392. Culture Is a System, Not a Slogan: Featuring Tom Walls

What if the strongest school cultures are not built through big initiatives, catchy slogans, or another binder of expectations, but through small actions repeated every day?

In this episode, Tom Walls shares lessons from more than 30 years in education and coaching across four continents. He explains why culture must be treated as a system, not a slogan, and how leaders can create genuine buy-in by helping people feel seen, valued, and connected.

Tom introduces the idea of micro-inclusions: simple, repeatable habits such as using names, making eye contact, and greeting people with a handshake. He also discusses student-led teams, the importance of returning to your “why,” and why leaders need more than one tool when facing the challenges of school culture and relationships. Whether you lead from the classroom, office, sidelines, or community, this conversation offers practical ways to build belonging and create a culture that lasts.

About Tom Walls

Tom Walls is an international speaker, educator, and leadership coach with more than 30 years of experience helping schools build cultures where people genuinely buy in. Drawing on his experience as a teacher, coach, and school leader, Tom shares practical leadership systems that strengthen culture, reduce unnecessary conflict, and help educators get back to the reason they entered the profession. Based in Medellín, Colombia, he works with international schools and organizations throughout South and Central America while continuing to write, speak, and coach on leadership and culture

Follow Tom Walls

Website:www.Thomasbwalls.comInstagram: @tom.walls104Facebook: tom.walls.104Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-wallsleadership/Substack:https://substack.com/@coachtom

—

#1 New Release, "The Language of Behavior" is NOW Available!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DVT32KQ1?&linkCode=ll1&tag=aspirewebsite-20&linkId=d18e5a44a6582a22d15ee23193af7bb8&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

The Language of Behavior is an essential guide for school leaders committed to transforming their school culture and addressing student behavior through a more compassionate, effective approach. Drawing on their extensive experience in education, Charle Peck and Joshua Stamper challenge outdated disciplinary practices and offer a clear, trauma-informed framework that empowers educators to interpret student behavior as a form of communication. Through three core tenets—Consider the Environment, Explore the Root Causes of Behavior, and Respond with Intentionality—this book equips leaders with actionable strategies to foster positive behavior, build stronger relationships, and cultivate a more supportive school climate. Packed with real-world case studies, evidence-based practices, and insights into the lasting effects of childhood trauma, The Language of Behavior provides school leaders with the tools to create lasting, meaningful change. It offers a roadmap to reduce behavior issues, re-engage students and staff, and establish a culture of accountability and empathy. This book is not just a reference—it's a call to lead with vision and transform how we approach discipline, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Bulk Orders: https://www.connectedd.org/bulk-orders

—