Dr. Tom Gorman, Superintendent of Schools, along with his wife, Maggie, recently sat down with Dr. Gorman’s mentor and former coach, Jim Stroker, host of the R Zone podcast, for a thoughtful conversation about life in and out of the classroom—and how to find balance in everything in between. You can watch the full conversation here.
Dr. Gorman reflected on the mentors and coaches who helped shape his life, his unexpected path to leadership, and the importance of “saying yes” when opportunities arise. He also discussed how his martial arts background introduced him to kaizen, the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, and how that mindset has influenced his approach to leadership, education, and life.
Maggie, a longtime educator and coach, shared her own philosophy of leading with love, building meaningful relationships, and finding lessons that extend far beyond the classroom or playing field. She also spoke about the importance of gratitude and “practicing the pause”—taking time to be present, recharge, and appreciate the journey rather than always looking ahead to what comes next. Together, Tom and Maggie reflected on raising their three now-adult children with a foundation of love, accountability, and the knowledge that no challenge is too big to face as a family.
The conversation also turns to Tom’s book, I Called Her Mary, which tells the remarkable story of Maggie’s mother, Peg, who gave a daughter up for adoption in Ireland as a teenager before eventually coming to America. Nearly 50 years later, mother and daughter were reunited. What began as a way to preserve this incredible story for their children and future grandchildren has grown into something much bigger, touching others with their own stories of adoption, family, and reconnection.
You don’t want to miss this inspiring and personal conversation about leadership, education, family, gratitude, continuous growth, and taking the time to appreciate the journey along the way.