This week features a special working-happy-hour episode with beloved guest Vernon Mason. Vernon has been an early childhood administrator for over 20 years and also owned four centers with locations in North Carolina before selling them to a national buyer. Vernon and Kris talk about the future of early childhood and how quality ties in with profitability. Vernon also shares his love for visiting schools on professional development day, and how we can stay connected to our staff and culture while we adjust to getting back to school in the pandemic.   Key Takeaways: This is a special happy-hour celebratory episode because your fearless leader Kris is newly engaged! Vernon is a consultant, trainer, and keynote speaker. He is loved for his authentic and inspiring way of delivering speeches, and always injects humor and a fresh perspective in his talks. In 2015, Vernon launched Directors Leadership Solutions to help directors on their path to success. He helps leaders with everything, including having difficult conversations, smoothing out clear communication, how to handle parent complaints, and developing a culture that stays loyal and engaged. You can’t shoulder the stress of keeping your school alive and vibrant on your own. Three pieces of financial advice to survive and thrive during this time: use your EDD wisely, take a good look at your payroll to see if it’s too high, don’t apologize or feel guilty for going up on your rates in the fall. Even if you don’t know exactly all the answers, parents appreciate the communication of just touching base to let them know what you are working on, and what is, at least, coming next. Your team needs to know how important enrollment is, and leaders can communicate that in a sensitive yet clear way. The better you treat your employees, the better they treat the children.   Quotes: “If you are tired of being a victim, take action.” “Without connection, there is suffering.” — Brene Brown “The fuller the program, the better the quality will be.” “Treat your employees as well as you want the kids treated.”   Mentioned in This Episode: Kris Murray The Child Care Success Company Child Care Success Academy Child Care Success Summit — offering $1 ticket Grow Your Center Child Care Authority Child Care Exchange Directors Leadership Solutions Vernon Mason, Jr Bari Baumgardner Palm Beach Preschool vernondirectorsleadership@gmail.com