About this episode

In this week’s episode, Jeff is joined in studio by Marnie Stockman and Nick Coniglio, co-authors of the book Lead It Like Lasso. The discussion covers the unique challenges of leading in the educational sector and the importance of networking, collaboration, and vulnerability in leadership. Marnie and Nick share their journey of transitioning from familiar roles to starting their own company, highlighting the significance of core values, culture, and vision in achieving success. They delve into the concept of connecting and the power of peer groups, emphasizing that nurturing relationships and self-accountability are key components of effective leadership. This episode is great for leaders focusing on personal growth to help ensure that their students become the best version of themselves. Enjoy!

Cognia podcasts: Listen on Apple
Cognia podcasts: Listen on Spotify
Cognia podcasts: Listen on Amazon

You don’t have to lead alone. Watch the Leader Chat every Wednesday. Learn about the Leadership Circle to find out how.

Marnie Stockman, Ed.D., started her career in leadership with the toughest customers/employees of all… high school math students. Her passion for education and using data and humor to help others grow and succeed took her from the classroom to Sr. Director of Customer Success of a leading Ed Tech company, and now to Co-Founder and former CEO of Lifecycle Insights – a vCIO/Customer Success platform for MSPs.

After her successful exit from Lifecycle Insights, Marnie and Nick wrote the book Lead It Like Lasso, combining their worlds of leadership lessons, Ted Lasso and helping others become the best versions of themselves in a fun way.

Marnie can talk to a wall, but she would rather talk to a crowd. You can often see her at IT or Ed Tech industry events. She has podcasted with many. She enjoys presenting to schools and organizations around how to Lead It Like Lasso and engages with the community they are building from their How to Lead It Like Lasso Masterclass.

When she isn’t walking and writing books, she can be found playing volleyball or working on projects with her husband, Frank, and two 20-something kids, David and Josie, in Greensboro, Maryland.

Nick Coniglio is a seasoned technology veteran with over three decades of experience in the ever-evolving world of IT. Born with an insatiable passion for problem-solving and a gift for unraveling the mysteries behind technology’s hiccups, Nick embarked on his tech odyssey in the early 1990s as a mainframe programmer.

Nick has donned numerous hats, transitioning from programmer to team lead/manager and from corporate executive to tech startup entrepreneur. His expertise spans diverse technologies and experiences, yet his greatest successes are rooted in his ability to bridge the gap between business and technology stakeholders. Nick’s last two decades were marked by his leadership in four different companies, each of which experienced remarkable growth and successful exits.

Nick’s most recent venture was co-founding Lifecycle Insights, which transformed from an idea into a rewarding exit in a mere three years. Following this exciting chapter, Nick is currently engaged in various projects, where he eagerly shares his wealth of experiences to lead and nurture successful teams.

Nick’s problem-solving mindset carries over into his personal life. He’s continually puzzled by two persistent mysteries: why his golf game hasn’t improved despite playing for four decades, and the unwavering devotion and passion he holds for the New York Jets.

Nick and his wife Susan call Suwanee, Georgia, their home. When they’re not busy, you’ll often find them indulging in binge-watching shows like Ted Lasso – a shared endeavor to avoid micromanaging their nineteen-year-old son Connor, who is currently a sophomore at the University of Georgia.

About Jeff Rose, Senior Vice President Leadership Development at Cognia
Forward-thinking executive leader with over 20 years of education experience (3X Superintendent, Curriculum Director, Principal, & Classroom Teacher), primed to support leaders in their pursuit of solving the most complicated educational problems of practice.