Paul Tocatlian

Have you ever wanted the breakthrough… but not the process?    In this deeply honest episode, I sit down with Nathan Herzog, an educational leader who now serves as Dean at Biola University after previously serving at William Jessup University. And we talk about something almost no one says out loud: growth is uncomfortable.   Nathan shares what he hears in quiet, “secret conversations” with high achievers: “I want to do this… but this is uncomfortable.”   Everyone wants a breakthrough.   No one hands you a map for the path.   The truth? The process of becoming better requires discomfort. It requires loss. It requires intentionally choosing something challenging.   And one of the most powerful moments in our conversation is this question: Why are you choosing that? What are you choosing this discomfort for?   Training for an Ironman. Earning a PhD. Climbing toward something like Mount Whitney. None of those happens by accident. They require over a year—sometimes years—of intentional stretch.   Growth in leadership is no different. You get to choose your goal. You get to build relationships with your employees. You get to decide which hill is worth climbing.   And when you choose it with clarity, confidence, and courage, the discomfort becomes meaningful instead of miserable.   We also unpack the false beliefs—the lies—that quietly sabotage leaders: ➡️ If I’m not good at something, I shouldn’t do it anymore. ➡️ If I can’t figure this out on my own, I don’t deserve to lead. ➡️ Strong leaders don’t need help. True growth happens when you reach outside of yourself.   Humility is not weakness. Vulnerability is not failure. They are leadership strengths.   It is one of the practices of Grace Space, Connection vs. Protection, that reminds us of our need for others. It is through others that we become ourselves. Protection keeps us small. Connection grows us.   Growth touches every part of us—mind, body, heart, and spirit. It asks us to be learners before researchers. To choose discomfort rather than avoid it. To hear the truth even when it stings.   And yes—it’s vulnerable.   Yes—it’s uncomfortable.   But getting comfortable with being uncomfortable is what allows you to achieve great things. And over time, it makes other challenges feel less intimidating.   This episode is for you if… ➡️ You’re leading and feel stretched. ➡️ You’re leveling up and doubting yourself. ➡️ You’re tempted to isolate instead of reach out. ➡️ You secretly wonder if needing help means you’ve failed. It doesn’t.   People who are growing reach out.   People who are leveling up invite coaching.   People who become stronger choose their discomfort.   If you’re in a season of stretch, this conversation will steady you, challenge you, and remind you that discomfort is not a sign you’re failing.   It may be proof you’re becoming who you’re meant to be.   You don’t want to miss this one. #thelifeyouremadeforpodcast #growth #gracespace #3Clivingandleading

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Critical topic. Only 20% transfer within 4 years despite well designed transfer pathways. On average, students that do transfer take 9 semesters and earn 71.5 credits (11.5 in excess of the required 60). Our research shows that academic schedules prevent most students (57%) from getting all of the courses conflict-free that they are advised to take in their pathways. To what extent do misaligned schedules undermine these completion reforms? The report reaffirms the importance of investing in students' first (momentum) year through 'flexible scheduling.' We also know that an ongoing focus on Degree Velocity through each year of students' academic careers is needed, which requires ensuring clear Completion Paths in academic schedules.

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It was about time. For years, clinical and neuroscientific evidence has warned us that excessive social media use erodes attention regulation, amplifies ADHD-like symptoms, and heightens loneliness—especially in young, developing brains. What California is doing now is not simply a legal action - it is an ethical stance in defense of children’s neurodevelopment and mental health. As educators, psychologists, leaders, professionals and parents, we have watched the gap widen between what we know from research and what policies actually protect. This lawsuit signals a long-overdue shift: holding digital platforms accountable for architectures deliberately engineered to hijack attention and disrupt emotional regulation. It is a reminder that safeguarding youth requires more than individual resilience—it requires structural responsibility. And perhaps, this is the beginning of a healthier digital ecosystem for the generations growing up inside it. Lets hope european countries and the rest of the world will follow their example WELL DONE

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The city of San Jose has announced a first-of-its-kind AI training portal for all residents, becoming the first U.S. municipality to partner with major technology companies to create a one-stop online training center. Google, OpenAI, and Anthropic are collaborating with the Bay Area Council to make this initiative a reality. Of course, this raises an important question: shouldn’t this kind of training be available to all citizens in the U.S., and around the world? AI’s impact on the economy, education, and daily life is profound, and we need to begin formally educating people about how this technology works, what it can enable, and the challenges it presents. Hopefully, the companies involved will ensure that the training provides a balanced and transparent view of AI’s transformative power, and this kind of initiative can be replicated in other parts of the world.

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