Teen Exec Podcast

An Interview with Steve Dietz, Candidate for the Weston School Committee

What does it take to lead, make decisions, and plan for the future of a public school district? In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas and Dr. Stacy Smith speak with Steve Dietz, a candidate for the Weston School Committee. As part of a special series, the two candidates in the 2026 School Committee election are asked the same set of questions in separate interviews. These conversations are designed to help listeners understand each candidate’s background, leadership approach, and perspective on key issues facing Weston’s schools. Weston’s town election will take place on May 2, 2026, which provides important context for these discussions. Steve shares how his background in technology and product management influences the way he thinks about leadership. He talks about the importance of listening, asking good questions, and working through complex problems step by step. The conversation also explores how leaders weigh competing priorities, along with perspectives on technology in education, supporting teachers, and maintaining strong academic standards. The episode closes with advice for students on leadership, decision-making, and building independence. Many thanks to the Weston Media Center [https://westonmedia.org/] for helping us record and edit this episode. * Steve’s campaign website [https://www.stevedietzforwestonschoolcommittee.org/] * Weston Observer’s interview with Steve [https://westonobserver.org/school-committee-candidate-interview-steve-dietz/] * Weston Public Schools [https://www.westonschools.org/] * Weston School Committee [https://www.westonschools.org/school-committee/] * Visit TeenExec.com [http://teenexec.com/] for information about upcoming workshops, coaching, and other insights * Join Teen Exec on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/teenexec], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teen.exec/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/teenexec]

An Interview with Adam Newman, Candidate for the Weston School Committee

What does it take to lead, make decisions, and plan for the future of a public school district? In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas and Dr. Stacy Smith speak with Adam Newman, a candidate for the Weston School Committee. As part of a special series, the two candidates in the 2026 School Committee election are asked the same set of questions in separate interviews. These conversations are meant to give listeners a clear look at each candidate’s background, leadership style, and perspective on key issues facing Weston’s schools. Weston’s town election will take place on May 2, 2026, which provides important context for these discussions. Adam shares how his experience—from classroom teaching to working across the education sector—shapes the way he approaches leadership today. He talks about adapting to different situations, making decisions when there are real tradeoffs, and focusing on turning plans into results. The conversation also covers priorities for the district, including community engagement and continuing to improve outcomes for students over time. The episode closes with advice for students on leadership, organization, and making thoughtful decisions. Many thanks to the Weston Media Center [https://westonmedia.org/] for helping us record and edit this episode. * Adam’s campaign website [https://www.reelectadamnewmanwestonsc.org/] * Weston Observer’s interview with Adam [https://westonobserver.org/school-committee-interview-newman/] * Weston Public Schools [https://www.westonschools.org/] * Weston School Committee [https://www.westonschools.org/school-committee/] * Visit TeenExec.com [http://teenexec.com/] for information about upcoming workshops, coaching, and other insights * Join Teen Exec on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/teenexec], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teen.exec/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/teenexec]

The Value of You: A Marketing Professor's Advice for Teens

In this Leadership Journey episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas talks with Dr. Jerry Smith—former chair of the Marketing Department in the Carroll School of Management at Boston College—about how classic marketing ideas like positioning, branding, value, and pricing can help teens make smarter choices today. Dr. Smith traces his path from economics and music to Parker Brothers and General Mills, then into academia and consulting. He shares why financial literacy matters, how to think in three money buckets (now, soon, long-term), and why mentors often make the difference between potential and progress. What You’ll Learn: * Positioning yourself: how to define what you stand for and communicate your value * Pricing & value (for life): thinking beyond price to the value you create and receive * Financial literacy for teens: the “three buckets” approach to saving and spending * Career paths aren’t linear: lessons from brand management to academia * Mentors matter: how to find them and why they accelerate growth Guest: Dr. Jerry Smith — Former Chair of the Marketing Department of the Carroll School of Management at Boston College; researcher and consultant in pricing strategy; creator of a teen financial literacy course; passionate about helping young people apply business concepts to everyday life. Try-This-Week (from the episode): 1. Position yourself: write 3 words you want others to use to describe you; do one action that proves each. 2. Think value, not just price: before a purchase, ask, What am I really getting for what I’m giving up? 3. Check opportunity cost: if you say yes to X, what are you saying no to? Resources & Links: * Visit TeenExec.com [https://teenexec.com/] for blog posts, tools, and upcoming workshops * Join Teen Exec on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/teenexec], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teen.exec/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/teenexec]

Organizing Your Study Space: 5 + 1 Rules Every Student Leader Should Know

What does your desk have to do with leadership? In this Student Leadership Playbook episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas teams up with her dad, Jeff Lucas, a college marketing instructor, to explore how organizing your study space can boost focus, reduce stress, and strengthen your ability to lead yourself—and others. Together, they share the “five plus one rules” of organizing your study space for student leaders who want to stay focused: * Keep it clear, keep it simple * Create zones for different work * Control distractions before they control you * Light it up and make it comfortable * End with a reset * +1 Bonus: Organize your digital space too You’ll learn why a clear space equals a clear mind, how physical and digital organization affect focus, and how small daily resets build long-term discipline—skills that directly translate to leadership. You’ll even hear a few AI prompts you can use to declutter faster and reset smarter. If your desk tends to pile up—or if you’ve ever felt that a messy space leads to a messy mind—this episode gives you a simple framework to turn order into energy and self-management into leadership. Many thanks to the Weston Media Center [https://westonmedia.org] for helping us record and edit this episode. Resources & Links: * Getting Things Done for Teens [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=getting+things+done+for+teens&hvadid=580761087020&hvdev=c&hvexpln=0&hvlocphy=9002081&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=6813051708115221563--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=6813051708115221563&hvtargid=kwd-419363670631&hydadcr=2549_13535088&mcid=d48d6eb5228234b9a7740369df27870f&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_4yry8hpqi0_e] by David Allen, Mike Williams, and Mark Wallace * How to Be a High School Superstar  [https://www.amazon.com/How-High-School-Superstar-Revolutionary/dp/0767932587?adgrpid=185328955904&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426930&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11089037872365400274&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9002081&hvtargid=dsa-1595363597442&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=11089037872365400274--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Media_d&hvcampaign=dsadesk]by Cal Newport * Visit TeenExec.com [https://teenexec.com/] for blog posts, tools, and upcoming workshops * Join Teen Exec on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/teenexec], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teen.exec/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/teenexec]

Working With Your Advisor: 5 + 1 Rules Every Student Leader Should Know

How do you get the most out of your relationship with a club advisor? In this Student Leadership Playbook episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas teams up with her dad, Jeff Lucas, a college marketing instructor, to tackle one of the trickiest parts of student leadership: building a strong partnership with your advisor. Together, they share the “five plus one rules” for working effectively with an advisor: * Setting clear expectations and roles * Keeping your advisor in the loop * Treating them like a partner—not a boss or an obstacle * Being honest when you’re stuck * Celebrating wins together * And the bonus: accepting “no” and adapting You’ll hear examples from student clubs and sports teams, practical communication tips, and advice on managing up—skills that will serve you well not just in high school, but with professors, mentors, and even future bosses. If you’ve ever felt micromanaged by an advisor, or struggled to know how much support to expect, this episode gives you a framework to lead with confidence while building trust and collaboration. Many thanks to the Weston Media Center [https://westonmedia.org/] for helping us record and edit this episode. Resources & Links: * Dare to Lead [https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead/] by Brené Brown * Visit TeenExec.com [https://teenexec.com/] for blog posts, tools, and upcoming workshops * Join Teen Exec on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/teenexec], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teen.exec/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/teenexec]