If you are looking for ways to embrace creative empowerment, look no further. Steve Bollar, also known as Stand Tall Steve, began his career as a classically-trained music teacher. He is now one of the most influential voices in education. Having worked as Superintendent of Schools, principal, author, and as a culture and motivation expert at multiple schools, Stand Tall Steve is known for his quick wit, creative thought, and humorous personality.    

Based in New Jersey, in the United States of America, Steve is the author of the book "Stand Tall Leadership", the school culture book "Ideas, Ideas, Ideas!" and is a contributing author in the book "Because of a Teacher", as well as, "School Climate 2.0: Preventing Cyberbullying One Classroom at a Time."    

As a creative educator, Steve openly shares his knowledge, experiences, and creativity with others. He speaks to students, staff, and communities throughout the world on how to think differently about schools, education, and life.    

After an introduction like that, grab a cup of coffee and jump into the first part of our two-part blog series with Steven Bollar.    

Empowering others through my creativity.

1. What’s the first thing you do to get your day going?

I do a little bit of stretching as soon as I get up. Once I’m done I take my shower and give the dogs their treats because if I don't give them their treats, they will ruin our day for us.    

Usually, when I get into speaking, consulting, and everything, I get something good to eat and then plan out my whole day writing a good list of what it is that I would like to see done.    

If there is anything that I want to get done I won't beat myself up if I don't get to it unless it is pertinent. That's pretty much how I will start my day.    

2. What’s your go-to meal for breakfast and tea or coffee?

I'm a breakfast guy.    

I like a good sized breakfast. On a regular day, I'll have some eggs, pancakes, and sausage. I'll have a full size breakfast almost every day because I'm one of those people with a high metabolism and I'll wear it off in no time. I enjoy having a big breakfast and a cup of coffee. That's almost every day.    

3. Who are your favorite music artists?

I like old-school rap. I grew up with old-school rap. I recently listened to the Krs One vs Big Daddy Kane VERZUZ performance. I also like Busta rhymes as well as some jazz. I like listening to jazz in the background.    

Although I never taught music, I'm a certified music teacher. So I played the trumpet and my son plays the trumpet as well.    

4. How would you describe your working style?

Creative empowerment I would call it. I pride myself on being highly creative. There was a time that I was worried about how my creativity came across to other people, but now I embrace it very, very strongly.    

I call it creative empowerment because through my creativity I'm empowering others. I'm a coach, I'm a trainer, I'm a motivational person.    

“...through my creativity, I'm empowering others.”

The majority of people have difficulty developing ideas or being creative but I'm very good at that. That is why I believe creative empowerment is my work style because I can spark your mind to be more creative and I love doing that and seeing that in people.    

5. What inspires you to go to work every morning?

I have three kids, a wife, two dogs, and ten fish so I always tell myself that I can not be poor. That is what inspires me.    

It's my journey from my bedroom all the way downstairs to the main floor, down to the basement to this office. That's the inspiration right there because I don't want to lose this house and the life that we live here.    

6. What do you love most about your work?

Before I started speaking, I was consulting and training full time, which I have now been doing going on five years, and before that, I was a school administrator.    

I was also a school principal and superintendent director for over 17 years which was pretty much a 9-5. It was a great job, I loved it. However, with my job now, doing this, it's all on me entirely.    

"I was also a school principal and superintendent director for over 17 years..."

6. Are you team Google or team Apple?

I'm team Apple. I have the Apple iPhone, Airpods. So yeah, I'm an Apple guy.    

More from Stand Tall Steve.

Thanks again to Steve for taking the time to chat with us, and I hope that our readers are motivated to reduce not eliminate. It was an absolute pleasure speaking with you. After the shift that the pandemic has caused in so many of our lives, many of us can benefit from remembering just how influential educators are and that they are our superheroes.    

In the second part of this series, we learn more about how to build relationships in the classroom with Steve. Discover more about Stand Tall Steve and all the amazing work he gets up to.    

Onwards,    

Panashe    

Team Mobile Guardian