All Episodes
Episode #14
Dr. Ben Churchill: Listen First then Lead with Focus
How do you enter a large district mid-year and still set a clear path forward? Dr. Ben Churchill (Poway USD) shares his 90-day listen-and-learn plan, school visits across 41 campuses, and a leadership approach built on focus over frenzy: double down on what works, let go of what doesn’t, and align the organization around a few wildly important goals. He also lays out how Poway balances district direction with principal autonomy—and why that combination increases engagement and results.
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Episode #13
Dr. Michael Matsuda: Unleashing Teacher Creativity and Student Purpose
What happens when you free teachers from test score pressure and trust them to design for the whole child? In this inspiring conversation on Superintendent Hot Seat, Michael Matsuda shares how he transformed Anaheim Union High School District into a hub of innovation — from capstones and student TED Talks to AI-powered mentors that know each learner’s story.
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Episode #12
Dr. Barbara Mullen: Healing-Centered Leadership – Building Belonging from the Inside Out
How do we build student wellness that truly lasts? In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Barbara Mullen shares how she’s reshaping district culture by focusing on healing-centered leadership. From building communities of practice for staff to designing joyful “Level Up” kickoffs and creating schools where every student feels seen, her approach is rooted in connection, trust, and belonging.
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Episode #11
Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora: From Crisis to Connection: How Hope Squad Transformed a School Community
In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, Dr. Salazar Zamora joins Michael McCormick to share a deeply personal and transformative story of leadership, student mental health, and community resilience. As the 2023 Texas Superintendent of the Year, Dr. Z leads Tomball ISD—one of Texas’ fastest-growing and most diverse school districts.
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Episode #10
David Olney: Without Educator Wellness, Student Wellness Isn’t Possible
What happens when we focus on educator wellness as the foundation for student success? In this episode of Superintendent Hot Seat, David Olney joins Michael McCormick to explore why taking care of educators is essential for fostering student wellness. Olney emphasizes the importance of relationships, open communication, and building a systemic approach to well-being that includes both students and staff. He shares his journey of prioritizing educator support, creating collaborative structures, and fostering a culture where teachers feel valued and heard. Olney also reflects on his long career, the power of building lasting relationships, and his philosophy of finishing strong as he approaches retirement. This episode challenges us to rethink how we approach wellness—not just for students but for the entire educational community. 🎧 Listen now to hear David Olney's insights on why adult wellness is the cornerstone of student wellness.
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