Leadership Voices

In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Ryan Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, to explore what it really takes to lead systems while staying grounded in students.Ryan shares a powerful journey that began not with a clear plan, but with a love for basketball, mentorship, and a willingness to take opportunities as they came. From coaching high school basketball at 18 to serving as superintendent and now deputy superintendent, his path reflects the impact of mentorship, timing, and a deep commitment to doing more for students at scale.The conversation dives into leadership across levels—from classroom to cabinet—highlighting how leaders can expand their impact without losing connection to students. Ryan also unpacks the realities of district leadership: balancing system coherence with school autonomy, building strong teams through intentional hiring, and leading long-term strategic planning that centers both academic outcomes and human development.From AI in education to redefining student success beyond test scores, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how forward-thinking leaders are preparing students not just for school—but for life.Key Moments04:53 Getting into basketball coaching09:37 Balancing leadership and student focus10:58 Deciding to make a bigger impact15:39 Role of school superintendents17:37 Responsibilities of a deputy superintendent22:42 Current priorities at Bellflower Schools24:03 Hiring and maintaining the right team26:24 Launching the learner profile system30:08 Balancing equity and school history35:15 Defining and fostering collaboration38:02 Implementing AI in schools39:31 Using AI for deeper learning45:13 End-of-year celebrations and prepConnect with Dr. Ryan SmithWebsite: https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd Follow UsJacob Geller LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=caPaper LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/About Leadership Voices PodcastLeadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Christopher Sanzeri, Assistant Director of Specialized Student Services – Curriculum & Instruction in Elgin Area School District U-46, the second largest district in Illinois.Christopher opens up about his path from student-athlete and aspiring social studies teacher to special education leader, sharing how a paraeducator role changed his career trajectory and sparked a mission to scale high-impact instruction beyond a single classroom.Together, they explore what it takes to lead specialized services in a complex, multilingual district where 120+ languages are spoken, about half of students are multilingual learners, and dual language programming is a defining strength. Christopher also shares how U-46 is navigating major systemwide shifts, including school closures, capital improvements, boundary changes, and moving 6th grade into middle school, while staying focused on belonging, early foundations, and academic growth.From post-pandemic screen reduction to MTSS, culturally responsive instruction, and innovative program redesign, this conversation highlights how thoughtful systems work can create better outcomes for students, educators, and communities.Key Moments03:45 From Athlete to Special Educator08:56 School Closures and Community Impact12:21 "Special Educators: Driving School Improvement"14:42 "Prioritizing Hands-On Learning"19:36 "Belonging Leads to Academic Success"22:09 District Literacy and Cultural Responsiveness25:37 Balancing Centralization vs. Local Autonomy28:26 Tracking Growth and Student Proficiency33:47 Streamlining Staff Roles for Equity37:55 "Multi-Abilities Classroom Launch Plan"39:40 "Impactful Design and Intentionality"Connect with  Dr. Christopher SanzeriWebsite: https://www.u-46.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sanzeri-8a4a2b93 Follow UsJacob Geller LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca Paper LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/ About Leadership Voices PodcastLeadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller is joined by Dr. Natasha Baker, Superintendent of Norwalk–La Mirada Unified School District, for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, equity, wellness, and building systems that truly serve students and staff.Just over a year into her superintendency, Dr. Baker reflects on listening deeply to her community, setting clear academic and fiscal priorities, and leading change with intention in a district that serves two distinct cities and a richly diverse population. She shares how her background as an instructional leader, combined with advanced training in finance, shapes her approach to running a complex public system with clarity and confidence.From quarterly data reviews and expanded learning programs to adult wellness and female leadership, this conversation highlights what it takes to lead with humanity while keeping student achievement at the center.Key Moments02:09 A snapshot of the district: students, cities, and community03:30 One year in as superintendent: reflections and early priorities04:28 Board-approved focus areas and academic excellence goals05:21 Dr. Baker’s leadership journey and path into education06:43 From state leadership to system leadership as a superintendent07:34 Why earning a master’s in finance strengthened her leadership10:31 Leading with wellness for adults and students12:55 Navigating change while honoring district culture14:13 Using quarterly data reviews to drive instructional decisions17:18 Equity across two cities and diverse school communities20:48 Expanding afterschool programs through ELO-P funding23:06 Female leadership, confidence, and building a competitive skillset26:10 Advice for aspiring women leaders in education28:12 Supporting and developing leaders across the organization30:30 Working with a seven-member school board33:15 Lessons from leading in large and mid-sized districts33:42 Rapid-fire leadership questions and reflections36:19 Looking ahead: defining success for the year aheadConnect with Dr. Natasha BakerWebsite: https://www.nlmusd.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-baker-ed-d-158067b Follow UsJacob Geller LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=caPaper LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/About Leadership Voices PodcastLeadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In today’s episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Matt Doyle, Superintendent of Vista Unified School District in San Diego County, California. A lifelong educator who has spent nearly his entire career in Vista Unified, Dr. Doyle shares his path from bilingual teacher to superintendent, plus a surprising chapter as a professional musician who helped form a mariachi band that performed at a Super Bowl event.Together, they unpack Vista’s districtwide theme, “The Pulse of Possibility,” and what it means to lead with empathy, build trust through communication (including Vista’s own district podcast), and create schools where students feel known, supported, and inspired. From equity in action to AI readiness and phone-free learning environments, this conversation highlights how Vista is balancing innovation with human connection, so every student gets what they need to thrive.Key Moments05:17 "San Diego's Sunny Appeal"08:08 From Rock to Bilingual Education13:02 "Advice for Pandemic-Era Superintendents"14:56 Preemptive Leadership for Superintendents20:15 "Principals as Change Agents"21:01 "Leadership Through High Expectations"25:46 Balancing Autonomy and District Unity28:49 "Priorities: Behavior, Wellness, Academics"31:13 "Equity Through Supportive Systems"35:55 Preparing Students for an AI Future38:30 Building Clear Career PathwaysConnect with Dr. Matt DoyleWebsite: https://www.vistausd.org/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-doyle-44094a77 Follow UsJacob Geller LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca Paper LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/ About Leadership Voices PodcastLeadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Adam Clark, Superintendent of Mount Diablo Unified School District, to explore what it truly means to lead with purpose, transparency, and unwavering belief in students. From navigating diverse communities to making data-driven decisions rooted in equity and care, Dr. Clark shares a candid look at the challenges and joys of modern district leadership — and the mindset required to keep students first, always.He also reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership journey — from preschool classrooms to complex systemwide decisions — offering clarity, honesty, and wisdom for anyone aspiring to lead in education.Key Moments00:45 Dr. Clark’s early years, football, and finding education03:33 How a summer camp job changed his career trajectory06:20 From preschool teacher to superintendent — the unexpected path09:17 Lessons from leading in diverse communities13:36 What people don’t see about Mount Diablo Unified17:04 Designing equitable systems across seven cities20:27 Leading through COVID and staying student-centered27:26 The “magic dashboard”: attendance, literacy, math30:46 Why every grade level matters — not just Algebra I34:20 Hidden parts of the superintendency most leaders don’t expect40:30 How Mount Diablo is embracing AI with guardrails44:23 CTE, trades, restaurants, and real-world learning47:21 What excites Dr. Clark most about his district51:43 Advice for aspiring superintendents — finding your “why”Connect with Dr. Adam ClarkWebsite: https://www.mdusd.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mraclark29/ Follow UsJacob Geller LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=caPaper LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/About Leadership Voices PodcastLeadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.

In today’s first episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with John Martin, Superintendent of Hallsville Independent School District in Northeast Texas. A lifelong learner and former coach turned superintendent, John shares his journey from the football field to district leadership, highlighting how reflection, teamwork, and purpose define his approach to education.Together, they explore the future of virtual learning, how Hallsville ISD has grown to serve over 22,000 students statewide, and why focusing on thinking and problem-solving creates more meaningful outcomes than standardized tests ever could. From leadership philosophy to hands-on examples of innovation, this conversation reveals how courage, community, and continuous learning drive real educational impact.Key Moments00:00 Welcome and introduction to Leadership Voices03:06 John Martin’s journey from athlete to educator08:47 Building Hallsville’s statewide virtual campus10:10 Lessons on leadership, teamwork, and family33:51 Teaching kids how to think, not what to think37:00 Balancing assessments with human connection45:12 Preparing students for careers and real-world success50:30 Reflections on leadership, growth, and purposeConnect with John MartinWebsite: https://www.hisd.com/Page/10848LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-martin-00675655Follow UsJacob Geller LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca Paper LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/ About Leadership Voices PodcastLeadership Voices is where host Jacob Geller speaks with education leaders and innovators about the future of schools, uncovering stories and strategies that create meaningful impact.Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Leadership Voices for more conversations on leadership, culture, and the future of learning.