At The Leaders’ Table, we are on a mission to understand what drives bold, values-based leadership. This week, Kaya Henderson brings her full self to the conversation.

As former Chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, Kaya is known for her powerful presence and deep commitment to students. In this episode, she shares how she defines personal and professional success, the lessons she learned from her favorite mistakes, and why being honest and vulnerable is essential to strong leadership.

A candid and energizing conversation with one of education’s most dynamic voices.

Chris Cerf has worked across party lines and education systems throughout his career, from shaping national policy to leading one of the largest school districts in the country.

In this episode, Chris shares what he has learned from serving under both Democratic and Republican administrations and what it takes to lead Newark City Public Schools through meaningful change. He reflects on navigating politics, driving reform, and staying focused on what matters most for students.

A thoughtful conversation about leadership, collaboration, and making progress in complex systems.

Senator Bill Ferguson brings a rare perspective to public leadership. He has served Maryland’s education system at three levels, starting as a teacher, then working in the central office, and now serving in the state legislature.

In this episode, Senator Ferguson reflects on what makes Baltimore both resilient and complex. He shares what long-term leadership looks like in practice, how he balances pressure with purpose, and why he stays committed to meaningful change over easy wins.

A thoughtful conversation about persistence, public service, and staying grounded in the work.

Manny Lamarre is the kind of leader whose energy you feel the moment he walks in. As Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Workforce Innovation, he works at the intersection of education, workforce development, and community advancement in a state still recovering from economic challenges.

In this episode, Manny shares how he approaches systems change with vision, optimism, and urgency. He talks about building opportunity for others, navigating new leadership roles, and what it takes to lead from a place of both strategy and heart.

A vibrant conversation with a leader on the rise and a future full of possibility.

Luzelma Canales is a data-driven, community-rooted force in education and workforce leadership. As Executive Director of RGV FOCUS, she translates complex policy into action, facilitates like a pro, and brings people together with ease and clarity.

In this episode, Luzelma shares how she builds strong partnerships, makes data accessible to every audience, and leads with the belief that true leadership starts by following the wisdom of community. Her story offers lessons in humility, effectiveness, and how to drive change that lasts.

A compelling conversation about leading with purpose, precision, and deep connection.

Stacey Childress brings a fresh perspective to leadership and flips The Leaders’ Table in the best way. As former CEO of the NewSchools Venture Fund and a longtime entrepreneur, she shares candid insights on how to lead with curiosity and clarity.

In this episode, Stacey talks about embracing a learner’s mindset, the power of letting go of being right, and how to rethink your workday by protecting your time. Her reflections offer practical tools for staying grounded and focused in fast-moving environments.

A thoughtful conversation on leadership, intentionality, and building better habits.

Matt Candler is a builder at heart. As Founder and CEO of 4.0 Schools, he and his team have launched charter schools, supported EdTech entrepreneurs, built homes, and sparked community innovation.

In this episode, Matt reflects on his journey from startup leader to systems thinker. He shares how letting go of perfection opened the door to creative, living ideas and why humility is essential for sustainable leadership. Whether you are an educator, founder, or community organizer, Matt’s story will shift how you think about growth, failure, and making an impact.

A grounded conversation about curiosity, courage, and learning out loud.

Tai Dixon leads with clarity, discipline, and heart. As National Director of State Offices and Field Operations at the Children’s Defense Fund, she helps drive advocacy efforts across the country while staying grounded in her early experiences as a teacher.

In this episode, Tai opens up about her favorite failures, the intentional boundaries she sets to protect her weekends, and why being selective about advice has helped her lead with confidence. Hosted by Jason Llorenz, this conversation is full of practical insights and bold honesty.

A conversation about focus, values, and building your own leadership rhythm.

Jim Shelton is a systems thinker and seasoned leader whose career spans software development, entrepreneurship, government, and philanthropy. From serving as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Education to leading education efforts at the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, he has worked across sectors to expand opportunity and innovation.

In this episode, Jim shares lessons from launching My Brother’s Keeper, leading partnerships at 2U Inc., and building Amandla Enterprises to support community-driven impact. He talks about what it takes to lead at scale, how to stay focused in complex work, and why long-term solutions require both vision and discipline.

A conversation about purpose, strategy, and creating lasting change.

This week on The Leaders’ Table, we sit down with Marc Holley, director of the evaluation unit at the Walton Family Foundation. With a career grounded in data, research, and strategy, Marc brings a unique perspective on what it takes to make meaningful change through philanthropy and policy.

In this episode, Marc shares what tends to attract a foundation’s attention, why strong investments in teachers matter, and how leaders can create space to reflect on the big questions that shape their work. His insights offer valuable guidance for anyone looking to deepen their impact in policy and advocacy.

A thoughtful conversation about focus, learning, and leading with intention.