Who Really Runs the Place?

Hey, I’m Burke.

I run school operations for a living — buses, boilers, budgets, and everything in between.

Each week, I share the lessons nobody’s teaching in leadership books — just what works when you’re actually in the building.

If you’re in the trenches too, this is for you.

Let’s jump in.

Here’s a truth most people learn the hard way:
You don’t need a title to lead.

Some of the most influential people in any district don’t have “Director” or “Supervisor” on their nameplate.

They’re the ones who quietly set the tone.
Who raise the bar.
Who make things better even when no one’s watching.

Leadership isn’t a position.
It’s a posture.

Because leading without authority takes more skill, not less.

You can’t pull rank.
You can’t hide behind “because I said so.”
You’ve got to earn every bit of influence you get.