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.

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with David Wildy, Chief Technology Officer at Dublin Unified School District, to explore how technology is reshaping the way schools operate, teach, and make decisions.

With responsibility for everything from network infrastructure to cybersecurity and instructional technology, David shares how the pandemic forced a rapid shift to one-to-one learning environments and how that transformation continues to impact districts today. He explains why technology can no longer sit in a silo and must be deeply integrated with instructional strategy to truly support students and teachers.

The conversation dives into the challenge of turning overwhelming amounts of data into meaningful action. David walks through how his district approaches longitudinal data, cohort tracking, and integrated systems to better understand student progress and identify support needs early.

Shweta and David also unpack the evolving role of AI in education. From building district-wide guidelines to balancing innovation with academic integrity, David shares how schools can thoughtfully integrate AI while still preserving critical thinking, creativity, and foundational skills.

The episode highlights a central tension facing education today: how to embrace powerful new tools without losing the human elements that make learning meaningful. David offers a grounded, practical perspective on finding that balance while preparing students for a rapidly changing future.

Key Moments

02:14 The evolving role of a CTO in modern districts

04:33 Pandemic-driven shift to one-to-one technology

05:37 The rapid emergence of AI in education

07:22 Balancing screen time with foundational skills

09:22 Turning overwhelming data into actionable insights

12:31 Using cohort tracking to understand student progress

15:29 Systems for early student intervention

17:23 Integrating data across behavior, attendance, and academics

21:25 Building effective AI policies in schools

27:23 AI’s role in improving teacher efficiency

29:23 How students are already leveraging AI

34:18 Top challenges facing district technology leaders

Why You’ll Love This Episode

David brings a rare systems-level perspective that connects technology, instruction, and leadership. He goes beyond tools and platforms to explain how districts can actually make technology work in service of better outcomes for students.

This episode is especially valuable for district leaders and technology teams navigating rapid change. Whether you're managing data systems, implementing AI, or balancing innovation with classroom realities, you’ll walk away with practical insights on how to move from complexity to clarity.

Connect with David Wildy | Chief Technology Officer, Dublin Unified School District
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-wildy-mpa-ba41b95
Website: https://www.dublinusd.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 Joe Fagnant, Superintendent of RSU 29 and Executive Director of the Southern Aroostook Regional Service Center in Maine, to explore what it truly takes to lead transformation in a rural school system.

With nearly three decades of experience in the same community, Joe shares how he has evolved from music teacher to superintendent, bringing a deep understanding of student needs, workforce development, and community dynamics. From declining enrollment and staffing challenges to bold initiatives like pathway-based learning, alternative education models, and district-wide innovation, this conversation highlights how rural districts can adapt, innovate, and thrive.

This episode is a powerful reminder that meaningful change in education starts with community, courage, and a willingness to rethink traditional systems.

Key Moments

03:47 Podcast structure and focus

08:39 Managing budget and funding challenges

12:42 Analyzing educational data trends

13:44 Engaging students with future pathways

17:05 Flexible transition models for students

23:27 Starting early childhood education program

24:12 Getting started with new programs

30:21 Integrating pathways for students

33:30 Having tough conversations early

35:44 Wrapping up with final thoughts

38:07 Innovating Adult Education Approaches

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Joe brings a grounded, real-world perspective on leadership. His approach blends practicality with vision, showing how even resource-constrained districts can drive meaningful change. From creative problem-solving to deep community connection, this episode offers both inspiration and actionable ideas.

If you’re navigating challenges in your district, thinking about workforce alignment, or looking to innovate without massive budgets, this conversation will resonate.

Connect with Joe Fagnant | Superintendent, RSU 29

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-fagnant-66816614b
Website: https://www.rsu29.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 Dr. Dani Scott, Superintendent of Pecatonica Area School District, to explore what it really takes to lead a small, rural district through today’s biggest challenges.

With 30 years in public education and a background as a school psychologist, Dr. Scott brings a deeply human-centered approach to leadership. She shares how rural districts can turn limitations into strengths, why mental health and funding pressures are reshaping education, and how focusing on “measures that matter” can drive better outcomes than traditional testing alone.

From rethinking professional development to leading a successful $18.8M referendum, this conversation highlights how trust, community voice, and intentional systems can transform both culture and student success.

Key Moments

05:18 Superintendent's daily focus and initiatives

10:19 Using data for systemic changes

11:19 Improving data usage in schools

17:16 Improving curriculum consistency

21:43 Engaging community for school improvements

25:51 Gathering teacher input for planning

29:26 Benefits of a Smaller School District

30:48 Prioritizing work-life balance

36:01 Supporting students' mental health needs

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Dani Scott blends strategy with empathy in a way that feels both practical and inspiring. Her leadership shows that you don’t need more resources to create meaningful change, you need clarity, trust, and a deep understanding of your people.

If you’re navigating funding constraints, struggling to balance data with human needs, or leading in a rural or small district, this episode offers grounded insights you can apply immediately.

Connect with Dr. Dani Scott | Superintendent, Pecatonica Area School District

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-scott
Website: https://www.pecatonica.k12.wi.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.

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Dr. Michele Eller, Superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools, to unpack what it truly takes to turn data into meaningful change.

With experience spanning classroom teaching to district leadership, Dr. Eller shares how she transformed her district from fragmented efforts into a cohesive, high-performing system. From conducting an instructional audit to building a culture of accountability and support, she explains how intentional leadership, strong systems, and clear expectations led to measurable gains across the district.

The conversation also explores how schools must evolve in the age of AI, why portraits of graduate frameworks matter more than ever, and how leaders can balance innovation with proven instructional practices.

Key Moments

02:12 District growth from an 82 to 87 performance score

04:04 The growing impact of AI in education

06:55 Conducting an instructional audit to reset the system

08:08 Moving from “hope” to structured data checkpoints

09:17 Teaching educators how to actually use data

10:41 Building a culture of accountability through tough conversations

12:20 The challenge of fragmented data systems

13:30 Creating a culture of high expectations and support

14:58 Designing a meaningful portrait of a graduate

17:49 Shifting mindset from “one more thing” to intentional practice

20:00 Embedding graduate skills into classroom walkthroughs

21:33 Measuring what’s working in a rapidly changing environment

23:50 Launching an AI integration task force

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Dr. Eller brings a practical, no-nonsense approach to school improvement. She doesn’t just talk about data—she shows how to build systems that make data actionable at every level, from district leadership to the classroom.

This episode is especially valuable for superintendents and district leaders who are trying to balance innovation with execution. Whether you're rolling out new initiatives, improving instructional practices, or navigating AI adoption, you’ll walk away with clear, actionable insights.

Connect with Dr. Michele Eller | Superintendent, Sylacauga City Schools

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-eller-phd
Website: https://www.scsboe.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.