MNT2ACHIEVE with Kim Bednarek
An Interview with Kim Bednarek, Head of School, The Discovery School, Jacksonville, Florida.
“Taking risks with creativity and passion is the heart of good leadership”
Were you always a leader? When did you know you had the capacity to lead?
I found my leadership pathway in my mid-30's, after traveling extensively in my 20's and starting a family. My professional journey was not a straight line and I was not aspirational for leadership. For most of my young adult life I traveled light and fast. As with many mothers, the birth of my children rooted me with a biological force that propelled me into the world of education. My leadership capacity surprised me and I am deeply grateful for the community who believed in me along the way.
Who or what had a strong Influence on you growing up?
My family of origin is filled with strong matriarchs. My maternal grandmother was fierce in her love of the Boston Bruins, the Catholic Church, and her grandchildren, not in that order. My mother is one of three sisters and I come from an expansive South Boston, Irish-Catholic clan. Family mattered. My love of wild places and the healing power in nature was derived from summers spent at the beach, on boats or in the mountains. I grew up deeply connected to both place and community.
Can you summarize your career trajectory from the first job to present?
My first job was with Edaville Railroad, a heritage railroad in South Carver, Massachusetts, at 13 years old. I always worked as a teenager and enjoyed the independence it afforded me. My curiosity and work ethic drove me on a circuitous journey of jobs including chef, Alaskan fishing boat crew, naturalist, waitress, gardener, ranch hand on a horse farm, social worker for at-risk teens, civics educator for high school students and ultimately Head of School at a burgeoning Montessori - IB school.
What role have mentors played in your life?
It was not until my early 30's that I found a mentor. The advent of my career as a Head of School led me to two crucial relationships. Both mentors believed in me and invested their time in sharing their knowledge while propelling me forward. In moments of great self-doubt it was critical to have a person to connect with that could guide and support me. Leadership is lonely and requires a significant amount of decision making. Mentors have provided me both solace and inspiration throughout the past decade.
What is the most difficult leadership lesson you’ve learned?
If you are living a life of courage and hope with a healthy dose of fearlessness, you will fail. Taking risks with creativity and passion is the heart of good leadership. Remaining humble with an openness to learn from your failures will lead you towards great leadership.
How do you maintain a work-life balance?
This is challenging for women who are driven and determined. Nurturing friendships and family is critical to a balanced life. It will be your family and friends who are always there to catch you when you fail, to push you back up with words of encouragement, to tell you the truth when you need to hear it, and to celebrate your success. Take the time to enjoy these important people in your life, as they will remind you to take care of yourself.
What advice do you have for aspiring leaders?
Have courage, be hopeful, work hard, stay humble, listen more than you talk, ask for help and know that you are in good company.
What would your 21-year-old self think of you now?
My 21-year-old fearless self would laugh with good humor and surprise.
What is a favorite leadership quote and why?
The words that I run through my head every-day are "courage and hope". When fear creeps into my mindset, it is impossible to make the best decisions for the community I serve. I have learned to steel myself against fear with mantras of courage and hope, in the words of Anais Nin ... "Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one's courage".
What is next for you?
Having just completed a 10-year headship, I am in the midst of seeking new opportunities. I let my current school know that I was leaving without knowing where I am going. Thus, I do follow my own advice. I have hope that closing this door will allow me to courageously accept new opportunities and reimagine myself yet again.
BIO
Kim Bednarek is currently serving as a Head of School. As an avid proponent of personalized and experiential learning, Kim has pursued excellence in educational leadership by completing the Montessori Administrator’s credential, graduating from Jacksonville University with an MBA in Leadership Development, and serving on the Board of the Florida Council of Independent Schools. She has been with The Discovery School for the last fifteen years, ten of those as the Head of School. In her early career, she graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in English and a minor in Marine Biology before traveling extensively throughout the United States and Europe. She relocated to Florida in 1997, married Gene Bednarek, and have 2 sons, Jackson (19) and Clayton (18). Her family is passionate about conserving wilderness and they spend our free time camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing, biking, and enjoying all aspects of outdoor life.