{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ep. 200 - Every Day Is A Gift with Vernon Mason","description":" He\u2019s back! The great Vernon Mason returns as one of the podcast\u2019s most popular guests to help celebrate this milestone 200th episode. He and Kris reflect on leadership, legacy, and what it really means to be present.   In this episode, Vernon shares his beautiful wisdom and journey from growing up in an in-home child care program to building and selling a five-site child care business, and now helping grow The Nest into a 52-location powerhouse. Together, he and Kris chat about the realities of leadership today including accountability, toxic positivity, turnover trends, universal pre-K challenges, and financial uncertainty. They also remind us that every day is a gift, and leadership is all about showing up authentically, building real relationships, and staying grounded in gratitude.   Key Takeaways: [6:15] Kris, the bucket list queen, talks about her adventure to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. [8:09] Vernon is the only person to be on the podcast three times! [9:19] Vernon talks about being the \u201ctrifecta\u201d in child care. He shares how he grew his child care company from one to five centers before selling, and how that transition shaped his leadership. [16:18] Is labor starting to stabilize? [22:04] The mindset to get out of fear-based leadership, crisis mode, and the scarcity mindset.  [24:26] The difference between toxic positivity and effective leadership and management. [27:33] Strategies for accountability and preparing for the unknown in the future. [30:15] The importance of both staying optimistic and taking action in the right direction. [34:15] Building a parent referral reward program. [38:29] Vernon talks about The Nest and maintaining relationships with leaders. [42:47] Incentivizing teachers to stay present and view the classroom as a safe space.   Quotes: \u201cWe don\u2019t have a dress rehearsal for this. This is the real show here, right? There are no do-overs, right? This is the life we\u2019ve been given, and I want to make an impact. I want to be the best person that I can be.\u201d \u2014 Vernon [15:17] \u201cAccountability without a relationship is viewed as harassment.\u201d \u2014 Vernon quoting Stephen [19:22] \u201cYour people will never be more enthusiastic than leadership.\u201d \u2014 Vernon [22:04] \u201cWhatever you focus on most, you get more of.\u201d \u2014 Vernon [25:57] \u201cTo me, presence is everything. That\u2019s it. We only have this moment, so we\u2019ve got to just juice it up and just be here for it.\u201d \u2014 Kris [42:16] \u201cThe kids, they have that sixth sense, that intuition, they\u2019re going to feel that whether the teacher is coming to the day with the energy of openness and presence or worry and stress and fear and arms crossed.\u201d \u2014 Kris [44:41] \u201cI really feel as if this industry is in my DNA.\u201d \u2014 Vernon [46:52]   Sponsored By: ChildCare Education Institute (CCEI) Use code CCSC5 to claim a free course!   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray @iamkrismurray The Child Care Success Company The Child Care Success Academy The Child Care Success Summit Grow Your Center Childcare Education Institute: use code CDARenewal22 to get $100 off your renewal Don\u2019t Waste a Crisis, by Vernon Mason The Nest ","author_name":"Child Care Rockstar Radio","author_url":"https:\/\/childcaresuccess.com\/podcast\/","html":"