Sunshine to Rainbow
It is fitting that my first blog post be dedicated to the person who taught me how to do this work—the only Samantha Bennett. She showed me how to lead with my head, heart, and gut, emphasizing that creating harmony among these elements is the true art of coaching (and leadership).
Samantha Bennett is an author, instructional coach, and education consultant—a true unicorn among coaches and human beings. Her approach and ability to model the work were nothing short of mesmerizing; her passion and drive were palpable. From the moment I met her, I knew there was something magical about her.
During our intensive training sessions, Samantha led us through the research of those who came before us, guiding us to connect existing information to our work and synthesize our findings with others. She didn't just teach us; she modeled the work herself. Her profound knowledge, unwavering passion, and exceptional ability to embody the principles she taught left no doubt about her expertise and commitment.
Sam introduced us to the “sunshine to the rainbow effect.” Essentially, impacting people so profoundly that the sun beams through them, casting a rainbow onto another person (sounds cheesy, but do me a favor and visualize it). This creates ripple effects, positively impacting anyone who wants to learn and grow.
Sam is also the queen of research and the guru of crediting seminal researchers who have paved the way. She used to ask, “Who’s got your back?” Every training session with Sam involved hours of studying existing research to support our work. It taught me something important: while some people might not care about my personal insights, they can't easily dismiss the findings of renowned researchers like John Hattie or Grant Wiggins. People want to understand why something matters, not just why the coach thinks it matters. What does the research say?
Additionally, Sam taught me the value of backward planning. You will learn about me that I am a big-picture thinker. I begin with the end in mind. It’s how I live in forward motion. Last but certainly not least, she taught me that people engaging in reading, writing, active listening, and talking are the ones who are learning. My work is meant to get you thinking, reflecting, wondering, and exploring.
Today, I am fortunate to call Sam Bennett a mentor and a friend. Her insights have shaped my work, and I often find her thoughts permeating what I share with you. When I asked her if I could share this, she excitedly said, “SHARE! That’s what the ripple effect is all about.”
Oxford Languages (2024) defines a connector as someone who links two or more things together. Because I learned from and with Sam, I now fancy myself a connector—a conduit of information. I absorb knowledge across disciplines and extract what aligns with my beliefs and values. I am on a continual journey of growth, humility, struggle, and sunshine.
Through it all, I strive to embody the sunshine to the rainbow effect, impacting others as profoundly as Sam impacted me. Together, we can create ripples of positive change.
