Building Real Pathways for Every Student Beyond High School With Sophie Smith and Leah Guesman

Building Real Pathways for Every Student Beyond High School With Sophie Smith and Leah Guesman

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Sophie Smith, Founder and CEO, and Leah Guesman, Co-Founder of College Contact. What started as a viral TikTok moment during COVID quickly turned into a fast-growing company helping thousands of students navigate life after high school. Sophie and Leah share how a “happy accident” exposed a massive gap in college and career guidance, and how they built a near-peer coaching model to support students in ways traditional systems cannot. Together, they unpack the reality facing school counselors today, why students are overwhelmed and often disengaged from their futures, and how personalized, human-centered support can reignite confidence and direction. From college admissions to career pathways, scholarships, and workforce readiness, this conversation highlights how education systems can better meet students where they are. If you are an educator, parent, or leader trying to help students navigate an increasingly complex future, this episode offers a fresh perspective on what actually works. What You’ll Learn * How a viral TikTok video led to the creation of College Contact and a nationwide student support network * Why traditional counseling models struggle to meet the needs of today’s students * The power of near-peer coaching and why students respond differently to it * How Gen Z approaches decision-making, including the role of social media and AI * Why students are more focused on ROI and career outcomes than ever before * The hidden questions students have that never make it to a counselor’s office * How College Contact supports pathways beyond college, including careers, trades, and military options * The importance of individualized guidance for every student’s unique situation * How districts can use postsecondary outcomes as a competitive advantage * Why accessibility, flexibility, and real human interaction matter in student support * Lessons learned as young founders navigating entrepreneurship and building in education Episode Timestamps 01:20 The origin story and “happy accident” 02:30 Building a near-peer coaching network 04:03 The counseling gap in schools 05:47 The power of relatable mentorship 10:07 What students aren’t asking counselors 14:03 Changing student mindset about careers 17:48 How College Contact ensures coach quality 21:16 Expanding beyond college into careers 25:49 Real student success story and ROI 30:18 Lessons from entrepreneurship challenges 34:55 Handling advice, pressure, and growth 37:56 Final reflections and how to connect Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/] Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group] Special Thanks To Sophie Smith and Leah Guesman for sharing their journey, their mission, and their commitment to helping every student find a path forward with confidence and clarity. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

Building Focused School Systems That Actually Drive Results With Dr. Terry Grier

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Terry Grier, former superintendent of Houston ISD, San Diego Unified, and Guilford County Schools, and now Co-Founder of Educentric. With decades of experience leading some of the largest and most complex school systems in the country, Dr. Grier shares what it really takes to drive meaningful change in K-12 education. From navigating politics and governance to building high-performing teams and improving student outcomes at scale, this conversation is a candid look at leadership in action. Dr. Grier also introduces the Educentric model, a results-driven framework that helps schools identify their most critical metric and stay relentlessly focused on improving it. Along the way, he reflects on lessons from Houston ISD, the importance of urgency, and why focus—not more initiatives—is the key to real progress. What You’ll Learn * Dr. Grier’s journey from teacher to superintendent across multiple states * Key differences between leading small vs. large districts * Why governance and school boards make or break district success * The importance of focus in driving measurable outcomes * How the Educentric framework helps schools prioritize what matters most * Why many districts struggle with urgency and execution * The role of autonomy and trust in empowering principals * Lessons on hiring, team building, and leadership alignment * Why innovation is often limited by politics and structure * How school leaders should evaluate new opportunities and districts * The growing need for districts to “sell” their value in a competitive landscape * Why coaching and mentorship are critical for leaders at every level Episode Timestamps 05:12 Guilford county school board insights 08:26 Introducing educentric framework in schools 10:51 Improving school graduation rates 15:36 Discussing educational challenges and strategies 16:45 Evaluating and Measuring School Culture 20:18 Focusing on district dropout rates 24:35 Getting Ready for College 26:21 Discussing a new education program 29:32 Adapting to the new voucher system 33:45 Support for school leaders 36:09 Discussing educator career paths 39:14 Evaluating leadership in new roles 44:31 Addressing education urgency issues 46:28 Leadership and school management philosophy 50:41 Impact of educational leadership Connect with Us * Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/] * Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company] Special Thanks To Dr. Terry Grier for sharing decades of leadership experience and for his continued work helping schools focus, execute, and improve outcomes for all students. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

From the Library to the Future of AI in Education With Dr. Michael Conner

In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Dr. Michael Conner, CEO and Founder of Agile Evolutionary Group and former superintendent, for a powerful conversation on leadership, systems thinking, and the future of education. Dr. Conner shares his journey from classroom teacher to superintendent and how a pivotal decision to study business analytics and AI reshaped his perspective on education. What emerges is a bold vision for moving beyond traditional models toward what he calls “22nd century education”—where data, artificial intelligence, and systems-level thinking drive real transformation. This episode blends personal storytelling with deep strategic insight—from the formative experience of “battling the library” as a child to rethinking how districts use data today. If you’re a district leader, board member, or education innovator, this conversation will challenge how you think about data, leadership, and what it truly takes to prepare students for the future. What You’ll Learn * Dr. Conner’s journey from teacher to superintendent to AI-driven education leader * How early experiences shaped his lifelong commitment to learning * Why traditional education leadership models are no longer enough * The difference between “old data” analysis and real-time decision-making * What schools are missing when they rely on siloed data * Why every district needs a data scientist * The concept of “inexactitude analysis” and why it matters * How governance and school boards can become truly data-driven * Why systems thinking is critical for sustainable school improvement * How to move from isolated interventions to whole-system transformation * The importance of preparing for Generation Alpha and Generation Beta * Why AI is not just a tool—but a transformational force in education Episode Timestamps 03:41 "22nd Century Education Disruptor" 07:03 "Journey to a Love for Reading" 12:34 "Real-Time Data Transformation Needed" 14:26 "Inexactitude Analysis in Education" 19:01 "Building Education Capabilities Systemically" 21:58 "Data-Driven Governance Innovation" 25:45 "Superintendent Challenges and Insights" 31:13 "Holistic Change Management Approach" 33:30 "Holistic Systems Drive Success" 36:34 "Future-Proofing Education Models" Connect with Us * Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/] * Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company] Special Thanks To Dr. Michael Conner for sharing his visionary thinking and practical insights on transforming education through data, systems, and AI. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

Building Impactful Edtech: Ryan Patenaude’s Journey From FEV Tutor to RP Impact Partners

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Ryan Patenaude, Founder and Managing Director of RP Impact Partners and co-founder of FEV Tutor. Ryan shares the full journey from growing FEV Tutor from $0 to $50M without outside investment to now helping edtech companies scale the right way. Grounded in a family of educators, his work has always centered on equity, access, and delivering real outcomes for students. Rick and Ryan dive into what it actually takes to build, scale, and sell an edtech company, and why many companies get it wrong in today’s market. From the “false reality” created during COVID funding to what districts actually need now, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons on strategy, partnerships, and long-term impact. If you’re building in edtech, leading a district, or trying to navigate what comes next in K–12, this episode offers clarity on where the market is heading and how to win by doing the right work. What You’ll Learn * How Ryan helped grow FEV Tutor from startup to $50M without outside capital * The real gap tutoring was solving for underserved students * Why tech-enabled services beat pure software in high-impact interventions * Lessons from building, scaling, and eventually selling an edtech company * Why mentorship and learning from the right people accelerates growth * What the edtech market got wrong during COVID and ESSER funding * Why today’s market demands outcomes, not features * The shift from vendor selling to strategic partnerships with districts * Common mistakes edtech companies make in messaging and go-to-market strategy * Why net revenue retention matters more than just landing new deals * What it takes to build trust and long-term partnerships with school districts Episode Timestamps 05:51 "Equitable Tutoring for All Students" 07:24 "Urgency in Education Leadership" 11:52 "Lessons on Growth and Investment" 15:55 "Building Networks Through Curiosity" 18:15 "Rebuilding Schools Through Leadership" 23:13 "Second Chance for Greater Growth" 25:38 "Bittersweet Journey of Selling Business" 30:15 Edtech's Post-Pandemic Reset 32:11 "Seizing Opportunities in EdTech" 34:53 Strategic Partnerships in EdTech 39:38 Regional Strategy & Revenue Retention 44:02 "Doing Well While Doing Good" Connect with Us * Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/] * Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company] Special Thanks To Ryan Patenaude for sharing an honest and insightful look into building, scaling, and evolving in edtech, and for continuing to support companies and districts focused on real student impact. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

Navigating Enrollment, Choice, and Facilities Strategy With Susan Miller

This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Susan Miller, Senior Director of K–12 Consulting at Woolpert and a former school board member in Jefferson County, Colorado. With a unique background spanning public finance, school board governance, and long-range facilities planning, Susan brings a multi-dimensional perspective to some of the biggest challenges facing K–12 today. From school choice and declining enrollment to fiscal sustainability and aging facilities, she shares why districts must rethink how they plan, operate, and serve their communities. Rick and Susan also explore the growing pressures on school boards, the evolving role of the superintendent as a CEO-style leader, and the importance of staying focused on student outcomes amid political noise and distractions. If you’re thinking about the future of district leadership, facilities strategy, or how to adapt to enrollment shifts, this conversation offers both clarity and practical insight. What You’ll Learn * How school choice is reshaping enrollment patterns across the country * Why declining birth rates are creating long-term enrollment challenges for districts * The financial pressure districts face after ESSER funding expired * Why student attendance trends are becoming a major academic and economic concern * The importance of board members focusing on fiduciary responsibility and student outcomes * Common distractions that derail school board discussions from academic priorities * Why the superintendent role increasingly resembles that of a CEO * The connection between early literacy, workforce readiness, and economic competitiveness * What strong fiscal and facilities health looks like for a school district * Innovative ways districts can repurpose underutilized facilities Episode Timestamps 03:56 "Challenges of Declining School Enrollment" 10:13 Board Members' Fiduciary Responsibility Overview 11:20 Board Members Must Prioritize Learning 15:11 "Prioritizing Safety, Engagement, and Academics" 18:48 Evolving Role of Superintendents 22:09 Educating Kids Over AI Dependence 26:17 "Data-Driven Education for Careers" 28:58 Balancing Enrollment, Costs, and Programs 34:44 "Addressing Enrollment with Pre-K Expansion" 36:12 Repurposed Schools Build Community Hub Connect with Us * Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/] * Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group [https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company] Special Thanks To Dr. Miranda Walachowski for bringing both research and real-world experience into the team effectiveness conversation, and for the work she does to help leaders build stronger teams that execute with clarity, trust, and purpose. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more stories where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.