{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Unlock 360","title":"S.5 | Ep. 9: Investing in People and Building Sustainable Leadership with Chris Calabrese ","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1861,"description":"Welcome to Season 5 of the Unlock 360 podcast by Lead.Teach.Learn.360! In this episode, Wendy York Davoud is joined by Chris Calabrese, Superintendent of Benicia Unified School District, for a conversation about leadership development, district sustainability, and the power of investing in people.\nChris shares the unexpected story that led him into education and the personal motto that has guided his entire career: “Invest in people’s lives instead of their money.” From teacher to superintendent, Chris reflects on his K–12 leadership journey and how developing leaders remains one of the most meaningful parts of his work today.\nThe conversation explores the realities of leading a district through change, including leadership transitions, declining enrollment, financial pressures, and the challenge of maintaining strong academic outcomes while supporting students socially and emotionally. Chris also discusses the importance of helping leaders think long term, creating sustainable systems, and balancing district-wide coherence with school-level autonomy.\nListeners will also hear how Benicia Unified is working to strengthen collaboration, close achievement gaps, and preserve the unique culture that makes the Benicia community special.\nKey Moments\n\n02:52 Investing in People Instead of Positions\n05:32 Supporting New Leaders Through Transition\n06:47 Building Sustainable Long-Term Systems\n07:22 Self-Awareness and Leadership Growth\n09:37 Using 100-Day Plans for Leadership Success\n13:25 Learning the Culture of Benicia Unified\n16:11 Addressing Enrollment and Budget Challenges\n17:45 Attracting Families Through Student Opportunities\n18:13 Extracurriculars Strengthen School Culture\n20:09 What Makes the Benicia Community Special\n22:19 Balancing District Alignment and School Autonomy\n26:55 Closing Achievement Gaps Through Collaboration\n29:07 Expanding Academic Intervention Supports\nWhy You Will Love This Episode\n\nThis episode offers an honest look at what it takes to lead with...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/cNqF3jSAGeObZtB8q6Pl2slNau9sCDYLUTBh6wENuzU/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9hYjlk/YmIwNjIyZjk2ZTk4/MDUzMmEwNTZjMWNj/OWNjNy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}