We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leila Kubesch. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Leila below.

Leila, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Please tell us about starting your own firm and if you’d do anything different knowing what you know now.

The family of one of my students unfolded their tale of paying rent and deposit, only to find themselves in, an apartment with boarded windows.  I started reaching out to other families, unveiling a web of injustice and untold stories. The realization struck me—I had no voice or visibility.  In my attempt to advocate, the question echoed: “So, you’re just a teacher then?”

This journey led me to discover valuable resources and connect families, empowering them to learn about their rights, seek legal aid, and support each other. It became evident that my role extended beyond the classroom. Fueled by the desire for change, I founded Parents 2 Partners, a nonprofit organization, in 2013.

Our mission quickly gained momentum, educating families who, in turn, shared their knowledge within their communities. Recently, we opened our virtual doors to interns worldwide, collaborating with educators on supporting their families. Recognizing the interdependence of self-care and social-emotional learning, we understand that no one can thrive in isolation.

Last semester marked our collaboration with universities in the US and Canada, working with diverse students on projects spanning 40 to 420 hours. Together, we’re creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the confines of any classroom or community.

In pursuing my goals to empower educators and the families they serve, I recognized the importance of understanding challenges, grasping trends, and assessing their influence on children’s learning. Vulnerable families face significant struggles, compounded by language and cultural barriers. Educators are not equipped to handle these challenges as they affect their students in the classroom.

The primary challenges in establishing the organization stemmed from attempting to navigate everything solo. I lacked the know-how to network, where to begin, and how to seek support. I discovered that the crucial step is to pause, center oneself, and embrace failure as an opportunity for success. Despite advice pushing for a for-profit structure that didn’t align with my vision, following my heart proved to be the best decision, even when doubts lingered.

The most valuable advice for anyone embarking on starting their own firm, organization, nonprofit, or any significant endeavor is to stay true to your mission and vision. Surround yourself with supportive individuals and always keep in mind the purpose behind your actions. Knowing my purpose guided me through conflicting advice and enabled me to navigate the challenges with clarity.

What I’ve learned is that embarking on something significant doesn’t require having all the answers upfront. It demands a fervent desire to pursue our goals and a focus on our purpose, especially during challenging times when walking away seems tempting. It’s invigorating to center our attention on the people we aim to serve, not the obstacles that inevitably arise along the journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

At 17, I grappled with English as a newcomer, but the kindness from my teachers was a game-changer. Their inspiration planted the seeds of my journey into education, though the courage to take the leap was yet to bloom. Instead, I ventured into the world of American Airlines, where I mastered everything from vacuuming planes to ticketing and de-icing, immersing myself in the nuances of customer service.

When I finally transitioned into teaching, it was a wholehearted plunge. Recognizing a gap between my students’ dreams and the school budget, I became a community collaborator, a grant writer, and a bridge connecting families. In 2020, I was honored as Teacher of the Year, and in 2022, I was inducted in the National Teachers Hall of Fame.

Now, as a professional speaker, I share the transformative power of mindset and turning obstacles into opportunities through the power of partnerships.

Realizing that my challenges shared a common root—lack of networking skills and uncertainty about seeking help—I embarked on a journey to change that narrative. Learning the art of the ask from a place of partnership became my mission. This shift opened doors to boundless opportunities for my students, my non-profit endeavors, and my role as a keynote speaker and consultant in my own business.

The formula that guided me proved effective across various pursuits. Whether I am an educator, a parent, or in the business world, maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset is key. Connect, communicate, and collaborate—for collective success is a journey we all share.

I specialize in guiding my audiences through the art of swift comebacks after major setbacks, teaching them how to forge meaningful connections, and empowering them to communicate with unwavering confidence while seeking guidance. What sets me apart is my ability to defy the odds and turn challenges into triumphs. Success is not coincidental, it has a formula.

When starting my business, conventional wisdom urged me to focus on a niche, but I defied that advice. With a diverse set of skills and passions, including a love for photography and a flair for improv, comedy, and storytelling, I found a way to weave them all together seamlessly.

Offstage, my lens captures the essence of other performers and artists, adding a unique dimension to my repertoire. During my talks, I seamlessly blend humor and storytelling to captivate and inspire audiences. As a final touch, I encourage them to connect with newfound partners, applying the knowledge I’ve shared. We then seal the experience with a professional photo, adding an extra layer of value for both clients and audiences. This unconventional approach mirrors not only my skills but also a commitment to delivering a holistic and enriching experience to those I collaborate with.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

There was a time when technology felt like uncharted territory for me—I was a self-proclaimed dinosaur in the tech world, with minimal interest in both technology and social media. However, my desire to collaborate with community leaders on large-scale projects for my students pushed me to overcome this resistance. Balancing personal and professional demands, I found myself overwhelmed.

Then came a game-changing piece of advice: “Leila, you can do anything, just not at the same time!” This resonated deeply and became my focus mantra. Networking, once a challenge, transformed when I ditched traditional business cards. Instead, I opted for a more personal approach, connecting with a few individuals and discovering ways to support them. This transition not only added meaning to networking events but also established a reciprocal community I could tap into when needed.

Embracing the digital landscape, I focused on one social media platform—primarily LinkedIn—and the results speak for themselves with a following of 20,000. Understanding the algorithm, writing thoughtful comments instead of mindlessly clicking likes, and steering clear of spammy self-promotion became my strategies. Providing genuine value and occasionally crafting newsletters with compelling content became my approach. It’s not just about the numbers; it’s about creating a meaningful and mutually beneficial online presence.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

Unlearning habits is a journey, and for me, the most pivotal shift was embracing the idea of asking for help. In the teaching arena, the prevailing notion often leans towards wearing multiple hats—playing the roles of counselor, parent, and enforcer. This narrative glorifies the idea of solo work, leaving me feeling stretched thin and unable to fully meet my students’ needs while leading significant projects.

The turning point came when my students envisioned transforming a school courtyard into a Japanese garden, with me leading the initiative. However, memories of my past misadventures, like placing a plastic plant near a heat register and watching it turn brown— (yes, I killed a plastic plant), reminded me of my limitations. I had to unlearn the solo approach and enlist the community.

Breaking free from the constraints of my knowledge and resources, I rallied the community, and despite budget constraints, we crafted a serene Japanese Zen garden. This haven honored Japanese Americans who fought for the U.S., featuring stone lanterns, a tranquil pond, and graceful koi. The lesson learned: true transformation often requires reaching beyond what I know or possess. Now I apply this to all aspects of my personal and professional life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.LeilaKubesch.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leila-kubesch/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/KubeschLeila
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LeilaKubesch/featured
• Other: https://www.parents2partners.org/ (The not-for-profit organization I established)