From PE Coach to IT Executive: Aaron Alonzo on Servant Leadership and Technology in Schools episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 9, 2026 · 36 MIN

From PE Coach to IT Executive: Aaron Alonzo on Servant Leadership and Technology in Schools

from Strategic Syncing · host James Symons

Most IT challenges don’t start with technology.They start with people, workflows, and unclear ownership.In this first episode of the Strategic Syncing Podcast, James sits down with Aaron Alonzo, Executive Director of Technology at San Antonio Independent School District, the same district where he grew up and began his career.Aaron’s journey into technology leadership didn’t start in IT.It started as a PE assistant coach, wearing shorts and a whistle, before eventually moving into the computer lab and becoming the unofficial IT problem solver.Seventeen years later, he now leads technology strategy for the district.In this conversation, we explore:• Aaron’s journey from substitute teacher to IT executive• What servant leadership looks like in real organisations• Why informal conversations with your team matter more than leaders think• How school districts manage technology with limited budgets• The student repair team initiative helping students gain real-world experience while supporting district technologyThis episode is a grounded conversation about leadership, community, and the reality of running technology inside complex organisations.Listen and connect:Websitehttps://www.strategicsyncing.com/Watch the full episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/agrCGBv4g30Follow Strategic Syncing!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategicsyncing/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/strategic-syncing/

Most IT challenges don’t start with technology.They start with people, workflows, and unclear ownership.In this first episode of the Strategic Syncing Podcast, James sits down with Aaron Alonzo, Executive Director of Technology at San Antonio Independent School District, the same district where he grew up and began his career.Aaron’s journey into technology leadership didn’t start in IT.It started as a PE assistant coach, wearing shorts and a whistle, before eventually moving into the computer lab and becoming the unofficial IT problem solver.Seventeen years later, he now leads technology strategy for the district.In this conversation, we explore:• Aaron’s journey from substitute teacher to IT executive• What servant leadership looks like in real organisations• Why informal conversations with your team matter more than leaders think• How school districts manage technology with limited budgets• The student repair team initiative helping students gain real-world experience while supporting district technologyThis episode is a grounded conversation about leadership, community, and the reality of running technology inside complex organisations.Listen and connect:Websitehttps://www.strategicsyncing.com/Watch the full episode on YouTubehttps://youtu.be/agrCGBv4g30Follow Strategic Syncing!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strategicsyncing/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/strategic-syncing/

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From PE Coach to IT Executive: Aaron Alonzo on Servant Leadership and Technology in Schools

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This episode was published on March 9, 2026.

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Most IT challenges don’t start with technology.They start with people, workflows, and unclear ownership.In this first episode of the Strategic Syncing Podcast, James sits down with Aaron Alonzo, Executive Director of Technology at San Antonio...

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