True leadership is the ability to bridge gaps, translate perspectives, and foster respect, ensuring that every voice—from the visible to the unseen—is valued and heard.
William (Bill) Murphy is the Chief Operations Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools, where he drives operational excellence to support academic success in one of Indiana’s largest districts. He previously led Enroll Indy, served as Vice President of Louisiana Schools for IDEA Public Schools, and was Chief School Support Officer for Jefferson Parish Public Schools, where he helped raise the district's state rating from a D to a B. With experience as a school principal, teacher, and consultant, Bill has shaped educational systems and founded programs like the Center for Resilience, supporting children with severe mental health needs in New Orleans.
Bill shares his journey from upstate New York, his transition to Indiana during the pandemic, and his upbringing in a loud Irish Catholic family, which shaped his direct, loving communication style in both his work and family life. He shares the happiness of being the dad of three Black boys and how his wife’s quieter Southern upbringing contrasts with his. He notes that being in a biracial marriage means constant learning and adapting.
Bill is grateful for the loving people in his community because they are crucial for the support he receives in raising his sons, particularly Black male mentors who step in to guide his children in areas he cannot. Learning humility and navigating the challenges of interracial marriage is crucial for his family, and they foster open communication about everything. His story about adopting his middle son is a miracle in itself.
In work, Bill is a universal translator between departments, so all can have a mutual understanding. Cultural and professional differences between teams can be huge, but decency, respect, and appreciation for each other—especially in silent roles—work like a charm. K-12 education reform, in his opinion, has challenges on the ground versus rhetorical lobbyists and commentators’ way of doing things rather than taking care of students and systemic solutions.
The heart of justice is truth-telling—justice on the smallest or largest scale can’t happen without truth. Let’s be more truthful in our relationships and societal progress.
Show notes:
🇮🇪 Loud dynamics within Irish Catholic families: love language is conflict – protecting and moving each other forward.
01:02👰🏽♀️ Living in New Orleans and learning between spouses in biracial families: the loving group of Black men who helped his sons.
08:55😤 Important conversations and strategic planning in a multicultural marriage: comments on the streets and bad experiences.
15:40😅 Bill’s unusual “Why Teach for America” story: being split 50/50 between charter schools and district schools.
25:03🤩 The value of invisible roles: treating all people with respect.
31:32🧞♂️ Communication across departments and being a universal translator: preventing chaos and being a strategic fixer.
36:29😩 Education and career pathways in K-12 reform: is the same thing happening in education as it is in the working class?
40:37😇 The Anam Cara – spirit friend: Bill’s adopted son Kiran and the miraculous flow of events.
47:08💎 Bill’s RONdering: The heart of justice is truth-telling – go to therapy and find what is thriving for you.
51:52🎨 Bill’s love for tattoos: Black and Irish culture, pop culture, and Game of Thrones tattoos.
💙 Show love for people in operations work: make someone’s day.
57:10
Links
Rapatalo Group: rapataloconsulting@gmail.com
Episode 59
