Embrace your gifts and live to inspire

Written By Dr. Brandon Ross

Embrace Your Gifts

Throughout my life, I've acknowledged the unique gift I possess— the ability to connect with diverse audiences, spanning both students and adults. Reflecting on this, I express gratitude for the blessing of speaking passionately and captivating people. Surprisingly, many who know me are astonished to learn that, at my core, I am an introvert, and public speaking wasn't always a natural strength. Even today, nerves may accompany me before speaking engagements, regardless of their scale. I recognize that public speaking is a developed gift—one I've cultivated over time and now share with others.

My journey traces back to my undergraduate days at The University of South Carolina, where I enrolled in Speech 140, an entry-level public speaking elective. There, I honed techniques to manage my nervousness, speak with enhanced passion, and engage diverse crowds. Grateful for that transformative experience, I now find myself in a career I hadn't anticipated, speaking at local and national levels on optimizing student and adult potential in academic pursuits.

Leaders Who Inspire

In my leadership journey, I've had the privilege of learning from outstanding leaders who have played a pivotal role in shaping me into the emerging leader I am today.

  • Dr. LaVon Ross Purdie: My first teacher, leader, and mother.

  • Dr. Baron Davis: Senior Advisor at Digital Promise, Former Superintendent of Richland School District 2 (SC).

  • Dr. Marshalyn Franklin: Deputy Superintendent of Richland School District 2 (SC).

  • Dr. Kim Moore: Superintendent of Richland School District 2 (SC).

  • Dr. James Ann Sheley: Former Assistant Superintendent of Richland School District 2 (SC).

  • Dr. Sabrina Suber: Executive Director of Secondary Schools for Richland School District 2 (SC).

  • Mr. Alvin Pressley: Superintendent of Newberry County Schools (SC).

  • Mr. Keith Price: Superintendent of Georgetown County Schools (SC).

  • Mr. Ralph Schmidt: Former Principal of Westwood High School (SC).

  • Mr. Jeff Temoney: Principal of Spring Valley High School (SC).

Each of these leaders has imparted invaluable lessons that I carry with me daily as a middle school principal.

An Influential Leader That The World Needs to Know

The most influential leader in my journey has been Dr. Brenda Mack, Principal of Ridge View High School (Columbia, SC). With over 20 years of service, she is the longest-tenured principal in Richland School District 2. Dr. Mack's influence on my growth as a school leader is immeasurable. Under her guidance, I learned to lead confidently, earning respect from students, parents, faculty, staff, and families. Her crucial lesson emphasized that school leaders must be aware of everything transpiring in the school, as it all reflects back on the principal. Dr. Mack's teachings have profoundly shaped me, and I attribute much of my leadership style to the five years spent under her mentorship.

Launching The Millennial Principal

After years of prayer, planning, and preparation, I am excited to introduce The Millennial Principal. Through this platform, I aim to leverage my gifts and skills to make a global impact on students, educators, and families. The Millennial Principal provides an avenue for speaking engagements, consultations, mentoring, presentations, and serving as a professional development resource for educators worldwide. I am eager to embark on this transformative journey.

Connect with me on social media:

  • Instagram: @Dr_BrandonRoss

  • X (formerly Twitter): @DrBrandonRoss

  • LinkedIn: Brandon Ross, Ed.D

Explore more at TheMillennialPrincipal.org.



Dr. Brandon Ross
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