about me

I am a study in contrasts - professionally and personally.

I am a ponderer - visioning, dreaming big, and getting out of the box (or just building a new one). I am entrepreneurial. I value the messiness of creative work.

I am a doer - executing and implementing, seeking feedback, celebrating success, learning from failure, and setting the bar high. I value professionalism, polished presentations, and the messiness of it all.

I seek adventure. I love the outdoors. Nature is where I can breath and dream, whether in a tent, on skis, on a bike, hiking in the mountains, or on a road trip.

I seek a sense of place. My home is a place of belonging, and the presence of my family, friends, and colleagues, gives me roots.

I relish tradition and ritual, while craving complex problems, innovative thinking, and diverse perspectives.

Yes, I am a study in contrasts! But, honestly, who isn’t? I believe we must show up as our authentic selves, both in work and life,

As a former Head of an independent school and international school leader and educator, a father, grandfather, and fellow traveler, I am committed to helping individuals and organizations find their “edges” - the sweet spot where innovation thrives, growth happens, and new ideas and directions emerge.

Let’s start a global conversation about edgework! Let me help you “find your edge!”

Kirk

Follow me:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkirkwheeler/

IG: @edgeworklife

panels and presentations

Guest speaker, Transformative Principal Podcast: “Living on the Edge” (June, 2021)

Presenter, National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES): “The Head's Relationship to a Personal Mission” (April, 2022)

Co-Presenter, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS): “Leadership Lessons from Seattle” (March, 2021)

Expert panel member, Online parenting series by Steve Sandis: “Winning the Remote Learning Game Without Losing Your Mind” (2020)

Guest speaker, podcast, The Enrollment Management Association: “How To Adopt a Startup Mentality at Your School” (March 2020)

Co-Presenter, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS): “Leaders of Other” (Long Beach, 2019)

Presenter, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS), “Spirituality and the New Science for Thriving” (Atlanta, 2018)

Keynote speaker, Microsoft Redefining Learning Conference (Bellevue, WA, 2015)

Presenter, The Partnership Series: The School-Home Partnership: What Parents Must Do Now” (Seattle, 2011)

Presenter, The Partnership Series: “Parents as Coaches: Unpacking the role of Parents in Homework and Study” (Seattle, 2010)

Organizer and Presenter, Annual Conference for Educators and Parents: “Creating School Structure to Support Diverse Learners” (Rio de Janeiro, 2004)

Organizer and Presenter, Annual Conference for Educators and Parents: “Experiential Education: A Unique Approach to Learning” (Rio de Janeiro, 2004)

Presenter, AASSA Principals Conference: “Implementing an Experiential Program in an Overseas American School” (Quito, 2002)

publications

 

Author, Independent School Magazine: “The Edgework Framework: How to Thrive in a Complex Future (Summer, 2021)

Co-author with Ross Wehner, GettingSmart.com: “How Can Schools Grow from Coronavirus?” (May, 2020)

Author, Independent School Magazine: “Starting Point: A Look at the State of LGBTQ Leadership in Independent Schools” (Spring, 2019)

Author, National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS) Online Exclusive: A Head's Powerful Reflection on Coming Out to His School Community (Spring, 2019)

Author, Parent Map: “11 Things Your Child’s Principal Wants You to Know” (Sept. 2018)

Author, Parent Map: “3 Ways Parents Can Build Character” (Oct. 2017)