Executive coaching, governance, and strategy for independent school leaders—helping heads and boards lead with clarity, trust, and confidence. Leadership Done Differently Executive Coaching, Governance, and Strategic Planning for School Leaders Independent school leadership today demands more imagination , deeper connection , and a greater commitment to growth. It’s an ongoing process of learning, evolving, and uplifting. At The Leader Network, we partner with school leaders, teams, and boards ready to shape what’s next—through executive coaching, roundtables, customized team and board workshops, leadership growth assessments, and strategic planning. We elevate leadership. We spark new ways of thinking about and practicing leadership—helping leaders shape a future fueled by possibility and progress. We align people and priorities. We strengthen leadership at every level and focus teams on what matters most—inspiring purpose and passion across organizations. We drive results. We help leaders act with intention—delivering lasting impact and improvement for teams and communities. Our Services We work with independent school leaders, boards, nonprofit executives, and mission-driven teams ready to strengthen leadership at every level. Executive Coaching & Mentoring We connect leaders with coaches who match their needs, goals, and growth paths. Our certified coaches bring diverse experience, practical insight, and a deep understanding of leadership in schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. Through regular, one-on-one conversations, leaders gain greater clarity, confidence, empathy, and leadership presence—building the critical skills that create lasting impact. Read more... Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking We create confidential spaces where peer leaders share insights, exchange ideas, and grow together. Our Roundtables connect leaders across the country and around the world for structured and facilitated conversations involving pivotal questions, urgent challenges, and future opportunities. Participants gain practical knowledge, fresh perspectives, and trusted connections to support their leadership journeys. Read more... Team Building Workshops & Board Governance Facilitation We strengthen teams, elevate boards, and align leadership. Through engaging workshops, expert facilitation, and practical governance guidance, we help organizations build trust, deepen collaboration, and sharpen strategic focus. Leaders and teams leave stronger, more unified, and ready to inspire change. Read more... Strategic Planning Facilitation We help organizations move from static plans to strategies that live, breathe, and drive action. Guided by our VISTA Framework, we lead community-informed planning processes that align leadership around vision, priorities, and accountability. Organizations create strategic roadmaps that inspire action, measure progress, and shape a dynamic, sustainable future. Read more... School Leader & Board Assessments We partner with leaders and boards to gain clarity and foster purposeful growth. Through 360 assessments, facilitated feedback processes, and customized evaluations, we provide insights that fuel leadership development, strengthen team cohesion, and sharpen board effectiveness. Read more...

The Leader Network's 360 interest form. Let us guide you through a well-executed 360-degree feedback process, providing a clearer view of your impact, perception, and growth opportunities. We design 360s that build people up, not break them down. Our approach ensures that feedback is clear, constructive, and actionable, fostering accountability, alignment, and appreciation across teams. Most importantly, we help leaders and teams turn insights into meaningful personal and collective growth. School Leader & Board Assessments Leadership Assessment. Done Differently . Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Leadership & Board Growth Assessments . Leadership Assessment. Done Differently. There’s a different way to approach leadership assessment. One that creates clarity for the Head, alignment with the board, and coherence across the leadership team. Done well, leadership assessment doesn’t just evaluate leadership—it strengthens it. It builds alignment between Head and Board. It brings clarity and focus to the leadership team. And it creates a shared path forward. Done differently, it becomes one of the most valuable leadership tools a school has. Leadership & Board Assessment Apr 6 2 min read You Can’t Please Everyone: Why It’s So Hard for School Leaders A reflection on the human side of school leadership in December — why discomfort is natural, why purpose matters more than popularity, and how leaders can navigate tough moments with clarity, courage, and care. Executive Coaching & Mentoring Dec 5, 2025 2 min read Goals, Growth, and a Fresh Start Setting goals at the beginning of the year clarifies priorities and gives everyone a sense of direction. But here’s the harder part: How do we make sure our goals don’t just live on paper, but shape real growth? That’s where evaluation—done thoughtfully—comes in. Leadership & Board Assessment Sep 2, 2025 2 min read Ready for... Clarity . Alignment . Forward Momentum ? Engage TheLeader Network to guide you through a well-executed 360-degree feedback process that provides you with a clearer view of your impact, perception, and growth opportunities. At TheLeader Network , we design 360s that build people up, not break them down. Our approach ensures that feedback is clear, constructive, and actionable, fostering accountability, alignment, and appreciation across teams. Most importantly, we help leaders and teams turn insights into meaningful personal and collective growth. Take the next steps to see , act , and grow as a leader. Complete the form below and we'll get back to you shortly. School Leader & Board Assessments Interest Form Contact The Leader Network to move forward in your leadership journey. Please provide your contact information below, and we'll get back to you soon. First name* Last name* Position* School name* Email* Questions? Comments? Submit

Strengthen your team and elevate your board with dynamic workshops and expert governance facilitation. The Leader Network helps schools build trust, align priorities, and lead with confidence through tailored team-building experiences and practical board support. Team Building Workshops & Board Governance Facilitation Strengthen teams. Elevate boards. Inspire action. Ready to strengthen your leadership team or board? The Leader Network’s Team Building Workshops and Board Governance Guidance help organizations build trust, align priorities, and lead with greater clarity and confidence. Through dynamic workshops, expert facilitation, and practical governance support, we turn insights into action—so your team leaves more cohesive, your board leaves better aligned, and your leaders leave ready to inspire lasting change. Complete the interest form below or click learn more and take steps to engage, gain insights, and drive success. Learn More Team Building and Board Governance Interest Form Complete this form if you are interested in Team Building Workshops & Board Governance Facilitation First name* Last name* Email* School* Position Type* Which services interest you?* Designing Next Year Intentionally Team Building Workshops Leadership Team Retreats Board Governance Facilitation Board↔︎Head Relations Other Comments Submit

Ann Mellow is a Harvard-trained educator and seasoned leadership coach with over 35 years in independent schools. Drawing on her experience as a head of school, NAES leader, and NYC-based administrator, she helps leaders navigate transitions, strengthen governance, and align strategy with mission—all through a personalized, coaching-centered approach. Our Team Testimonials About Ann Coaching with Ann Ann Mellow Ann brings over thirty-five years of experience in independent schools as a teacher, Division Director, Head of School, and Trustee to the Leader Network. As Associate Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools, she worked with independent schools across the United States to onboard new leaders, clarify mission and purpose, and co-create strategies for continuous improvement. She has led sessions on adult learning, change management, leadership transitions, and school governance. Central to Ann’s practice is a belief that one size does not fit all. Each school's mission, history, and culture provide the critical context for effective leadership and decision-making. Ann brings a personalized approach to each client, working collaboratively to explore opportunities, challenges, and a pace of change that will best serve a particular school, leader, or leadership team. Ann began her career at Garrison Forest School in Baltimore and went on to be middle school head at Poly Prep Country Day School and the Chapin School, both in New York City. She served for twelve years as head of St. Luke’s School in New York City. From 2008-2021, she was Associate Director of the National Association of Episcopal Schools. She holds an A.B. from Middlebury College and an Ed. M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.

"Connect, Collaborate, Succeed: Join The Leader Network's Dynamic Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking for professional growth and innovation. We bring together school leaders—from across the nation and around the world—and facilitate roundtable discussions that focus on key topics, essential themes, and complex challenges—allowing participants to share, collaborate, and problem-solve in a safe, supportive, and inspirational environment. Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking Exploring Inspiration and Innovation in Education and Beyond Join the conversation with The Leader Network on LinkedIn as we delve into the intersection of creative thinking, complex leadership challenges, and collaborative problem-solving. Uncover inspiring stories, strategic insights, and the latest trends shaping our dynamic world. Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for topical updates from our Leadership Roundtables & Peer Networking sessions. Leadership Roundtables: You Do A Lot. You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone. You stand at the intersection of the school’s daily life and its long-term direction—supporting faculty and staff, guiding students and families, and working in close partnership with your Head of School. It is some of the most important work in a school. And some of the most complex. It can also feel, at times, solitary. But it doesn’t have to be. Leadership Roundtables & Networks Apr 21 2 min read Leadership doesn't have to be lonely. Join a trusted circle of peers to learn , lead , and grow together. Our Leadership Roundtables bring independent school leaders—and leaders across organizations—together for candid, confidential conversations. In small, carefully curated groups, peers connect monthly to tackle challenges, share solutions, and strengthen leadership practice. Each Roundtable offers a trusted space for reflection, learning, and community. Participants leave with practical strategies, new perspectives, and a powerful network of colleagues they can rely on throughout their careers. Roundtables are organized by role and designed to be regionally diverse—ensuring openness and protecting confidentiality. Structured Reflection and Peer Dialogue TLN is proud to deliver a structured, carefully curated peer-coaching method through our Leadership Roundtables. Our coaches, former heads of school, are experienced facilitators and deliver a Roundtable curriculum that is significantly more timely, engaging, and effective than traditional Heads groups. Sign Up Today and Reserve Your Seat at the Table Sign Up for a TLN Roundtable

Unlock your leadership potential with personalized coaching from certified educators and seasoned school leaders. Experience transformative sessions focusing on competencies like empathy, going beyond professional development to make a lasting impact on your community. Join a community of leaders for a journey toward balance and satisfaction. With us, it's not just coaching; it's leadership reimagined. Ready to redefine your educational journey? Let's make it happen together. Executive Coaching & Mentoring Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Executive Coaching & Mentoring. Next Year Starts Now - Building a Strategic Calendar As the school year winds down, many leaders are simply trying to make it to June. But the strongest leaders know something important: next year starts now. Summer is not simply for recovery—it is an opportunity to design next year intentionally, to shape the rhythms, priorities, and leadership practices that will define the year ahead. Team Building & Board Governance May 26 2 min read Lead with clarity . Grow with confidence . Work one-on-one with a coach who understands your challenges—and helps you rise to them. Our executive coaching pairs leaders with certified, experienced coaches who understand the complexities of schools, nonprofits, and mission-driven organizations. We tailor every match to your goals, leadership style, and aspirations—creating a partnership that fuels your personal and professional growth. Through regular, one-on-one conversations, you'll build key skills such as leadership presence, strategic communication, and the ability to give and receive feedback. Our coaching is both reflective and action-driven, offering a space for deep thinking and bold leadership growth. Ready to elevate your leadership journey ? Contact Us Today

Veronica Codrington-Cazeau, or "Ronnie," became Head of School at University Prep, Seattle, WA, in July 2020. She launched a new strategic plan and oversees a Capital Campaign and building project. With eight years at The Evergreen School, WA, she led enrollment growth, a campus expansion, and a $20 million campaign. Ronnie's teaching career began at The Park School, MA, followed by 17 years, the final 6 as middle school head at Harvard-Westlake School, Los Angeles, CA. Our Team Testimonials About Ronnie Work with Ronnie Ronnie Codrington-Cazeau Veronica (“Ronnie”) Codrington-Cazeau began her tenure in July 2020, as Head of School at University Prep in Seattle, WA. Since her arrival, she has launched a new strategic plan and is overseeing a Capital Campaign and building project for the school. Previously, she served as Head of The Evergreen School in Shoreline, WA for eight years. In her time at Evergreen, Ronnie grew enrollment, oversaw a campus expansion project, and led a successful 20 million dollar campaign. Ronnie began her teaching career at The Park School in Brookline, MA and spent 17 years, the final 6 as middle school head at Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, CA. Ronnie serves as co-lead for the faculty in the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring Heads, where she mentors numerous school leaders into headship and beyond. Ronnie also serves as a member of the executive committee of the NAIS Board, a member of the Heads Collegiate Forum, and vice-chair of the INDEX board. She is past president of the Elementary School Heads Association and past president of the NWAIS board. Ronnie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Wellesley College and an MS in Educational Leadership from Pepperdine University. She is a naturalized American citizen and the mother of two children. Her son is a Lakeside Class of 2020 alum, currently studying drama at The Juilliard School in NYC; and her daughter, class of 2022 at Seattle Academy (SAAS), is a student at Scripps College in Claremont, CA.

Steve Morris, a Stanford-educated school leader and certified executive coach, brings nearly three decades of experience in independent schools to The Leader Network. A former Head of School and DEIJB educator, he specializes in leadership development, faculty culture, and coaching aspiring leaders of color—with a deep commitment to equity, strategy, and board engagement. Our Team Testimonials About Steve Coaching with Steve Steve Morris Steve Morris has spent the past 28 years as a teacher, administrator, and leader in independent schools. He is currently a consultant with RG175, supporting head of school and senior administrative searches, strategic advising, and board development. Previously, Steve served for 15 years as Head of The San Francisco School, a PK–8 school, following leadership and classroom roles at University High School (UHS) as Assistant Head, Dean of Multicultural Programs, English teacher, community service co-director, and soccer coach. He began his career at Sewickley Academy teaching and serving as Executive Director of Summerbridge Pittsburgh. Steve regularly presents at national and local conferences on school culture, faculty development, and DEIJB education. Most notably, he co-created and facilitated a year-long workshop series for Aspiring Leaders of Color. His own professional learning includes the NAIS Deep Dive Summit on Equity and Social Justice, the Klingenstein Fellowship for Heads of School, and the Pahara Fellowship. He has served as a Trustee on several Boards, including Marin Country Day School, San Francisco Day School, and The Urban School of San Francisco, and he was Board Chair of the California Association of Independent Schools (CAIS). Currently, he serves as a Trustee at Lick-Wilmerding High School in San Francisco. Steve holds a Master of Arts in Education from Stanford University (Principal Fellows Program), a bachelor’s degree in English from the College of Wooster. He received his executive coaching certification from the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute (BECI) at the Haas School of Business.

Jim Best, Co-Founder of The Leader Network, has spent 30 years in independent schools in the United States and abroad. He has served in a variety of roles, including Head of School, Associate Head, Division Director, Department Chair, Dean, Teacher, Advisor, and Coach. Our Team Testimonials About Jim Work With Jim Jim Best Jim Best, Co-Founder of The Leader Network, brings over 30 years of experience leading and advising organizations across both nonprofit and for-profit sectors—helping schools and organizations strengthen leadership, governance, and strategy, particularly at the intersection of board and head partnership. A former Head of School and senior leader in the U.S. and abroad, Jim is widely recognized for his work guiding boards and leadership teams through moments of complexity, growth, and transition. He co-founded both The Leader Network and Global Online Academy, and is a co-founder of the Klingenstein Center’s Institute on Board Governance. He also serves as faculty in the Klingenstein Center’s Heads Fellows Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, where he works with Heads of School and Executive Directors on the real work of leadership, strategy, and the board–head partnership. Jim has led multi-day governance workshops and keynote sessions for national and international associations, and his work is sought by independent schools, nonprofit organizations, and senior leadership teams in professional sports—high-performance environments where alignment, trust, and execution are essential and non-negotiable. Across contexts, he is known for helping groups move from good intentions to clear alignment, disciplined strategy, and sustained results. Clients value Jim’s warm, practical, and highly engaging style. He builds trust quickly and creates conditions for honest conversation—enabling teams to navigate complex challenges, clarify priorities, and move forward with confidence. His work consistently leads to stronger board–head partnerships, sharper strategic focus, and more cohesive leadership teams. Jim remains grounded in the work he supports. He currently serves on multiple boards and chairs the Board of Global Online Academy. He earned his B.A. with Honors as a Morehead Scholar at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and holds an M.A. and Ed.M. from Teachers College, Columbia University, where he serves on the President’s Advisory Council. He is a graduate of the Klingenstein Center and serves on its Advisory Board. His additional training includes executive coaching (UC Berkeley Haas School of Business), board consulting (BoardSource), and group facilitation (Forum). Jim partners with organizations ready to elevate leadership, align strategy, and strengthen governance—through coaching, facilitation, assessment, and strategic planning.

Discover a strategic planning approach tailored for independent schools. The Leader Network helps school leaders build community-driven, actionable plans that inspire, adapt, and deliver real impact. Strategic Planning Facilitation That Works Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Strategic Planning Facilitation What Will They Say About Your Leadership This Year? What do you hope your team says about your leadership at year's end? This is the kind of question that reminds us what leadership is really about. If you’re looking to start the year with purpose, presence, and principle, we’d love to walk beside you. The Leader Network offers coaching, roundtables, retreats, and growth assessments that help school leaders grow—and grow strong teams in the process. Executive Coaching & Mentoring Aug 4, 2025 1 min read Turn vision into strategy and strategy into results . Build a strategic plan that inspires your community and moves your school forward . Independent schools and mission-driven organizations need more than a list of goals—they need strategic plans that live, breathe, and guide decisions every day. The Leader Network's VISTA Framework Guided by our VISTA Framework, we help leadership teams create bold, actionable, community-informed strategic plans. We bring deep independent school expertise, practical insight, and an approach that balances vision with structure. Watch the video below to learn more. Our process is informed, inspired, insightful, accountable, and adaptable—ensuring your plan is built to last and designed to lead. Read our Case Study and get ready to build a plan that drives your future! Contact Us to Learn More “This is the first plan we’ve had that actually lives in our daily work. The Leader Network didn’t just give us a plan—they gave us a strategy and process that built momentum and continues to drive results.” - Head of School, Horizon Academy Contact Us To Learn Mo

Unlock your leadership potential with 360-degree leader and board assessments that spark clarity, trust, and action. Strengthen leadership, deepen alignment, and drive meaningful progress for your school or board. School Leader & Board Assessments Leadership Assessment. Done Differently . Subscribe to our blog, The Leader's Lens, for the latest thinking on Leadership & Board Growth Assessments Leadership Assessment. Done Differently. There’s a different way to approach leadership assessment. One that creates clarity for the Head, alignment with the board, and coherence across the leadership team. Done well, leadership assessment doesn’t just evaluate leadership—it strengthens it. It builds alignment between Head and Board. It brings clarity and focus to the leadership team. And it creates a shared path forward. Done differently, it becomes one of the most valuable leadership tools a school has. Leadership & Board Assessment Apr 6 2 min read Clarity . Alignment . Forward Momentum . Most leadership assessments fall short of what schools need. They’re often designed to evaluate an individual. But leadership in schools doesn’t operate that way. It lives in the relationship between the Head, Leadership Team, and Board. When those aren’t aligned, assessment rarely leads to real clarity—or forward movement. We work with Heads of School, Leadership Teams, and Boards to design assessment processes that strengthen leadership across the system. Through 360-degree feedback, facilitated conversations, and customized tools, we help schools build clarity, alignment, and trust. If this resonates, let's talk . Start the Conversation Today TheLeader Network Leadership . Done differently. Assessment . Done differently.

A case study to exemplify The Leader Network's strategic planning approach for an independent school. The Leader Network helps school leaders build community-driven, actionable plans that inspire, adapt, and deliver real impact. Strategic Planning Facilitation That Works Case Study From Mission Drift to Strategic Clarity School: Horizon Academy (pseudonym) The Situation The school’s previous strategic plan had stalled—it was too broad, lacked clear ownership, and had no accountability structures in place. Trustees were unclear about their strategic roles and responsibilities and weren’t aligned on institutional priorities. Faculty and staff felt disconnected from the plan’s purpose, and the broader community hadn’t been meaningfully consulted or kept informed. As a result, the academy drifted from its mission and struggled to make meaningful progress. The Leader Network Solution We facilitated a six-month strategic planning process grounded in our VISTA Framework, designed to reignite leadership focus and align the entire school community around a shared path forward. Re-engaged the board by clarifying strategic roles and fostering alignment around mission, priorities, and governance responsibilities. Reinvigorated school leadership by helping them reconnect with purpose, streamline initiatives, and focus on what matters most. Engaged stakeholders through interviews, focus groups, and surveys to ensure broad input and buy-in. Aligned all constituents around a unified vision and direction for the school’s future. Developed focused 1-year and 3-year roadmaps with clear priorities, immediate next steps, and built-in progress checkpoints to ensure follow-through and accountability. Results Clear and cohesive strategic priorities aligned with the school’s mission, values, budget, and community resources. A shared accountability framework embraced by the board, leadership team, and staff. Renewed energy, purpose, and ownership across all constituencies—from trustees to faculty to families. Back To Strategic Planning Facilitation “This is the first plan we’ve had that actually lives in our daily work. The Leader Network didn’t just give us a plan—they gave us a strategy and process that built momentum and continues to drive results.” - Head of School, Horizon Academy Request More Information