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  • Ep. 230 — The Difference Between Owners Who Grow and Owners Who Stay Stuck with Ben Poswalk

    Ep. 230 — The Difference Between Owners Who Grow and Owners Who Stay Stuck with Ben Poswalk
    2026/06/25

    In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Ben Poswalk, Director of Business Development at The Child Care Success Company, for a chat about what really separates owners who keep growing from the ones who stay stuck in the same overwhelm, year after year. Because after years of working with child care owners in every stage of the journey, Ben has seen the patterns clearly: where owners break through, where they get in their own way, and what actually helps them move forward.

    Together, they talk about the habits that show up inside successful businesses, the blind spots that keep owners spinning, and why the biggest problem is not always the one sitting on the surface. They also get into trust, relationships, vulnerability, and what it looks like to stop carrying everything alone.

    Key Takeaways:

    [3:57] Ben shares how his path into child care started unexpectedly and became a calling he never planned for.

    [6:47] The owners who grow are usually the ones who take action on what they learn instead of just gathering more information.

    [8:09] Many owners stay stuck because they are buried in the day-to-day and are trying to control too much at once.

    [9:25] Letting go of tasks your team can handle often creates more freedom and better results than holding on too tightly.

    [10:42] A lot of staffing struggles point back to leadership, culture, and clarity, not just hiring.

    [11:53] Better hiring starts with helping people see the purpose of the work and how they fit into the bigger vision.

    [14:03] One major blind spot is chasing outside solutions for problems that are really happening inside the business.

    [15:07] Strong enrollment systems are built on trust and relationship-building, not pressure or rushing families.

    [18:25] The owners who keep growing are usually the ones willing to do the hard things and have the hard conversations.

    [19:40] Vulnerability is often the thing that helps owners get support, build confidence, and move forward.

    [26:58] In 2026, one of the biggest opportunities is getting back to real human connection with staff, families, and children.

    [31:48] Owners do not have to carry everything alone, but they do have to be honest about what is not working.

    [33:33] Often, the biggest breakthrough starts by identifying the one issue that will create the most momentum first.

    Quotes:

    "I feel like it's a calling more than anything else, and we end up serving the children and families that are in our care, because it was just meant to be." — Ben [4:09]

    "It's the owners that implement and actually take action on the information that they receive." — Ben [7:06]

    "Relationships are everything, because it's not about what we can do or the shiny objects that we can build; it's about who we are on the inside, showing up and being authentic, building trust, and building relationships with them." — Jennifer [17:14]

    "We are in the trust business. Always." — Jennifer [17:50]

    "Vulnerability is such a key component to success." — Ben [20:32]

    "My passion is getting fulfilled, and that's making this world a better place, one child at a time, and that's only possible through those conversations I have on a regular basis with owners." — Ben [35:02]

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    Jennifer Conner

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    Ben Poswalk Facebook

    Ben Poswalk Instagram

    Ben Poswalk LinkedIn

    Brené Brown
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    38 分
  • Ep. 229 — The End of "Perfect" Child Care Marketing with Parissa Snider

    Ep. 229 — The End of "Perfect" Child Care Marketing with Parissa Snider
    2026/06/11

    For years, child care marketing followed a pretty familiar formula: build a beautiful website, drive traffic, collect reviews, book tours, and convert families once they walk through the door. But in 2026, that path just is not as neat or predictable as it used to be. Families are researching differently, AI is changing how information gets found, and many parents are making decisions long before they ever visit a school in person.

    In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Parissa Snider, Chief Marketing Officer at WatchMeGrow, for a conversation that goes far beyond ads and websites. Together, they talk about trust, transparency, parent psychology, and what the full family experience now says about your brand, from the first search to the tour to the follow-up after. This episode is a fresh look at what enrollment and marketing really mean now, and why the schools that build trust most clearly are the ones families are more likely to choose.

    Key Takeaways:

    [5:45] Marketing now lives inside the full family experience, not just in ads or website clicks.

    [6:10] Parents are increasingly getting answers from AI before they ever visit a school's website.

    [8:10] The old marketing funnel is no longer linear and has become a messy back-and-forth decision process.

    [8:33] Lower website traffic does not always mean lower interest if families are still converting further down the path.

    [10:08] Schools need website content that helps AI understand and surface real information about who they are.

    [12:10] FAQs matter more than ever when they answer the actual questions families are really asking.

    [13:01] Transparency around difficult topics is becoming a stronger trust-builder, not a liability.

    [15:05] In many cases, pricing transparency creates more confidence than withholding information.

    [19:02] The strongest websites speak to parents' fears and needs, not just the school's features.

    [21:11] Families want the curtain pulled back and are more likely to trust schools that show the real experience.

    [22:55] Trust and reassurance are deeply human needs, which is why communication matters so much in child care.

    [27:11] Follow-up should uncover hesitation and uncertainty, not just push for the enrollment decision.

    [31:24] The schools that win will be the ones that reduce uncertainty and build trust at every step.

    [34:41] Families stay more connected and loyal when they feel like participants instead of observers.

    Quotes:

    "Lower traffic does not always mean lower interest." — Parissa Snider [8:33]

    "Transparency equals customers." — Parissa Snider [13:24]

    "I think that starting now, consumers are not going to reward only the businesses with the biggest ad budgets. They're going to reward the businesses that reduce uncertainty and make a huge and visible effort to build trust, the ones that have trust in mind in every step of the experience" — Parissa Snider [31:24]

    "Participation equals ownership." — Parissa Snider [34:38]

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    Jennifer Conner

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    WatchMeGrow's Free Guide to Marketing 2026

    Parissa Snider
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    42 分
  • Ep. 228 — It's Not If, It's When: How to Protect Your Child Care Brand in a Crisis with Marsha Archer

    Ep. 228 — It's Not If, It's When: How to Protect Your Child Care Brand in a Crisis with Marsha Archer
    2026/05/28

    Most child care owners do not think about crisis management until they are already in the middle of one, and by then emotions are high, information is moving fast, and every response matters. In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Marsha Archer, president of M-Squared PR and Crisis Management, for a practical conversation about what it really means to protect your brand before something goes wrong.

    Together, they talk about how social media is changing the pace and pressure of crisis response in 2026, what belongs in a real crisis plan, and why your brand is about so much more than a logo or website. Marsha also shares how trust is built long before a crisis ever happens, what owners need to document and monitor now, and when it is time to bring in an expert. This is one of those conversations that feels preventative, practical, and incredibly important, because, as Marsha says, it is not a matter of if. It is a matter of when.

    Key Takeaways:

    [4:11] Crisis planning matters long before a crisis ever happens.

    [4:39] A crisis usually starts when something pulls you completely out of your normal day.

    [5:35] Social media is one of the biggest drivers of crisis in 2026.

    [7:37] Every school should have a real crisis manual in place.

    [9:51] A strong plan includes a crisis team, templates, and clear next steps.

    [13:45] Facts need to be documented right away while everything is still fresh.

    [15:39] Google Alerts and Talkwalker help you monitor your name, brand, and industry.

    [17:38] Your brand includes every interaction tied to your name, not just your logo.

    [21:13] Negative reviews should be acknowledged calmly and moved offline when needed.

    [25:17] Great reputation building often starts with everyday moments inside your school.

    [29:16] Child care is not just the child care business. It is the trust business.

    [30:58] Building trust in small moments helps you lead better in bigger ones.

    [33:42] Your crisis plan should include contacts, templates, tools, and after-hours access.

    [36:45] The first few hours of a crisis can shape the entire outcome.

    [41:45] How do you know when it's time to bring in an expert?

    [46:14] Have the plan before you need it, and keep it updated!

    Quotes:

    "It's not a matter of if, it's a matter of when. Because it's bound to happen, and you just want to make sure you're prepared." — Marsha [4:30]

    "The number one driver of what's really interrupting the day-to-day and creating a crisis is social media, and not just social media as we see it, but how social media has grown." — Marsha [5:50]

    "Parents want clarity, licensing wants accuracy, and attorneys want facts." — Marsha [13:45]

    "Everything that is attached to your name completes your entire brand reputation." — Marsha [18:55]

    "We're in the childcare business, but what you're really in is the trust business." — Jennifer [29:44]

    "Building trust when it's small equals even more trust when it's bigger." — Marsha [30:58]

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    Jennifer Conner

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    Marsha Archer — LinkedIn | @Msquaredpr | @Britishprgirl
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    48 分
  • Ep. 227 — The New Rule of Child Care in 2026: What Owners Need to Know with Kris Murray

    Ep. 227 — The New Rule of Child Care in 2026: What Owners Need to Know with Kris Murray
    2026/05/14
    Kris Murray returns! In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Kris for a timely conversation about what is really changing in child care in 2026 and what owners cannot afford to ignore. Together, they look at the current market from a bigger-picture view, from AI and parent decision-making to enrollment shifts, differentiation, and the growing pressure to clearly communicate the value of what you offer. They also get into branding, in-person connection, what today's parents are actually looking for, and why being the face of your business matters more than ever. At the heart of this conversation is a reminder that while the tools and trends may change, strong businesses are still built by owners who know their market, know their value, and are willing to keep evolving. Key Takeaways: [2:00] Kris shares what is happening in her own world right now, including wedding planning, her new community, the audiobook release of Antidote to Fear, and the delayed release of her TED Talk. [6:30] AI is one of the clearest shifts in 2026, and Kris explains why owners need to get comfortable using it to save time, improve systems, and stay current. [8:00] Even with all the new tools and noise, the real work still comes back to the basics: understand your market, match your market, and get clear on the value you bring. [9:30] The child care market is shifting, and Kris explains why every enrollment matters more now, especially as family needs, birth rates, and state involvement continue to change. [10:40] Jennifer and Kris talk about why the old model is not enough on its own anymore, and why owners have to be willing to evolve if they want to stay competitive in the years ahead. [12:10] The conversation comes back to a core question every owner needs to answer: what makes your program different, and why should a family choose you? [14:00] Kris talks about the growing desire for real connection and why community, events, and in-person experiences still matter so much in a world that feels increasingly digital. [16:10] Running a business takes energy, intention, and a willingness to keep showing up, especially when the market feels harder or more crowded than it used to. [17:50] One of the biggest mindset shifts for owners is being willing to step forward and be the face of the business instead of staying hidden behind the scenes. [21:00] Jennifer and Kris talk about storytelling, visibility, and why it is not enough to offer something valuable if no one really sees it or understands it. [24:50] Branding is not extra. It shapes how families see you, what they expect from you, and whether they see your school as just another option or the clear choice. [27:10] Small, personal touches still go a long way, and Kris shares why personalization creates stronger connection, trust, and loyalty with families. [33:18] Using the "where am I now, and where do I want to be?" framework, and knowing how to surround yourself with people to help you move to the next level. [35:15] The importance of getting into a tribe, no matter where you are in your numbers and revenue. [40:01] If there are things that are draining you, free yourself up by delegating so that you can do what you love. Quotes: "What we've always taught, what we've owned in the childcare business, is to understand your market and match your market." — Kris [9:35] "Parents are having fewer babies, so every child is even more important. Every enrollment is even more important." — Kris [10:05] "In an AI-driven world, people are looking for connection, more than ever." — Kris [14:25] "That's a mindset that needs to shift is that people want to connect and to be that person that's going to attract and connect people; you have to get out of your comfort zone and be willing to show up on social media and be to show up on video with your story, with some fun, charming elements of what you have to offer and be the face of your business." — Kris [17:50] "You've got to get out there and be that leader and that CEO or that face of the business from time to time throughout your week. And then putting that stuff on social media is because that's where the eyeballs are." — Kris [21:12] "Get into a tribe." — Kris [35:05] "There's no way I would have built an 8-figure business without being in mentorship and coaching all along the way." — Kris [37:16] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Kris Murray — The Antidote to Fear
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    44 分
  • Ep. 226 — The Intentional Path to Your Next Location with Thomas Brawner

    Ep. 226 — The Intentional Path to Your Next Location with Thomas Brawner
    2026/04/30
    In this episode, Jennifer sits down with Thomas Brawner, owner and CFO of Alta Schoolhouse in Lakeland, Florida, to talk about what it really looks like to grow with intention. Thomas shares how he made the decision to overstaff his first location so he could create the space to focus on expansion, prepare for a second school, and keep the first one strong at the same time. Their conversation gets into the real pieces behind that kind of growth: knowing your numbers, making smart tuition decisions, building a team that stays, and learning how to let go of the things that do not all have to stay on your plate. Thomas also talks about something a lot of owners overlook: how much first impressions matter, from your online presence to what families see before they ever walk through the door. He gives great and practical tips for anyone thinking about their next location and wanting to do it in a way that feels thoughtful, steady, and sustainable. Key Takeaways: [5:10] A major season of change is underway for Thomas, including a move from Florida to California, the recent acquisition of a second location, and leadership changes inside the business. [7:03] One of the first strategic moves toward growth was intentionally overstaffing the first school so there was space to focus on expansion. [7:50] Brand identity played a major role in the search for the next location, from the kind of building Thomas wanted to the way Alta Schoolhouse is meant to feel inside its community. [9:21] Overstaffing only works when the numbers support it, which is why profitability, payroll, and long-term opportunity all had to be weighed together. [11:42] Tuition increases were part of the plan, and those pricing decisions were made with staffing, future growth, and culture-building in mind. [14:17] Lower turnover comes from building a better employee experience, including top-of-market pay, paid time off, and extra classroom staffing to prevent burnout. [18:15] Parents are making short lists online before they ever book a tour, which means curb appeal, reviews, photos, and a strong visual first impression matter more than many owners realize. [24:49] Thomas and Jennifer discuss how zoning and land-use research can save owners from expensive mistakes, especially when expanding into a new building or new area. [30:59] Replacing yourself inside the business takes emotional trust, not just systems, especially when handing off responsibilities that carry real financial or relational weight. [35:09] Some of the hardest responsibilities to delegate were parent meetings and enrollment, which required a gradual handoff process built on training, shadowing, and follow-up. [37:00] The bigger lesson underneath all of it is that there is no shortcut to time, and intentional growth depends on letting people learn by doing. Quotes: "Sometimes in the next level of growth, you're asked to let go of the very things that helped you get there, and it asks you to trust your people more, to trust your systems more, to trust what you built can keep working even when you're not holding every single piece together." — Jennifer [1:30] "I could have been at the front desk myself, doing marketing and enrollment and tours, but if I were to do that, I wouldn't be able to have looked for second locations, grown our school, and implemented software and new processes and procedures that have enabled us to grow." — Thomas [10:08] "If you don't know your numbers, then your school is running without you, and it's not running intentionally." — Jennifer [17:30] "You can love kids as much as you can to the best of your abilities, but it doesn't matter if parents don't walk through the door to see it." — Thomas [18:39] "The biggest thing that I can tell people who are either looking to open their first location or just an additional location is to hire the right people." — Thomas [25:17] "I had to get comfortable with the uncomfortability that things might not be done 100% correctly, but I can also make mistakes as well. So human error is always a factor." — Thomas [34:17] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Alta Schoolhouse @thomas.k.brawner
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    40 分
  • Ep. 225 — The Real Reason You Can't Let Go with Barbara Tedrow

    Ep. 225 — The Real Reason You Can't Let Go with Barbara Tedrow
    2026/04/16

    In this episode, Jennifer opens with an honest reflection on control and the emotional weight so many child care owners carry without even realizing it. That sets the stage for a real conversation with Barbara Tedrow, owner of A Gold Star Academy and a multi-site child care leader in New Mexico, about what it looks like to build a strong team on paper and yet still feel like too much of the business is resting on your shoulders.

    Barbara shares what came up during a recent VIP Day at the Child Care Success Company's corporate office in New Orleans, where a deeper truth started to surface: the issue was not just delegation or SOPs, but fear, control, and the pressure of carrying a reputation she has spent 25 years building. Together, she and Jennifer unpack what shifted when Barbara began trusting her team more fully, stepping back from the meetings and tasks she no longer needed to own, and making space for the bigger work she is called to do. This is an honest, powerful conversation for any owner who knows what it feels like to still be carrying the business, even when it looks like you already stepped out.

    Key Takeaways:

    [5:12] Barbara shares her background as the owner of multi-site locations in Farmington, New Mexico.

    [6:56] Barbara mentions her involvement with the New Mexico Childcare Association and her current role as its president.

    [9:17] The emotional and mental toll of trying to control everything.

    [13:57] The deeper truth comes out: what was underneath all of it was fear, especially around protecting the reputation she had worked decades to build.

    [19:15] Once Barbara stepped back and really looked, she began to see the passion, pride, and ownership already present in her leadership team.

    [22:37] Letting go came with an unexpected emotion: sadness, and the realization that not being needed in the same way was actually a sign of growth.

    [26:21] A closer look at the difference between correcting, training, and continuing to hold on, and why leadership still requires mentoring and clear expectations.

    [33:57] Six weeks later, the shift felt real: more space, less pressure to prove constant involvement, and more trust in the team.

    [39:28] Barbara shares what this next season opens up for her, including advocacy work, expansion, leadership development, and more time for family.

    [43:59] Barbara closes with a reminder that no matter how long you have been doing this work, there is always more to learn if you are willing to hear the hard truth.

    Quotes:

    "If you've built the right team, a team that cares as much as you do, then your job isn't to control everything. Your job is to build something bigger than you. That's the real responsibility, not doing everything, but creating something that can actually grow beyond you." — Jennifer [3:53]

    "I had to realize I hired people to do those jobs, and that's why I'm not needed. I'm not needed because I'm not needed in the company. I'm not needed because of the way that I have structure, and that was on purpose because I needed to assess what role I want within this company." — Barbara [23:08]

    "I'm not needed because I'm not wanted. I'm not needed because I did my job and I have built it the correct way." — Barbara [23:54]

    "It's working. That little org chart with all its arrows and everything, it's working." — Barbara [35:28]

    "You can always learn something new if you're open to it and you're willing to listen to the hard truth." — Barbara [35:28]

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    Jennifer Conner

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    A Gold Star Academy
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    48 分
  • Ep. 224 — This is Why It Still Keeps Coming Back To You with Toni Bedford

    Ep. 224 — This is Why It Still Keeps Coming Back To You with Toni Bedford
    2026/04/02
    Real leadership takes time, clarity, and the willingness to slow down and lead with intention. In this episode, Jennifer reflects on a recent VIP Day at the Child Care Success Company's new corporate office in New Orleans, and the perspective owners can gain when they step out of the daily rush long enough to think differently about how they lead. That sets up her conversation with Toni Bedford, owner of Bedford Learning Programs, a network of six family child care homes, about what it takes to stop being the person everything keeps coming back to. Toni shares how a strong team and multiple locations still left her carrying too much, especially during a major family season when she and her husband became foster parents to their three young grandchildren. Together, she and Jennifer unpack the difference between delegating tasks and truly developing leaders, and what it looks like to create more clarity, intention, and ownership across the organization. Key Takeaways: [1:20] Jennifer opens by sharing how a recent VIP Day reminded her why she loves helping child care owners slow down, think differently, and step into stronger leadership. [2:35] Jennifer introduces Toni Bedford and explains the core challenge behind their VIP Day work: building a stronger leadership structure so the business can grow without everything flowing back through the owner. [5:53] Toni shares the story behind Bedford Learning Programs, her six in-home child care locations, and the struggle of still being pulled into daily decisions even with a solid admin team in place. [9:39] Toni opens up about a major family transition, becoming a foster parent to her three young grandchildren, and how that season forced her to face what had to change inside the business. [12:44] Jennifer asks where Toni was feeling the most pressure, and Toni names the tension many owners know well: trying to support the team while quietly carrying parts of everyone's job. [15:29] Toni explains why she said yes to the VIP Day and how she came in determined not to let the insights become just another set of notes that never got implemented. [18:37] Toni describes her biggest realization from the day: no one could simply tell her what to do. She had to think clearly about what her business actually needed and build from there. [21:40] Back at home, Toni uses her already scheduled admin retreat as a reset meeting, rolling out a new org chart, updated roles, and a more intentional leadership structure. [22:50] Toni shares one of the most important shifts: weekly one-on-one training with each admin team member, focused not just on tasks, but on confidence, expectations, and leadership development. [26:21] Toni and Jennifer talk about the truth many owners miss: there is no shortcut to building leaders. Real delegation takes time, mentoring, modeling, and consistency. [30:25] Toni reflects on her team's response to the reset and how trust, support, and a phased rollout helped the changes feel energizing instead of overwhelming. [32:12] Five weeks in, Toni shares what she is most proud of: the team has not slipped backward, the momentum is still there, and she is learning how to respond as a stronger leader, too. [34:37] Toni talks about what has changed for her personally: she feels more confident, more energized, and more connected to the coaching and mentoring side of leadership that she genuinely loves. [37:20] Asked what she would tell the version of herself before the VIP Day, Toni offered a powerful takeaway for other owners: it is okay to let things go and trust your team. [40:08] Toni closes by reminding listeners that this work is hard, and that the best place to start is by getting honest about what you love and where you want your leadership to go next. Quotes: "It is seldom about working harder. It's all about thinking differently." — Jennifer [2:50] "If you want to have this great team, you actually have to train them. You can't actually be like, 'Hey, here's your position. Now think of some things.'" — Toni [23:55] "When you look at redesigning organizational structures or reworking job descriptions, you don't take away something that is great with one of your team members when they love doing something, and they're bringing results, and they're fantastic at it… you don't take that away." — Jennifer [29:12] "It's okay to let things go and trust your team." — Toni [37:20] "This job is hard. It could be hard, and really kind of just figuring out what you love, I think, and what you want to do in the future is just where you should really start, rather than always worrying about the day-to-day stuff." — Toni [40:08] Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course! Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray Jennifer Conner The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your...
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    42 分
  • Ep. 223 — Protect What You've Built with Sharita Brown

    Ep. 223 — Protect What You've Built with Sharita Brown
    2026/03/19

    In this episode, Jennifer shares a personal moment that slowed her down and clarified what matters most: impact, leadership, and protecting what's been entrusted to you. That framing sets the tone for a grounded conversation with Sharita "Rita" Brown, a long-time early childhood leader and Child Care Success Company coach, about one of the fears many owners carry quietly — the allegation that can shake everything.

    Rita walks Jennifer through a season where her centers faced a false report, and they couldn't immediately produce the proof they needed. Instead of spiraling, they tightened their standards: documentation, overstaffing to protect ratios, and leadership that showed up in the building, not just on paper. This conversation is a real look at how "inspect what you expect" plays out when it's no longer a slogan, and why the simplest protection is often the most overlooked: documenting, consistently, as a team.

    Key Takeaways:

    [:08] Jennifer reflects on a recent car wreck and how being "shaken" clarifies what matters, and why "protect what you've built" is more than a mindset.

    [6:07] Rita recounts the moment a false report landed, and they couldn't quickly find documentation to prove ratio coverage.

    [8:45] The emotion behind it: feeling helpless — and realizing systems exist to protect children, staff, and families.

    [10:24] What changed immediately: pushing systems, tightening documentation, and temporarily overstaffing to protect against ratio risk.

    [14:28] "Inspect what you expect" as the non-negotiable leadership shift, especially across multiple sites.

    [16:45] The practical reset: going into each center, one-on-ones, rebuilding buy-in, and modeling standards in real time.

    [19:26] A more recent allegation (2025) and what it looked like to be ready this time: systems, documentation, leadership alignment, and no case.

    [21:36] Rita's "one thing" every owner can do today: document, and make sure your team is documenting.

    [28:41] Stepping into the CEO seat means boundaries: staying reachable without being on the floor every day and building leaders who can carry the work.

    Quotes:

    "What matters to me is not about playing a game. It's not about chasing something, wanting bigger and better. It's more about living a life that matters to me. It's about making an impact. It's about leading well and protecting what's been entrusted to me." — Jennifer [2:43]

    "So we really pushed our systems and made sure that our documentation was in place from that moment, because we didn't have any proof to show them otherwise." — Rita [11:43]

    "Inspect what you expect." — Jennifer / Rita [14:04]

    "I think sometimes, as owners, we don't realize that there's no shortcut to time, there's no shortcut to personal interaction, there's no shortcut to modeling the behaviors you want to see." — Jennifer [18:03]

    "Make sure your team is documenting." — Rita [21:08]

    Sponsored By:

    ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI)

    Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!

    Mentioned in This Episode:

    Kris Murray

    @iamkrismurray

    Jennifer Conner

    The Child Care Success Company

    The Child Care Success Academy

    The Child Care Success Summit

    Grow Your Center

    Childcare Education Institute: Use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal

    Sharita Brown
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    39 分