Leadership Rooted in Purpose, Courage, and Hope

What shapes a leader long before they ever hold a leadership title?

In this episode of Moving Forward: Conversations on Culture, Identity, Healing, and Hope, Linda Anderson sits down with longtime educational leader Parvin Ahmadi for a thoughtful conversation about resilience, service, and the lifelong commitment to helping every child succeed.

Parvin's journey began in Iran before she came to the United States as a high school exchange student without speaking English. That experience would become the foundation for a remarkable career spanning nearly four decades in public education—from classroom teacher to principal, assistant superintendent, superintendent of both the Pleasanton and Castro Valley Unified School Districts, President of the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA), university instructor, and executive leadership coach.

Throughout the conversation, Parvin reflects on the experiences that shaped her leadership, the importance of remaining connected to classrooms, and why listening may be one of the most powerful leadership skills we can develop. She shares lessons learned while leading through uncertainty, developing future leaders, and making difficult decisions with compassion and integrity.

Together, Linda and Parvin explore what it means to lead with calm, serve with humility, and remember that every decision ultimately comes back to the children we serve.

Whether you are an educator, administrator, parent, or anyone interested in purposeful leadership, this conversation offers wisdom that extends far beyond schools.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• Growing up in Iran and immigrating to the United States as a teenager

• Finding a calling in education and choosing purpose over expectations

• Lessons learned through nearly 40 years of educational leadership

• Leading schools and communities through uncertainty and change

• Why calm, compassionate leadership builds trust

• Developing and mentoring the next generation of leaders

• How becoming a grandmother reshaped her perspective on legacy

• The importance of listening before leading

• Why equity begins with seeing every child as capable

• The message engraved on her bracelet that has guided her career:"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted."

Memorable Quote"Nothing you do for children is ever wasted."

Connect with Linda AndersonIf this conversation encouraged you, please subscribe, share this episode with someone who inspires others through leadership, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts.

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Because every person has a story...and every story has the power to encourage someone else.

If you have a comment or question please email us at themovingforwardpodcast@gmail.com

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Music by Maksym_Dudchyk from Pixabay

Podcast produced by Ury Gonzalez