In this episode of Above the Sides, Denise Karratti, vice principal of Waimea High School on Kauaʻi, shares her journey into education and the sense of kuleana she carries for her community. Denise reflects on the power of “storyfinding,” uncovering meaningful lessons in everyday moments and using them to lead with clarity, humility and aloha. She offers insights from her experience working in a tight knit, multigenerational community, where the impact of education can be seen across decades. Through thoughtful stories, Denise highlights the importance of planting seeds of growth, even when the results may not be visible for years to come. Listeners will find that this conversation is a reflection on how practicing aloha in real, imperfect circumstances is how positive change can take root. Mahalo for tuning in! Episode Highlights 01:07 Home: Waimea, Kauai 01:53 Why education matters 05:18 From engineering to teaching 08:11 Seeds that grow later 10:53 Cultural revival through games 14:49 Finding Foundations of Aloha 16:36 Intuitive nudges 18:12 Story finding and a lei lesson 26:21 Aloha in action role models 30:31 Practicing aloha in systems 33:27 Hopes for abundance in Hawaii
In this episode of Above the Sides, Denise Karratti, vice principal of Waimea High School on Kauaʻi, shares her journey into education and the sense of kuleana she carries for her community. Denise reflects on the power of “storyfinding,” uncovering meaningful lessons in everyday moments and using them to lead with clarity, humility and aloha. She offers insights from her experience working in a tight knit, multigenerational community, where the impact of education can be seen across decades. Through thoughtful stories, Denise highlights the importance of planting seeds of growth, even when the results may not be visible for years to come. Listeners will find that this conversation is a reflection on how practicing aloha in real, imperfect circumstances is how positive change can take root. Mahalo for tuning in!
Episode Highlights
01:07 Home: Waimea, Kauai
01:53 Why education matters
05:18 From engineering to teaching
08:11 Seeds that grow later
10:53 Cultural revival through games
14:49 Finding Foundations of Aloha
16:36 Intuitive nudges
18:12 Story finding and a lei lesson
26:21 Aloha in action role models
30:31 Practicing aloha in systems
33:27 Hopes for abundance in Hawaii