Improving Student Outcomes Beyond the Classroom with ConnectIndy
Release Date: 01/15/2025
Hands-on Leadership: Closing Process Gaps and Iterating AI Strategy
Data Driven Leadership
How can leaders make better data-driven decisions? shares some of her recent reflections on leadership, from improving workflows within the organization to navigating AI. She talks about how leaders can stay hands-on, spot problems before they turn into bigger issues that impact the business, and earn their team’s trust. In this episode, you’ll learn: The questions leaders need to ask to identify problems in the organization Tips for democratizing decision-making How a personal philosophy around AI leads to more confident decisions Things to listen for: (00:00)...
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What Every Leader Needs to Know About Sustainable AI Adoption: Insights from a Fortune 500 AI Executive
Data Driven Leadership
"Slow is smooth, smooth is fast." This saying rings true when it comes to AI adoption in today’s fast-paced world. While everyone seems to be rushing toward the next big AI breakthrough, the reality is that hasty decisions often lead to costly mistakes. In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, sits down with , global head of AI and data governance at a Fortune 500 company to discuss how leaders can adopt AI thoughtfully and sustainably. Patrick shares his expertise on balancing rapid innovation with long-term success, the critical role of AI governance, and how organizations can avoid...
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The Data-Driven Leader’s Guide to Navigating Change in 2026
Data Driven Leadership
2025 was a breakthrough year for AI adoption, with new tools enabling seamless integration between business and technical teams. Organizations leveraged AI to improve operations, enhance decision-making, and unlock growth opportunities, though not without challenges. In this episode, sits down with , Senior Vice President of Professional Services at , to reflect on the key lessons from 2025. They discuss the successes and hurdles organizations encountered in their AI journeys and share actionable insights for leaders heading into 2026. Michael also offers his predictions for 2026 and how...
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The Untapped Power of Predictive Analytics in Hospitals
Data Driven Leadership
With the right data foundation, hospitals can better support medical staff and improve patient outcomes. , commercial health strategy lead at , joins to discuss how data-driven insights are transforming hospital efficiency. Tony shares his experiences from overseeing information systems at IU Health. He also highlights the critical role of predictive analytics in improving patient flow and streamlining daily operations. In this episode, you’ll learn: How predictive models can improve staffing and resource allocation The challenges of managing complex healthcare data How hospitals can...
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Insights From Our Latest Episodes: The Link Between Mission, People, and Data Decisions
Data Driven Leadership
What can we learn from the leaders shaping the future of tech, health care, and cybersecurity? In this solo episode, reflects on recent conversations with industry leaders across various fields. Each discussion reveals how mission, people, and structure drive key leadership decisions and strategies. Jess invites listeners to pause and consider their own leadership: How clear is your mission? What support do your teams need? And do your systems align with the way you want to work? In this episode, you will learn: Why a clear mission makes data easier to work with The way you support...
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Clarity, Culture, and Change: Leading with Data-Driven Strategy
Data Driven Leadership
In today’s fast-paced world, organizations can’t rely on static, long-term plans. Strategies must continuously evolve to stay relevant. In this episode, EVP of Professional Services shares his insights on leading through rapid change. He discusses how to maintain organizational health, align culture with strategy, and foster clarity and accountability across teams. Mike also offers advice on balancing priorities and keeping teams focused, no matter the challenges. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to assess the health of an organization Ways to strengthen culture through clarity...
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Building a Strong Data Foundation in an AI World
Data Driven Leadership
AI is everywhere, but it can’t succeed without the judgment, creativity, and collaboration of real data science. In this episode, sits down with , senior data science manager at , for a conversation about building successful data science teams. They discuss how isolation can hinder even the most skilled data scientists, and what happens when organizations pursue outcomes without the right structure in place. Alexa shares field-tested lessons on what works, where teams struggle, and why communication matters as much as technical skill. As AI takes center stage, this conversation...
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REPLAY: Driving ROI through Collaborative Organizational Change Management
Data Driven Leadership
Organizations are racing toward digital and AI transformation, but the same problem keeps showing up: people aren’t ready. In this replay episode, revisits her conversation with , Senior Director of Organizational Change Management at . They explore the fundamentals that ensure change is well implemented in an organization. Allison explains why strategy and technology fall short without sponsorship, communication, and culture. She also emphasizes the importance of early-stage planning and continuous feedback to ensure lasting success. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to make...
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How Slack Builds Products People Love to Use, with Chief Product Officer Rob Seaman
Data Driven Leadership
Private companies can be mission-driven. And in today’s market, they have to be. , Chief Product Officer at , joins to discuss how leading with purpose helps build better teams and better products. Rob shares lessons from Slack’s integration with Salesforce, including the importance of staying close to customers, balancing speed with quality, and accepting that product leadership is never really “done.” He also reflects on his path from small startups to global enterprises and what it takes to build teams that work with clarity and intent. In this episode, you’ll learn: How...
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The Value of Project Managers with Not the Worst PM’s Kelly Vega
Data Driven Leadership
From TikTok skits to tech leadership, shows why project managers are more than task trackers. As program director at and the creator of , Kelly has built a following by turning the chaos of project management into relatable, entertaining content. In this episode of Data-Driven Leadership, she joins to share what she’s learned leading complex digital projects and building PM teams across industries. Kelly reflects on her path into the profession, how humor on social media has helped her spotlight the realities of the job, and what separates transactional PMs from effective PMs. She also...
info_outlineA student’s success depends on more than just academic learning; it’s also shaped by their health, access to enrichment opportunities, and the support of their family.
In this episode, host Jess Carter is joined by Shaina Cavazos, director of the Office of Education Innovation at the Indianapolis Mayor's Office. They discuss ConnectIndy, a program adapted from Boston College’s City Connects. The program addresses outside factors affecting students' learning potential without putting that burden on teachers.
Shaina discusses how every ConnectIndy school has a dedicated coordinator creating tailored plans to connect students and their families with the necessary resources, allowing teachers to focus on classroom instruction. She also highlights how ConnectIndy’s public data dashboard—the first of its kind for City Connects—empowers educators and enables policymakers to make decisions that benefit students holistically.
In this episode, you will learn:
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How ConnectIndy ensures that resources reach students who need them most
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Why a public dashboard fosters transparency and drives action
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How Indianapolis is using data to improve the education system
Things to listen for:
- (00:00) Introduction to the episode with guest Shaina Cavazos
- (03:14) How the City Connects program helps students and teachers
- (06:09) Early implementation of ConnectIndy
- (08:51) Empowering donors through ConnectIndy’s dashboard
- (14:52) Using concrete data to drive change
- (17:33) Data collection for individual student support plans
- (18:53) Longitudinal data and continuation of the City Connects program
- (20:59) Comparing data across different states and programs
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