The Power of the Pause: Leading with Emotional Intelligence

Principals of Change

In this episode of Principals of Change, host Michelle Dawn Mooney sits down with Marisol Lockhart, Principal of P.S. 110 in the South Bronx, to explore what it means to lead schools with both strength and heart.

A Bronx native and graduate of Vassar College, Marisol has served NYC public schools for over two decades, bringing passion, emotional intelligence, and a deep commitment to community-centered leadership. She began her journey through the NYC Teaching Fellows Program and became a principal in perhaps one of the most challenging years for education—the 2019–2020 school year, right during the pandemic.

Marisol is also a national presenter and coach on emotionally intelligent leadership, a member of the Gray and Cahn Fellowships, and just beginning her doctoral journey. She also recently co-presented at the New York State Women in Administration conference.

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Key Takeaways:

Emotional Intelligence as a Core Leadership Strategy: the importance of self-awareness, vulnerability, and authenticity—especially post-pandemic—and how it allows leaders to foster trust, healing, and connection.

The Power of the Pause: In leadership, a pause can create clarity, restore purpose, and reduce reactive decision-making in high-stakes environments.

Culture-Building through Community Values: Through P.S. 110’s PRIDE framework (Perseverance, Respect, Imagination, Determination, Empowerment), Marisol has built a restorative, socially-emotional foundation that connects students, staff, and families.