Implement. Change in Education

#9 Blog: How to stay hungry for better, consistent results -- A lesson from Boston Celtics Coach Joe Mazzulla

What does it take to lead a team of superstars to the top—and keep them growing? In this episode, we explore the leadership mindset of Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, whose blend of tactical brilliance, emotional intelligence, and unshakable calm has guided one of the most dominant NBA teams in history.
From his “criticism is an opportunity” mantra to flying across the world to support a benched Jayson Tatum during the Olympics, Mazzulla shows us what it looks like to lead with humility, adaptability, and relentless care for people. Whether you're managing teams or shaping systems, this conversation unpacks what it really means to challenge the status quo, stay hungry at the top, and continuously improve.
Inspired by a blog post that resonated far beyond basketball, this episode asks: Where do you need to grow? What needs to change?

#8 Guest: Cindy Marten, Delaware Secretary of Education

In this episode, we’re joined by the inspiring Secretary of Education for Delaware, Cindy Marten. With decades of experience as a teacher, principal, and former Deputy Secretary of Education, Secretary Marten brings bold yet grounded insights to transforming public education systems. From her time leading San Diego Unified, where she helped drive graduation rates to 89% and close equity gaps, to her new role in Delaware, she shares a leadership style rooted in community voice, strategic coherence, and a relentless commitment to equity.
“Equity,” says Secretary Marten,“ is a school that knows its students and families by name, by strength, and by need—and builds systems to meet those needs in the right way at the right time.”
We discuss her lessons from scaling the Vision 2020 strategy in San Diego, what it means to center local context while building system-wide solutions, and how Delaware can align its many promising initiatives into a coherent roadmap for student success. These include an emphasis on equitable student funding, building strong bridges to kindergarten, addressing literacy across disciplines, expanding career pathways, and supporting and empowering educators.Whether you’re a district leader, policy strategist, or classroom teacher, this conversation is a masterclass in implementation leadership.

#7 Blog: J-A-T (Just Ask Them) Theory

In this episode, we dive into the J-A-T Theory — a simple but powerful framework for building trust, deepening relationships, and encouraging meaningful feedback. Inspired by a recent EdScale blog post, we explore how curiosity and the habit of Just Asking Them can shift conversations and unlock progress in management, coaching, and collaboration. Whether you're leading a team or working cross-functionally, this episode offers practical insights for increasing clarity and connection.
Key Insights:
Feedback is one of the greatest gifts for growth — but only when it's grounded in trust.
The J-A-T Theory encourages direct, curious conversations by simply asking the questions we often hesitate to.
Building trust requires credibility, reliability, intimacy, and low self-orientation, as outlined in The Trusted Advisor.
Using J-A-T can help move through uncertainty and hesitation, improving communication and outcomes.
Links referenced in podcast:
Blog: J-A-T Theory | EdScale
"The Coaching Habit" by Michael Bungay Stanier
"The Trusted Advisor" by David H. Maister
"Radical Candor" by Kim Scott
"The JOLT Effect" by Matthew Dixon & Ted McKenna

#6 Guest: Dr. Sonja Brookins-Santelises (CEO) and Alison Perkins-Cohen (CoS) in Baltimore City Public Schools

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sonja Brookins-Santelises, CEO of Baltimore City Public Schools, and Alison Perkins-Cohen, Chief of Staff. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Santelises has led transformative change in Baltimore’s schools, driving historic academic gains and prioritizing equity.
To my knowledge, they are the longest standing CEO/CoS team in large urban schools across the country! 
Together, they’ve implemented the Blueprint for Success, focusing on academics, leadership, and student well-being. In this conversation, they share insights on the challenges of educational reform, their leadership legacy, and what’s next for Baltimore’s schools. Don’t miss their perspective on the future of public education in Baltimore.

#5 Blog: Five tactics to navigating a leadership transition

Navigating leadership transitions can be challenging, but with the right strategies, they become opportunities for growth. Our latest blog post shares five key tactics—rooted in research and practical frameworks—to help leaders and organizations adapt and thrive during change. From building strong relationships to scenario planning, these actionable insights drive better results.
Change involves navigating uncertainty but is also fundamentally about loss - even when changing something you don't like, you are losing something familiar. Understanding both the emotional and strategic components is key to successfully managing transitions.
Links referenced in podcast
Original blog post
Weekly Reviews overview with David Allen
#4 Guest Podcast with Maryland State Superintendent Dr. Wright
#6 Guest Podcast with Baltimore City Schools CEO Dr. Santelises (available late March 2025)
The First 90 Days podcast episode
NPR article on positive coping skills for stress

#4 Guest: Dr. Carey Wright, Maryland State Superintendent of Schools

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Carey Wright, a nationally recognized education leader with over 50 years of experience. She led Mississippi’s historic rise in fourth-grade reading scores, proving that strategic, long-term reform can drive real student success. Now back in Maryland, she’s leading through one of the most ambitious education overhauls in a generation. In this episode, we discuss lessons from Mississippi, the future of Maryland’s Blueprint, and what it takes to create lasting change in public education.

#3 Blog: What's Important Now - The Team!

This blog post reflects on a visit to the Baltimore Ravens stadium and the valuable lessons learned about teamwork and core values. It explores how the Ravens emphasize their mantra "What’s Important Now" (W.I.N.) and "The Team, The Team, The Team" to foster a culture of unity and excellence. I connect these insights to our work at EdScale, highlighting the importance of building cohesive teams and implementing effective leadership strategies.
Key Insights:
The Ravens’ focus on "What’s Important Now" (W.I.N.) and prioritizing the team above all else.
Leadership and team development lessons drawn from the Ravens’ culture.
Application of these principles to EdScale’s mission to support partners in achieving ambitious goals.
Links referenced in podcast:
Blog post: What’s Important Now - The Team!
EdScale Book and Workbook
The 4Ps of Leadership
Ravens Stadium Tours

#2 Guest: Rebroadcast of First State Insights Podcast About Implementation

Starting something new often comes with unexpected challenges, and launching a podcast with guest interviews is no different. Scheduling surprises are par for the course. As a result, we will be sharing the first guest episode in February. 
But today I’m thrilled to share a rebroadcast of a conversation I had last year with Troy Mix from the University of Delaware Biden School on First State Insights. Troy and I explored the intricacies of implementing change in education, and I’m grateful to have his permission to share it with you today. Let’s dive in!

#1 Blog: Five lessons I learned coaching the “best team in the league” (my son’s 4th grade basketball team)

In this episode, we explore five powerful lessons learned from coaching a 4th grade basketball team that directly apply to education leadership. Through experiences of victories, setbacks, and a nail-biting championship game, these insights demonstrate the parallels between sports coaching and implementing change in education systems. The key lessons include:
Elevate voices and listen to stakeholder insights
Maintain consistency with proven strategies despite setbacks
Foster a positive mindset while staying resilient
Lead with support rather than strict accountability
Trust in the process and celebrate progress, even when results aren't perfect

Coming Soon! Implement. Change in Education

Introducing our new podcast, Implement. Change in Education. Full episodes starting in January 2025!