{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Leadership Voices","title":"Students First, Systems Strong with Dr. Ryan Smith at Bellflower Unified School District","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/dd944d07\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2948,"description":"\nIn this episode of Leadership Voices, host Jacob Geller sits down with Dr. Ryan Smith, Deputy Superintendent of Bellflower Unified School District, to explore what it really takes to lead systems while staying grounded in students.\n\nRyan shares a powerful journey that began not with a clear plan, but with a love for basketball, mentorship, and a willingness to take opportunities as they came. From coaching high school basketball at 18 to serving as superintendent and now deputy superintendent, his path reflects the impact of mentorship, timing, and a deep commitment to doing more for students at scale.\n\nThe conversation dives into leadership across levels—from classroom to cabinet—highlighting how leaders can expand their impact without losing connection to students. Ryan also unpacks the realities of district leadership: balancing system coherence with school autonomy, building strong teams through intentional hiring, and leading long-term strategic planning that centers both academic outcomes and human development.\n\nFrom AI in education to redefining student success beyond test scores, this episode offers a thoughtful look at how forward-thinking leaders are preparing students not just for school—but for life.\n\nKey Moments\n\n\n04:53 Getting into basketball coaching\n\n09:37 Balancing leadership and student focus\n\n10:58 Deciding to make a bigger impact\n\n15:39 Role of school superintendents\n\n17:37 Responsibilities of a deputy superintendent\n\n22:42 Current priorities at Bellflower Schools\n\n24:03 Hiring and maintaining the right team\n\n26:24 Launching the learner profile system\n\n30:08 Balancing equity and school history\n\n35:15 Defining and fostering collaboration\n\n38:02 Implementing AI in schools\n\n39:31 Using AI for deeper learning\n\n45:13 End-of-year celebrations and prep\n\n\nConnect with Dr. Ryan Smith\n\n\nWebsite: https://www.busd.k12.ca.us/ \nLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandsmithedd \n\nFollow Us\n\n\nJacob Geller LinkedIn:...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/ITeaMOsygA875z45cjzUDYd5zVmKsmi4Rf1bH7rqxPM/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80OTAw/MzI0YjcyNjA0NGIw/MGZmNmMyZTY4MzUx/MmUzMS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}