In this episode of the Boys of EdTech, the crew is joined by Tiffany Law, COO of the Institute for Education Innovation (IEI), for a candid conversation on what it really takes to build meaningful connections between district leaders and edtech partners.
Tiffany shares her unconventional journey into education, transitioning from a 27-year career in the restaurant industry to helping build IEI from the ground up. Along the way, she reflects on the lessons learned from stepping into a completely new space, embracing mistakes, and finding her footing in a fast-moving and often overwhelming edtech landscape.
The conversation dives into what makes IEI different. Instead of traditional conferences, IEI creates intentional, closed-door environments where district leaders can speak openly about their challenges, learn from one another, and connect with partners in a way that feels authentic and pressure-free. The focus is not on flashy presentations or big budgets, but on real problems, real conversations, and real solutions.
Tiffany also breaks down how IEI structures its events to level the playing field between large companies and smaller innovators, using curated matching, real-time feedback, and highly qualified one-on-one meetings to ensure that every interaction is meaningful.
If you are in edtech or district leadership, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how trust, transparency, and thoughtful design can transform the way partnerships are built in K-12.
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
02:36 Transitioning from restaurants to education
03:36 Building IEI from the ground up
05:12 What makes IEI different from traditional events
07:47 Inside IEI event structure and formats
11:30 Why closed-door conversations matter
12:44 Creating safe spaces for district leaders
15:33 Connecting the right people through curated matching
18:28 How real-time feedback shapes conversations
22:44 Leveling the playing field between vendors
23:53 Why solutions matter more than budgets
28:23 How partners qualify and prioritize conversations
Connect with Guests
Tiffany Law: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffany-law-coo
Interested in joining the show? Fill out the form: https://forms.gle/SRVhzpXikBombee38