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.

In this episode of The So What Podcast, host Shweta Gandhi, CEO and Founder of Strived, sits down with Jason Neiffer, Executive Director of Montana Digital Academy, to unpack what it really takes to lead digital learning at scale in a rapidly evolving world.

With nearly 30 years in education, Jason shares how Montana Digital Academy serves thousands of students across a geographically vast and rural state, expanding access to courses and opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable. From distance learning design to launching the Frontier Learning Lab, this conversation explores how educators can thoughtfully approach AI, emerging technologies, and the future of teaching and learning.

This episode dives into the complexity of innovation in education, where speed, ethics, and human-centered learning must coexist.

Key Moments

03:30 Impact of AI on education

07:19 Monitoring student satisfaction data

12:46 Adapting and evolving the program

15:03 Improving student navigation systems

20:39 Supporting rural schools with tech integration

22:22 Adapting to rapid tech changes

25:17 Discussing AI in education policies

30:24 Understanding the pros and cons of AI

34:32 Engaging older students in discussions

35:46 Discussing AI's impact on education

40:12 Discussing technology and learning science in education

43:26 Evolving media and truth challenges

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Jason brings a rare blend of strategic thinking and on-the-ground experience. His perspective cuts through the hype around AI and focuses on what truly matters: thoughtful implementation, ethical decision-making, and maintaining the human core of education.

If you’re trying to make sense of AI in schools, lead innovation across complex systems, or design better digital learning experiences, this episode offers clarity and practical insight.

Connect with Jason Neiffer | Executive Director, Montana Digital Academy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-neiffer
Website: https://montanadigitalacademy.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 Marie Hanna, Superintendent of Ohio Connections Academy, to explore what it takes to lead a fully online public school in a rapidly changing education landscape.

With over four decades in education and nearly two decades in virtual learning, Marie shares how online education has evolved from basic digital tools to sophisticated, data-driven systems. She unpacks the realities of engagement in a virtual environment, how her team balances flexibility with accountability, and why teaching students to use AI responsibly is now a core priority.

From improving graduation rates to supporting diverse student needs, this conversation highlights how intentional systems, strong relationships, and focused data use can drive meaningful outcomes, even outside traditional classrooms.

Key Moments

03:10 Major shifts in education over the last few years

04:40 Academic integrity in an AI-driven world

07:01 Why critical thinking matters more than ever

08:57 Using data to improve graduation rates

10:46 Avoiding data overwhelm and focusing on key signals

11:05 What teachers should actually track

12:35 The role of engagement in student success

14:54 Measuring engagement in a virtual environment

16:16 Creating a culture of experimentation and innovation

19:15 Rethinking report cards and accountability systems

24:33 Flexibility and personalization in virtual schools

26:51 Top challenges: AI, mental health, and policy constraints

29:34 What’s working: culture and career pathways

Why You’ll Love This Episode

Marie brings a rare perspective, having led both traditional and virtual schools through multiple waves of change. Her insights cut through the noise, focusing on what actually drives student success: clarity, connection, and intentional use of data.

If you’re a district leader navigating AI, struggling with engagement, or trying to make sense of overwhelming data, this episode offers grounded, experience-backed guidance that you can apply immediately.

Connect with Marie Hanna | Superintendent, Ohio Connections Academy

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-hanna-440b9114
Website: https://www.connectionsacademy.com/ohio-eschool/

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.