In this episode, Rory Sutherland, Vice Chairman of Ogilvy and author of "Alchemy," shares his perspective on leading change, particularly in schools. Sutherland argues for the importance of incorporating psychology into change initiatives, suggesting that an over-reliance on numerical metrics can be detrimental.  

Drawing from his experience in advertising, he emphasizes the need to understand human behavior and motivations to drive effective transformation. The conversation explores how schools can apply principles of lateral thinking and creativity to overcome challenges and achieve meaningful change. 

This episode features leaders from Beyond 8, a pioneering learning studio in India, who share how their model disrupts traditional ideas of school. Rooted in student agency and human connection, Beyond 8 empowers young people to co-design their learning journey through real-world projects, interest-based exploration, and authentic assessments.

The conversation explores the limitations of standardized systems and celebrates the creativity, confidence, and critical thinking that emerge when students are trusted to lead. With no fixed classrooms, no rigid timetables, and no pressure to perform for grades, Beyond 8 fosters environments where curiosity thrives and well-being is prioritized. The episode offers inspiring insights for anyone working to transform education into a more personalized, relational, and empowering experience — especially in contexts where students often feel unseen.

Listeners will leave with a renewed belief in what’s possible when schools dare to go beyond compliance, beyond testing, and yes — beyond the number 8.

In this episode, Homa Tavangar, co-founder of the Big Questions Institute (BQI), discusses her work in education and international development. BQI engages schools worldwide in inquiry to prepare children for an increasingly complex and rapidly changing world.  

Tavangar, author of "Growing Up Global," shares her insights on how to prepare children to succeed as happy and informed global citizens 1 . The discussion explores her personal journey and the evolution of her focus towards education, driven by a concern for how schools prepare children for the realities of an interconnected world.

In this episode, Dr. Renée Rattray, Lead Education Advisor for the XQ Institute, shares her origin story in education. Rattray's journey began in Jamaica, where she worked as a special education teacher and later became a school principal.

The conversation reveals the profound influence of Rattray's family, whom she describes as "givers" with a strong commitment to social justice and service. This upbringing shaped Rattray's own dedication to serving others and ensuring that her work benefits those around her.

In this episode, Jalaj Desai, Head of School at Saddle River Day School, NJ, discusses his experiences in leading change within an independent school setting. He recounts taking on the headship during a period of instability and shares his strategies for building a strong team and fostering a positive school culture.

The conversation explores Desai's emphasis on simple yet creative solutions, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his focus on innovation, including the establishment of a Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the creation of a generative AI tool for the school.

In this episode, Dr. Kapono Ciotti, CEO of the Pacific American Foundation, discusses his views on education as a powerful tool for social justice. Ciotti credits his upbringing by two educators and his early schooling experiences for shaping his perspective.  

He fondly recalls his time at a progressive school in Hawaii, where the emphasis was on integrated thematic units and project-based learning, fostering a sense of "student protagonism." Ciotti believes this approach allowed him to see his education as an active and joyful experience, shaping his views on the importance of agency and purpose in learning. 

In this episode, Joel Thompson, principal of Mt. Lebanon High School, shares his insights on leadership and change in schools. The conversation emphasizes Thompson's fifteen years as an educator and his commitment to leveraging innovative practices to enhance learning and create impactful experiences for students.

Thompson's leadership has earned him a nomination for the Public School Works Champion Showcase, which recognizes K-12 leaders driving change and championing their schools.

In this episode, Amanda Bickerstaff, founder of AI for Education, shares her evolution from a public school educator in the South Bronx to a leader in the ed-tech space. Bickerstaff discusses her experience as the founding CEO of an Australian data analytics company and her subsequent founding of AI for Education in November 2022, following the release of ChatGPT 3.5.  

The conversation highlights AI for Education's focus on helping schools adopt AI in a responsible, safe, literate, and ethical manner. Bickerstaff's passion for creating impactful change and fostering a supportive environment for fellow change leaders is also explored.

In this episode, Tom Arnett, Senior Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute, discusses the barriers to change in schools and systems. Arnett's interest in this topic stems from his experience as a middle school math teacher, where he observed the limitations of a system designed to standardize interactions.  

The conversation explores the need to move away from a "batch processing" approach and towards student-centered models of learning. Arnett highlights the challenges teachers face in addressing diverse student needs within the constraints of the current system.

This episode features Jose Vilson, an educator, and activist, in a discussion about the evolution of education. Vilson shares his origin story, from aspiring to be a video game programmer to becoming a Math teacher. The conversation delves into  understanding student engagement and the shortcomings in educational practices.  

Vilson also emphasizes the significance of activism in education, highlighting the need to address racial justice and social issues within the curriculum. He underscores the importance of creating inclusive learning environments and advocating for culturally responsive education that benefits all students.