This episode dives into one of Jim Collins’ most powerful ideas: The Flywheel Effect. Stephen Carter explores why real, lasting school transformation doesn’t come from flashy launches or one-time events—but from consistent, mission-aligned actions that build momentum over time.

From student-run businesses to leadership programs, the episode unpacks how small, strategic steps—done repeatedly—can unlock exponential growth. Stephen also breaks down how to design your school’s unique flywheel using Collins’ framework and explains why this metaphor is essential for both educators and student entrepreneurs.

Whether you're launching a new initiative or helping students take their first steps as change makers, this episode will help you shift from short-term sprints to long-term momentum.

Discipline beats intensity. Steady, consistent effort—regardless of external conditions—is what drives breakthrough results. This is the 20 Mile March—a metaphor for setting and sticking to clear performance markers no matter the circumstances.

In this episode, we explore how in a world obsessed with hacks, bursts of energy, and overnight success stories, we need to teach our communities the value of consistent, disciplined progress over time.

I’ve seen so many schools launch bold new initiatives—a new leadership program, a student-run business, an advisory model—only to abandon it when the weather gets rough, the momentum dips, or results aren’t immediate.

That’s where we miss the mark. Because consistency compounds.

In my own work with schools across the country, I’ve seen one defining trait of those who build lasting, impactful programs: they commit to the 20 Mile March. They show up. They iterate. They track the right metrics. They don’t get too high when things go well, and they don’t collapse when things get hard.

Discipline is the differentiator.

And that’s where this all ties back to last week’s episode—preserve the core of who you are, yes. But stimulate progress not through massive shifts, but through consistent steps forward—week by week, month by month.

And this means having a vision for where you are and where you want to be.

Why do some schools seem to innovate without losing who they are… while others lose their identity in the process?

In this episode, we explore the Jim Collins concept behind the necessity of preserving the core (holding tightly to your mission, values, and distinct identity) while also stimulating progress (relentlessly pursuing new ideas, methods, and programs to stay relevant and effective).

Innovative programs like entrepreneurship, STEM, or design thinking make learning feel exciting, real-world, and future-focused. These aren’t just electives — they are powerful vehicles for students to apply knowledge, solve real problems, and discover their unique strengths. When students build a business prototype, code a solution, or tackle a design challenge, the walls of the classroom expand — suddenly, learning has purpose and relevance. It’s in these moments that students aren’t just preparing for the future — they’re actively shaping it.

The caution is if we only preserve the core without progress, we get stuck. If we only chase progress without preserving the core, we lose trust and clarity.

There are four ideas for how to do this in the school setting:

1. Redesign Learning Spaces for Collaboration

2. Integrate Real-World Partnerships

3. Shift from Content Coverage to Competency Development

4. Empower Student Voice and Choice

And all of this matters because the future belongs to schools—and students—that know who they are and where they’re going.