Damia Thomas

In this episode of 'The Exit Interview,' host Dr. Asia Lyons welcomes Dr. Damia Thomas, who brings over two decades of experience in urban education. They discuss retention challenges in education, emphasizing the importance of work environment, culture, and kindness over monetary incentives. Dr. Thomas shares her journey from starting as a teacher to becoming a school principal and author and founding her consultancy. She highlights her experiences in transforming school cultures, working in predominantly Black communities, and the critical role of leadership. Dr. Thomas provides actionable insights on establishing consistency, leveraging leadership teams, and creating values-based systems to promote teacher retention and well-being. 00:00 Introduction to Retention Challenges 00:43 Welcome to The Exit Interview Podcast 01:37 Introducing Dr. Demia Thomas 03:51 Dr. Thomas' Journey in Education 04:59 Experiences in Urban Education 12:09 Leadership and Principalship 23:00 Founding an All-Girls School 27:22 Closing Ceremony Reflections 28:05 Challenges and Changes in Leadership 30:59 Navigating Racial Dynamics 34:00 Realizing the Need for Change 37:29 Transition to Consulting 45:01 Shoutouts and Current Work 47:15 Supporting School Leaders 52:30 Final Thoughts and Wellness