In this episode of Building a Culture of Collaboration, Kurtis and Lorna are joined by Dan Cox — former superintendent, endurance athlete, speaker, and founder of Endurance Edge.
Dan shares how his experience completing multiple ultramarathons, including a 100-mile race, shaped his leadership philosophy: Joy Is a Discipline. Dan dives into the parallels between endurance athletics and school leadership, showing how resilience, trust, and clarity are essential to building collaborative cultures. School leaders will learn how to create conditions where staff feel safe, valued, and aligned toward a shared purpose — making collaboration the natural outcome.
We discuss:
- How endurance sports teach lessons in trust, accountability, and teamwork
- Strategies to create collaborative school environments that thrive under pressure
- Practical leadership tips to sustain collaboration and build resilient teams
Whether you’re a principal, superintendent, or instructional leader, this episode provides actionable insights for strengthening collaboration, engagement, and collective efficacy in your schools.
Listen now to discover how to lead teams that can truly “go the distance.”
Learn more about Dan Cox at https://endurance-edge.com/
Released January 20, 2026
Connect with Dan Cox
Email:
X: @DanWCoxEdge
X @hewsonk27
X @LornaHewson