Solve for X

Solve for X is the podcast where district leaders and EdTech innovators come together to tackle the real challenges in K–12 education. Hosted by Dr. Rick Fernandez, each episode explores what schools truly need, how vendors respond, and how stronger partnerships can lead to smarter solutions and better outcomes for students.

Solve for X is a education podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Solve for X, a education show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #20

  The Future Workforce Through Leadership, Trades, and Innovation with Eric Crabb

  Aug 14, 202643 min

  This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Eric Crabb, CEO of Valcourt Group, to explore what it really takes to build high-performing organizations and prepare the next generation of workforce leaders. Drawing from decades of experience growing service-based businesses, Eric shares his leadership journey from facility services to leading one of the nation's largest building envelope restoration companies. Together, Rick and Eric discuss the growing demand for skilled trades, why leadership and relationship-building remain irreplaceable despite advances in AI, and how companies can create cultures where people thrive. They also examine the changing expectations of today's workforce, the importance of hiring for character and entrepreneurial thinking, and why organizations must invest in developing people, not just processes. The conversation dives into the future of artificial intelligence, robotics, entrepreneurship, and education, offering practical insights for educators, business leaders, and students preparing for careers in an increasingly technology-driven economy. Whether you're leading a school district, managing a growing business, or helping students prepare for life after graduation, this episode provides valuable perspective on building talent that lasts. What You'll Learn Eric's journey from marketing graduate to CEO of Valcourt Group Why putting people and culture first drives long-term business success How leadership changes as organizations scale across multiple states Lessons learned from making difficult leadership decisions Why skilled trades continue to face critical workforce shortages The leadership and relationship skills companies value most today How AI is transforming business operations without replacing human leadership Why entrepreneurship should become a bigger focus in education How robotics and automation are changing the future of skilled trades What today's students need to prepare for tomorrow's workforce Why adaptability may become the most valuable career skill Episode Timestamps 01:08 Eric's Leadership Journey to CEO 04:00 What Valcourt Group Does 06:13 Building a People-First Culture 08:21 A CEO's Daily Responsibilities 12:12 Leadership Lessons from Mistakes 16:04 The Growing Skilled Trades Gap 20:04 Hiring Great Leaders in Today's Market 24:17 AI's Impact on Business Operations 27:08 Robotics and the Future of Field Work 30:55 Preparing Students for an AI-Driven Workforce 34:20 Why Entrepreneurship Matters More Than Ever 38:34 Building Businesses with Technology Connect with Us Host's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group Special Thanks To Eric Crabb for sharing practical leadership lessons from building and scaling businesses, while offering thoughtful perspectives on workforce development, skilled trades, artificial intelligence, and the future of education. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time, keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

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  Episode #19

  Leadership, Learning, and Preparing Schools for an AI Future With Torrance Lewis

  Aug 7, 202649 min

  This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Torrance Lewis, Assistant Superintendent of Lincoln Public Schools, for a thought-provoking conversation on leadership, instructional practice, and the future of education in the age of artificial intelligence. Drawing from a career that spans public schools in Georgia, international schools in Brazil, and district leadership in Massachusetts, Torrance reflects on the experiences that shaped his educational philosophy. Together, Rick and Torrance explore why authentic human relationships remain at the center of learning, what schools should prioritize as AI becomes more prevalent, and why leadership requires much more than simply managing systems. They also discuss the importance of productive struggle, the value of foundational learning, how educators should approach AI responsibly, and why preparing the next generation of school leaders requires deeper investment in experience, mentorship, and professional growth. Whether you're a teacher, administrator, or district leader, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on leading schools through a rapidly changing educational landscape. What You'll Learn - Torrance's unconventional journey into education through international experiences - What teaching in Brazil revealed about students and learning across cultures - Why authentic relationships matter more than geography in education - How intervention systems can support students beyond traditional special education - Why AI should enhance educators instead of replacing human learning - The importance of protecting students' critical thinking and developmental skills - How districts can thoughtfully implement AI through professional learning - Why productive struggle is essential for meaningful learning - The role of homework in reinforcing understanding instead of measuring performance - Why educational leadership should be viewed as organizational leadership - The importance of experience and mentorship when developing future school leaders Episode Timestamps 01:16 From International Affairs to Education 08:00 Teaching in Brazil and Lessons Across Cultures 12:20 Building Student Intervention Systems 13:20 AI's Role in Education and Child Development 20:37 Should Schools Embrace AI Faster? 26:34 Why Instruction Must Continue to Evolve 29:25 Moving Beyond Right Answers 33:35 The Value of Productive Struggle 38:49 Preparing the Next Generation of School Leaders 44:34 Supporting Educational Leaders More Effectively 47:12 Why Teaching Experience Shapes Better Leadership Connect with Us Host's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Company's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group Special Thanks To Torrance Lewis for sharing his global perspective on education, leadership, and instructional practice. His thoughtful insights on human-centered learning, responsible AI adoption, and developing future education leaders provide valuable guidance for school systems navigating today's challenges. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time--keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

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  Episode #16

  Personalizing Learning at Scale With Sawyer Altman

  Jul 1, 202638 min

  This week on Solve for X , host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Sawyer Altman, CEO and Co-Founder of Aha Moments, Inc., to discuss how AI is reshaping personalized learning and why today's technology may finally solve one of education's oldest challenges. Drawing from his experience as a New York City math teacher, Sawyer shares the classroom frustrations that inspired Goblins, an AI-powered math platform designed to give every student the equivalent of one-on-one instruction. Together, Rick and Sawyer explore why traditional personalized learning has fallen short, how AI can help teachers identify misconceptions in real time, and why engagement starts with designing experiences students genuinely enjoy. They also dive into Sawyer's unconventional journey from coding game servers and launching startups to teaching, entrepreneurship, and building one of education's most innovative AI platforms. Whether you're an educator, district leader, or edtech founder, this conversation offers a compelling look at where AI can make the greatest impact in K-12 education. What You'll Learn Why personalized learning has remained so difficult to achieve in classrooms The teaching experience that inspired Sawyer to build Goblins How AI can help teachers provide individualized instruction at scale Why identifying misconceptions in real time changes classroom instruction The importance of understanding students' thinking, not just right or wrong answers How Goblins helps teachers prioritize interventions during class Why math confidence is often built on strong foundational skills Sawyer's journey from entrepreneur and nonprofit founder to classroom teacher Lessons learned from building startups inside and outside education Why designing engaging learning experiences matters more than gamification How AI can strengthen teachers rather than replace them The future of personalized math instruction in K-12 education Episode Timestamps 01:03 The Story Behind the Goblins Name 02:28 Solving the Challenge of Personalized Learning 05:46 Why Teaching Is More Complex Than Most People Realize 07:24 Why Personalized Learning Has Been So Difficult 09:13 Sawyer's Entrepreneurial Journey 12:36 The Reality of Building an EdTech Company 16:18 How Goblins Works in the Classroom 18:23 Real-Time Teacher Insights 22:27 Early Student Impact and Research 23:38 Why Schools Sometimes Resist Change 26:34 Supporting Students Before Algebra Becomes a Barrier 30:06 Breaking the "I'm Not a Math Person" Mindset 32:04 Expanding AI Beyond Mathematics 34:19 Designing Learning Without Gamification 36:40 The Future of AI-Powered Learning Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group Special Thanks To Sawyer Altman for sharing his journey from educator to entrepreneur and for his commitment to helping teachers deliver personalized learning experiences that meet students where they are. His work highlights how thoughtful innovation can empower educators and create more opportunities for every learner. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

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  Episode #17

  Solving School Communication at Scale With Axel Petochi

  Jun 29, 202652 min

  This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez is joined by special co-host Ryan Patenaude, Founder of RP Impact Partners, for a conversation with Axel Petochi, Co-Founder of BaboBot, an AI-powered communication platform helping schools simplify information access for students, families, and staff. Axel shares the entrepreneurial journey that began with a simple college problem—figuring out what was being served in the dining hall—and evolved into a platform designed to solve one of education’s most persistent challenges: communication. Together, Rick, Ryan, and Axel explore how schools can reduce information overload, improve family engagement, and provide stakeholders with personalized answers without adding more work to already stretched educators and administrators. The conversation also dives into what it’s like building an education technology company as a young founder, the realities of navigating the K-12 market, and how AI can be responsibly leveraged to improve operational efficiency while keeping educators at the center of learning. If you're interested in school communication, educational innovation, entrepreneurship, or the future of AI in education, this episode offers valuable lessons from both emerging and experienced leaders. What You’ll Learn How a college dining hall project evolved into an education technology company Why communication remains one of the biggest operational challenges for schools The hidden costs of fragmented information systems across K-12 organizations How AI can provide personalized answers for parents, students, and staff Why schools need communication tools that go beyond traditional portals and websites The importance of role-based responses in school communication How better communication can improve family engagement and student retention Lessons learned from building a startup as a young founder Why founders should spend more time talking to customers than building in isolation The importance of relationships, research, and trust in K-12 sales How AI can support education operations without replacing teachers Practical advice for education founders entering the K-12 market Episode Timestamps 01:19 Introducing BaboBot and the Communication Challenge 02:26 The College Project That Started It All 04:55 Early Lessons From Building the Platform 06:37 Discovering the Information Fragmentation Problem 07:59 Data, Communication, and School Operations 10:06 How BaboBot Supports Parents and Families 12:10 Why Communication Matters More Than Ever 14:45 Navigating the K-12 Market as a Young Founder 16:45 Building Relationships in Education 20:28 Solving District Challenges Through Better Communication 21:39 Customer Discovery and Product Development 22:36 New Parent Onboarding Success Story 25:12 Responsible AI in Education 26:49 Why Teachers Must Remain at the Center of Learning 28:35 Finding Mentors and Building a Network 32:00 Learning Through Successes and Failures 33:54 Common Startup Mistakes and Growth Challenges 36:12 Building a Scalable Go-To-Market Strategy 46:50 Lessons on Sales, Relationships, and Growth Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group Special Thanks To Axel Petochi for sharing his entrepreneurial journey and vision for improving communication across education. His willingness to tackle complex operational challenges and learn directly from educators highlights the innovation and curiosity needed to solve tomorrow’s problems. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

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  Episode #15

  Solving Teacher Retention Through AI-Powered Coaching With Shaily Baranwal

  Jun 12, 202642 min

  This week on Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez sits down with Shaily Baranwal, Founder and CEO of heyC, to explore one of K-12 education’s most persistent challenges: teacher retention. Drawing on her experience as a serial entrepreneur and education innovator, Shaily shares why she believes supporting and developing educators is one of the most important problems schools must solve today. The conversation dives into the realities facing new teachers, from overwhelming onboarding processes and limited mentorship capacity to the growing costs districts incur when educators leave the profession. Shaily explains how advances in AI are creating entirely new possibilities for personalized coaching and support, helping educators get answers, guidance, and encouragement when they need it most—not weeks later. Rick and Shaily also discuss the future of teaching in an AI-driven world, why human-centered professions will become even more valuable, and how districts can rethink retention strategies to better support their workforce. If you're a district leader, educator, HR professional, or anyone interested in the future of education, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how technology and human support can work together to strengthen schools. What You’ll Learn Why teacher retention emerged as one of the biggest challenges facing school districts today The limitations of traditional onboarding and mentorship programs Why many new teachers struggle despite receiving training and professional development The hidden financial cost of teacher turnover for school districts How AI is creating new opportunities for personalized coaching and support Why mentorship remains essential but needs additional tools to scale effectively The connection between teacher support, job satisfaction, and retention Why districts often underestimate the true cost of replacing educators How AI can provide just-in-time guidance when teachers face real classroom challenges Shaily’s perspective on the future of teaching as a highly human-centered profession Why retaining educators may become even more important in an AI-powered future Episode Timestamps 02:24 Identifying the Teacher Retention Problem 04:42 Challenges of Traditional Teacher Onboarding 06:16 Why New Employees Often Receive Limited Support 10:56 Budget Pressures Facing School Districts 14:39 The Hidden Cost of Teacher Turnover 16:18 Teacher Attrition Data and Trends 20:57 Why Districts Often Miss Retention Costs 23:00 Calculating the Real Financial Impact 30:32 Why Teachers Leave the Profession 35:54 The Shift in Teaching as a Career 37:51 How AI Is Changing the Workforce 41:41 The Future of Teacher Retention 43:40 How heyC Uses AI-Powered Coaching Connect with Us Host’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rick-fernandez-40692434/ Company’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/powerschool-group Special Thanks To Shaily Baranwal for sharing her insights on teacher retention, AI-powered coaching, and the future of educator support. Her passion for solving meaningful societal challenges offers a compelling vision for how technology can help schools better serve the people who make learning possible. Stay Connected Follow, like, and subscribe to Solve for X for more conversations where curiosity meets collaboration. Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.

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