Unlock 360

By Wendy York Davoud

Welcome to Unlock 360 Podcast, where each episode unpacks the practices, partnerships, and people behind measurable gains in student outcomes. From building collaborative leadership cultures to design... more

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How many episodes does Unlock 360 have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.

Unlock 360 episodes:

August 24, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 26: Amplify, Don't Simplify: Creating Opportunity for Multilingual Learners with Evan Stevens
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Evan B. Stevens, Multilingual Learner Support Specialist with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina. After beginning his career as a music educator, Evan transitioned into multilingual learner education and district-level support, where he now works with educators across 21 schools. He shares how his varied background in teaching, technology, and data shapes his approach to helping multilingual learners access meaningful learning opportunities.
Evan explores how Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is bringing STEAM, technology, and artificial intelligence into multilingual learner education. From 3D printing and virtual reality to robotics and AI prompting, he explains why language proficiency should never determine the level of challenge or opportunity available to students. Evan highlights the idea of 'amplify, not simplify,' emphasizing that educators can provide language scaffolds while still asking multilingual learners to think critically, solve complex problems, and engage with rigorous content.
The conversation also examines how AI can strengthen instructional coaching and professional learning. Evan shares examples of using AI and data to identify specific opportunities for improvement, generate targeted PLC conversations, and build his own capacity as a coach. He also discusses the importance of relationships between district leaders and classroom educators, ensuring resources reflect the diverse languages and backgrounds students bring to school, and creating a shared sense of purpose across multilingual learner teams.
Key Moments
01:42 Evan's Journey into Education
03:31 Making Multilingual Learners Visible
05:39 Bringing AI into Language Learning
06:38 Expanding STEAM Opportunities
07:46 Measuring Engagement and Achievement
10:24 Supporting Multilingual Learners Across Charlotte
13:16 Understanding Charlotte's Language Diversity
15:39 Supporting Non-Spanish-Speaking Learners
18:39 Language Does Not Limit Ability
20:18 Amplify, Don't Simplify
24:56 Bringing AI into Education
26:01 Developing AI Champions
27:50 Using AI to Strengthen Coaching
28:51 Improving PLCs Through AI and Data
32:57 Building Trust with Teachers
36:22 Connecting Multilingual Learner Communities
Why You'll Love This Episode
Evan offers a fresh perspective on multilingual learner education by challenging the idea that language development should mean lowering academic expectations. His examples show how technology, STEAM, AI, thoughtful scaffolding, and strong teacher relationships can expand opportunities while helping students develop both language and future-ready skills.
Connect with Evan Stevens
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Website: https://www.cmsk12.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanbstevens
Email: [email protected]
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Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
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41min
August 21, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 25: Creating Consistency, Fiscal Strength, and Better Outcomes for Students
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Jim Sebert, Superintendent of the School District of Waukesha in Wisconsin. With 30 years in education and two decades as a superintendent, Jim reflects on his leadership journey, his belief that the superintendency is more of a lifestyle than a job, and the experiences that inspired his recently published book, Going to School: A Life in Education.
Jim shares how Waukesha has strengthened student achievement by moving from teacher-created resources toward a guaranteed and viable curriculum with greater consistency across schools and classrooms. He discusses the district's investment of more than $11 million in curriculum, its focus on impactful coaching and professional development, and the significant academic growth that has followed. Jim also explains how fiscal responsibility and student achievement can coexist, including Waukesha's achievement of becoming debt-free while continuing to direct resources toward classrooms and students.
The conversation also explores one of the most difficult challenges facing many school systems: declining enrollment and the need to right-size district operations. Jim walks through Waukesha's 'Optimizing Our Future' process, including 37 community meetings, extensive stakeholder feedback, school consolidations, and the lessons his team learned about leading change transparently. He also shares how the district uses focused KPIs, teacher collaboration, strategic resource allocation, and community engagement to build a smaller but stronger school system positioned for continued improvement.
Key Moments
01:57 A Life Dedicated to Education
03:08 Going to School: A Life in Education
05:53 The Superintendency as a Lifestyle
08:02 Leading Waukesha Through COVID
09:33 Creating a Consistent School System
10:03 Investing in Curriculum and Achievement
11:05 Balancing Achievement and Fiscal Responsibility
15:52 Building Collective Efficacy
18:59 Right-Sizing the District
23:05 Optimizing Waukesha's Future
24:45 Listening Through Community Engagement
27:47 Using Feedback to Guide Decisions
32:43 Lessons from Leading a Referendum
36:10 Making a Smaller Footprint Stronger
42:53 Focusing on Meaningful KPIs
Why You'll Love This Episode
Jim offers a practical look at what it takes to lead a district through academic transformation, declining enrollment, school consolidation, and financial change without losing sight of students. His experiences demonstrate how consistency, transparent communication, focused metrics, and strong community engagement can help school systems navigate difficult decisions while continuing to improve outcomes.
Connect with Jim Sebert
School District of Waukesha Website: https://sdw.waukesha.k12.wi.us/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-sebert-ed-d-6a819119
Email: [email protected]
Book: Going to School: A Life in Education
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
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50min
August 19, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 24: Empowering Every Scholar Through Voice, Resilience, and Opportunity
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Rhonda Taylor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction at Uniondale Union Free School District in New York. Drawing on 37 years in education, Rhonda reflects on her journey from middle school teacher to principal, superintendent, and district leader, sharing how relationships and a commitment to being 'in service for children' have shaped every stage of her career.
Rhonda explores Uniondale's strategic promise to ensure every scholar is empowered, responsible, resilient, and prepared for leadership, college, and career. She discusses how the district has strengthened attendance, academic achievement, scholar engagement, and graduation outcomes by creating classrooms where students feel valued and have a meaningful voice. Rhonda also shares how professional development, classroom visits, inquiry teams, PLCs, and collaborative leadership structures are helping educators learn from one another and continuously improve instruction.
The conversation also highlights Uniondale's commitment to expanding opportunity and developing student leaders. From opening AP courses to more scholars and creating AP ambassadors to including student voices in superintendent advisory groups and school board conversations, Rhonda explains why students should be active participants in shaping their educational experience. She also looks ahead to Uniondale's next strategic planning cycle and its continued pursuit of a bold goal: preparing every scholar to graduate on time and succeed in whatever path they choose.
Key Moments
00:48 Rhonda's 37-Year Education Journey
02:32 Falling in Love with Teaching
04:44 Building Relationships with Scholars
07:52 Leading Through Service
10:27 Uniondale's Promise to Every Scholar
13:28 Improving Attendance and Achievement
16:37 Increasing Scholar Voice in Classrooms
18:54 Teachers Learning from Teachers
19:47 Collaboration Through Inquiry Teams
21:30 Developing Collaborative Leaders
23:35 Expanding Access to AP Courses
25:16 Creating Student Leadership Opportunities
27:53 The Goal of 100% Graduation
29:37 Uniondale's Four Strategic Goals
34:00 Educators Who Shaped Rhonda's Leadership
Why You'll Love This Episode
Rhonda offers an inspiring and practical perspective on creating educational systems centered on relationships, scholar voice, and opportunity. From expanding access to rigorous coursework to strengthening collaboration among teachers and leaders, she demonstrates how a clear promise to students can guide decisions and create meaningful, sustainable improvement.
Connect with Rhonda Taylor
Website: https://district.uniondaleschools.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhonda-taylor-42b933234
Email: [email protected]
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
...more
38min
August 17, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 23: Turning Teacher Voice Into Student Success with Jaym S Abraham
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Jaym S Abraham, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment for Harper Creek Community Schools in Michigan. Jaym reflects on his journey from high school teacher and coach to building principal and district leader, sharing how each role strengthened his belief that education is fundamentally a relationship business.
Jaym explores how Harper Creek is creating stronger systems around professional learning, PBIS, PLCs, and tiered student support. He explains why districts must give educators the time and structures needed to collaborate, use data, and respond to student needs. From teacher-led professional development to intentional intervention schedules and a districtwide curriculum council, Jaym shares how empowering educators can turn existing expertise into meaningful improvement.
The conversation also highlights Jaym's experience leading successful school turnarounds and the lessons those experiences taught him about culture, accountability, and collective ownership. He shares how one school moved from roughly 11 to 12 percent proficiency to 57 percent in a single year with the same staff, and how another became a top-performing middle school in Michigan. Throughout the episode, Jaym emphasizes keeping improvement focused, building reflection into the system, and creating environments where educators have both a voice and responsibility for results.
Key Moments
00:41 Jaym's Journey into Education
03:02 Stepping Into District Leadership
04:52 Avoiding Initiative Fatigue
06:35 Teacher-Led Professional Learning
07:49 Building Collaboration Into the Schedule
10:46 Schedules Reflect District Priorities
12:36 Creating Districtwide Leadership Structures
14:34 Empowering Educators Through Voice
15:49 Turning Around an Elementary School
18:17 Sustaining School Improvement
20:43 Building High-Performing Leadership Teams
22:27 Creating Internal Accountability
24:45 Making Reflection Unavoidable
26:53 The Culture of Harper Creek
30:31 Leaders Who Shaped Jaym's Journey
Why You'll Love This Episode
Jaym offers a practical look at how strong systems, collaborative teams, and educator voice can drive meaningful school improvement. His experiences demonstrate that transformation does not always require another new program. Sometimes the most powerful change comes from giving educators the right structures, time, trust, and accountability to work together around the needs of every student.
Connect with Jaym S Abraham
Website: https://www.harpercreek.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaym-abraham-463a3238
Email: [email protected]
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
...more
33min
August 14, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 22: Collaborative Culture and Future-Ready Learning with Superintendent Dave Moyer
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Dave Moyer, Superintendent of Northport-East Northport Union Free School District in New York. Drawing on more than 17 years of superintendent experience across three states, Dave shares the leadership lessons he's learned while guiding school systems through change, building trust, and creating collaborative cultures that keep students at the center of every decision.
Dave reflects on stepping into a district navigating significant financial and community challenges following the pandemic. He explains how strengthening communication, investing in leadership development, and creating shared understanding helped move the district from uncertainty toward a more unified vision for the future.
The conversation explores professional learning communities, instructional leadership, change management, future-focused learning, and the importance of building leadership capacity at every level of the organization. Dave also shares his perspective on preserving opportunities for students while responding to declining enrollment, and why strong systems--not individual heroes--create lasting success for schools.
Key Moments
00:42 Dave's Journey into Educational Leadership
02:38 Why Public Education Matters
06:23 Lessons from Leading Across Three States
09:34 Entering a District During Change
14:56 Building Trust Through Leadership
18:34 Creating Strong Professional Learning Communities
21:01 Personalizing Learning for Every Student
23:03 Responding to Declining Enrollment
26:16 Developing Leadership Capacity
28:58 Why Collaboration Matters More Than Ever
29:52 Celebrating Student Success Beyond Test Scores
31:11 Honoring Influential Mentors
Why You'll Love This Episode
Dr. Moyer shares practical leadership strategies for building trust, strengthening instructional leadership, and creating collaborative systems that improve outcomes for every student. His thoughtful perspective on leading through change, preparing schools for the future, and empowering educators offers valuable insights for superintendents, principals, and district leaders alike.
Connect with Dr. Dave Moyer
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-moyer-88716a17
Website: https://www.northport.k12.ny.us/
Email: [email protected]
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
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33min
August 12, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 21: How Strong School Communities Shape Lifelong Learners with Dr. Joseph S. Piccirillo
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Joseph S. Piccirillo, Superintendent of Newton Public Schools in New Jersey. Beginning his career as a high school music and theater teacher, Joseph shares how creativity, curiosity, and a passion for lifelong learning have shaped his approach to educational leadership and his vision for serving every student with dignity and purpose.
Joseph reflects on leading Newton Public Schools through the continued recovery from the pandemic while strengthening academics, investing in facilities, expanding student opportunities, and building stronger connections across the community. He explains how strategic investments in school environments, communication, and partnerships have helped foster greater pride among students, families, and the broader Newton community.
The conversation also explores leadership rooted in mission and values, preparing students for an AI-driven future, developing character alongside academic excellence, and honoring the unique strengths of every learner. Joseph shares thoughtful insights on why schools should focus as much on developing good people as they do on preparing successful graduates.
Key Moments
01:29 How Music Shaped His Leadership
02:36 Inspiring Lifelong Curiosity
07:17 Leading Through Pandemic Recovery
10:10 Investing in Schools and Community Pride
14:08 Expanding College and Career Opportunities
18:33 Building a Mission-Driven District
22:57 Developing Leaders Through Character
27:46 Preparing Students for an AI Future
29:11 Why Character Matters More Than Ever
32:16 Sharing the Newton Story
33:15 The Lesson That Changed Joseph's Leadership
Why You'll Love This Episode
Dr. Piccirillo offers a thoughtful perspective on educational leadership that balances academic excellence with character development, community pride, and lifelong curiosity. His reflections on mission-driven leadership, preparing students for an evolving world, and recognizing the dignity of every learner provide valuable inspiration for educators and school leaders alike.
Connect with Dr. Joseph S. Piccirillo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-joseph-s-piccirillo-38571238
Website: https://www.newtonnj.org/
Email: [email protected]
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
...more
34min
August 10, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 20: Building Belonging, Student Voice, and Stronger Schools with Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula, Superintendent of Oak Harbor Public Schools in Washington. With more than 35 years in public education and leadership experience across multiple states, Michelle shares how listening deeply to students, families, and the community has shaped a unified vision for one of Washington's unique military-connected school districts.
Michelle reflects on her own educational journey, including the counselor who told her she wasn't 'college material' and the teachers and mentors who inspired her to prove otherwise. She explains how those experiences continue to fuel her commitment to ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and capable of achieving their goals.
The conversation explores Oak Harbor's 'One Oak Harbor' philosophy, the power of student voice in strategic planning, creating a strong sense of belonging for highly mobile military families, and building coherent instructional systems that strengthen both academic achievement and community partnerships. Michelle also shares practical leadership lessons on listening first, leading with purpose, and designing schools around the student experience.
Key Moments
00:54 Michelle's Journey into Education
04:02 The Counselor Who Changed Her Path
09:48 Listening Before Leading
11:06 Creating a Community-Driven Strategic Plan
14:33 Measuring Progress Beyond the Plan
15:53 Balancing Belonging and Academic Rigor
17:33 Building Collaborative Learning Systems
19:37 Leadership Lessons Across States
22:23 Learning Through Student Voice
25:28 The One Oak Harbor Experience
27:58 Sharing Alumni Success Stories
29:12 A Tribute to Mrs. Dana
Why You'll Love This Episode
Dr. Kuss-Cybula shares inspiring leadership lessons on building community trust, elevating student voice, and creating school systems where every student feels they belong while achieving at high levels. Her practical approach to strategic planning, collaboration, and culture offers valuable insights for district and school leaders everywhere.
Connect with Dr. Michelle Kuss-Cybula
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kuss-cybula-ed-d-4b2322319
Website: https://ohsd.net/
Email: [email protected]
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/

About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
...more
32min
August 07, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 19: Growing Student Success Through Trust, Purpose, and Everyday Excellence
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Scott Nielsen, Superintendent of Weld RE-5J School District in Colorado. With more than three decades in education and a career that began in special education, Scott shares how his experiences as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader have shaped a leadership philosophy rooted in relationships, strengths, and student-centered learning.
Scott reflects on leading a growing district while rebuilding trust, strengthening instructional leadership, and creating systems that empower educators to improve outcomes for every student. He explains how shifting the focus from accountability ratings to daily teaching and learning has transformed professional learning communities, increased collaboration among school leaders, and helped one elementary school become a model for instructional excellence across the district.
The conversation also explores celebrating success, elevating student voice, expanding work-based learning opportunities, and helping every student discover a sense of purpose and belonging. Scott shares practical leadership lessons on simplifying priorities, building strong school culture, and creating learning experiences that connect students' passions with future opportunities.
Key Moments
02:43 Lessons from Special Education Leadership
05:46 Leading a Growing School District
08:36 Moving Schools to High Performance
11:14 Celebrating Teacher Success
15:33 Rebuilding Trust Across the District
16:40 Growing Instructional Leadership
20:19 Creating Authentic Learning Environments
23:48 Celebrating Students and Staff
25:12 Elevating Student Voice
29:16 The Future of Weld RE-5J
32:38 Connecting Learning to Student Passions
Why You'll Love This Episode
Scott shares practical strategies for strengthening instructional leadership, building trust, and creating systems that improve student outcomes through collaboration rather than compliance. His insights on celebrating success, listening to students, and connecting learning to purpose offer valuable takeaways for superintendents, principals, and district leaders committed to continuous improvement.
Connect with Scott Nielsen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-nielsenre5j
Website: https://weldre5j.org/
Email: [email protected]
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
...more
39min
August 05, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 18: Why Trust Is Every Leader's Greatest Asset with Dr. Gearl Loden
In this episode of Unlock 360°, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Gearl Loden, Superintendent of Nixa Public Schools in Missouri and author of Before It Breaks: The Seven Pillars of Trust Every Leader Must Build. With more than 36 years in education and 18 years as a superintendent, Dr. Loden shares how his personal experiences, leadership journey, and passion for developing people have shaped one of the nation's highest-performing school districts.
Drawing from both his new book and his leadership experience, Dr. Loden explains why trust is the foundation of every successful organization. He discusses practical strategies for building stronger teams, repairing damaged relationships, creating systems that support people, and leading with courage through difficult conversations.
The conversation also explores Nixa Public Schools' transformation through professional learning communities, community partnerships, innovative leadership development, and proactive decision-making during the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Loden shares how focusing on trust, continuous improvement, and serving the entire community has helped Nixa become one of the top-performing districts in Missouri while maintaining a culture where both students and staff thrive.
Key Moments
03:55 How Personal Challenges Shaped His Leadership
06:05 Why Trust Is Every Leader's Foundation
07:13 The 72-Hour Trust Protocol
10:26 Building Competent Systems, Not Just Competent People
19:02 Leading Through the Pandemic
24:38 Preparing Before COVID Changed Everything
27:57 One Nixa and Building Community Connections
33:24 Earning Community Trust Through Leadership
35:26 Why Public Education Matters More Than Ever
39:30 Creating a Culture Where Employees Thrive

Why You'll Love This Episode
Dr. Loden blends practical leadership strategies with personal stories that demonstrate how trust, strong systems, and genuine care for people create thriving schools. Whether you're leading a district, a campus, or a team, this conversation offers actionable ideas for building stronger relationships, developing future leaders, and creating a culture where everyone can succeed.
Exclusive Unlock 360 Bonus
Before It Breaks: https://a.co/d/03nCfWkq
Purchase "Before It Breaks" and register your copy to receive Dr. Loden's companion resources. Unlock 360 listeners can also receive the exclusive workbook after August 7 by using the promo code below when registering their book.
You'll also gain access to Dr. Loden's complimentary leadership masterclasses and additional downloadable resources designed to help you put the book's concepts into practice.
Promo Code: Unlock360
Connect with Dr. Gearl Loden
Website: https://www.nixapublicschools.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gearl-loden-lodenleadership
Email: [email protected]

Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
...more
36min
August 03, 2026 S.5 | Ep. 17: Growing Stronger Schools Through Culture, Grit, and Leadership with Dr. Eichelberger
In this episode of Unlock 360, host Wendy York Davoud welcomes Dr. Drew Eichelberger, Superintendent of Piedmont Public Schools in Oklahoma. With leadership experience spanning the classroom, campus administration, and two superintendencies, Drew shares how a focus on relationships, strong culture, and continuous improvement has helped guide one of Oklahoma's fastest-growing school districts.
Drew discusses how Piedmont has balanced rapid enrollment growth while maintaining a strong commitment to academic excellence, teacher support, and student success. He explains why developing grit, empathy, and integrity alongside strong academic performance prepares students for success long after graduation, and how investing in teachers remains the district's greatest strategy for improving outcomes.
The conversation also explores collaborative leadership, professional learning communities, leadership development, Capturing Kids' Hearts, and creating systems that empower educators to lead. Drew shares practical lessons on building district culture, engaging stakeholders in shared decision-making, and ensuring every student benefits from caring, highly effective teachers.
Key Moments
00:20 Drew's Journey into Education
03:13 Leading a Fast-Growing School District
05:51 Why Grit and Empathy Matter
09:15 Building a Shared District Vision
11:36 Turning Core Values into Daily Practice
13:29 Supporting Teachers for Student Success
14:46 Professional Learning Communities in Action
16:39 Collaborative Leadership Systems
18:48 Research on Teacher-Student Relationships
23:25 Building a Strong District Culture
26:22 Developing Future School Leaders
31:32 Preparing Every Student for Success
35:21 The Mentor Who Shaped Drew's Leadership
Why You'll Love This Episode
Dr. Eichelberger shares thoughtful leadership strategies for creating positive school culture, supporting educators, and building collaborative systems that improve student outcomes. His practical insights on leadership development, teacher investment, and organizational culture offer valuable lessons for district and school leaders alike.
Connect with Dr. Drew Eichelberger
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-eichelberger-17736719
Website: https://www.piedmontschools.org/
Email: [email protected]
Follow Us
Wendy York Davoud LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendyryork
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 Website: https://leadteachlearn360.com
Lead.Teach.Learn.360 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lead-teach-learn-360%C2%B0/
About Unlock 360°
Unlock 360° is the podcast where school leaders and instructional trailblazers reveal how they are turning bold vision into sustainable action. Powered by Lead.Teach.Learn.360°, each episode brings you inside the systems, strategies, and human stories that drive school improvement, one leader, one learner, one breakthrough at a time.
Enjoyed this conversation? Subscribe to Unlock 360° for more.
...more
35min

FAQs about Unlock 360:

How many episodes does Unlock 360 have?

The podcast currently has 52 episodes available.