Today we’d like to introduce you to Paya Sample.
Hi Paya, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up, I was extremely quiet and shy—so much so that I was afraid to speak up, unsure if my voice even mattered. My home life as a young child was filled with chaos and instability, but at school, I found a safe haven with my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Krekeler. She took the time to get to know me specifically and understand my story apart from the other students. One of the most powerful moments I remember was when she asked about the story behind my name and made sure everyone—students and staff—pronounced it correctly. It was a simple act, but it sent a profound message: I belonged, and my story had value.
Even though I loved many of my elementary teachers, my desire to teach didn’t surface until college. At the time, I had my heart set on being an artist, but my mom wisely pushed me to think more practically. I still remember the phone call when I told her that I finally decided what I wanted to do with my life. “I’m going to be a painter!” I told her, and my mom’s response, in an ever-so-loving way, was telling me to keep trying. Although it was difficult to hear at the moment, it was the nudge I needed to think more practically about this passion of mine. That nudge led me to Art Education, which quickly transitioned into a deep passion for teaching. I decided to study Elementary Education and wanted to bring the vibrancy and joy of art into my classroom and, more importantly, create a space where students could feel how Mrs. Krekeler made me feel—valued simply for being themselves.
I spent several years as an elementary teacher, pouring my heart into creating those spaces for my students. But my journey didn’t stop there. After having an incredible principal who showed me the people side of leadership, I pursued roles as an instructional coach and later a Principal. I loved building relationships, supporting others toward growth, and working strategically with teams. My four years as a Building Principal were a transformational role for me; however, after leading a staff through COVID, navigating leadership changes, and being blessed with a new baby, I had to pause and reassess the quality of my life.
After much prayer and counsel from close friends and family, I realized it was time to let go of what I thought was my dream role as a principal and make space for what was next. I spent several months grieving the loss of that role while also focusing on rest, reflection, and restoring much of what had been depleted.
During this time, the Lord ignited a spark in me—to take the hard, challenging, and joyous journey I had been on and use it to serve leaders as a coach and thought partner.
This is how Peak Leaders Collective was born. I now have the privilege of creating spaces where leaders are reminded that they have value, brilliance, and purpose, and I help them tap into that as they lead.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey definitely hasn’t been without its struggles. It’s riddled with them, in fact, I’ve recently been exploring how brilliance and strength is often cultivated through our struggles. One significant challenge was facing rejection from over 20 leadership roles—both principal and assistant principal positions—after getting past the first round in many of them. Each rejection chipped away at my confidence, leaving me to question my abilities and wonder if I was pursuing the right path. It was a tough season of uncertainty, but I learned valuable lessons about resilience through those disappointments. Although opportunities close, I had to learn that it’s not a reflection of my worth but an invitation to explore a new direction.
Interestingly, many of the schools where I once pursued a leadership role are now places where I support leaders through my coaching work. Looking back, I can see that God protected me beyond what I had the capacity to understand, guiding me to something greater than I had envisioned.
Another profound challenge was having to leave what I thought was my dream job as a principal. It wasn’t just about stepping away from a role; it felt like the death of a dream I had nurtured and pursued for years. I had envisioned so much for myself, the school, and the community I was serving. Letting go of that dream was heartbreaking, as it felt like I was leaving behind everything I had worked so hard to build and the future I had envisioned for myself.
But again, in that season of uncertainty, I realized that God was working in ways I couldn’t see, and what he was building in me and for me was greater than I could imagine. He’s always working beyond what I have the vantage to see.
As you know, we’re big fans of Peak Leaders Collective. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
What should we know? Peak Leaders Collective’s mission is to create a world where rising leaders stand tall in their authenticity, lead with unwavering purpose, and leave an enduring legacy of positive change. We are dedicated to redefining the definition that leadership equates to position and role, but rather, leadership is about your heart’s posture toward others. It is about answering the call to serve and shape the potential of those around you.
What do you do, and what do you specialize in / what are you known for?
We provide executive coaching, workshops, strategic planning, and keynotes for educational institutions and organizations. We are known for helping leaders cultivate spaces where belonging is central, staff feel valued, and leaders are equipped to support diverse teams effectively. A key element of our work is ensuring leaders walk and live out their purpose.
What sets you apart from others?
My unique focus on creating cultures of dignity, driven by my personal and professional journey, sets me apart. I blend insights from leadership, vulnerability, human dignity, and culture to support leaders holistically. Another differentiator is my own unique story—my experiences of overcoming challenges, faith, and finding my path inspire and inform my approach, making me relatable and impactful.
What are you most proud of brand-wise?
I’m proud of building Peak Leaders Collective into a space that nurtures both the leaders we serve and their teams. Our brand stands for empowerment, human dignity, and the belief that everyone has value and brilliance to offer. The impact of supporting 30+ organizations in just two years is a testament to our work’s depth and effectiveness. We’re also extremely proud to serve schools across many dividing lines in the St. Louis area: city, county, private, public, parochial, charter, high SES, low SES, low racial diversity, and high racial diversity. It really is a joy to support each of these schools.
What do you want readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.?
I want readers to know that Peak Leaders Collective offers more than just coaching and workshops—it offers transformational leadership support that honors individual brilliance and fosters environments where everyone feels they belong. I am committed to helping organizations and schools develop strategies to navigate complex dynamics, lead with humanity, and create more equitable processes that honor those who are being served. Through my services, I create spaces where leaders can thrive and grow, supporting their teams and organizations to do the same.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I view risk-taking as an essential part of personal and professional growth. However, I am a calculated risk-taker and lean heavily on my strength of deliberation when it’s time to do so. To me, risk-taking is not just about jumping into the unknown; it’s about doing so with wisdom and discernment, carefully weighing the potential benefits against the challenges we might face, playing out various scenarios, and planning for possible outcomes and consequences before making a move.
For example, starting my own business without having a background in business was a big risk. However, I carefully considered the implications when I decided to do this. I made a list of the potential benefits, like the opportunity to support leaders and create a culture of belonging, flexibility with my schedule, and availability to my family alongside the challenges, such as financial uncertainty and the demands of balancing a new venture with family life. I played out different scenarios, imagining both the best-case and worst-case outcomes, which helped me prepare for what lay ahead.
In addition to evaluating the risks, I planned for potential obstacles and identified specific strategies to mitigate challenges. This involved seeking out a coach, investing in resources to grow my knowledge, and establishing a support network to lean on during tough times. Although the uncertainty was overwhelming—especially with all the changes happening in my life, like moving into a new house, adding a third child to our family, changing our church community, and transitioning my kids to new schools—I recognized that taking this risk was necessary for me to live out my calling.
Taking a risk means stepping forward with intention and clarity, informed by thoughtful consideration of what lies ahead. It’s about trusting in our abilities to navigate challenges while being open to the lessons that come from the journey. Ultimately, I believe that calculated risk-taking can lead to transformative experiences—both for ourselves and for those we serve—allowing us to grow, adapt, and create meaningful connections along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.peakleaderscollective.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peakleaderscollective/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090778102915
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paya-sample/
