Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World

This episode, I have the immense pleasure and privilege of talking with a mentor and a friend — Ron Berger. Ron is a powerful voice and leader in education as an author of best-selling books such as A Culture of Quality and Leaders of Their Own Learning, has served Chief Academic Officer for Expeditionary Learning, as a keynote speaker in places as far-flung as Japan, the Bronx, Timor Leste, West...

This week, we're turning the tables — or in this case, the microphone. I'm Ryan Maxwell, and today, I'm the guest. Guest hosted by Felicia Lee , founder of Campana Leadership Group , who leads executive coaching. Years ago, Felicia coached me to see myself more clearly — so there is no one better suited to hold this microphone. This one is personal. And a little uncomfortable. And h...

This week, we're sitting down with a leader who has spent her career doing something rare — keeping students at the center, even when the systems around her made that hard. Dr. Susan Enfield is the Executive Director of the University of Washington's Center for Educational Leadership. Her path there winds through some of the most meaningful work in public education — from serving as inte...

Today we have the delight to connect with a pair of leaders who are exceptional in their craft AND in how they are good partners for each other. Jess and Advice are not my typical guests. They don't lead non-profits or NGOs, they don't have backgrounds as educators — but they have remarkable gifts to share. Leadership comes in many forms. Advice Ngwenya is a tracker among one of the most...

This episode I'm delighted to talk with Dr. Zach Shirley — a nationally recognized leader in diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Dr. Zach currently serves as Vice President of DEIB at Cambium Learning, where he shapes strategy, drives organizational change, and equips teams to build more inclusive cultures. But to understand how he got there, you have to go back to a kid in high scho...

Today’s guest is someone who embodies a rare and powerful combination: sharp strategic thinking paired with a deep, human understanding of what it means to give, to trust, and to build something that matters. Alejandra Naranjo is currently the Assistant Vice President for Development, Principal Gifts and Campaign Initiatives at New York University, where she leads transformational philanthropic pa...

In Austin last week, I set up a little Lucy-style advice booth with two microphones — offering a nickel for leadership stories of those times when it all went sideways. Turns out some folks really like to share these stories.   They are reflective. The stories are full of learning. And they feel cathartic to tell. And I love these stories and sharing them — because I know so many leaders striving...

The question is simple. And a little dangerous. AI is always awake. Always patient. Always available. It never burns out. Never calls in sick. Never asks for healthcare. So… What is a real teacher good for anyway? I got to sit down in Austin with a group of thoughtful, funny, deeply human leaders across education, research, and innovation—and we chased that question together. Not in a polished pan...

Becca Katz — educator, writer, & co-founder of Good Natured Learning. For more than twenty years, Becca has taught in classrooms both walled and wild — from modular units in strip malls to expeditions in the Arctic and the Andes. She’s spent 300+ days leading wilderness expeditions, experiences that led her to ask a powerful question: How can nearly 8 billion people build heart-level connectio...

This episode, I’m delighted to welcome Dr. Alison Lee —a friend, a former colleague, and someone whose influence on my own leadership is deeper than she probably knows. Some of the work I’m most proud of in my career—work focused on belonging, justice, and what it actually means to help young people thrive—came from collaboration, action, and studied reflection alongside Alison. She brings togethe...

This episode, I’m joined by Kirstin Lund — mediator, changemaker, and fierce advocate for safer, stronger communities in Stratford, Prince Edward Island. Kirstin began her career practicing law, but soon discovered that true transformation often happens not in courtrooms, but in conversation. In 1996, she founded Collaboration School, dedicating her work to mediation, facilitation, and helping peo...

At a time when the world needs men of character, it is my delight to host a conversation with a leader who is working to foster spaces for them. Luke Di Sessa — a powerful leader in Australia whose life’s work centers on developing men of character and helping them step into authentic, emotionally intelligent leadership. Luke is the CEO and Co-Founder of Good Better Best Men, a not-for-profit orga...

This episode's guest is Lina Jean Fritz , a Chicago-based, C-suite nonprofit leader in strategy and innovation whose work sits at the intersection of equity and moral courage in access to the work force and higher education. Lina is a first-generation college graduate, the daughter of restaurant workers, and someone whose early life was shaped by movement—growing up across Georgia, Alabama, a...

In this episode of Exceptionally Good , I’m joined by Scott Seider , a professor, former public school teacher, and one of the most thoughtful voices I know on what it means to educate young people for a just and democratic society. Scott is a Professor of Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology at Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development , where his research centers...

In this episode of Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World , I’m joined by two remarkable humans— Sheeba Jacob and Anay Shah —for a conversation about purpose, partnership, and the clarity that can emerge through challenge and loss. Two compelling and humble leaders for good… who just happen to be married to each other! Sheeba is the Director of Middle School Design at Citizen of the World...

“Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.”   - Dr. King This year, I’m doing something a bit different.  One in what I hope is a yearly series.  Instead of our usual conversation with power...

In this episode - Brad Barrett , CPA and co-founder of the ChooseFI Podcast , one of the most influential platforms in the Financial Independence (FI) movement. While Brad’s career began in accounting, it’s his work making FI accessible to everyone that makes him a leader worth learning from. The FI movement, as Vicki Robin framed it, asks a simple but profound question: your money or your life? A...

Ron Rapatalo is a connector, coach, and culture-shifter. A proud New Yorker and the son of Filipino immigrants, Ron brings over two decades of experience in K-12 education, nonprofit leadership, and executive search. He's dedicated his career to cultivating equity and empowering and mission driven organizations. His experiences include leadership roles at Teach for America, New Leaders, Edgil...

What does it look like to reflect deeply on education systems—after you’ve learned across the ocean and back again  …and before you’ve even graduated high school? In this  episode, Ryan sits down with Isamu Thung , a recent graduate of High Tech High and one of the most thoughtful young leaders discussing learning, equity, and systems transformation. Despite just finishing high school, Isamu bring...

In this episode, we hear stories — an ancient form of wisdom — as I get to talk with the incomparable Dr. César Cruz . A Mexican-born, Compton-raised educator, César has spent over three decades walking alongside young people who the system has marginalized—not to fix them, but to help them remember their worth. He is the co-founder of Homies Empowerment , a grassroots organization in East Oakland...

Dr. Arria Coburn - Your Team is Not a Family — It’s a Partnership for Impact What happens when a new leader inherits a tight-knit “school family”—then faces budget cuts? Or when you’re asked to define your leadership style before you even know how to lead? In this episode, Dr. Arria Coburn opens up about her evolution as an educational leader: from criminal justice major to special education teach...

Chris Widmaier is the Founder & Executive Director of Rochester Ecology Partners (REP) , a nonprofit that “serves people in Greater Rochester through nature-based learning and community-building.”    A former award-winning classroom teacher and instructional coach, Chris left a secure career, earned an MBA-equivalent at RIT, and launched REP on January 1, 2022. His work now centres on helping...

Tierionna Pinkston is a dynamic school leader, educator, and community advocate currently serving as the principal of The Noble Academy in Chicago. Tierionna brings both fierce intellect and deep heart to her work. Known for her commitment to antiracist education and restorative practices, she leads with vision, vulnerability, and a relentless belief in the brilliance of young people. Her leadersh...

Courtenaye Jackson: - From Prosecutor to Purpose: A Journey to Justice What does it mean to lead with purpose, principle, and power? This episode features Courtenaye Jackson—currently General Counsel for the Children’s Aid Society in New York City. With a $300M endowment and a wide portfolio of schools and social services, Courtenaye brings legal expertise and deep conviction to systems in service...

Bernie Shakeshaft is the founder of Backtrack Youth Works , a nonprofit based in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. For nearly 20 years, Bernie and his pack of working dogs have helped young people who’ve been kicked out of everything—school, home, the justice system—find purpose, responsibility, and healing. In this episode, Bernie shares how his own troubled youth, time as a jackaroo, and les...