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 Moments

05:17 "San Diego's Sunny Appeal"

08:08 From Rock to Bilingual Education

13:02 "Advice for Pandemic-Era Superintendents"

14:56 Preemptive Leadership for Superintendents

20:15 "Principals as Change Agents"

21:01 "Leadership Through High Expectations"

25:46 Balancing Autonomy and District Unity

28:49 "Priorities: Behavior, Wellness, Academics"

31:13 "Equity Through Supportive Systems"

35:55 Preparing Students for an AI Future

38:30 Building Clear Career Pathways

Connect with Dr. Matt Doyle

Website: https://www.vistausd.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-doyle-44094a77

Follow Us

Jacob Geller LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-geller-0bb133101/?originalSubdomain=ca

Paper LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/paperlearning/

About Leadership Voices Podcast

Leadership 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.

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