As catalysts of positive change within our schools, administrators endeavor to find solutions to challenging issues such as chronic absenteeism (both teacher/student), building staff capacity, and staining a safe, equitable, and affirming school climate for all. Additionally, administrators are crucial in establishing and sustaining school climate through effective role-modeling of expectations. Even though leaders may recognize the vital connection between staff/student wellness and overall student success, they frequently neglect their own well-being as they triage emergent needs with long term visions. Considering all roles that administrators are tasked with, how can leaders effectively prepare themselves to become truly transformational and lead by example? This session offers those in leadership roles an opportunity to examine their practices, underscoring the role of empathy and connection in transforming school climate and culture. Administrators will leave this session possessing a deeper understanding of empathy and how adopting an empathetic, responsive approach to leadership challenges can drive real change.