This week I have the incredible honor of serving as the keynote speaker for the Maryland State Opening Conference for Superintendents and their Leadership Teams. It’s a privilege to kick off the event with a message rooted in leadership, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of growth.
Even more inspiring? I’m writing this from Ocean City, Maryland, where the views are breathtaking, the breeze is energizing, and the setting couldn’t be more perfect for reflection and inspiration. As I look out over the shoreline, I’m reminded of one of my favorite truths: wisdom is a journey, not a destination.
Yes, I’m here to speak, but I’m also here to learn. After all, educators are my favorite species. We become our conversations—it’s in those exchanges that growth happens.
That’s the heartbeat of true leadership. We never stop growing. We don’t arrive. We evolve. Great leaders are always on the journey to improve, and what better place to do that than in a room filled with passionate educational leaders from across Maryland?
What I’m Sharing
My keynote message draws from the six leadership tenets in my book, Along Came a Leader: attitude, communication, wisdom, tenacity, vision, and authenticity.
These are the building blocks of courageous, connected leadership. They are not just ideas—they are practices that help school leaders build culture, strengthen relationships, and move their districts forward.
I’m also sharing one of the core philosophies I live by: Permanent Beta. In the tech world, “beta” means something is still being tested, refined, and improved. I believe the best leaders live that way too—staying open to feedback, always growing, never settling. Great leadership isn’t about perfection. It’s about continuous iteration and improvement.
What I’m Learning
Every district represented here brings powerful ideas. New programs. Smart strategies. Unique perspectives. I’m taking notes, asking questions, and getting inspired. I can’t wait to bring some of these insights home.
This isn’t just a speaking engagement for me. It’s a chance to learn, grow, and connect with some of the best in education.
A Thought on Innovation
Innovation isn’t just about technology. It’s about how we think. It’s about curiosity, creativity, and the courage to try new things.
In fact, I previously explored this topic in my blog post titled The Six Obstacles to Innovation, where I shared barriers like being too comfortable with what we’re currently doing, fear of control, lack of curiosity, identity, empathy, and competing priorities. Recognizing and overcoming those challenges is what sets the most innovative districts apart. You can read it at: https://kellycroy.com/the-six-obstacles-to-innovation/
Innovation stems from momentum, not magic. It starts with the belief that we can always get better.
Let’s Keep Leading
To the leaders in Maryland and beyond, thank you. Your dedication inspires me. Let’s keep growing together. Let’s keep showing the world what education leadership can be.
Always forward,
Kelly
Order Kelly’s books, Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed: A Children’s Book on Mindfulness for your personal library.
I would like to speak at your event!
Educator, Author, Keynote Speaker
Twitter: @kellycroy
Instagram: @kcroy
Website: kellycroy.com and wirededucator.com
Podcast: The Wired Educator Podcast
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If you’d like to bring this message of innovation, growth, and continuous learning to your district or conference, invite me to speak. I’d love to help your team lead with purpose.
Kelly Croy is an international speaker, author of Along Came a Leader and Unthink Before Bed, host of the Wired Educator Podcast, and a nationally and internationally recognized educational leader.