{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Unlock 360","title":"S.5 | Ep. 6: Dr. Ryan D. Smith on Values-Driven Leadership and Future-Ready Systems","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/534b18c3\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2221,"description":"\nIn this episode, Wendy York Davoud sits down with Dr. Ryan D. Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, to explore how districts can move beyond vision statements and build systems that truly reflect their core values.\n\nDr. Smith shares his unique journey from a “lost” college freshman to a math teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, and now deputy superintendent, highlighting the mentors, risks, and pivotal moments that shaped his leadership path.\n\nThe conversation centers on one critical idea: values only matter if they guide action. Ryan breaks down how Bellflower USD is re-engaging its community to define mission, vision, and values—and more importantly, how they are translating those into measurable student outcomes through a learner profile. From building a guiding coalition of diverse stakeholders to rethinking hiring practices with AI, this episode offers a practical look at what it takes to align systems with purpose.\n\nKey Moments\n\n\n05:21 Turning around Leuzinger High School\n\n07:25 Switching from teaching to business\n\n10:01 Ryan's early career and engagement\n\n14:14 Defining mission, vision, and values\n\n17:57 Navigating conflict with core values\n\n21:29 Creating a learner profile framework\n\n26:28 Challenges of personalized education\n\n29:58 Using AI to screen candidates\n\n31:02 Using AI in hiring\n\nWhy You Will Love This Episode\n\n\nIf you are working to align your district’s vision with real classroom impact, this episode delivers both inspiration and clarity. Dr. Ryan D. Smith shares how to turn abstract ideas like “innovation” and “collaboration” into measurable outcomes—and how to build systems that actually support them. You will walk away with practical insight on leading values-driven change, engaging your community in meaningful ways, and preparing students for a future that is still unfolding.\n\n\nConnect with Dr. Ryan D. Smith\nWebsite: https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/\nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd\nEmail:...","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}