We talk with Dr. Andy Goodwin about what it really takes to be present when leadership pressure never turns off and your calendar keeps filling itself. We explore small, practical shifts that help us choose our spouse and kids without pretending work and responsibility will magically disappear.
• why Walking Slowly is written “in the margins” of a full life
• presence as a daily choice, not a personality trait
• using your calendar to reveal real priorities
• refusing the false solution of “just do less”
• integrating rest, reading, workouts, and meals into normal rhythms
• building a culture where rest is expected and modeled
• student formation that values personhood over performance
• listening well, trusting the Spirit, seeking the kingdom first
Dr. Andy Goodwin
Dr. Andy Goodwin has dedicated his career to excellence in Christian education. He has served on various community and education-related boards and has held roles such as teacher, coach, Department Chair, Student Travel Coordinator, Academic Dean, Principal, and CEO. In each position, he has focused on building cultures of professionalism, sustainability, innovation, and growth, which have led to high staff and faculty retention and effectiveness.
Andy has led teams in strategic planning for shaping organizational culture, immersive teaching methods, innovative programs, staff development and retention, sustainable financial models, and crisis management. He has also managed multiple accreditation cycles, most recently earning a rare Exemplary Accreditation from the Association of Christian Schools International. He believes that a healthy and successful organization must have a clear and shared identity that is defined, understood, embraced, and lived by every program and team member. This approach to organizational culture has resulted in his team at Covenant Christian High School (Indianapolis) being recognized as a “Indy Star Top Workplace” and a "Best Christian Workplace” at the Flourishing Level.
Andy has received numerous honors, including the Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship, the Battey National Educator Award, and Teacher of the Year from the Indiana Foreign Language Teachers Association. He holds advanced degrees in Spanish, pedagogy, business, and educational leadership, as well as certifications in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and Christian education.
Andy is the author of Walking Slowly: Being a Present Husband and Father in a High-Demand World. The book helps dads and husbands in high-demand professional roles discover everyday ways to be mentally, emotionally, and physically present with their families. Each chapter offers personal anecdotes to illustrate broad applications of thinking more intentionally about how we spend our time. Chapters conclude with reflection questions to help readers consider their own journeys of walking slowly through life. Andy hopes that readers find everyday types of ways for their loved ones to receive the best of them and to know that their best self is for their families first.
Andy is also the host of the Transforming Lives Podcast, which celebrates stories of transformation through excellent, Christ-centered education.
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