Learning Videos: Turning Adversity into Teachable Moments

The following learning videos are more than just educational content—they are a testament to resilience, transformation, and the power of perspective. These learning videos, born from firsthand experiences with retaliation, showcase how even the most challenging situations can become powerful lessons.

I took the best—and the worst—of those experiences and turned them into valuable learning tools, not just to document what happened but to inspire and educate. Through academic research, real-world examples, and engaging storytelling, these videos help learners navigate complex issues, from workplace dynamics to crisis communication and beyond.

At the heart of my vision is the belief that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth. No matter how difficult the circumstances, there is always something to learn. Our videos empower individuals to recognize, analyze, and respond to adversity in ways that foster personal and professional development.

My learning videos are organized into distinct categories, offering unique insights and perspectives. Appreciative Inquiry videos focus on the power of positive questioning to drive change and uncover strengths within challenging situations. The Occupational Ambiguity series documents a real-world case of institutional misconduct, providing a firsthand look at the complexities of accountability and retaliation. The Resonant Transformation series builds on the Occupational Ambiguity videos, which expands the conversation with Above the Law: An Appreciative Examination into Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools, critically exploring power dynamics, governance, and the broader implications of leadership in education. Learners can also find videos on the Appreciative Learning Lab Youtube page.

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  • Purpose Statement
  • Vision Statement
  • Occupational Ambiguity: Tales of the Ghost Assistant Principal Video #1
    • 3/24/25

    Occupational Ambiguity: Tales of the Ghost Assistant Principal Video #1

    A SIGNIFICANT difference exists between an honest mistake and strategically planned sabotage. Occupational Ambiguity: Tales of the Ghost Assistant Principal serves as the introductory video of a six-part case story (#2) that provides a real-world example of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of sabotage, scapegoating, and how to maneuver The Blame Game. The titles of the six-part case story (#2) videos include:

    Video #1: Occupational Ambiguity: Tales of the Ghost Assistant Principal

    Video #2: Discursive Pathways

    Video #3: Onboarding Ambiguity

    Video #4: Unlocking the Evidence Video #5: Payroll Ambiguity Video #6 Exit Ambiguity

    Video DISCLAIMER ***Please note that Ms. L's conscious mind narrates the video (the tall woman) while a redhead plays Ms. L in the story's retelling. I chose the redhead because she was the only Doodly character who displayed all of the subconscious emotions Ms. L felt due to the gaslighting experienced during the ghost process. The Narrator, trades places with Ms. L during essential periods of the Ghost process. The same goes for the hiring manager's character, as this Doodly character best illustrates the behaviors of the hiring manager while not an accurate representation of how she looks.***

  • Discursive Pathways Video #2
    • 3/24/25

    Discursive Pathways Video #2

    Discursive Pathways: Honest mistake, or strategically planned sabotage? Discursive Pathways exists as the second video of the six-part video series that provides a real-world example of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the scapegoating process. This video highlights the communication pathway (see Blame Game Series Vol. 5 on Amazon) chosen by the opposing parties of the Blame Game.

  • Onboarding Ambiguity Video #3
    • 3/24/25

    Onboarding Ambiguity Video #3

    Honest mistake, or strategically planned sabotage? Onboarding Ambiguity exists as the third video of the six-part video series that provides a real-world example of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the scapegoating process. This video gives an example of what the literature review refers to as moral and attributional ambiguity relating to the onboarding process. Additionally, this video provides onboarding evidence that challenges the pathway chosen by the organizational members accused of wrongdoing.

  • Unlocking the Evidence Video #4
    • 3/24/25

    Unlocking the Evidence Video #4

    Honest mistake, or strategically planned sabotage? Unlocking the evidence exists as the fourth video of the six-part video series that provides a real-world example of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the scapegoating process. This video gives an explanation of how Ms. L was able to collect the evidence required to develop the communication pathway necessary for playing the Blame Game. This video also provides an example of what the literature review refers to as moral and attributional ambiguity relating to the onboarding process. Additionally, this video provides additional onboarding evidence that challenges the pathway chosen by the organizational members accused of wrongdoing.

  • Payroll Ambiguity Video #5
    • 3/24/25

    Payroll Ambiguity Video #5

    Payroll Ambiguity exists as the fifth video of the six-part video series that provides a real-world example of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the scapegoating process. This video gives an example of what the literature review refers to as moral and attributional ambiguity relating to payroll and bookkeeping. Additionally, this video provides payroll evidence that challenges the pathway chosen by the organizational members accused of wrongdoing.

  • Exit Ambiguity Video #6
    • 3/24/25

    Exit Ambiguity Video #6

    Honest mistake, or strategically planned sabotage? Exit Ambiguity exists as the sixth and last video of the six-part video series that provides a real-world example of the who, what, where, when, why, and how of the scapegoating process. This video gives an example of what the literature review refers to as moral and attributional ambiguity relating to Ms. L’s departure from the Ghost position. Additionally, this video provides “exit” evidence that challenges the pathway chosen by the organizational members accused of wrongdoing.

  • Cooperrider and Srivastva's (1987) Appreciative Inquiry
  • Resonant Transformation Part 1: Introduction
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #1
  • Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #2

    Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #2

    Introduce your video with a short summary or excerpt viewers can preview. If you don’t add an excerpt, this field will automatically show the first three lines of the video’s description.

  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #3
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #4
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #5
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #6
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #7
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #8
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 1 Video #9
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 2 Video 10
  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 2 Video #11
    • 11/16/21

    Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 2 Video #11

    Introduce your video with a short summary or excerpt viewers can preview. If you don’t add an excerpt, this field will automatically show the first three lines of the video’s description.

  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 2 Video 12

    Resonant Transformation Cycle 1 Stage 2 Video 12

    ABOVE the Law, a Trauma-Informed, Appreciative Approach to Examining Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools was developed to complement and build upon the testimonies of city stakeholders regarding the restructuring of mayoral control. Using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation as the primary framework, the New York State Education Department report on Mayoral Control, peer-reviewed research, public data, news articles, and personal experience, I provide a perspective on mayoral control for the commission to consider as they continue to study reforms to the governance models guiding the largest school district in the country. This video addresses the following using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation framework:

    Cycle 1: Initiating (continued)

    Stage 2: Discovery

    Resonance Stories

    Signify organizational life and purpose

    Trigger Nostalgia

    Collective Resonance Narrative

  • Resonant Traansformation Cycle 2 Stage 3 Video #13

    Resonant Traansformation Cycle 2 Stage 3 Video #13

    ABOVE the Law, a Trauma-Informed, Appreciative Approach to Examining Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools was developed to complement and build upon the testimonies of city stakeholders regarding the restructuring of mayoral control.  Using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation as the primary framework, the New York State Education Department report on Mayoral Control, peer-reviewed research, public data, news articles, and personal experience, I provide a perspective on mayoral control for the commission to consider as they continue to study reforms to the governance models guiding the largest school district in the country. This video addresses the following using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation framework:

    Cycle 2: Facilitating:

    Connecting to Resonance

    Stage 3: Dream

    What is the individual/collective resonance calling you to?

  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 3 Stage 4 Video #14

    Resonant Transformation Cycle 3 Stage 4 Video #14

    ABOVE the Law, a Trauma-Informed, Appreciative Approach to Examining Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools was developed to complement and build upon the testimonies of city stakeholders regarding the restructuring of mayoral control.  Using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation as the primary framework, the New York State Education Department report on Mayoral Control, peer-reviewed research, public data, news articles, and personal experience, I provide a perspective on mayoral control for the commission to consider as they continue to study reforms to the governance models guiding the largest school district in the country. This video addresses the following using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation framework:

    Cycle 3: Sustaining Transformation

    Stage 4: Design

    What renewed purpose does the resonance narrative evoke?

    How will the resonance narrative shift my connection to others? How will the resonance narrative shift my worldview?

    What deeper development does it require of me?

    How will it help me appreciate my life’s work and contribution to others?

  • Resonant Transformation Cycle 3 Stage 5 Video #15

    Resonant Transformation Cycle 3 Stage 5 Video #15

    ABOVE the Law, a Trauma-Informed, Appreciative Approach to Examining Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools was developed to complement and build upon the testimonies of city stakeholders regarding the restructuring of mayoral control.  Using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation as the primary framework, the New York State Education Department report on Mayoral Control, peer-reviewed research, public data, news articles, and personal experience, I provide a perspective on mayoral control for the commission to consider as they continue to study reforms to the governance models guiding the largest school district in the country. This video addresses the following using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation framework:

    Cycle 3: Sustaining Transformation

    Stage 5: Destiny/Delivery

    What action(s) are you being called to, to create and sustain the Resonance Narrative?

  • Above the Law Conclusion: Message for Chancellor David Banks

    Above the Law Conclusion: Message for Chancellor David Banks

    ABOVE the Law, a Trauma-Informed, Appreciative Approach to Examining Mayoral Control of NYC Public Schools was developed to complement and build upon the testimonies of city stakeholders regarding the restructuring of mayoral control. Using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation as the primary framework, the New York State Education Department report on Mayoral Control, peer-reviewed research, public data, news articles, and personal experience, I provide a perspective on mayoral control for the commission to consider as they continue to study reforms to the governance models guiding the largest school district in the country. This video addresses the following using Gilpin-Jackson's (2022) Resonant Transformation framework:

    The epilogue for Chancellor David Banks.