47: CEO: "Chief Everything Officer"

In this episode of the CheckBox Pro Series, Missy sits down with Nicholas Ditto, Founder of Fort Worth STEAM Academy, for an honest look at life in the middle of a school's planning season. Nicholas shares his journey from aspiring public defender to educator and now founder, driven by a deep belief that access to high-quality education shapes opportunity. He explains why middle school is such a critical moment—before students begin disengaging—and why that urgency led him to launch a new charter campus in Fort Worth. The conversation explores the realities of the planning year, where "CEO" quickly becomes "Chief Everything Officer." From nonprofit paperwork and marketing to facilities and finance, Nicholas reflects on the steep learning curve founders face long before students arrive. He also shares the energizing moments that make it worthwhile—like gathering founding families and staff and watching a community begin to form. Nicholas names his superpower as staying focused on the few priorities that truly drive outcomes. He also shares practical systems for managing time, communication, and task—simple structures that help sustain him during an intense season of leadership. Key Takeaways: Why middle school is a pivotal moment for student trajectory. The hidden business-building side of founding a school. How focusing on "one to three" priorities drives results. Practical systems to streamline time and communication. The importance of building community from day one. Connect with Nicholas: Learn more about Fort Worth STEAM Academy https://www.fwsteamacademy.org/ Connect with Nicholas Ditto on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasditto/ About CheckBox Pro: CheckBox Pro helps school leaders create sustainability through added capacity—taking repetitive tasks off their plates so they can focus on what matters most. https://www.checkboxpro.com/ Licensed music ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ Music: Energizer by Chris Phaze licensed through Premium Beat by Shutterstock ID: ILRNI9DIEHE4JTVQ

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47: CEO: "Chief Everything Officer"

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How long is this episode of CheckBox Pro Series?

This episode is 29 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 16, 2026.

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