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17. Isamu Thung - Systems, Self, and the Struggle to Lead (…all before graduating high school)
What does it look like to reflect deeply on education systems—after you’ve learned across the ocean and back again
…and before you’ve even graduated high school?
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Isamu Thung, a recent graduate of High Tech High and one of the most thoughtful young leaders discussing learning, equity, and systems transformation. Despite just finishing high school, Isamu brings a level of wisdom, humility, and systems-thinking that challenges adults in the field to go deeper.
We explore:
- The hard lessons of leadership and the tension between control and compassion
- What Isamu learned by moving between the U.S. and Japan’s educational systems
- How a single semester of empowered teaching transformed his trajectory
- Why good structure creates freedom—and too much freedom can paralyze
- What it means to walk with someone through their learning journey
Whether he’s designing professional development tools, mentoring middle schoolers, or rethinking how systems shape outcomes, Isamu shows us what’s possible when curiosity meets deep reflection.
This episode is full of insights about identity, courage, and the kind of leadership that grows through humility and struggle.
Connect with Isamu Thung:
Website:
https://isamuthung.com
LinkedIn: Isamu Thung
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isamu-thung-55429b288/
Email: [email protected]
Ron Berger’s Unboxed episode (featuring Isamu):
“Schools Can Get Better at Unleashing Student Potential”
https://hthgse.edu/podcasts/schools-can-get-better-at-unleashing-student-potential/
••••••••••
Follow us:
@e.g.exceptionallygood
Recommend a leader to be a guest:
https://forms.gle/GzHAYmzueE3UnarY6
Feedback – Help us improve:
https://forms.gle/aXempCSq2rvdfrCz9
Help us cover costs – give $5, $10, $25, $50 or $?? at our Donorbox:
https://donorbox.org/support-leaders-striving-for-exceptional-good-in-the-world
More from Exceptionally Good:
Work with Ryan:
https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services
Exceptionally Good Articles on Substack:
https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood
Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell
Theme music: Ryan Raddatz
Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar
The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.
View all episodes
By Ryan MaxwellWhat does it look like to reflect deeply on education systems—after you’ve learned across the ocean and back again
…and before you’ve even graduated high school?
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Isamu Thung, a recent graduate of High Tech High and one of the most thoughtful young leaders discussing learning, equity, and systems transformation. Despite just finishing high school, Isamu brings a level of wisdom, humility, and systems-thinking that challenges adults in the field to go deeper.
We explore:
- The hard lessons of leadership and the tension between control and compassion
- What Isamu learned by moving between the U.S. and Japan’s educational systems
- How a single semester of empowered teaching transformed his trajectory
- Why good structure creates freedom—and too much freedom can paralyze
- What it means to walk with someone through their learning journey
Whether he’s designing professional development tools, mentoring middle schoolers, or rethinking how systems shape outcomes, Isamu shows us what’s possible when curiosity meets deep reflection.
This episode is full of insights about identity, courage, and the kind of leadership that grows through humility and struggle.
Connect with Isamu Thung:
Website:
https://isamuthung.com
LinkedIn: Isamu Thung
https://www.linkedin.com/in/isamu-thung-55429b288/
Email: [email protected]
Ron Berger’s Unboxed episode (featuring Isamu):
“Schools Can Get Better at Unleashing Student Potential”
https://hthgse.edu/podcasts/schools-can-get-better-at-unleashing-student-potential/
••••••••••
Follow us:
@e.g.exceptionallygood
Recommend a leader to be a guest:
https://forms.gle/GzHAYmzueE3UnarY6
Feedback – Help us improve:
https://forms.gle/aXempCSq2rvdfrCz9
Help us cover costs – give $5, $10, $25, $50 or $?? at our Donorbox:
https://donorbox.org/support-leaders-striving-for-exceptional-good-in-the-world
More from Exceptionally Good:
Work with Ryan:
https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services
Exceptionally Good Articles on Substack:
https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood
Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell
Theme music: Ryan Raddatz
Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar
The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.