Designed for middle and high school principals in their first five years, this session brings together the 2025 Wells Fargo North Carolina Regional Principals of the Year to share practical strategies, key lessons, and personal insights from their leadership journeys. Early leadership is a critical time for shaping your identity, managing complex challenges, and building a lasting foundation for success. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, presenters will offer guidance on leading with authenticity, maintaining a student-centered focus, and navigating the pressures unique to secondary schools. Topics include building trust with staff and students, fostering a positive school culture, using data to drive equity-focused decisions, and developing resilience in the face of high expectations. You’ll also explore how to learn from peers, create strong professional networks, and stay connected to your purpose as a leader. Whether you're managing academic rigor, student behavior, or community expectations, this session will provide the tools and encouragement needed to thrive—not just survive—in your role. Leave with actionable next steps and a renewed commitment to leading schools where every student can succeed. This is a must-attend for new principals ready to make a meaningful impact." Presenters: Jason Johnson, Laura Bailey, Ronnie Hewitt, Jake Wilson