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

James Palmieri, CEO of NBOA Advisory Services, joins the podcast to discuss the evolving relationship between school business offices and technology departments. He shares insights on managing the "double gap" in independent school financial models and emphasizes the importance of early technology involvement in capital projects.

1. NBOA, business leadership for independent schools
2. NBOA Advisory Services, supporting independent schools with consulting and leadership solutions
3. Top Risks for K-12 Charter and Independent Schools, self-reported top risks from members of United Educators, providing liability insurance and risk management solutions to K-12 schools, colleges, and universities
4. ATLIS Leadership Institute, education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools
5. Partner Talks: Jeff Shields from NBOA on AI, Governance, and the Power of Collaborative Leadership, episode of Talking Technology with ATLIS

David Azar, Systems Administrator at Pingry School, explores the unique transition from corporate IT to the "white-glove" service model of independent schools. He discusses strategies for developing internal talent, the critical importance of reliable infrastructure like Wi-Fi, and how collaborative leadership programs like the ATLIS Leadership Institute (ALI) foster essential professional networks.

1. The Pingry School
2. Pingry’s Values for AI Use
3. Pingry Hall of Fame
4. Pingry Archives
5. Loom, free screen recorder for PC and Mac
6. ATLIS Leadership Institute, education and networking program designed to prepare and support technology leaders in independent schools as they grow into their positions and expand their influence
7. The Lawrenceville School, private, coeducational preparatory school for boarding and day students located in NewJersey
8. Preservica, active digital preservation software
9. Bynder, digital assets management
10. Coquito recipe, popular Puerto Rican holiday drink
11. Rockefeller Center Holidays

Jason Curtis, Director of Technology at the Windsor School, shares insights on navigating career transitions within independent schools. The discussion covers the importance of "listening tours" when starting new roles, the nuances of the interview process, and balancing transparency with current supervisors when seeking new opportunities.

1. The Winsor School
2. The Hockaday School
3. Laurel School
4. World War Z (Audiobook)
5. FirstClass (OpenText)
6. Weird NJ