The Leadership Classroom

ESPN Analyst and New York Times Bestselling Author Jay Bilas

On a brand new episode of the ACSA Leadership Classroom, Naj Alikhan and Michael Kelly sit down with ESPN basketball analyst and New York Times bestselling author Jay Bilas. They discuss the influence of his upbringing in California public schools (00:28), what drew him to play for Coach Mike Krzyzewski (07:07), and how to lead when you're not the most talented person in the room (09:45). Bilas also shares why empathy is the foundation of effective leadership (22:22) and offers insights for educators navigating accountability, growth, and resilience in today’s world. #JayBilas #DukeBasketball #LeadershipMatters #Empathy #ACSA #CoachK #EducationLeadership

Former Girl Scouts CEO & Rocket Scientist Sylvia Acevedo

On episode four of The Leadership Classroom, Naj Alikhan and Michael Kelly talk with former CEO of Girl Scouts of the USA and rocket scientist Sylvia Acevedo. They discuss the lessons she learned from a young age as a member of the Girl Scouts (01:27), the importance of being a good communicator (14:37), and what she makes of the state of public education in our country (19:32).

Mountain West Commissioner Gloria Nevarez

On episode three of The Leadership Classroom, Naj Alikhan and Michael Kelly sit down with Mountain West Conference commissioner Gloria Nevarez. They discuss her time as a student at Santa Clara High School (03:07), working in a male-dominated industry (05:19), and leading a conference during this new age of collegiate athletics (20:15). A disclaimer for viewers and listeners...this interview was recorded prior to the Pac-12 poaching schools from the Mountain West Conference. #MountainWest #GloriaNevarez

Sacramento State President Dr. J. Luke Wood

On episode two of The Leadership Classroom, Naj Alikhan and Michael Kelly talk with Sacramento State University President Dr. J. Luke Wood about his incredible path from former ward of the court to the youngest university president in the country. They discuss Wood's upbringing as a foster child (05:37), his prophetic declaration in 2001 (32:32) and why he wants Sacramento State to be the North Star of the West for students of color (42:04).

Kings Owner Vivek Ranadivé

On the debut episode of The Leadership Classroom, Naj Alikhan and Michael Kelly sit down with Kings owner and chairman Vivek Ranadivé for a wide-ranging conversation about lessons in leadership. They discuss Ranadive's journey from Mumbai, India to the United States (00:13), the process of buying the Sacramento Kings (05:00) and why he believes the next generation of great leaders in the 21st century will be women (23:40).