Capital Class

In this episode of Capital Class, Strategos Partner Adam Giery sits down with Dr. Susanne Thompson, President of Moreland University, for a wide-ranging conversation on teacher preparation, workforce sustainability, and what it takes to lead through change in education.

Thompson brings a rare, full-spectrum perspective shaped by decades across K–12 teaching and leadership, district administration, and global EdTech executive roles. Together, she and Giery explore how educator preparation has shifted dramatically from the traditional, linear pathway to today’s more flexible, diverse routes into the classroom. Thompson challenges the old assumption that it takes years to become an effective teacher and makes the case for programs that prepare educators to be confident, qualified, and classroom-ready from day one while also providing the ongoing support that drives retention.

The conversation also tackles public misconceptions about teaching, from the myth that it’s “easy” to the overlooked reality that educators make thousands of high-stakes decisions each day. Thompson argues that the public narrative too often focuses on outliers instead of the millions of everyday moments of excellence happening across schools and she calls for education leaders to tell those stories with more intention.

Giery and Thompson then look ahead to innovation, including how AI can unlock creativity, accelerate planning, and fuel student curiosity if used thoughtfully and safely. Throughout, Thompson reflects on leadership as a lifelong journey: staying open, learning through hard moments, and finding energy not only through rest, but through purpose, people, and progress.

Timestamps

03:49 "Empowering Educators for Day One"

07:06 "Rethinking Pathways into Education"

11:14 Rethinking Teacher Careers

15:06 "Celebrating Everyday Heroes in Education"

18:20 "AI's Potential in Education"

20:29 "Imagine the Possibilities Together"

26:04 "Practice, Patience, and Growth"

29:16 "Lessons from Education and Business"

30:44 "Bridging Business and Education Stories"

35:20 "Mindset, Curiosity, and Opportunity"

38:36 "Together, We Can Persevere"

41:24 "Finding Ways to Recharge"

45:34 "Podcasts and Positivity Favorites"

Connect with Dr. Susanne Thompson

Website:https://moreland.edu/

=============================

Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

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#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

In this episode of Capital Class, host and Strategos Partner Adam Giery sits down with Brian Shaw, CEO of Discovery Education, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, scale, and the future of K–12 education.

Brian offers a rare CEO-level perspective on an industry at a critical inflection point. Post-pandemic, technology has shifted from optional to essential, removing long-standing barriers around access, connectivity, and adoption. With Discovery Education now serving 4.5 million educators and more than 45 million students worldwide, Brian reflects on what it takes to move beyond building tools and instead prove measurable impact at scale.

The conversation explores the consolidation and rationalization underway in edtech, as districts seek fewer, more effective partners who integrate seamlessly into instruction. Brian shares how Discovery Education has evolved from its early roots in classroom video to a comprehensive digital learning platform, while preserving its core commitment to engagement, curiosity, and real-world learning.

Adam and Brian also dive into leadership lessons from spinning Discovery Education out of a major media company, navigating acquisitions, and building a mission-driven culture in a complex and highly scrutinized market. From the promise and responsibility of AI to the realities superintendents face running systems the size of Fortune 500 companies, this episode delivers an honest and optimistic view of where education is headed.

Timestamps

05:00 "Streamlining EdTech Tools"

07:14 Navigating Challenges with Technology

12:40 "Leading Discovery Education's Transformation"

14:51 "Journey of Discovery’s Legacy"

18:46 "Turning Tough Moments Into Success"

20:37 "Expanding Horizons in EdTech"

23:54 "Falling in Love with EdTech"

28:01 Beyond Financial Metrics

30:24 "Authentic and Interwoven Life"

Connect with Brian Shaw

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briangshaw

Website: https://www.discoveryeducation.com/

In this episode of Capital Class, host and Strategos Partner Adam Giery sits down with Kent Johnson, the fourth generation CEO of Highlights for Children, to explore how an 80-year-old education brand stays timeless in a world defined by screens, speed, and constant change.

Adam opens with the origin story of a magazine born in 1946 in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, created by educators who believed children become their best selves through stories, puzzles, poetry, and play. Kent shares how Highlights has remained relevant by focusing less on format and more on what matters most, creating emotional connection. How do children feel heard, validated, and safe enough to take risks, build confidence, and grow?

The conversation moves through defining moments in the company’s history, including periods when Highlights nearly did not survive, the innovation that helped it scale through teachers and waiting rooms, and the tragedy that reshaped the organization’s leadership and resilience. Kent reflects on stewardship, purpose-driven decision making, and the responsibility of leading a legacy business without being trapped by tradition.

Adam and Kent also dive into the future, from modern design expectations to new ways Highlights is expanding its reach. Kent discusses the launch of Brainplay, the company’s commitment to puzzles and critical thinking, and a major partnership with Google focused on helping kids navigate the internet safely and responsibly. Along the way, Kent shares the belief system that guides Highlights across every product and age group, from early childhood through elementary years.

Timestamps:

06:49 "Print's Enduring Appeal for Kids"

10:12 Empowering Kids for Digital Success

14:04 "Children are the Most Important"

15:07 "Shaping Futures Through Education"

19:22 "Balanced Parenting in Digital Age"

23:13 "Survival and Growth Against Odds"

24:53 "Rebuilding Amidst Tragedy"

29:17 "Purpose-Driven Leadership and Growth"

31:14 "Focused on Impacting Kids"

34:49 "Transforming Education and Early Development"

Connect with Kent Johnson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kentjohnsonhighlights

Website: https://shop.highlights.com/

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sits down with Steve Kupfer, Partner at Reach Capital, for a candid look at how education technology has evolved and why the current moment feels like a full reset. Steve unpacks the convergence shaping the edtech landscape today, including political and regulatory uncertainty, shifting parent expectations, and the rapid acceleration of large language models. He explains why traditional startup playbooks no longer apply and how building, selling, and raising capital in education has changed dramatically in the last two to three years.

A major focus is the rising speed of company creation. Steve breaks down “vibe coding” and how tools like Replit and Cursor are lowering barriers so dramatically that non-technical builders can launch real products in hours. That speed brings opportunity, but also introduces new risks, especially around privacy, security, and defensibility.

Steve also shares what he sees as the most common challenges founders face, including emotional volatility, loneliness, and the difficult shift from control to delegation. Adam and Steve explore what investors are really evaluating beyond the numbers, why “team quality” remains the foundation, and how service, empathy, and long-term relationships define the work of early-stage venture.

The conversation closes with Steve’s Fast Four, including the consumerization of learning, Byron Bay as a must-visit destination, and the personal growth challenge of balancing time as Reach expands into New York.

Timestamps:

03:35 "Shifting Perspectives on Change"

06:36 "Complexities of Emerging Tech Tools"

11:54 "Ambition, Vision, and Impact"

16:13 "No Regrets in Venture Investing"

17:17 "Reverse-Engineering Venture Investing"

22:24 "Illuminating Experiences Shaping Impact"

24:58 "Belonging Without a Mold"

28:44 "Growth, Loss, and New Beginnings"

33:10 "Reality of Supporting Founders"

35:22 Supporting Founders Through Uncertainty

Connect with Steve Kupfer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kupfer

Website: https://www.reachcapital.com/

In this episode of Capital Class, host Adam Giery sits down with Tyson Smith, CEO of Reading Horizons, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, literacy, and building a mission-driven enterprise.

Smith reflects on more than two decades at the helm of Reading Horizons and offers a rare, longitudinal view of how the literacy landscape has evolved from the era of whole-language instruction to today’s growing embrace of the science of reading. He explains why structured, evidence-based reading instruction is essential not only for struggling learners, but for ensuring every student has a genuine opportunity to succeed. Throughout the conversation, Smith underscores a core belief that reading is not just an academic skill, but a fundamental human right.

Giery and Smith also explore the realities teachers face in classrooms, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting the power of equipping educators with the right training, tools, and data. Smith shares how Reading Horizons has intentionally blended teacher-led instruction with technology for decades, viewing technology as an accelerant rather than a replacement for great teaching.

Beyond education, the episode dives into entrepreneurship and leadership. Smith recounts formative moments that shaped his commitment to the mission, his decision to remain privately held and resist outside capital, and how values like trust, patience, and long-term thinking have guided growth. The conversation closes with an optimistic look at the future of education, leadership, and the responsibility leaders carry to create lasting impact beyond revenue

Timestamps

04:42 Science of Reading Revolution

06:42 Empowering Teachers Through Reading Science

11:18 "Early Multimedia Learning Challenges"

13:15 Blending Tech and Teacher Support

17:29 From Business School to Publishing

22:33 "Staying True to Core Values"

24:41 "Prioritizing Literacy Over Investment"

26:44 "2012 Transformation and Leadership"

30:03 Believing Growth Through Reflection

33:50 AI Transforming Work and Productivity

Connect with Tyson Smith

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-smith-4598ba5

Website: https://readinghorizons.com/

=============================

Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

=============================

#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

In this episode of Capital Class, host Adam Giery sits down with Abby Coyle, Co-founder and CEO of ClassBank, to explore why financial literacy has become one of the most urgent conversations in K-12 education—and why the traditional way of teaching it is no longer enough.

Drawing from her experience as a middle school math teacher in a low-income community, Abby shares how the idea for ClassBank emerged from a simple but powerful realization: students were learning complex academic concepts while lacking the real-world financial skills needed to navigate adulthood. From understanding deposits and withdrawals to applying for jobs and managing expenses, many students were entering the world unprepared for the financial realities ahead.

Adam and Abby discuss the changing role of financial literacy in schools, the rise of state-level mandates, and how experiential learning can build habits—not just knowledge. They also dive into the entrepreneurial journey behind ClassBank, including the early struggles, pivotal moments of growth, and the challenge of scaling a mission-driven company in education.

The conversation expands into broader themes around student motivation, workforce readiness, career pathways, and how today’s generation faces a completely different financial reality than previous ones. Abby also shares her perspective on entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and why building practical life skills may be one of the most important responsibilities schools take on in the next decade.

This episode is a thoughtful look at the intersection of education, behavior, and financial empowerment—and a reminder that preparing students for life requires more than academics alone.

Key Moments

04:56 Lacking financial literacy in schools

08:04 Inspiration for starting Class Bank

10:18 Integrating financial literacy in schools

12:36 Early challenges and tough decisions

18:45 Changing rules for financial success

21:02 Preparing informed future generations

24:25 Emphasizing work-life balance

28:27 Discussing pros and cons of edtech

Connect with Abby Coyle

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-leas-coyle-648090112

Website: https://classbank.com/

In this episode of Capital Class, Strategos Partner Adam Giery sits down with Julia Rafal-Baer, CEO and Co-Founder of ILO Group, for a grounded conversation about leadership, systems change, and the future of education in an era defined by complexity. Drawing on two decades of experience spanning the classroom, state government, philanthropy, and national policy, Julia offers a rare, inside look at what it truly takes to lead education systems today.

The conversation begins with a bold and hopeful premise. While headlines often focus on the crisis, Julia makes the case that the real story is the strength of today’s education leaders. As power shifts toward states and districts, the demand has moved beyond vision and communication to execution, operations, and community trust. Julia explains why this moment requires a new kind of leader, one who can navigate politics, technology, finance, and human relationships simultaneously.

Adam and Julia explore the rise of artificial intelligence in education and why leadership, not technology, must be in the driver’s seat. Julia shares how ILO Group anticipated this shift, convening system leaders early to move past hype and toward ethical, operationally sound AI adoption that reduces administrative burden while preserving what matters most: human connection and judgment.

The episode also traces Julia’s personal journey, from a pivotal moment as a special education teacher in the Bronx to founding organizations that now shape national leadership pipelines, particularly for women. Throughout, Julia returns to a central theme: sustainable change happens when leaders are supported, not isolated, and when systems are built to endure beyond any one individual.

Timestamps:

04:55 "Leadership Challenges in AI Era"

09:19 "Broadening Leadership Frameworks Through AI"

12:15 AI Leadership and Strategic Vision

13:55 AI Streamlining Education Processes

19:45 AI Accountability and Oversight Intensifies

23:59 Passion for Education and Leadership

27:36 Building Frameworks for Leadership Communities

30:52 Scaling While Maintaining Quality Culture

33:09 "Leadership, Pressure, and Partnerships"

35:13 "Family, Skiing, and Vermont Adventures"

38:21 "Building Durable, Scalable System Change"

Connect with Julia Rafal-Baer

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrafal

Website: https://www.ilogroup.com/

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sits down with Chris Hull, President and Co-Founder of Otus, to explore how one of education’s biggest challenges—data fragmentation—sparked the creation of a platform built to help teachers truly see and support the whole student.

Chris brings a rare dual perspective as both a former middle school teacher and now a founder scaling a growing EdTech company. He reflects on the daily reality teachers face: managing 150+ students while navigating a growing number of disconnected tools, dashboards, and data points. The promise of technology has always been clarity and personalization, but in practice, it has often led to more noise and less actionable insight.

The conversation dives into how Otus was born not from a software-first mindset, but from a teacher problem—how to organize scattered data into a meaningful, unified student profile. Chris shares powerful classroom stories that highlight the consequences of missing context, including moments where critical student information simply didn’t transfer between grades. These gaps, he argues, are exactly what technology should be solving.

Adam and Chris also explore the evolving role of AI in education. Rather than replacing teachers, AI has the potential to act as a powerful assistant—helping educators interpret data, identify patterns faster, and free up time for what matters most: building relationships with students.

At its core, this episode is about clarity—cutting through complexity to empower educators with the insights they need to act with confidence. It’s also a reminder that the best innovations in education don’t start with technology—they start with real classroom problems.

Key Moments

05:20 Navigating digital education changes

07:26 Wanting better student progress reports

11:25 Using AI to track student progress

15:24 Preparing for Project Citizen Presentation

17:50 Building the Otis team

20:46 Creating a comprehensive student profile

23:08 Challenges in teacher professional development

26:23 Fostering growth at Otis

29:43 Discussing upcoming AI advancements

Connect with Christopher Hull

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chull9

Website: https://otus.com/

This episode of Capital Class features Jacob Kantor, founder of JK K12, known across the industry as the “District Office Door Opener” (DODO). In a crowded, AI-saturated K-12 landscape, Jacob has built a business around one of the hardest problems in education: access.

Adam and Jacob unpack the reality that great products alone don’t win in education. Trust, timing, and alignment with real district priorities are what ultimately open doors—and keep them open.

Jacob shares how his work goes far beyond setting meetings. It’s about helping companies truly understand district needs, refine their messaging, and build genuine relationships that lead to long-term partnerships. With exposure to 15–20 companies a week, he brings a unique perspective on what separates signal from noise in today’s market.

The conversation also explores key trends shaping K-12 decision-making, including attendance recovery, special education funding pressures, and the growing complexity of district leadership. Jacob highlights how districts operate like CEOs managing competing priorities, making it critical for companies to position themselves within those top priorities—not outside them.

On a personal level, Jacob reflects on his journey from early career struggles to building a thriving, relationship-driven business. He emphasizes authenticity, human connection, and long-term trust as the foundation of success—especially in a world increasingly driven by AI and automation.

Key Moments

03:39 Increasing student attendance rates

07:47 Building relationships with partners

13:48 Special ed funding challenges

14:39 School attendance and funding

19:38 Importance of genuine connections

23:34 Transitioning to entrepreneurship advice

26:02 Building a useful professional network

29:44 Parenting and future travel plans

32:24 Struggles with client conversions

35:50 Working with chosen clients

Connect with Jacob Kantor

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor

Website: https://thejacobkantor.com/

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sits down with Michael Narea, co-founder and CEO of Transcend Network, to explore what it really takes to build, lead, and evolve in today’s rapidly shifting founder landscape. This conversation goes beyond startup tactics and into the mindset, identity, and responsibility of modern entrepreneurs.

Michael begins by unpacking a hard truth: leadership is less about perfect decisions and more about how you respond to mistakes. Founders often carry the weight of failure longer than they should, which can stall progress. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of accountability paired with self-forgiveness, allowing leaders to reset and move forward with clarity.

The discussion then shifts to a major shift in the startup world. Product differentiation is rapidly disappearing, especially in the age of AI. What once gave companies an edge can now be replicated in weeks. In its place, Michael argues that the future belongs to founders building around lived experience, authentic vision, and deep partnerships. Rather than selling tools, the next generation of companies will focus on leading transformations alongside their customers.

Adam and Michael also dive into the role of AI, not as a replacement for human work, but as a force multiplier. By automating repetitive tasks, AI frees founders to focus on relationships, strategy, and long-term impact. This reinforces a key theme: human connection and trust will only become more valuable as technology scales.

At its core, this episode is about evolution—of founders, of business models, and of leadership itself. Michael’s journey reflects a broader shift toward purpose-driven entrepreneurship, where success is measured not just by growth, but by the communities and movements built along the way.

Timestamps:

05:13 Shifts in founder motivations

08:17 New approach to business strategy

11:59 Empathy and user-centered design

15:02 Realizing rookie business mistakes

18:38 Meeting future business partner

20:50 Integrating spirituality into business

25:22 Life after exiting a company

26:44 Staying true to operator-led capital

30:41 Thoughts on future economic shifts

Connect with Michael Narea

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mnarea

Website: https://transcend-network.com/

=============================

Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS 🎧

Capital Class with Adam Giery:

https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb:

https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna:

https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar:

https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

=============================

#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education