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Diane is joined by Nathan Davidson, CoSN board member and Vice President of Partnerships at Five Star Technology Solutions. Nathan speaks about answering his calling, and we learn more about his leadership journey. He urges leaders to evaluate their own "why" and shows us why we can't let our egos get in the way of our leadership. Lifting others up is what Nathan does when he cares for people. What kind of leader are you? Where do you get your motivation?

This episode was recorded on May 7th at the Indiana CTO Council Clinic.

Find Nathan in the following places:

Twitter/x: @_nathandavidson

Website: fivestartech.com

LinkedIn: Nathan Davidson

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Diane has a heartfelt discussion with dear friend and fellow inclusion champion Marlo Gaddis. Marlo shares her journey into leadership and how experiences from her past have made her the leader she is today. It's a story of strife, hope, and a conscious effort to find her voice, leading her to serve as a supportive voice for others.

This episode was recorded on June 10, 2026, at Mountain Brook High School in Alabama during the Engage conference. Special thanks to Suzan Brandt for hosting us!

To keep track of what's new in Marlo's world, check her out here:

LinkedIn

Instagram

Meta

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Diane has discussions with friends Donna Williamson and Sheryl Abshire, the remaining two Savvy Sisters and co-authors of the book "The Savvy EdTech Leader." They both share sections of the book they authored and their leadership experiences that helped them form their values and the way they lead.

Recorded on April 15, 2026 following the Chicago CoSN conference, Donna, Sheryl, and Frankie were the first to volunteer to be on our podcast, even before our concept was fully realized.

Donna can be found on LinkedIn: Donna Williamson
Sheryl can be found on LinkedIn: Sheryl Abshire

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This is a two-part episode - the first section is a first-of-the-series check-in between Diane and her producer daughter, DeAnna. They discuss the WHY behind the podcast and share some of the victories and gaps they've experienced along the way as they've built a podcast ecosystem.

The second part is a discussion with one of Diane's Savvy Sisters: Frankie Jackson. Along with Sheryl Abshire and Donna Williamson, they wrote a book together called The Savvy EdTech Leader. Frankie spent her early career days at NASA, and transitioned to her next big venture: the k-12 space. She shares about her mother's positive influence on her work ethic, what NASA was like, and how she overcame tough career situations.

Be sure to follow Frankie on LinkedIn: Frankie Jackson

Buy The Savvy Edtech Leader on Amazon: Book

Frankie's interview was recorded at Friends of Friends Recording in Chicago by engineer Gabriella Eugenio.

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Email us with any questions, comments, thoughts, or feedback: beneaththewaterpod@gmail.com

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Diane is joined by her Green Bay Area School District CTIO successor, Amy Jaeckel. They reminisce over Amy's first interview and how Diane came to know her as her own leader.

Be sure to follow Amy on LinkedIn: Amy Jaeckel

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Florida-based technologist and professional learning specialist Victoria Thompson joins us for a lively discussion about her views on equity and diversity, her experiences around it, and the way she uses data to teach students about social justice.

This episode was recorded during ISTE 2026 in Orlando, Florida.

Check her out on LinkedIn: Victoria Thompson

Buy her book here: Elevate Equity in Edtech: Expanding Inclusive Leadership Through the ISTE Standards - Victoria Thompson

Please subscribe to this channel and leave a 5-star rating to help others in leadership find a place to belong.

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Indiana's very own Pete Just (former CoSN chair and Executive Director of Indiana's CTO Council) joins us this week to talk about building trust, encouraging collaboration, and having integrity as a leader.

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Welcome to Beneath the Water's very first episode! This week join host Diane Doersch for a lively conversation with Dr. Adam Phyall, Director of Professional Learning and Leadership for All4Ed. Adam shares his leadership journey, the lessons he carries from his past, and, of course, how he coordinates his shoes with his outfits.

This episode was recorded on June 10, 2026, at Mountain Brook High School in Alabama during the Engage conference. Special thanks to Suzan Brandt for hosting us!

Want to connect with Dr. Adam Phyall? Follow him here: LinkedIn

AAAAAND... if you would, please subscribe to this channel and leave a 5-star rating - this goes a very long way to help us reach others in EdTech that might need a place to belong.

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Beneath the Water is a leadership podcast hosted by Diane Doersch, a longtime education technology leader, former district technology executive, and community builder who is now in her "rewirement."

In each episode, Diane sits down with education technology leaders for the kind of conversation we do not hear often enough. These are not polished success stories or quick leadership tips. They are honest conversations about what is happening beneath the surface: the moments that shaped her guests, the challenges they had to work through, the lessons they carry, and the parts of leadership that are not always visible from the outside.

This podcast is for leaders who want to feel seen in their work and reminded that they are not alone.

Join BTW Slack Community: HERE

Email us with any questions, comments, thoughts, or feedback: beneaththewaterpod@gmail.com

Follow Beneath the Water on Instagram: @Beneaththewaterpod

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Find Diane's latest adventures (podcasting, fishing, and beyond!): LinkedIn

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