Vernon Wright is an entrepreneur, speaker, leader, veteran educator, show host, associate editor, and consultant with 15 years of experience in large, urban school districts. He has served as a teacher, teacher leader, campus administrator, and central office leader. Vernon has collaborated literally across the world with some of the biggest names in educational leadership and entrepreneurial pursuits. Vernon has shared his experiences numerous times over the years at the campus, district, regional, state levels and beyond garnering acclaim from recognized industry leaders. He espouses the three cornerstone values of Connect, Impact, and Scale as the foundation of his pursuits. Vernon welcomes you to the #ZeroApologyZone.
Vernon, The Wright Leader, and the #ZeroApologyZone brand represent those people that take a stand for those without a voice and those that have a voice but are afraid to speak. As a DisruptEd TV host, Vernon was creating more and more content and reflecting on the cornerstone values of his work, he wanted to stand up for those noble values without any apologies. In talking with friends, the hashtag evolved from a former tagline of “...and that’s with zero apologies.”. It’s grown into various lines of clothing as well as other items. It's a brand that symbolizes the underdog and those who have been counted out. “It’s a way for us to go ahead as a “family”, [and] really stand up for those without a voice and those with a voice but who are afraid to speak.”
Vernon enjoyed the process of preparing for his P3. “Talking music and recognizing the power of music not only in terms of listening to it but in how it expresses and connects with our identities...It’s powerful.” He referred to the article that he cowrote to with Abigail French for Nohea Kindreds (#NoheaKindreds, Nohea Kindreds Website) called The Power of Music.
Vernon’s throwback song is one he first heard many years ago, “...when we had these things called records...vinyl...78’s, 45’s, 33’s…” He referred to this nostalgic song as a classic and one that he thinks many will recognize immediately and people may even resonate with deeply. Vernon was unsure about revealing that this song makes him want to dance, and it brings him some very fond memories. Here is Earth, Wind and Fire’s September:
When reflecting on his concern about sharing his need to dance while listening to this song, Vernon and I began discussing this in an educational context. Many kinaesthetic learners or those who need to move when they are learning are reminders that any classroom provocation may have multiple responses and that students need to have agency when deciding how they learn best in that context. We then began to look at multiple access points in learning. Vernon used the American football that people would be watching over the Thanksgiving weekend as an example. He noted that some people prefer to be at the game while others choosing to watch football on television from the comfort of their home, with friends and/or at a bar with others. He used this example as a way to illustrate the different ways that people can take in the same experience. There have to be multiple entry points to ensure there is something for everyone in learning and in life
Vernon’s identity song reflects his eclectic musical tastes. They cross several genres and types of music, and this song choice symbolizes a euphoric feeling that also reflects its title. It helps him keep perspective, helping him overcome challenges and rise above whatever happens to him. Vernon is on a mission to stay above the fray and, when trying to elevate people in an effective and sustained way, this is something one must do. In his message to encourage others to use their voice and engage more actively in conversation, Vernon says, “You are the answer to someone’s question.” He means that one's own sense of their thoughts or perceptions about their offerings may stop them from sharing, but you never know if your ideas are the ones that can make a difference for others if you don’t put them out there. Our guest asserted that, “One of the most selfless things you can do is to engage in the collective dialogue.” There are a lot of different sounds in this song that reflects so much about Vernon. Here’s Above It All by Jon Bach:
Vernon shared that his motivational song reflects his 3 P’s: people, purpose, and passion. He added, “Purpose guides, passion drives.” This song reflects this and symbolizes his faith. He expands on his music selection by looking at the ways that we must understand that what feels impossible for some is possible for us. It made me think of that quote from Audrey Hepburn: Nothing is impossible. The word itself says I’m possible. As a believer, this song pumps him up to feel his relationship with Jesus. The lyrics say, “I am living by faith. Nothing is impossible.” Here is this inspiring song by PlanetShakers featuring Israel Houghton:
If you want to reach out to Vernon, there are many ways to do so. He has an established presence on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube (@TheWrightLeader), has an online apparel store (ZeroApologyZone.com) and as well has a coaching and consulting company that focuses on elevating leadership performance. The #ZeroApologyZone Brand can be accessed through Vernon’s website and here. “We are out there to stand for what’s right and to espouse what we believe are the most noble of values.” If you want to connect with him, DM Vernon Wright on Twitter and for his coaching/consulting go to: The Wright Leader Coaching/Consulting.
