Heather shares why her biggest priority has been breaking down the traditional silos between technology and instruction. Drawing on her experience as a teacher and technology leader, she explains how technology teams can move beyond devices, Wi-Fi, and infrastructure to become strategic partners in teaching and learning. She also discusses the importance of clear classroom expectations, thoughtful approaches to screen time, and giving educators the technology they actually need to support students.

The conversation also explores the challenges of scaling technology across a growing district, keeping safety and cybersecurity at the forefront, and approaching AI with both curiosity and caution. Heather shares her vision for bringing fragmented district data into a more unified and accessible system, reducing duplicated tools and improving efficiency across departments. Ultimately, she argues that great technology leadership should feel seamless, connecting technology, curriculum, data, and people around a shared purpose.

Key Moments

01:10 Bridging the gap between technology and instruction

02:10 What a district technology department actually owns

04:05 Building stronger partnerships with instructional leadership

05:38 Setting clear expectations for technology in classrooms

06:34 Balancing screen time with digital assessment readiness

07:28 Lessons from moving from a smaller district to Alvin ISD

09:12 Learning to delegate and trust a larger technology team

11:09 Planning technology and facilities amid rapid district growth

13:24 Using demographic data to anticipate enrollment changes

16:23 Supporting safety, security, and new campuses through bond investments

17:12 Protecting district data from cyber threats and AI-related risks

19:00 Using AI responsibly to reduce educator workload

20:38 Creating intentional guidelines for AI use

22:00 The vision for bringing district data into one accessible system

26:40 Keeping physical and cybersecurity at the top of the priority list

31:39 Why great technology leadership should feel seamless

32:29 Moving beyond quick fixes to understand the root cause of problems

Why You'll Love This Episode

Heather brings a unique perspective to district technology leadership because she understands both the technical and instructional sides of education. Her experience highlights why technology departments can no longer operate as isolated support functions and instead need to work closely with educators and district leaders.

This episode is especially valuable for technology leaders, superintendents, and district teams navigating growth, cybersecurity, AI adoption, data fragmentation, and increasing demands for efficiency. Heather offers a practical look at how stronger collaboration can turn technology into a true driver of district success.

Connect with Heather Brown | Executive Director of Technology Services, Alvin Independent School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hbrown2014
Website: https://www.alvinisd.net/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.

With over 25 years in public education and leadership experience spanning special education, human resources, and district leadership, Terrence shares how his journey shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in resilience, self-reflection, and systems thinking. He reflects on pivotal moments, including the personal and professional reset during the pandemic, that shifted his focus from individual effort to collective impact.

The conversation dives deep into how Banning Unified moved from being one of the lowest-performing districts in its county to a system showing consistent year-over-year growth. Terrence explains how aligning data to clear goals, building a culture of accountability, and empowering leaders at every level has transformed how the district operates.

They also explore the importance of listening as a leadership skill, how to balance system consistency with adaptability, and why focusing on people--not just processes--is key to long-term success. Terrence offers a candid perspective on leadership challenges, from recruitment to burnout, and shares why courage, authenticity, and continuous improvement are essential for today's education leaders.

Key Moments

02:00 Building momentum in a historically low-performing district

04:30 A pivotal leadership shift during the pandemic

07:10 Aligning district goals with data and systems

08:07 Creating a culture of accountability through data visibility

11:16 Learning from high-performing districts through data chats

12:26 Using data to drive early intervention for young learners

14:30 Rethinking equity through individualized student needs

17:06 Addressing recruitment and retention challenges

20:18 Building competitive compensation to attract talent

22:30 Lessons learned from leadership challenges and adversity

24:06 The importance of leading with authenticity

26:38 Preparing students for an unpredictable future

28:38 Building sustainable systems with accountability structures

31:04 The power of listening to adapt systems effectively

32:14 Rethinking burnout and creating boundaries

Why You'll Love This Episode

Terrence Davis brings a deeply human perspective to systems leadership. He doesn't just talk about improvement--he shows how to build environments where people thrive, data drives action, and systems sustain success beyond any one leader.

This episode is especially valuable for superintendents and district leaders navigating change, building strong teams, and trying to balance accountability with culture. If you're working to create lasting impact in your district while staying grounded in purpose, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight.

Connect with Terrence Davis | Superintendent, Banning Unified School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrence-davis-92120a185
Website: https://www.banning.k12.ca.us/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.

Serving over 38,000 students across more than 160 languages, Michael shares his unconventional journey into education, beginning with his work in juvenile justice. That early experience shaped his belief that schools must be proactive systems of support, not reactive ones, and continues to influence how he leads today.

Michael walks through how Aurora Public Schools built its strategic plan by deeply engaging the community, combining qualitative insights with quantitative data, and aligning everything to clear goals around student outcomes. He explains how creating a sense of belonging at scale requires intentional hiring, ongoing professional development, and reimagining schools as community hubs that support the whole child and family.

The conversation also dives into the realities of leading in today's environment, including navigating politics, funding challenges, and the complexities of school choice. Michael shares how his district is embracing AI thoughtfully, building governance structures, and preparing educators and communities for its impact.

Throughout the episode, Michael emphasizes the importance of transparency, culture, and authenticity in leadership, and why creating the right conditions for students and educators is the foundation for long-term success.

Key Moments

01:26 Transition from juvenile justice to education

03:41 The importance of connection and belonging in learning

05:21 Building inclusive systems in a highly diverse district

07:36 Creating schools as community hubs for families

10:24 Using qualitative and quantitative data to shape strategy

12:50 Aligning strategic plans with measurable outcomes

13:10 The challenge of fragmented data systems

14:32 Building centralized dashboards for actionable insights

16:36 Leveraging AI for faster and smarter decision-making

17:43 Leading with transparency when priorities compete

19:24 Navigating politics and community pressures

22:12 The complexity of school board governance

27:59 Balancing school choice with district priorities

33:15 Building AI governance and ethical frameworks

36:46 Why culture is often overlooked in education systems

Why You'll Love This Episode

Michael Giles offers a powerful perspective on what it means to lead with purpose in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing environment. His approach blends deep community engagement with strong systems thinking, showing how leaders can turn data, diversity, and challenges into meaningful progress.

This episode is especially valuable for district leaders working in diverse communities or navigating competing priorities like school choice, funding, and innovation. If you're looking to build systems that create belonging while driving results, this conversation provides both inspiration and practical strategies.

Connect with Michael Giles | Superintendent, Aurora Public Schools
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-giles-jr-7b29436
Website: https://www.aurorak12.org/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.

When Dr. Surrency stepped into the role in 2016, the district faced a 55% graduation rate, multiple failing schools, and declining economic confidence. Drawing on nearly five decades in education, he shares how a systemwide focus on instructional practices, collaboration, and early intervention helped drive graduation rates above 90% and eliminate failing schools across the district.

Dr. Surrency walks through the power of scaling proven practices, from transforming a single turnaround school into a districtwide model to building strong professional learning communities that align teaching across every classroom. He also explains how consistent data conversations with principals and a relentless focus on early literacy and student engagement created sustainable academic growth.

The conversation also dives into the realities of leading in today's environment, including funding challenges driven by school choice, the need for districts to become more competitive, and why community partnerships are critical to long-term success. From launching high-impact CTE programs to rethinking how districts market themselves, Dr. Surrency shares how innovation and adaptability are essential for survival.

Key Moments

02:01 Entering the role with a 55% graduation rate

03:33 Partnering with the community to drive economic and school growth

06:25 Turning around failing schools through structured practices

09:06 Scaling instructional strategies across the entire district

10:12 Building districtwide teacher collaboration systems

12:30 Using trend data to guide coaching and instruction

13:55 Improving teacher retention through mentorship programs

16:52 Leading as an elected superintendent in a close-knit community

19:10 Navigating funding challenges and declining enrollment

20:41 Reinventing districts to stay competitive

23:00 Launching high-impact CTE programs like aviation and manufacturing

27:22 Leveraging community partnerships to fund innovation

30:57 Prioritizing early literacy and foundational skills

32:31 Using continuous data cycles to drive improvement

35:43 The importance of succession planning in leadership

Why You'll Love This Episode

Dr. Surrency offers a masterclass in long-term, systemwide transformation. His approach combines disciplined execution, strong instructional practices, and deep community engagement to drive results that last.

This episode is especially valuable for superintendents and district leaders facing turnaround challenges, funding pressures, or declining enrollment. If you're looking to build sustainable systems, strengthen community trust, and lead through change, this conversation delivers practical, real-world insights.

Connect with Dr. Rick Surrency | Superintendent, Putnam County School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-surrency-221a69a5
Website: https://www.putnamschools.org/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.

With over 25 years in public education and leadership experience spanning special education, human resources, and district leadership, Terrence shares how his journey shaped a leadership philosophy grounded in resilience, self-reflection, and systems thinking. He reflects on pivotal moments, including the personal and professional reset during the pandemic, that shifted his focus from individual effort to collective impact.

The conversation dives deep into how Banning Unified moved from being one of the lowest-performing districts in its county to a system showing consistent year-over-year growth. Terrence explains how aligning data to clear goals, building a culture of accountability, and empowering leaders at every level has transformed how the district operates.

They also explore the importance of listening as a leadership skill, how to balance system consistency with adaptability, and why focusing on people--not just processes--is key to long-term success. Terrence offers a candid perspective on leadership challenges, from recruitment to burnout, and shares why courage, authenticity, and continuous improvement are essential for today's education leaders.

Key Moments

02:00 Building momentum in a historically low-performing district

04:30 A pivotal leadership shift during the pandemic

07:10 Aligning district goals with data and systems

08:07 Creating a culture of accountability through data visibility

11:16 Learning from high-performing districts through data chats

12:26 Using data to drive early intervention for young learners

14:30 Rethinking equity through individualized student needs

17:06 Addressing recruitment and retention challenges

20:18 Building competitive compensation to attract talent

22:30 Lessons learned from leadership challenges and adversity

24:06 The importance of leading with authenticity

26:38 Preparing students for an unpredictable future

28:38 Building sustainable systems with accountability structures

31:04 The power of listening to adapt systems effectively

32:14 Rethinking burnout and creating boundaries

Why You'll Love This Episode

Terrence Davis brings a deeply human perspective to systems leadership. He doesn't just talk about improvement--he shows how to build environments where people thrive, data drives action, and systems sustain success beyond any one leader.

This episode is especially valuable for superintendents and district leaders navigating change, building strong teams, and trying to balance accountability with culture. If you're working to create lasting impact in your district while staying grounded in purpose, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight.

Connect with Terrence Davis | Superintendent, Banning Unified School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrence-davis-92120a185
Website: https://www.banning.k12.ca.us/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.

Serving over 38,000 students across more than 160 languages, Michael shares his unconventional journey into education, beginning with his work in juvenile justice. That early experience shaped his belief that schools must be proactive systems of support, not reactive ones, and continues to influence how he leads today.

Michael walks through how Aurora Public Schools built its strategic plan by deeply engaging the community, combining qualitative insights with quantitative data, and aligning everything to clear goals around student outcomes. He explains how creating a sense of belonging at scale requires intentional hiring, ongoing professional development, and reimagining schools as community hubs that support the whole child and family.

The conversation also dives into the realities of leading in today's environment, including navigating politics, funding challenges, and the complexities of school choice. Michael shares how his district is embracing AI thoughtfully, building governance structures, and preparing educators and communities for its impact.

Throughout the episode, Michael emphasizes the importance of transparency, culture, and authenticity in leadership, and why creating the right conditions for students and educators is the foundation for long-term success.

Key Moments

01:26 Transition from juvenile justice to education

03:41 The importance of connection and belonging in learning

05:21 Building inclusive systems in a highly diverse district

07:36 Creating schools as community hubs for families

10:24 Using qualitative and quantitative data to shape strategy

12:50 Aligning strategic plans with measurable outcomes

13:10 The challenge of fragmented data systems

14:32 Building centralized dashboards for actionable insights

16:36 Leveraging AI for faster and smarter decision-making

17:43 Leading with transparency when priorities compete

19:24 Navigating politics and community pressures

22:12 The complexity of school board governance

27:59 Balancing school choice with district priorities

33:15 Building AI governance and ethical frameworks

36:46 Why culture is often overlooked in education systems

Why You'll Love This Episode

Michael Giles offers a powerful perspective on what it means to lead with purpose in a complex, diverse, and rapidly changing environment. His approach blends deep community engagement with strong systems thinking, showing how leaders can turn data, diversity, and challenges into meaningful progress.

This episode is especially valuable for district leaders working in diverse communities or navigating competing priorities like school choice, funding, and innovation. If you're looking to build systems that create belonging while driving results, this conversation provides both inspiration and practical strategies.

Connect with Michael Giles | Superintendent, Aurora Public Schools
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-giles-jr-7b29436
Website: https://www.aurorak12.org/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Adriana Garza, Executive Director at Northside Independent School District, to explore what it takes to lead and support one of the largest districts in Texas.

With over four decades in education, Adriana shares how the role of district leadership has evolved from oversight to active, on-the-ground support. She explains why “boots on the ground” leadership is critical, especially in a post-COVID environment where student needs, teacher challenges, and system complexity have all intensified.

The conversation dives into how Northside ISD shifted its approach after seeing declining student outcomes, moving from high-level oversight to deeply embedded support within schools. Adriana highlights how being physically present in classrooms and working side by side with principals creates urgency, clarity, and better decision-making at the district level.

Shweta and Adriana also explore how data must be understood in context, not isolation. Through real examples, Adriana shares how combining different data points such as attendance and academic performance can reveal powerful insights that drive meaningful interventions for students.

The episode emphasizes the importance of leadership development, relationship-building, and intentional coaching systems to ensure principals and teachers are supported in navigating today’s challenges.

Key Moments

01:05 Adriana’s journey across 40+ years in education

03:10 How teacher support systems have evolved

05:00 What has not changed in great schools

06:30 The importance of relationships in student success

07:45 Defining Adriana’s role in supporting 80+ schools

09:10 Why district leaders must be “boots on the ground”

10:45 The shift in leadership approach after declining outcomes

12:20 Post-COVID challenges impacting schools

13:40 Why presence in classrooms creates urgency

15:10 Moving from data access to data understanding

16:50 The importance of analyzing data in context

18:30 Identifying patterns through combined data sets

20:10 Using data to communicate with families

22:45 Supporting first-year principals effectively

24:10 Why leaders must listen before acting

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Adriana Garza brings a deeply practical perspective on leadership at scale. She shares how large districts can stay connected to real classroom experiences by prioritizing presence, relationships, and contextual data analysis.

This episode is especially valuable for district leaders and administrators responsible for supporting multiple schools. Whether you’re building leadership pipelines, improving data practices, or strengthening instructional support, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Adriana Garza | Executive Director, Northside Independent School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriana-garza-9b882475
Website: https://www.nisd.net/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Dr. Todd Cutler, Superintendent of Lake Tahoe Unified School District, to explore what it takes to lead in one of the most unique educational environments in the country.

With more than 30 years in education, Dr. Cutler shares how leading a geographically isolated, tourism-driven community like Lake Tahoe requires a different approach to systems, relationships, and long-term planning. From navigating fluctuating enrollment to addressing funding pressures, he explains how district leaders must constantly adapt while staying grounded in what matters most for students.

The conversation dives into how Dr. Cutler approaches data beyond surface-level metrics. Rather than focusing only on scores, he emphasizes understanding the “why” behind performance and building systems that identify gaps, scale bright spots, and create consistency across schools.

Shweta and Dr. Cutler also discuss the importance of community trust and presence in a smaller district. In a setting where relationships are deeply interconnected, leadership visibility and authentic engagement play a critical role in driving both staff alignment and student outcomes.

The episode also explores broader challenges facing education today, including staffing shortages, funding uncertainty, and the rapid rise of AI. Dr. Cutler shares a balanced perspective on innovation, emphasizing the importance of experimentation while ensuring students continue to build critical thinking and real-world skills.

Key Moments

01:15 Introduction to Lake Tahoe Unified School District

03:40 Transitioning leadership across different district contexts

06:12 Breaking out of insular thinking as a district leader

10:42 Moving from data awareness to system-level action

12:30 Scaling bright spots across schools

16:05 The importance of leadership presence in schools

18:47 Implementation challenges in a geographically unique district

21:22 Aligning career pathways with local opportunities

24:10 Preparing students for an AI-driven future

27:05 Balancing innovation with foundational skills

29:50 Navigating funding and enrollment challenges

32:18 Top priorities for district leadership

35:02 The importance of asking “why” behind the data

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Cutler offers a thoughtful and grounded perspective on leading through complexity. He highlights how strong systems, deep community relationships, and a willingness to adapt can help districts navigate even the most unique challenges.

This episode is especially valuable for district leaders working in smaller or geographically distinct communities. Whether you're managing shifting enrollment, building trust, or integrating innovation, you’ll walk away with practical insights on how to lead with clarity and purpose.

Connect with Dr. Todd Cutler | Superintendent, Lake Tahoe Unified School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtoddcutler
Website: https://www.ltusd.org/

Connect with Shweta Gandhi and Strived
Shweta Gandhi | Founder and CEO, Strived
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shwetasharma1
Strived
Website: https://strived.io/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strived-io/

About The So What Podcast
The So What Podcast explores how school system leaders make sense of complexity when data, strategy, and real classroom outcomes are misaligned. The show is designed for district and charter leaders working to turn fragmented information, competing priorities, and limited capacity into clear decisions that improve teaching, learning, and long-term sustainability.

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The So What Podcast for more conversations with leaders working to transform data into meaningful action for schools and students.