The Leaders Table

Author: LEE

Real leaders. Honest conversations. No fluff. At The Leaders Table, we shine a light on how leaders rise to the moment. In each episode, civic changemakers share the decisions theyve wrestled with, the values that guide them, and the practical tools that help them lead through challenge and change. An official podcast for LEE. For more info visit www.wearelee.org.
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Language: en

Genres: Education, Self-Improvement

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Penny Lee Schwinn, Senior Advisor at Emerson Collective (live from the 2026 Courageous Leadership Conference)
Episode 51
Wednesday, 29 July, 2026

Dr. Penny Lee Schwinn is currently a Senior Advisor at Emerson Collective, an organization that invests in entrepreneurs and innovators tackling complex challenges in education, immigration, the environment, and beyond. Previously she served as Tennessee’s Commissioner of Education from 2019-2023 where she led the restructuring of the state’s $9 billion school funding system. Prior to this live taping, Penny was the recipient of the 2026 Courageous Leader Award from LEE for her intentional focus on changing outcomes for kids regardless of the political context. In this episode, she discusses how she grounds all her decisions in the responsibility for her kids and the children of others. She also shares how she “dances it out” to prepare for tough meetings and recentering joy. Penny shares how many different people and groups have tried to define her, but she defines herself as a mom of three, educator, and someone who is always student and child focused. An inspiring conversation about leadership driven by a singular focus on providing every child what they deserve.