What hockey taught me about leadership, fun & life | Jerry Bates | TEDxRiverfield Country Day School

Jerry Bates, Head of School at Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, talks about what he learned from hockey and how those lessons shape his approach to leadership and life. The talk argues that striving for excellence does not have to come at the expense of joy, and that important lessons often arrive when people are having fun. Bates brings more than 35 years of experience in independent schools, higher education and consulting. He is a known voice on the Reggio Emilia approach. This talk was given at an independently organized TEDx event.

• Lessons from hockey applied to leadership and everyday life
• Excellence and joy can coexist
• Learning often happens when people are having fun
• Background of an educational leader with 35+ years of experience

In this talk, Jerry Bates shares how lessons learned on the ice extend far beyond the rink, shaping his approach to leadership and life. He reminds us that the pursuit of excellence doesn't have to come at the expense of joy, and that sometimes the most important lessons come when we're having fun. Jerry Bates is an educational leader with more than 35 years of experience across independent schools, higher education, and consulting. As Head of School at Riverfield Country Day School in Tulsa, Oklahoma, he has guided strategic growth while championing innovative, inquiry-driven teaching and learning. A respected voice in the Reggio Emilia approach, Jerry has presented regionally, nationally, and internationally on educational leadership, creativity, professional development, and the future of learning. He has led educator study tours to Reggio Emilia, Italy, contributed to articles and book chapters, and co-authored a book exploring environments, materials, and inquiry as provocations for learning. His 2025 TEDx Talk, The Importance of a Shared Vision, reflects his belief in the power of communities united around a common purpose. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx