The Boyz of Edtech | K–12 Education Insights

In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, host Rick Fernandez and the crew sit down with Thomas Davis, Board Member and Educational Innovator at Boz Institute, for a powerful conversation on leadership, mentorship, and what it truly takes to drive impact in education.

With a career spanning classroom teaching, edtech sales, consulting, and nonprofit leadership, Thomas shares his journey from growing up in San Diego to becoming a trusted advisor across K-12 and beyond. He reflects on how early experiences, strong mentorship, and a commitment to giving back shaped his path and continue to influence his work today.

The conversation dives into the evolution of education leadership, highlighting the importance of mentorship pipelines, cultural understanding, and developing future leaders who can sustain meaningful change. Thomas shares insights from his work with CALSA and other organizations, emphasizing the role of community, representation, and intentional leadership development in transforming education systems.

The group also explores the changing dynamics between school districts and edtech providers, unpacking why relationships, storytelling, and problem-solving must take precedence over traditional sales approaches. Thomas offers a compelling perspective on how vendors can become true partners by focusing on impact, embracing performance-based models, and aligning with district needs.

Connect with the Boyz
Rick Fernandez: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/
Matthew Millstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-millstein/
Jacob Kantor: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thejacobkantor/
Ryan Patenaude: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanpatenaude/
Jeff Piontek: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffpiontek/

Key Moments
02:58 Transition from teaching to edtech sales

05:11 Why hitting quota defines success in edtech sales

06:40 Growth story of CALSA and leadership development

09:48 Mentorship as the foundation of leadership pipelines

12:07 Cultural awareness and diversity in leadership

17:26 Building trust between districts and edtech partners

24:18 Three key shifts in edtech: AI, performance contracts, partnerships

29:01 Current challenges and opportunities in school systems

32:09 Innovation vs. defense mindset in education leadership

38:17 Launch of K-12 Impact Academies and training future leaders

40:27 Keys to success in edtech sales and leadership

Connect with Guest
Thomas Davis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-aurelio-davis

Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38

Listen to the episode: https://youtu.be/Ld2CtmkKKFE

What is The Boyz of Edtech | K–12 Education Insights?

The Boyz of EdTech is a fast-paced, insider-driven podcast that explores the evolving world of K–12 education through multiple lenses—district leadership, entrepreneurship, operations, and relationship-building. Hosted by a dynamic panel that includes a former superintendent, startup founders, and edtech operators, the show blends frontline experience with candid conversation about what’s really happening in education today.