Ron Rapatalo: What's up? I'm Ron Rapatalo, and this is the Ronderings podcast. Around here, I sit down with guests for real, unpolished conversations about the lessons and values that shaped them. And I'll be right there with you, sharing my own take, laughing at myself when I need to, and wondering out loud about this messy thing called life. Glad you pulled up a chair.

Ron Rapatalo: Let's get into it. Welcome back to Ronderings, the podcast where leaders share the stories, relationships, and lessons that shape who they are. I'm your host, Ron Rapatalo, and today, I'm joined by someone who reminds us that leadership isn't just about strategy, about people. Krista Purnell has spent more than two decades in education, from teaching in Newark to leading in Citizen Schools and Gradient Learning. Along the way, she's become one of those rare people everyone seems to know, and more importantly, everyone trusts.

Ron Rapatalo: In this conversation, we explore what it really means to be a super connector. Curiosity may be the the most underrated leadership skill, how to navigate career transitions with intention instead of panic, why investing in people always outperform chasing outcomes alone. We also talk about joy, change, AI, the changing job market, why sometimes the best career advice is simply to get quiet enough to hear yourself think. You ever wondered what's next in your career?

Ron Rapatalo: Strong relationships change everything. This is for you. Here's my conversation with Krista Purnell. Ronderings universe. You know, folks know when I started Ronderings, the idea of Ronderings was I have so many great conversations with the plethora of people that I know in my Roniverse, if that's even a term, especially in the K-12 social impact space. I always said, if I could record convos with people, those would be podcast episodes.

Ron Rapatalo: And so I'm bringing someone who I've always had great conversations with a super connector like me, my homie, Krista Purnell's on the line. Krista. Hi. How are you doing today?

Krista Purnell: I'm great. How are you?

Ron Rapatalo: I'm good. You know, got my Knicks gear on.

Krista Purnell: Hey. You still gotta represent.

Ron Rapatalo: You know? Yeah. Still still gotta do that, because I'm be soaking this in the rest of my life.

Krista Purnell: Absolutely. Well, we'll earn victory. We'll earn victory.

Ron Rapatalo: I don't wanna say that we will never win again. But admittedly, in my lifetime, I was low... I was kinda getting concerned. I'm like, will we ever win?

Krista Purnell: As an... As a lifelong Eagles fan, I understand. It took thirty eight years for me to get my first win, so I understand that well.

Ron Rapatalo: And y'all went buck wild in Philly. I thought I

Krista Purnell: Sure did. Was at the 2018 parade because I literally waited my entire sports loving career for the Eagles to win the Super Bowl. So that was a very happy day for me.

Ron Rapatalo: I have minor regret that I did not go to the Knicks parade. Only because I saw all the energy. But it was like, did I wanna wake up at 4AM to get there in a good a good spot? Did I want my achy knees?

Ron Rapatalo: Like, I just... Some of it is like... I think I did watch it on TV. I did watch multiple clips and all that stuff.

Krista Purnell: That kind of counts. You know?

Ron Rapatalo: You know, I did watch every game and had my gear on, did all the superstitious things of, like, cat backwards standing on one leg sometimes. I have this, like, maybe this isn't about being... I I don't know. But there are times...

Ron Rapatalo: I... I'm gonna admit something for the first time on episode. There are times in watching the Knicks in the finals where I was just like, when my team is losing, it creates such agitas. I have to stop watching because I feel like I'm jinxing my team. And I feel painful watching The Knicks.

Ron Rapatalo: And then with with this run, we kept coming back. I was like, wait, what? How...

Krista Purnell: But I knew they were coming back. And I don't know what sort of intuitions I have, but I kept being like, they're gonna come back. It was the one where they were down the farthest.

Ron Rapatalo: This against the Spurs, down 29?

Krista Purnell: That one. That one. And I was going to watch with a friend. I'm like, they're gonna come back. I have a feeling.

Krista Purnell: She's like, what do you mean you have a feeling? I'm like Yeah. I just... There's something about the energy of the team. I feel like they're gonna come back.

Krista Purnell: And I'm pretty sure they're gonna win. And everyone's like, that don't that don't make sense. I'm like, I just thought that was gonna be 2-2, and we were gonna blow. I was like, no, let me keep periodically checking in.

Krista Purnell: I was like, this is cool. And then I kept going. Oh my god. Wait. We down 15?

Krista Purnell: Wait. Hold on. I gotta put the game on. It's the psychology of the game. Right? Like, they're like, just get to the next mile marker, which is, you know, maybe that's a parallel for some things in life.

Krista Purnell: Just get to that next goalpost. You just get to that next basket. Just get to that next thing. And they just shipped away and shipped away and that momentum shifted.

Krista Purnell: And I'm like, oh, they're they're gonna win this. They're gonna win this. And that last shot felt like, you know, because I like to talk a little smack when Duke lost this past year on that unbelievable UConn shot. I knew they were gonna win too.

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. When you see I like that OG shot from the heavens, that that tip from the heavens is gonna live in forever. The hand. It's so... Like, look. I'm not a Skechers fan anymore. The fact that Skechers is doing a line of sneakers for him.

Ron Rapatalo: Then my... Then Shanita was like, you're gonna get a pair of Skechers sneakers, Rob? Because, like, Skechers were like, oh, I hate I hate the stereotype. It's got... But I'm like... They're making a comeback, apparently.

Ron Rapatalo: I mean, but it's like blue and orange. They look kinda nice. Like, I'm sure it's not more than $50. I think.

Krista Purnell: I don't know. But it's good at least for the for the memories. Have for the memories.

Ron Rapatalo: I need I need a pair of sneakers in blue and orange that match my Knicks gear. You know what I'm saying?

Krista Purnell: You really do. You really do. Absolutely.

Ron Rapatalo: So, Krista, without further ado. What is your story?

Krista Purnell: Oh, what is my story? Okay.

Ron Rapatalo: I know. I know.

Krista Purnell: Well, I guess we'll start at the beginning. I would say my story begins as the youngest of three children, born to parents in New Jersey. I have two much older siblings. So I think that sort of plays into, being so far behind.

Krista Purnell: I came twelve years after my sister. Surprise. Surprise.

Ron Rapatalo: That's what I'm hoping, at least, in coming to the Rapatalo family.

Krista Purnell: Absolutely. So the baby will understand my life. I think it just provided a slightly different baby childhood than my siblings had because my parents had a lot of time to focus just on me, which, you know, pros and cons. I love them dearly. Pros and cons.

Ron Rapatalo: But sometimes when you think about that, like, I'm sure you got growing up that you were spoiled.

Krista Purnell: I don't know how I would say spoiled but cared for, attended to, and I think at that point, they were able to... I think spoil with time, maybe in a way when they were younger parents, having two kids closer in age, working, et cetera, that having sort of one sort of independently offered. And so I think part of that journey was my parents were my first teachers. You know, my mom, I'd say, taught me all practical things I need to learn in life.

Krista Purnell: I learned how to cook. I learned how to drive a car. I learned how to clean. Like, anything you need to, like, actually function, that's my mom.

Krista Purnell: And then my dad taught me things about, like, appreciating things in life like art. We were always big into that. We used to go to the museum every Saturday.

Ron Rapatalo: Oh, dope.

Krista Purnell: My dad taught me how to read. He taught me how to read very early. So he had me into books in the library, and that was a part of our Saturday tradition: museum, and then the bookstore. Remember Walden Books?

Ron Rapatalo: Yes.

Krista Purnell: Vintage. We used go to Walden Books.

Ron Rapatalo: What? I mean... Taking it back. There's not a lot of bookstores these days. Mean, Barnes and Noble's like barely holding on.

Krista Purnell: Holding on by a thread.

Ron Rapatalo: Borders isn't, I don't think, around.

Krista Purnell: Borders is gone. Borders is gone. So that was back in the day. So I think I got such a balance of things that I think contribute to who I am.

Krista Purnell: And so, you know, I think I journeyed through K-12 education rather easily. You know, had an affinity for school and, and then I got to college, which was, you know, had its own challenges, but, know, completed college successfully. And then I was like, well, what am I going to do now? And I didn't think I was gonna be a teacher.

Krista Purnell: So I think I'm like an accidental educator because my older sister, is an educator and she was a classroom teacher. She taught first grade. You know, I'd go up and help her in her classroom and all that. And I was like, uh-uh.

Krista Purnell: This is hard. I don't think I wanna do this. Yeah. Well, well, I ended up becoming a Teach For America Corps member in 2003.

Ron Rapatalo: Oh, okay. Yeah. Same year my wife did the Corps. She needed to do the Corps in DC

Krista Purnell: Oh, she was in DC.

Ron Rapatalo: She was in DC. Yeah. But she had to go off to New York.

Krista Purnell: She had to go to Fordham? Oh my

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. She was.

Krista Purnell: Wait a minute. We probably met and didn't... Like, you know, how the pieces all... We'll have to talk about that later.

Krista Purnell: But I was at Fordham.

Ron Rapatalo: I didn't realize you were '03. I didn't remember what year...

Krista Purnell: I was '03. Yeah. Because after college... Yeah.

Ron Rapatalo: Crazy.

Krista Purnell: I had a delay of a year. Like, I I did like an office job for a year to kind of figure it out and then I decided I wanted to join and then, you know, I moved and I did that. And I think what I tell people about that part of my story, that is still the hardest job I've ever had. So shout out to all the teachers.

Krista Purnell: It is the hardest job on the planet. I'm convinced I've had more responsibility. I've had, you know, higher titles for whatever that's worth. Being a classroom teacher was the hardest job I have ever had.

Krista Purnell: And I am better for it because, you know, I I got real humbled those first couple of years. Humbled. In the best of ways, though. I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about, oh, this is what inequity means.

Krista Purnell: Like, I'd heard the terms and you maybe heard it in theory in college. Oh, But to see it play out and be like, oh, this is not right. Like, this is not right. This is not good enough for anyone's child.

Krista Purnell: And so I was very driven by, if I wouldn't want this for the kids in my family, I shouldn't want it for anybody's kid. And so, you know, I did the best I could as a classroom teacher to make that impact. But throughout my journey, it's that, you know, what's next? How do I have a deeper or greater or bigger impact?

Krista Purnell: Yeah. And so, you know, journeyed along and so part of the story was being open to experiences. As a classroom teacher at Teach For America, the summer between my first and second year, I did a summer program at a local charter school where I taught for the month of July. So I was like, oh, that's interesting. It's a good way to make money.

Krista Purnell: It's a good way to see another teaching environment. Well, that opened up the next door because I ended up working there after I finished my two year commitment. They had an opportunity for a middle school math teacher, is what I taught. And so by being kind of in that pipeline and being exposed, that sort of opened up that next chapter for me.

Krista Purnell: And I say there's where I learned to be a good teacher. Through things that I think are so crucial, like coaching and support and feedback and collaboration. So that investment in me as a professional educator helped me grow my skills. And so, if people are familiar with Uncommon and, you know, back in that generation of teaching, you know, they might still do it.

Krista Purnell: But, learning from our interim assessments and how did we improve our teaching by better understanding where students gaps were and things of that So... Because I did that and I was so invested in that, my next opportunity, I ended up going to a school in Manhattan where I helped them develop from the ground up their interim assessment system. So it's like every piece of the puzzle started Yeah. To Yeah. But the little side journey story I'll tell you about that is I was applying to different jobs at the time.

Krista Purnell: And I had applied to one. And I don't know if the... This organization still exists. The Charter School Center in New York?

Ron Rapatalo: Still do. Yeah.

Krista Purnell: So I'd interviewed for a role there and the people there were so kind and they're like, we really like you, but we don't think this role is the right fit for you, which appreciate honesty. And they're like, but we know of a school that's hiring for this role that we think you'd be perfect for. So like the power of communication, of connection, of people opening up doors as well. And that's where I ended up spending the next four years of my life, working, building, creating.

Krista Purnell: So I think that was really my, you know, creator era. Along with colleagues, we created a coaching model. We did work with instructional systems, observation and feedback cycle. So we sort of built that because it was a new growing school.

Krista Purnell: So, you know, learned a lot, developed a lot of systems and structures. And then that, you know, next part of the journey, I sort of moved over to the educational nonprofit space and worked at an organization called Citizen Schools where I was a managing director of programs there. Which, again, fun fact, fun story, it brought me back to Newark, which is where I started as a teacher. And one of the schools

Ron Rapatalo: Look at that.

Krista Purnell: That was in our program was my placement school. So full cycle coming back.

Ron Rapatalo: How was it coming back to your placement school when you were an MD?

Krista Purnell: It was wild because it was like, what was similar, what was different, right? Like there were definitely still teachers there who I knew and had worked with. So it was like nice to, you know, when I made visits to the school see people I knew and that I was in community with. So that was just like such an interesting journey.

Krista Purnell: But I was so glad to come back to Newark. Like Newark has my heart, you know? Like I have so many amazing people from there, former students, former colleagues. And it's such a special place with so much promise.

Krista Purnell: And I wanted to be a part of how do we continue to give our best to the kids of Newark. So, you know, spent about five years there, you know, lots of transition. I've always learned a lot from transition. And, you know, due to a host of reasons, we had merged with our New York office.

Krista Purnell: And then, you know, as things happen, right, organizations shift and change. And, at that time I was laid off for the first time. And one of the people I met during that time was you. That's kind of where our journey began 10 years ago So yeah, that was an interesting period of transition.

Ron Rapatalo: And how did you feel when you were laid off the first time? What was the

Krista Purnell: Oh, it was hard. It was so hard. I think the first time, and I've talked to a lot of people about this, the first time that happens, I think is very jarring because... Even though it has nothing to do with you, it's like systems and operations and business decisions, you still gave your...

Krista Purnell: Know, if you're in education nonprofit, you still gave a little of your heart to that that place.

Ron Rapatalo: Little bit of your heart hurts. Hurts.

Krista Purnell: And just, you know, you wanna do good work and you wanna contribute. So it's... It was hard. And, you know, I had these grand plans of, you know, it'll be like a little six month thing. You know, I'm gonna go back and stay with my family and I'm gonna come back to New York and get a new job and onward with the rest of my, you know, life.

Krista Purnell: Mhmm. That's not what happened. That's not what happened. You know, a lot of, I mean, a lot of challenges, right? Like a lot of interviewing, a lot of I was almost that person but it was the other person.

Krista Purnell: Like a lot of that and, you know, I could have let that destroy me or I could, you know, look at the flip side of that is if you made it to the final round, that means you're beyond qualified. That's just not what they need at this moment in time and that's okay. Right. And so once I was able to sort of open that part up and, you know, like release whatever those sort of negative feelings were around it and really just be like, here's who I am, here's what I have to offer, and I just want to be in the place where I can use my gifts the best.

Krista Purnell: Mhmm. The world opened up. Now that took time. And I think, you know, I had to get creative and figure out how do I spend this time and, you know, working different part time jobs, substitute teaching, you know, I'm like, listen, I can always contribute in that way. And you do what you have to do.

Krista Purnell: And I, you know, I had the gift of, you know, parents who said, come on over, you got a spot with us all the time. So that was a powerful gift to to be present. Yeah. And then I think it opened up, you know, my most recent chapter where I was at Gradient Learning for about almost eight years. And so... Wow.

Krista Purnell: I think, you know, like finding alignment. I found alignment and then I was at a place where I was able to grow and develop it and move into different roles and functions and learn and and that brings me to yet another chapter of what's next. And so... Yeah. I've... This chapter has been different in that it's probably been more of like an upskilled chapter, which is interesting.

Krista Purnell: So I've been learning a lot of new skills and pouring into that and just, you know...

Ron Rapatalo: What skills are you learning?

Krista Purnell: So I've been digging into the tech skills a lot. I've been taking a coding class that I've been doing. I've been digging into a lot of AI courses because, you know, ready or not, here it is. And so how do I use those systems and structures for me?

Krista Purnell: But what does it also mean for the landscape? And then I've also spent a lot of time supporting the boards that I sit on. And so I'm still getting those, like, you know, those needs met for, you know, fulfillment in the space, but, you know, maybe in different ways than I imagined.

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. Being a current job seeker, I'm curious, like, what... How are you navigating it? Because I hear all the things, and I certainly give you advice and others, and so What are you what are you finding, and what do you think Yeah. What what strategy are you using to find what's next?

Ron Rapatalo: Sure.

Krista Purnell: I think in the beginning, it was it was definitely frustrating and I was frustrated. And so again, I had to say, okay, girl, you can sit here and be frustrated or you can change your strategy and you can change your mindset. And so I am grateful to the people in my life who have supported me to, you know, one of my good friends. I was like, I'm waiting for like the sign.

Krista Purnell: Like, what's the vision? What's next? She's like, but have you been quiet enough to hear it? And I'm like, oh, well drag me, why don't you? But in the most loving of ways.

Krista Purnell: So that was really helpful for me to start being like, oh, I've been keeping myself busy. But what I really need to do is is have a little bit more solitude and slow time to to hear, you know, spiritually what is next for me and allow the space to be the space and see what I can learn. Yeah. You know, and then other folks helping me just access, you know, who do you who, like, it's... So much of it is identity.

Krista Purnell: Who are you? Who do you wanna be in this season? And that doesn't have to be affiliated with a particular title or whatever. Like, what are the types of things you wanna do?

Krista Purnell: How do you wanna spend your time? So I think getting right on the inside facilitates, you know, opportunities on the outside.

Ron Rapatalo: What are you finding in terms of things you need to do on the inside that are now allowing you to like maybe see more opportunity, like have more access to the things you may not have been hearing.

Krista Purnell: Yeah. I think it's like so much of it is about clarity. Like, you have to be honest with yourself. Like Yeah. Some, you know, I think it can be easy to get anxious and be like, I'm applying for every job. But I don't wanna do some of them.

Krista Purnell: There's some descriptions I'll look at, I'm like, that's not my wheelhouse. Or it's like, three wheelhouses adjacent. Could I do it? Yeah. But maybe that's a stretch in a way I don't wanna stretch.

Krista Purnell: There's ways I do wanna stretch and grow. And some of the things I'm like, I don't think that's how I want to spend my time. Like, time is limited, right? And I want to contribute in ways where I can be successful.

Krista Purnell: And so really spending time being like, is this something I could do, wanna do, would be interested in? And then also being open to, do I get some of that fulfillment in other places? And so where does work situate? You know, have to have some engagement and enjoyment and what have you.

Krista Purnell: Is it gonna be maybe as tightly aligned, full purpose, full job? Maybe not. And so maybe the, you know, the the Venn diagram is a little bit looser, but there's other things where I'm getting those needs met. Like I said, with like the board work I've been doing, oh, that's keeping me connected to kids and families. So I don't know what what does that open up opportunity wise.

Krista Purnell: But in general, I think it it's just a different market than it was ten years ago. And so I think speaking of AI, a lot of people are using different systems for vetting applications and they... And that's not every organization, but some are. And so something I'd seen on the LinkedIn streets was like, oh, but like, you have to write your resume for the people who are reading it.

Krista Purnell: So sometimes we're writing them for senior director who know, you know, vice president who knows what some of the nuance of the roles you've had are, but they're not the ones reading it. And so someone maybe who is less familiar are looking for very concrete things and doesn't mean you haven't done it, it means that you might not see it. And so it just feels like you're having to do a lot of customization. Whereas before it's like, here's the resume, take it, see it.

Krista Purnell: You know, whereas now it's like, oh, for this role, I'm highlighting A, B and C in my skill set. For this one, it's D, E, F. And so that part has been a little different and challenging. But I think it always comes back to something I think we both know to be true is like a lot of it is like your network.

Krista Purnell: Who are you talking to? Are you talking to people who know of jobs to share? Are you talking to people who are in different rooms than you? Are you talking to people at those companies?

Krista Purnell: Like how do you engage with people in the field and retain those relationships? Because I'm always grateful for when my name is spoken in rooms I'm not even in. Because sometimes people come to me like, oh, we heard about X, Y, or Z. And like, that's like the greatest compliment to me is that somebody came to me because someone else spoke positively about my work.

Ron Rapatalo: So I know when we met you were in career transition and what I found, which is so amazing about you, is you're very generous in making connections. you know, I don't use the word... The the terminology super connector lightly, but you're one of the super connectors that I know. Right? Takes one to know one.

Ron Rapatalo: Right? Right. And so I always like to ask this question. I have a story about how I know why I'm a super connector. Why... How did you come to, like, know that that was something you were good at? And what do you think prioritizing that came from?

Krista Purnell: That is such a good question. I don't know if I know. I'm gonna have to think about that. I think, you know, sometimes things just come naturally to you.

Krista Purnell: Like, I enjoy people. Like, you know, I mean, I get to my threshold, you know, as like a low key introvert that people don't know, you know, when I need to recharge alone But I enjoy people. I enjoy asking them questions. I enjoy getting to know them.

Krista Purnell: I enjoy, you know, why do they tick? But I just think there's so much to offer. And I think... Because I also, I guess, have like a range of interests and experiences that I usually can connect with most people in the room over something.

Krista Purnell: Like, that's even part of my strategy as a leader, as a manager. Like, how can I make as a quick of a connection as possible with the person in front of me and find some commonality?

Ron Rapatalo: That's absolutely like Super Connector 101. Yeah. I give that advice all the time. It's just like Yeah. Could be about the Knicks, it could be about the Bear, it could be SpongeBob, it could be about powerlifting it could be about 79,000 things.

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. So if I rewind and kind of offer for your consideration. Right? You know? Like a lot of folks who describe the story to me, they start like the... This is your life, and so you started with your parents.

Ron Rapatalo: And when you described what your parents did for you, and I particularly wanna center it on your father like art, books, like I read into that, you were raised to have a lot of curiosity.

Krista Purnell: Oh, absolutely.

Ron Rapatalo: I don't wanna say curiosity automatically leads to being a super connector. But I would say it's one of the competencies that a super connector needs. Right? Because I think because we... You and I and many super connectors are inherently curious it means we have this like smorgasbord of things we can access to tap into people.

Ron Rapatalo: Right? I mean the other part of it I think you know is the emotional and social intelligence how to reach people because you can have technical stuff, but if you don't know how to like like reach someone. So I'll give an example, there was someone I was talking to who was a prospective career coaching client who I saw was a neuroscience major. Guess what I did? I mentioned that I was a neuroscience major, and, like, I'm still not a geek out enough on that stuff.

Ron Rapatalo: I'm not as literate as I was when I was a neuroscience major, but I can talk what I call neuroscience nerd language. Brain. I was like, boy, you know, you're, you know, our our higher higher cortex and being able to, like, you know, have your higher decision making, but that's only limited because you can only do... She was like, oh my god. Like, I knew it like you had said my profile.

Ron Rapatalo: I'm like, it really got her to be a lot more comfortable with me because of that commonality. And let's be... Tons of us as neuroscience majors that, like, float the planet. Like, it's a very kind of, like...

Ron Rapatalo: In the sciences, it's a pretty niche major. And, admittedly, we're probably the smartest of the sciences. I just gotta put that. We are. I mean I mean, this is my second.

Ron Rapatalo: Know?

Krista Purnell: I love brain science.

Ron Rapatalo: It... Because it, like, very much dictates a lot of, like, how we as humans... What makes us special as humans? Especially our higher cortical areas. Right? That's what makes us, like, distinctly human.

Ron Rapatalo: The ability to, like, think the way language, all those things, right? But it's also like this whole thing that you mentioned about like identity In shaping your story and like who you're becoming today in this next chapter is I found learning about neuroscience and the interdisciplinary nature of it, like learning psychology, learning bio, chem, physics, math, et cetera. It inherently gets you to, like, understand, like, how have we come to be as a species, and what does that mean for me as an individual? And all these other identities that, like, intersect that allow me to be who I am.

Ron Rapatalo: You know?

Krista Purnell: Yeah. I mean, I guess one little anecdote I forgot. I was always a little science nerd too. And I think because I was so much younger, some of the curiosity was not forced It was the nature of having a lot of time where I was alone. So I've always been really comfortable alone because, you know, not...

Krista Purnell: My sister and I had a great rel... We have a great relationship. We... She'd play with me too. But sometimes she was doing things with her peers.

Ron Rapatalo: Of course. Right. Yeah. My my si... My... Number six of my family is my sister Deion. She's five years older than me.

Ron Rapatalo: You know what I'm saying? Like, I didn't have, like, their... Like, all of my siblings' friends. Like, it was more like, oh, he's so cute.

Ron Rapatalo: I mean, I was a very cute, damn little kid.

Krista Purnell: I mean, I believe that.

Ron Rapatalo: And then, like, I knew how to take advantage of it. Like, I'd sit on, like, teenage girls' laps and, like, oh, give me candy. And, like, he's so cute. Like...

Krista Purnell: You know? So there were times where it was just me. And again, interactive family, but like, it allowed the curiosity to flourish. And again, I guess I was a little bit of a nerd because I had one of those little home science kits and I was making up my own experiments and doing the microscope and then I was making my own book reports. Like who was doing that?

Krista Purnell: I was like, I'm gonna use our instead of encyclopedias because it was the eighties and nineties that we had.

Ron Rapatalo: Which ones did you have? Did you have Britannica World Book or... We

Krista Purnell: had, I'm like, we had two sets. I don't remember we had a blue set and we had a white set. And I would cross-reference. I mean, I was entertaining myself with nerdy stuff.

Krista Purnell: So...

Ron Rapatalo: I mean, like, look, I get... As someone who when I start nerding out with fellow nerds, I'm like... Yeah. I read through the encyclopedia as a kid. Yes, I memorized Trivial Pursuit cards.

Krista Purnell: Oh, my siblings hated me.

Ron Rapatalo: They hated me. You memorized the cards. I'm like, well, I can't help being smart. That didn't usually go over well.

Krista Purnell: No. No.

Ron Rapatalo: Chase me your eye, you stupid.

Krista Purnell: Like, ow. Man, Trivial Pursuit. That's a deep cut. That's a deep cut.

Ron Rapatalo: It is a deep cut. Oh my god.

Krista Purnell: Oh, people of a certain age. But I think back to something you were mentioning, like, one of the things I believe deeply is like, I really want us all to succeed. If I can facilitate a connection, why wouldn't I? And I just...

Krista Purnell: People will joke because I'm like, hold on. And it's like almost like the little wheels are turning in my brain. Like, you said you needed someone who did this. This person does that.

Krista Purnell: Okay. Let me introduce you two because I think there's space for everybody to win. Why wouldn't I? And I know that anything I put out comes back to me in some way, shape, or form.

Ron Rapatalo: A thousand percent. Yep. So what I like to call it's not the it's not necessarily about like linear reciprocity, if I'm using like a kind of using a little bit of mathematical terminology. I like to think of it as like cosmic reciprocity, the way it comes back to you isn't like because Krista did something good for me, I have to do something good for her. It's sort of like...

Ron Rapatalo: It it comes back in in ways that are, like, sometimes, I think intentionally mysterious. It's just like, oh, it comes back. Oh. Right? By this idea of, like, paying it forward. Like, you know, for me, like, the way you describe thinking about connection and, like, thinking about what the...

Ron Rapatalo: So I'm wondering, like, what you think makes you special as a super connect... What would... What would you... Self-reflection? And what have others said about you in that regard?

Krista Purnell: The thing that comes top of mind to me is like, I think it's because I do it with such enthusiasm and it is authentic. I am so excited to make sure these two people know each other because they should. And when they actually, like, talk to each other or, you know, I had a friend, two people who I introduced and she's like, oh, we're setting up a follow-up call because, you know, we... I'm like, yes.

Krista Purnell: Like, that's the goal. I'm so excited. I don't know. It just brings me a lot of joy.

Krista Purnell: I think it is one of the things that brings me, deep joy. And when I think about, you know, how you have like words of the year or things you want to feel or whatever, that connection is always on that list because I do think it is rooted in in joy.

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. Rooting in joy is important. I think we do our best thinking when we bring joy. There's someone I've been following on Instagram. I just need to buy his book and, like, stop, like, posting on On

Krista Purnell: I bet it's the same one.

Ron Rapatalo: Brad Stulberg.

Krista Purnell: Oh my god. I was gonna say that. I had a note, like, let me not forget to mention that. You started The

Ron Rapatalo: Way of Excellence? Yes. Look. Just because He started it.

Krista Purnell: And then I started following it.

Ron Rapatalo: First of all, because he's a power lifter, he reached out, he's like, Oh my god, I saw you powerlifting.

Krista Purnell: Oh, no. We'll tag him. We'll tag him. We'll tag him. Listen, the next time we talk can be a book club, he can come join us.

Krista Purnell: I'm happy to do that.

Ron Rapatalo: I really need to, honestly, I need to, like, buy the book. I I've been thinking about doing a book club with people about it because I'm... And I I I mean, and a lot of, like, are nurturing. I'm fascinated about excellence.

Ron Rapatalo: And not just excellence in the workplace, but, like, excellent in life. Life. Excellence. Yeah. It's just like... And I've realized with my ADHD, my superpower around excellence comes when I'm enthusiastic about something.

Ron Rapatalo: One of the terms that I've used with folks is like, I'm just gonna... I don't say outwork. I will tell you, I'm just gonna outthink you.

Krista Purnell: Interesting.

Ron Rapatalo: It's not about outwork. Like, yes, you do need hard work, but like, when I think about, like, my approach to powerlifting and how much I consume time looking at my workout

Krista Purnell: And your form

Ron Rapatalo: and my form. I've... I mean, I videotape admittedly a little bit for showing off, but it's more... But gotta do that too. I mean, you know, look good.

Ron Rapatalo: I'm strong

Krista Purnell: as At these big ages, we should be proud of the fact that we can move It's and have

Ron Rapatalo: my Asian don't rate me like, you're really 51, Ron? I thought you were... Listen. I get it, you... Listen. Sometimes mid forties, but it's you like early forties, sometimes even...

Ron Rapatalo: 35, I'm like, oh, you young buck. Silly kid. I'm not.

Krista Purnell: This is what happens when you drink your water and mind your business and do good work and and take care of yourself. There we go.

Ron Rapatalo: Right? I mean, look, I love to hydrate, especially when it's hot out here. You know what I'm saying?

Krista Purnell: Yeah. Those good habits. It's really hot. Well, I mean, it's it's probably not as bad here. I shouldn't complain.

Ron Rapatalo: But speaking about joy, I mean, that's so much with Brad Stulberg from the research he's done. Right? And then he'll profile folks like, look. I know folks have their issues with the Argentinian soccer team... Men's soccer team, rightfully so.

Ron Rapatalo: But I love Messi as a... As an athlete. Like, why? Emotions he show... You know what I'm saying?

Ron Rapatalo: I think perhaps the more we're talking, like, know, the way that Stephen Curry shows joy, the way he plays basketball, you know what I'm saying? It's like, I gotta do that, like, you know, powerlifting thing could be a little serious. You know? But, like, I bring joy... Like, know, I might chat it up and like, you know, I'm serious when like I'm locked and loaded, but like, I'm pretty, like, relative.

Ron Rapatalo: Like, there's this, like, serious joy that I try to balance when I'm doing it because I think it's... If I was like Like, feels like I'm supposed to pay. I can't... That's not fun to me. You know what I'm saying?

Ron Rapatalo: Like... About the time I say, okay, I'm working out, I'm trying to, like, enjoy it and laugh a little bit sometimes. And, like, perform and all those things. So, I mean, I think we often... And going back in the social impact space, I find that sometimes I wanted to get your perspective having been in the space as long as I have.

Ron Rapatalo: Right? Is I find that sometimes we take ourselves a little too seriously, and that part of it is because the work we do is serious. I get that, right. And I don't like to use the equation, but we don't get work in ER, it's not urgent. I just think our urgency timeline is different.

Ron Rapatalo: There is an urgency in our work, but it's not like... It's not in the same, like, immediate life or death thing that the ER has if I watch The Pitt, which is... Oh my god. That show bugs me.

Ron Rapatalo: It's so fucking good.

Krista Purnell: So good. It's so good.

Ron Rapatalo: And then you see all my people, like, you're culturally representing because, hi, if you're in a fucking hospital in America, there are Filipino nurses working there.

Krista Purnell: Absolutely.

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. My brother. My oldest sister. I mean, my god. Lord have mercy.

Ron Rapatalo: Ridiculous.

Krista Purnell: Yeah. And thank God. Great show. It's It's so good. So good.

Ron Rapatalo: But I wanted to get your take on, like, you know, folks like us that, like, we're serious about our crap, but also bring joy. Found that people reacted to you in this space from teaching in '03 till now. I'm curious.

Krista Purnell: Yeah. I mean, I think to your point, it can be very serious at times. And there are times I think that warrant that or dictate that. And I'm like, I'm serious about the business of the work, but that doesn't mean we can't have fun and be joyful. Like, outcomes for children...

Krista Purnell: Best believe I'm super serious about that. So we're not playing around with like, we are engaging in that, like, why can't we smile? Oh my goodness. And so I think you have to have...

Krista Purnell: Like, what I've seen is when you have enough people that test the boundaries and bring that joy, it shifts the momentum. I think some folks maybe feel like they need permission or it's not acceptable. But if you have enough of those energies in the room, it will shift the dynamic of the room. So I do like to be in spaces with folks who are, you know, not willing to take themselves so seriously.

Krista Purnell: Like, the work is serious, but the humans can actually... Like, you... There's lots of different human emotions, and why shouldn't we we tap into them? And I think you get more out of it when you could have enjoyable, productive experiences with the people you know. When you get to know them as humans, you don't need to know everybody's, you know, detailed business.

Krista Purnell: But like like we said before, what are the commonalities? What are the things that we can approach work with? So when it gets hard, I see another human in front of me. Because easy to dehumanize people when you're very distant and separate.

Krista Purnell: Then it's easy to blame and, you know, distance. But when you know that person and you know that they have a story and so then, of course, you're gonna have conflicts in the workplace, right? How do you remember that each person is still human? And sometimes we don't know what's going on behind the scenes in the person's life.

Krista Purnell: And again, doesn't excuse like, poor behaviors. But, you know, I think about times where I've had to show up to work and people had no idea what was happening. And, you know, you Mhmm. Just remembering people throughout the whole process are human.

Krista Purnell: Yeah.

Ron Rapatalo: But I think you and I are good at being able to get past the veneer of like, what people might be bringing the representative or having a mask on because we build such authentic relationships with people. We can see past those things relatively easily, and then people are willing to be more vulnerable with us. Especially in places like, look I, there's nowhere where I work where it's been perfect. That's not what I'm looking for.

Ron Rapatalo: There's only been, I would say, a handful places I've worked where I'm like, wow, that felt really good. Like, we built a really good team culture of Vulnerability, joy, and high performance. Like, it is rare to get all three. You know?

Krista Purnell: Now that you named those three, I actually do think that is an interesting equation because I think about my last place, how, you know, a core group of folks that I work with, we're... We still have a book club that we do every, you know, month or so. And it was like for a while, it was like half the people worked there and half people didn't. So like during COVID, you know, it was like, what are all the things that we're going to do to retain community, you know, virtual?

Krista Purnell: I mean, we already were a remote organization, but there was like no travel, there were no school visits, there were no retreats, no nothing. So we would get creative, like, okay, we're gonna have remote social time, we're gonna have book club, we're gonna... Whatever your interests were, you know, people try to create opportunities for that. And then it sort of like fell off a little bit, but then we resurrected it.

Krista Purnell: When the time was resurrected, it was like at least half the people in the club were former employees and half were current. But we retained those relationships. And I think what you said, like high performance, joy. And what was the third one you said?

Ron Rapatalo: Vulnerability.

Krista Purnell: Yes. So I think... And again, if I think about like tenure in the organization might be a factor for me too, I'd have to map it out. But I do think in the early years, pre COVID, lot of us would travel together. So we'd travel to school sites doing training.

Krista Purnell: And I think, you know, not that other people weren't like included or welcome or have, but I think having that sort of lasting time period and like being on the road with people for like a month straight and really not going home and having to have all your meals together and have all these core memories together, I think gives a different strength to that dynamic that I think helps some of those relationships last a little bit longer.

Ron Rapatalo: You know, I think about... So I just had, for my hundredth episode, one of the co-founders of New Leaders on the Ronderings podcast, Jon Schnur. I was telling him... Because the one org that I that, like, I think I particularly have this, like, one team in mind, shout out to Joyce Maysak, who was my manager at the time, Dan Kamins, Denise Corbett, Laura Bowling, Sylvia Cabral, Mandy Dougherty, like, I'm all set...

Ron Rapatalo: Seeing them sit around. We were in the second... Like, we used to be a 2nd Floor conference room and we just Did really fucking great work and yet knew how to joke around and we had to travel a good deal, so like that like it bonds you.

Krista Purnell: It does.

Ron Rapatalo: You know, it allowed us because we had program sites throughout the country, allowed me to like have a unique bonding with each of the program sites and get to know the people who went through the New Leaders Aspiring Principals program, who fast forward have blown up to become these amazing leaders who like, when they were like, you were my final selection day, like, blah blah blah. You were so scary. I'm like, can you imagine anyone saying that I'm scary in interviews? No. But I...

Ron Rapatalo: But here's the funny part. When I put on, like, serious Ron mode, I'm gonna be a little dramatic here. Watch this watch this.

Krista Purnell: Okay. I can see it now. I can see it now. You were focused.

Ron Rapatalo: He was focused. I don't know where focus... Focused, Ron. Hello. I... It's... And these are people who are, like, running shit.

Ron Rapatalo: They're, like, you have... Were were so good at playing this, like, superintendent. I was, like, yeah, I just learned how to like I can play an archetype but once I see it I can make something my own because I know I think probably similar to you like when you're a super connector know how to like shape shift inside of rooms and spaces like you know how to like I don't wanna play into people. That's not the right way to say it.

Ron Rapatalo: That's like, like Brooklyn way of doing it.

Krista Purnell: It's kinda like saying, read the room. Like, this room requires this aspect of who I am. And that's okay. Like, because we contain multitudes, it's like, how I interact with a preschool classroom is not how I act with the superintendent's office.

Krista Purnell: But you're meeting the person who's in front of you where they are, you know? What energy do they need? What, you know, support do they need? And so I think that's a part of it as well.

Ron Rapatalo: So if you snap your fingers right now, what's the multitude of Krista that you wanna be leaning into

Krista Purnell: today? Oh, today. You know. See, this is like They're

Ron Rapatalo: so this is what happened with, like, Ronderings He's like,

Krista Purnell: he's damn good interviewer. That's right. Good questions. I'm gonna say in this season, I am leaning into creativity. In all its many shapes and forms.

Krista Purnell: Like, how do I actually create space, to activate that, you know, just in in different outlets? Like, I'm like, I haven't created anything in a while. Right? Like, even if it's sometimes you go back to, like, childhood, almost like play. Like, I guess you just sit and color or draw or design or something just to activate a different part of my brain.

Krista Purnell: I think getting creative about, you know, how I'm approaching my career at this phase. Like, it might look different and that's okay. And so how can I think about creatively versus very blocked in? Like, it must look the same way it always looked.

Krista Purnell: It must look like how everybody else's looks. It must look, you know. Can I be creative and expansive in how that looks? So I just think being able to activate that side and, just sort of surrendering to whatever is in the universe for me.

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. Can I put you on the spot?

Krista Purnell: Yeah.

Ron Rapatalo: If I gave you a minute and change to do a commercial about why Krista Purnell is so amazing

Krista Purnell: Oh my goodness.

Ron Rapatalo: Or why someone should hire you, I'm a give you... Because you know what I'm gonna do is after we record this, I'm a find that clip, and I'm a put it out on I'm a put it out on LinkedIn.

Krista Purnell: I love that. I appreciate you. I appreciate you.

Ron Rapatalo: This is what Ron do. If we gonna be so like...

Krista Purnell: Listen, if we gonna do it, let's do it. Right? Come on.

Ron Rapatalo: So... Okay. Granted, we could do... We could we could always do a second take because this is my damn podcast. I do the hell out of

Krista Purnell: You can do whatever you want.

Ron Rapatalo: But still, I imagine you're pretty good at the first take, so...

Krista Purnell: Yes. I'll, you know, I have to credit my niece. She's an actor, so she helps me. Me helping her, maybe her helping me, watching her, watching her skill set. Yeah. Okay, let's see.

Krista Purnell: So I am an experienced educator and leader. I lead teams with empathy and excellence. I understand the range of stakeholders and can meet all of those stakeholders at various different levels from students in a classroom to their teachers, to their leaders, to their districts and support staff, as well as those who are in the funding and other spaces. I connect teams really well.

Krista Purnell: And I believe in getting the job done for kids.

Ron Rapatalo: I love that. Hiring managers, particularly in the K 12 education space, K 12 adjacent spaces, your next program leader is right here. I'm not saying that just because she's on the damn Ronderings podcast, man. I'm saying that because the streets talk about you.

Ron Rapatalo: Shout out to Darren Simmons Jr.

Krista Purnell: Oh, thank you. I mean, to the earlier point, people are speaking your names in rooms sometimes and I appreciate all of those people.

Ron Rapatalo: And you know how this stuff goes, like, think one of the things I've learned is like, I have access to such a plethora of people. One of the things I've learned about folks like you, and I was like, damn, do y'all just know everybody?

Krista Purnell: Well, it happened when we were at the conference. There was a moment on the patio at the hotel where, you know, I had, you know, spoken to some people who I didn't know and, you know, was just like, hi, how are you? You know, and I was sitting at the table with Tanya, who you know, and she and I were working, collaborating and talking and a number of people had come outside. I think it was like Tia had come outside, Allison had come outside.

Krista Purnell: And everybody's like, oh my god. And then the ladies at the other table were like, well, who are you if everybody knows you? I was like, let me come introduce myself formally.

Ron Rapatalo: It's like, how do you all not know me? I mean, it's so funny. This is where it's just like knowing a kindred spirit like you, like, that's being in the Edlock space and just other K-12 education spaces. So here's my here's my last question for you before I ask you the Rondering question.

Ron Rapatalo: Right? And so this is something I've observed, and I'm wondering your take on it. Right? I I think something I've always felt is underindexed in the K-12 education space is relationship relationship capital. I feel it's severe because... So I wrote a post on it recently.

Ron Rapatalo: Right? And I think the nice way I ended up saying... Because I put it in the chat, so it kinda nicified my initial thinking. It's like, we are intellectually nerdy, but then I put socially awkward space. I think it sort of softened the socially awkward space, because I almost think of like the cafeteria phenomenon of like meetings, conferences, and it's just like, you know, there are people that just like, they're wonky, they talk about the work, but like you bring them to social event, they don't know how to talk to a wall, you know?

Ron Rapatalo: I mean it's just like it's really weird to me, so I'm like, how do you... And yet I find that folks like you and I, I think we thrive in this space because we're also really nerdy, like you, science, psych, and... But yet, I would say where we more shine than, like, being intellectually nerdy, that we are social savants. And I find I don't meet a lot of social savants in the K-12 space.

Ron Rapatalo: So I want you to take on

Krista Purnell: Those are the problems I... And even in like the social setting of the problems I like to solve most. So, well, I won't say specifically who because I won't talk about anybody's organization. But there was a moment where I was speaking with someone who we were talking about a challenge in their work environment.

Krista Purnell: And I'm like, hold on, hold on. Somebody give me paper because, you know, I'm analog in that way. And we're like drawing out org charts and whatever. I was like, oh, there's your problem.

Krista Purnell: Cause I can see the issues when they... Because a lot of the issues happen with the people.

Ron Rapatalo: Yes.

Krista Purnell: You know? And it's like, people do the work. And I will stand 10 toes down on the fact that if you invest in your people, you see the best in them, you push them, you grow them, they will go to the end of the earth for you and you will get the results you need. I personally feel like if you're just like results results results to no end, but you burn people out and you you don't attend to the humans, I don't think you go as far and I will stand on that.

Krista Purnell: That's always been my approach. I know I'm gonna get to that outcome because I'm gonna make... Help this person grow into the leader they need to be. I'm gonna push them.

Krista Purnell: I'm gonna know when not to push. And that's all I've ever wanted to do. Like, when I'm growing talent, that's what we're doing. It's like... And sometimes I'm sure the people who used to report to me would get I drive them crazy because I'd ask questions and be like, no, you tell me.

Krista Purnell: And they're like, but I don't know. I'm like, but you do. Like, you're saying you don't know, but like, just pause. Give it a second.

Krista Purnell: Like, it doesn't... I'm not... I'm never looking for a perfect answer. I just want to hear where you are and we can we can get there together. And that's like, how do we work together to continue to like grow their capacity?

Krista Purnell: And so, but but a lot of times it is like a human thing and helping them understand how you influence, how you approach, how... You know, like, all of those things matter. It's kinda like to get what you want, to get the outcome.

Ron Rapatalo: Yeah. I think what I'm over finding you or not. Response is I think you help people... Like, the folks you've supported in the space. Right? You help to break it down into steps that I think for you and I have become highly intuitive about.

Ron Rapatalo: Right? And I think I'm I'm biased in that respect. Right? Because this, like, social is... And, like, seeing things, like, when I think about the range of emotions of, like, social cues, it's like seeing a billion colors of the rainbow. It's so, like...

Ron Rapatalo: Rich and fascinating. It just all... It's sort of, like like it's a people feel that's really helpful, like, I think similar to you, like, I can help people, like, break it down question by question in terms of like that and like helping people, like, begin to build the social muscle by using their intellectual muscle to understand said situation to then create more of like a social emotional map. That's the way I like to think of it.

Ron Rapatalo: Not everybody has that kind of like, sort of like mapping of how they see the world, right? No. That's okay. Right?

Krista Purnell: And I think it was something that was really interesting. Like one of the last projects we had done on our team was we were looking at some of Elena Aguilar's work around coaching and around...

Ron Rapatalo: Oh, beautiful. Yes.

Krista Purnell: And it was like, it was eye opening for all of us because it's like, you know, beliefs, behaviors and ways of being. And so often we're coaching behaviors and like sometimes that can feel like a force. But if you sort of pause and look, it's like, well, what do they believe underneath of that? Because if they, as a teacher, believe they can't do it or they don't believe the kid can do it, you can try all you want about them behaviors, but you ain't addressing them beliefs or their way of being.

Krista Purnell: And so it helped us expand and think about the people in front of us. Sometimes in order to get the behavior to shift, you've got to consider the other ones. You can't just make behavioral recommendations, you know. It's like skill versus will.

Krista Purnell: If they don't want to do it, they're not listening to you helping them try to do it. You have to understand like where the the gap is, where the hurdle is, where the rub is, and then start to piece by piece, you know, unravel some of that.

Ron Rapatalo: It is aptly Rondering time, Krista.

Krista Purnell: Uh-oh. You ready? I think I'm ready. I think I'm ready.

Ron Rapatalo: So what is your Rondering? What's the lesson or value you wanna share with the audience?

Krista Purnell: I think it is to be open to how your life and your career unfolds. Sometimes the things that happen won't make sense. Sometimes it won't make sense at face value. But some just engage with it and see because that next door might open as a result of what happened before.

Krista Purnell: So just be be open and allow yourself to explore and to, you know, network and talk to different people and expand that schema you have for yourself and your career. And then trust your intuition that you're gonna you're gonna go where you're meant to go. But you have to be open first. You can't just be like, and it's gonna look like this and I'm gonna do that.

Krista Purnell: Because if it looked like that, let's be real, I'd have like three kids and I'd be in a different career thing, but that wasn't what was meant for me and I am much happier as an auntie if we're talking real talk. So sometimes, you know, things shake out in a way that you're like, wasn't what I planned or where I thought or where I'd go or... Like the fact I'm even in California is wild. Like, I was gonna go...

Krista Purnell: Like I said, I'm be home for six months. I'm gonna go back to New York. But that's not what happened. And in that space and that time and that, you know, support I provided to my sister with my niece, I was like, wait a minute, this is LA in January, huh?

Krista Purnell: Uh-uh. I know y'all... It's an interesting move. Let's be clear, Jersey in January is... Ain't it. It ain't it.

Krista Purnell: It ain't it. And so, but because I had that space, even though that space was not what I wanted, that space was not how I envisioned it. It was not... But it was something to back to, you know, the Brad Stulberg and talking about the Knicks.

Krista Purnell: You got to play the game you're in. You can't be thinking about the last game or the next game. This is the game you're in. These are the conditions right now.

Krista Purnell: How do you respond to those? That, you know, being in that, that was the game I was in. And so in that time and space, things unfolded differently, which afforded me the opportunity to live here and have a, you know, wonderful life here that I'm really excited about, but that was not on my bingo board. It was not in my schema.

Krista Purnell: But because I was open and allowed things to unfold a bit more And I allowed new experiences that evolved my thinking, I'm in a really great place.

Ron Rapatalo: Well, thank you, Krista, for your wisdom. If people want to find you or you have things to promote, I'd love to hear before you end off.

Krista Purnell: Yeah. I'm primarily like from a professional standpoint on LinkedIn. So Krista Purnell on LinkedIn. More socially where you can sort of see about some of the things I've been upskilling Like I said, I've been taking a coding class. I'm doing some work with an organization around digital marketing and other things.

Krista Purnell: You know, kiki-ing about life, that's me over on Instagram at the KP Life. So those are probably the top two places where you can find me. And then if you're interested in, you know, I offer, you know, coaching and consulting services and so I will drop that website for you. Because I'm in a bit of a a brand shift.

Krista Purnell: I realized the name that I wanted was taken. So the one that I have, I don't wanna say because it's taken. So I have to rebrand to it.

Ron Rapatalo: Don't worry, by the time we put out your episode.

Krista Purnell: I know. It'll be a new episode. It'll be a new

Ron Rapatalo: And you're gonna share with me on LinkedIn or text or email anywhere.

Krista Purnell: Absolutely. Yeah. Yeah. So I I like solving interesting problems with folks. Usually, they are human centered. So I'm excited about that work too.

Krista Purnell: So that is me.

Ron Rapatalo: Well, Krista I knew that chopping it up with you would be a hell of a lot of fun.

Krista Purnell: Yeah. It's been great.

Ron Rapatalo: Start The Way of Excellence, Brad Stulberg.

Krista Purnell: We do. I would love that.

Ron Rapatalo: And only dope people. I don't want no like...

Krista Purnell: Do we even know? We don't even associate with those people. We we know the best of the best.

Ron Rapatalo: No. That that is that is true.

Krista Purnell: Yeah. Look, we might know them, but we don't know them.

Ron Rapatalo: Word. Word.

Krista Purnell: Yeah. Yes. Thank you for your time. Thank you so much.

Ron Rapatalo: And in the words of my... One of my favorite sports heroes, Deion "Prime Time" Sanders We always come hot with amazing guests like Krista Purnell. Peace, y'all. What I love most about this conversation is that Krista reminds us success does not have to be linear. Sometimes the most important work we're doing isn't adding another title to our resume.

Ron Rapatalo: It's becoming the kind of person who creates opportunities, builds trust, and helps others thrive. Your final Rondering really stayed with me: be open to how your life and career unfold. We spend so much energy trying to force the next chapter, we can miss what this chapter is trying to teach us. If this conversation resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with someone who's navigating a career transition, building a team, or simply trying to lead with more curiosity and humanity.

Ron Rapatalo: As always, thank you for spending part of your day with us. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. Enjoy this conversation. Leaving a rating or writing a review helps more people discover the show.

Ron Rapatalo: Until next time, keep connecting, keep becoming, and keep Rondering. Thank you for listening to today's Rondering. I enjoyed hanging out with me and my guests, and I hope you leave with something worth chewing on. If it made you smile, think, or even roll your eyes in a good way, pass it along to someone else.

Ron Rapatalo: I'm Ron Rapatalo, until next time, keep Rondering, keep laughing, and keep becoming. Podcaststhatmatter.org.