Lessons from Beekeeping with Dr. Fernando Branch – PMP514

A Quick Note to Listeners:

Before this week’s interview, Will Parker and Jen Schwanke take some time to answer a listener question. This week’s question is:

I’ve joined a new team and I want to build trust without coming across as too eager to be accepted, if that makes sense. What’s the balanced way to do this?

Listen in to hear their response!

Meet Dr. Fernando Branch:

Dr. Fernando Branch is the principal of Robert F. Smith STEAM Academy in Denver, Colorado, where he leads innovative work focused on culture, instruction, and college- and career-ready pathways. With more than 25 years in education, he is a nationally recognized turnaround leader who has helped transform schools across multiple states by rebuilding systems and strengthening school culture.

His work emphasizes social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and a whole child to whole family approach to education. In addition to his leadership in schools, Fernando is an author, consultant, and passionate beekeeper, often drawing powerful leadership lessons from the work of building and sustaining thriving hives.

Leadership Begins with Mindset and People:

Dr. Branch explains that meaningful change begins with the right mindset and people. He emphasizes servant leadership as a foundation, where educators see their work as a mission rather than a job. Alongside this is a commitment to relentless relationship-building, which he describes as essential for trust, collaboration, and long-term success. He also highlights the importance of team design, describing his staff as a puzzle of diverse strengths that, when aligned, create a powerful and unified force for student success.

Vision and Conviction Drive Change:

At the core of turnaround leadership, Dr. Branch stresses the importance of clarity and conviction. Leaders must establish a clear and compelling vision, communicate it consistently, and take full ownership of outcomes. Most importantly, they must hold unwavering expectations. As he puts it, “The bar is the bar.” He challenges leaders to reject limiting beliefs and instead operate with the mindset that every student is capable of excellence, reminding us that “There are footprints on the moon—who are we to limit what students can achieve?”

From Whole Child to Whole Family: