Wolfgang Soeldner of the International School of Geneva joins the podcast to discuss the evolving role of IT and ed tech leadership in a global context. The conversation dives into the "collective responsibility" of data compliance under GDPR and the EU AI Act, alongside a provocative look at why AI necessitates a total revolution in student assessment.

1. Ecolint: International School of Geneva
2. Technology Readiness Council (TRC), global organization connecting and supporting senior leaders in international schools
3. 9ine, specialists in data privacy, cybersecurity, and vendor vetting
4. Council of International Schools
5. History of Mardi Gras
6. Carnival, Wikipedia article

Dr. Jonathan King joins the podcast to discuss Riverdale Country School's unique approach to technology leadership. He explains the benefits of an engineering-focused mindset, the strategic inclusion of data teams within IT, and a long-term commitment to building talent pipelines that prepare the next generation of technology directors for the community.

1. Riverdale Country School
2. Toddle LMS
3. Flint AI for Schools
4. Veracross
5. Asana Project Management
6. GitHub

Kevin Warenda, Director of IT Services at The Hotchkiss School, joins the pod to discuss the intersection of business acumen and technical leadership. Learn how Kevin utilizes Agile methodology to manage complex financial system migrations and the construction of a data warehouse for institutional research while maintaining organizational continuity amidst senior leadership churn.

1. The Hotchkiss School
2. Center for Institutional Research in Independent Schools (CIRIS)
3. Veracross, school information systems
4. National Business Officers Association (NBOA)
5. The Oregon Trail
6. Asana, project management tool)
7. The Tech Whisperers Podcast

Transitioning from "first-gen" technology leadership requires more than just a handoff; it’s a strategic evolution. Retired directors Daisy Steele, Jeff Dayton, and Larry Kahn join the podcast to discuss the shift from building servers to managing complex ecosystems. They share essential insights on "brain dumps," outsourcing, and mastering "people chess" during retirement.

1. Veracross (School Information System)
2. Blackbaud (School Management Software)
3. Asana (Project Management & Documentation)
4. AARP Tax-Aide Counseling
5. Meals on Wheels America

Laura Tierney, CEO of The Social Institute, joins the pod to discuss shifting the narrative from technology bans to intentional usage. Explore fresh data on student AI perceptions, the rise of private backchannels, and why tech leaders must act as "quarterbacks" in fostering student-centered social etiquette in an evolving digital world.

1. The Social Institute, organization equipping students, families, and educators with modern life skills to impact learning, well-being, and students' futures
2. Student Insights Report (2026), from The Social Institute, documenting how students are navigating social media, technology, and everyday life, both online and offline
3. Family Toolkit, from The Social Institute, includes expert tech tips, summaries of social media apps, and positive family huddle questions..
4. Resources for educators, from The Social Institute
5. “Clear is kind”, quote from Brene Brown and her book Dare to Lead
6. Brick, physical device and app that temporarily removes distracting apps and their notifications from your phone
7. Yondr, program creating phone-free spaces for artists, educators, organizations and individuals
8. The Philadelphia Eagles Playoff Loss

Ethan Delavan, TLIS, Director of IT at the Northwest School, joins the podcast to discuss managing "relevance creep" in independent schools. He shares his unique approach to technology leadership, including the development of a "Technology and Society" academic pathway and the intentional use of a parent tech advisory board to gain industry insights while maintaining curricular boundaries.

1. Ethan Delavan, LinkedIn profile
2. The Northwest School, independent day and boarding school serving students in grades 6 to 12 on an urban campus in Seattle, WA
3. Technology Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS) certification program, credential that validates the leadership, technical expertise, and strategic judgment required to lead technology in an independent school environment

Dr. Jill Brown, Director of Professional Learning at CoSN, joins the hosts to discuss her transition from an independent school leader to a national association executive. The conversation highlights common challenges across public and private school sectors, including staffing pipelines, cybersecurity, and practical strategies for managing the rapid integration of AI in the classroom.

1. CoSN, professional association for K-12 EdTech leaders
2. ATLIS Pillar Awards, recognizing technology leaders in independent schools for their significant, long-term contributions, innovation, and dedication to the profession
3. Casa Brown House Concert Venue
4. “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line

Lauren Marold and Becky Barrett of Preston Hollow Presbyterian School join the show to discuss their remarkable seven-month total campus relocation. They share insights on leveraging assistive technology and native accessibility tools to empower students with learning differences, emphasizing intentionality and the creation of "technology learning profiles" to support long-term student success.

1. The PHPS Difference Podcast
2. Preston Hollow Presbyterian School
3. ATLIS Learning Institute (ALI), education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools as they grow into their positions and expand their influence
4. Technology for Leaders in Independent Schools (TLIS), ATLIS’s certification program specifically for tech leaders at independent schools
5. Learning Ally, enabling the success of of struggling readers including students with dyslexia