Claim OwnershipThe Leaders’ Table
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Real leaders. Honest conversations. No fluff.
At The Leaders’ Table, we shine a light on how leaders rise to the moment.
In each episode, civic changemakers share the decisions they’ve wrestled with, the values that guide them, and the practical tools that help them lead through challenge and change.
An official podcast for LEE. For more info visit www.wearelee.org.
46 Episodes
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Ryan Smith brings powerful insight to the conversation on education, justice, and leadership. As Executive Director of The Education Trust–West at the time of this recording, he led efforts to advance student achievement and close opportunity gaps across California.
In this episode, Ryan unpacks the connection between Black Lives Matter and Black Minds Matter, and why the ability to stay steady under pressure is one of the most essential qualities in a leader. He reflects on how advocacy, data, and lived experience can work together to drive lasting change.
Nina Rees leads with strategy and vision as President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. With years of experience shaping education policy at the national level, she brings a wide-angle view on innovation, access, and public school choice.
In this episode, Nina shares insights on the charter school movement, what strong coalition building looks like in practice, and how different generations of leaders can work together more effectively. She reflects on lessons from her time in government, advocacy, and nonprofit leadership.
Aixle Aman knows how to move through systems to make things happen. As Chief of Staff to Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Ref Rodriguez, she worked behind the scenes to cut through red tape and bring community-centered policy ideas to life.
In this episode, Aixle shares her strategies for navigating bureaucracy, building coalitions, and staying focused on outcomes that matter for students and families. Her reflections offer practical tools for anyone working in education policy or public leadership.
A conversation about persistence, precision, and getting things done in complex systems.
Luis Avila brings the fire. As Senior Vice President at 270 Strategies and former National Program Director at Stand for Children, he has spent his career at the intersection of organizing, policy, and advocacy.
In this episode, Luis shares how movements are built from the ground up, what it means to stay close to the community while navigating systems, and why effective advocacy requires both heart and discipline. His reflections will challenge and inspire anyone working to create meaningful change.
A passionate conversation about power, purpose, and people-centered leadership.
Jada Drew is an international diversity trainer, lead consultant, and founder of Social Designs. She works with changemakers across the country to help them lead with purpose, confidence, and clarity.
In this episode, Jada shares why diversity is not a dirty word and how to create meaningful learning spaces that build trust and transformation. She reflects on what it takes to develop strong facilitators, why self-work matters in justice-centered leadership, and how she helps others become the best version of themselves in service of change.
A powerful conversation about authenticity, impact, and building community through intentional leadership.
We sit down with Amy Wilkins, senior fellow for social justice at the College Board and a longtime advocate in the education space. Known for her influential work at The Education Trust, Amy brings decades of insight into how policy, practice, and persistence intersect.
In this episode, Amy reflects on what it takes to stay in the fight for educational change. She shares lessons from her own professional missteps, the role of patience in long-term advocacy, and how to lead with both strategy and heart.
A candid conversation about leadership, growth, and the tools that sustain impact.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Courtney English leads with heart, experience, and a deep connection to the community he calls home. As the youngest-ever chair of the Atlanta Board of Education, and a former student and teacher in the district, Courtney brings personal insight to every decision he makes.
In this episode, Courtney shares what it means to lead from within the community you serve. He reflects on building trust, navigating tough moments, and how student voices and strong relationships shape his approach to policy and leadership.
A powerful conversation about connection, accountability, and leading with purpose.
Delia Pompa has spent decades leading with conviction, strategy, and what she calls strength in quietude. Her career spans multiple political eras and has shaped national conversations around education, immigration, and opportunity.
In this episode, Delia reflects on her journey advocating for children and families across roles in government and nonprofit leadership. From the Texas Education Agency to the National Council of La Raza to the Migration Policy Institute, she shares what it takes to create lasting change across systems and stay grounded through shifting political tides.
A thoughtful conversation about endurance, legacy, and leading with quiet power.
Pedro Martinez brings deep experience and sharp insight to every role he takes on. Now leading one of the fastest growing school districts in the country as Superintendent of San Antonio Independent School District, he draws from a career that includes working alongside Arne Duncan in Chicago and leading system-wide change in Nevada.
In this episode, Pedro shares practical advice for building systems that work, how to balance quick wins with long-term strategy, and what it means to lead a community that is ready for change.
A powerful conversation about clarity, momentum, and building for impact.
For our 20th episode, we are joined by John Deasy, CEO of New Day New Year and former Superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District. A bold voice in education leadership, Deasy is on a mission to end the school-to-prison pipeline.
In this episode, he shares the lessons that keep him steady under pressure and focused on lasting systems change. From the classroom to national reform efforts, Deasy reflects on what it takes to lead with urgency, clarity, and deep care for young people.
A milestone conversation filled with insight, strategy, and heart.
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