How the GCLI experience challenged one Florida principal to rethink leadership, culture, and connection in education.
A Different Perspective on Leadership
Michelle Heck, principal of Choctawhatchee High School, spent a week in Colorado during the summer of 2025 participating in GCLI through LEI’s leadership development initiative. Out of 54 participants, only four are from Okaloosa County, and Michelle noted they are the only public school educators attending alongside participants from boarding schools and independent schools across the country.
“That means this week is going to be filled with a lot of different perspectives on students, student leadership, and hearing how schools operate across the country,” Michelle shared. “I’m hopeful to learn so much—not only about myself, but from everyone else here.” For Michelle, the experience represents more than professional development. It represents an opportunity to challenge assumptions, reflect deeply, and return home with a stronger understanding of leadership.
Leadership Beyond Strategy
Michelle described the experience as transformational, both personally and professionally. Like many leadership programs, she initially expected to walk away with practical strategies and tools to apply in her role as a principal. What surprised her most about the leadership lab was how deeply the experience challenged her perspective.
“What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply the experience would challenge my thinking, my assumptions, and ultimately the lens through which I view leadership,” she explained. Throughout the experience, participants were intentionally pushed outside their comfort zones while also being given space for reflection and meaningful conversation. Michelle said one of the most important lessons she learned was that leadership is less about control and more about connection.
Building a Culture of Belonging
One of Michelle’s biggest takeaways focused on creating a stronger culture of belonging within schools. The experience challenged her to think beyond surface-level practices and ask whether students and staff truly feel seen, valued, and connected to a shared purpose. As a school leader, she returned with a renewed commitment to being more intentional in how she supports both students and educators.
The Power of Feedback
Another major lesson centered around feedback and its role in growth. Michelle explained that feedback should not be viewed as a single event, but as an ongoing process built on trust and purpose. When modeled consistently and embedded into school culture, feedback becomes one of the most powerful tools for meaningful growth and change.
Developing the Next Generation of Leaders
Perhaps the most impactful realization for Michelle was the reminder that leadership development should not be reserved for adults alone.
“GCLI reinforced the idea that leadership development is not reserved for adults,” Michelle said. “It’s something we must actively cultivate in our students.” The experience renewed her passion for helping students find their voices, step into leadership opportunities, and grow through challenge and reflection.
Investing in Leadership Through LEI
Programs like GCLI reflect LEI’s commitment to investing in educators and students by creating opportunities that challenge perspectives, strengthen leadership skills, and inspire long-term impact. For Michelle, the experience did more than provide new ideas, it changed how she leads.
LEI’s mission is rooted in growing leaders through real experiences that create lasting impact in schools and communities. When you support LEI, you are investing in students and educators who will return home stronger, more connected, and better prepared to lead meaningful change. This is how we grow leaders and impact community.