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 Moments

00:45 Dr. Clark’s early years, football, and finding education

03:33 How a summer camp job changed his career trajectory

06:20 From preschool teacher to superintendent — the unexpected path

09:17 Lessons from leading in diverse communities

13:36 What people don’t see about Mount Diablo Unified

17:04 Designing equitable systems across seven cities

20:27 Leading through COVID and staying student-centered

27:26 The “magic dashboard”: attendance, literacy, math

30:46 Why every grade level matters — not just Algebra I

34:20 Hidden parts of the superintendency most leaders don’t expect

40:30 How Mount Diablo is embracing AI with guardrails

44:23 CTE, trades, restaurants, and real-world learning

47:21 What excites Dr. Clark most about his district

51:43 Advice for aspiring superintendents — finding your “why”

Connect with Dr. Adam Clark
Website: https://www.mdusd.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mraclark29/

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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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