What is Deck Plate Leadership?

Dean interviews Dr. Tim Cusack, Dean of Education at Concordia University of Edmonton and a longtime Naval Reserve officer, about how “deck plate leadership” and naval frameworks (including the firefighting fire triangle) can help educators navigate difficult conversations and lead by being present with people. Cusack shares his 2006 Don Cherry impersonation that led to an appearance on Hockey Night in Canada and reflects on how military experiences shaped his views on trust, respect, distributive leadership, and “people first” mission. He discusses teacher retention, preparing early career teachers to thrive, and strengthening mentorship through research and books, including work on assistant principals’ professional identity and readiness for principalship. The conversation also compares education governance in Alberta and the Maritimes.00:00 Deck Plate Leadership01:19 Meet Dr Tim Cusack03:52 Don Cherry Origin Story07:56 Navy Service Beginnings12:08 Military Purpose Pathways16:19 Dean of Education Role22:07 Mission Creep in Schools23:58 Autonomy Versus Isolation25:46 Governance Across Provinces28:40 Trades Pathways Spotlight32:33 Teaching As Adventure34:15 Assistant Principal Shift37:52 Research Into Leadership43:01 Mentorship Toolkit Books45:38 Gratitude For John Hattie48:23 Quickfire Favorites51:34 Edmonton Riverboat Gem54:11 Closing Thanks