Beneath the Water
Beneath the Water is a leadership podcast hosted by Diane Doersch, a longtime education technology leader, former district technology executive, and community builder who is now in her "rewirement."
In each episode, Diane sits down with education technology leaders for the kind of conversation we do not hear often enough. These are not polished success stories or quick leadership tips. They are honest conversations about what is happening beneath the surface: the moments that shaped her guests, the challenges they had to work through, the lessons they carry, and the parts of leadership that are not always visible from the outside.
This podcast is for leaders who want to feel seen in their work and reminded that they are not alone.
Episodes
12 episodes
Interoperability with Dr. Tim Clark
Dr. Tim Clark started as a classroom teacher and ended up shaping interoperability at a global level. What stood out most was this: every move he made was still grounded in the classroom: English teacher, Techie teacher, District leader, Global...
Lifelong Leadership with Chantell Manahan
Diane speaks with Dr. Chantell Manahan this week as she shares her journey and the pivotal role education played in shaping her life. She reflects on the struggles of being the "new weird girl" in school and how supportive teachers made a lasti...
Caring for Yourself as a Leader with Sandra Paul
Sandra and Diane talk about not only being early women in technology, but also the intersectionality of coming from another country. Sandra talks about the importance of a support system, what happened when her district was hit with a cyber att...
Called Into Leadership with Nathan Davidson | Beneath the Water
Diane is joined by Nathan Davidson, CoSN board member and Vice President of Partnerships at Five Star Technology Solutions. Nathan speaks about answering his calling, and we learn more about his leadership journey. He urges leaders to evaluate ...
Finding Your Voice with Marlo Gaddis
Diane has a heartfelt discussion with dear friend and fellow inclusion champion Marlo Gaddis. Marlo shares her journey into leadership and how experiences from her past have made her the leader she is today. It's a story of strife, hope, and a ...
Donna Williamson & Sheryl Abshire | Beneath the Water
Diane has discussions with friends Donna Williamson and Sheryl Abshire, the remaining two Savvy Sisters and co-authors of the book "The Savvy EdTech Leader." They both share sections of the book they authored and their leadership experiences th...
Frankie Jackson & BTW Check-in | Beneath the Water
This is a two-part episode - the first section is a first-of-the-series check-in between Diane and her producer daughter, DeAnna. They discuss the WHY behind the podcast and share some of the victories and gaps they've experienced along the way...
Amy Jaeckel | Beneath the Water
Diane is joined by her Green Bay Area School District CTIO successor, Amy Jaeckel. They reminisce over Amy's first interview and how Diane came to know her as her own leader. Be sure to follow Amy on LinkedIn:
Victoria Thompson | Beneath the Water
Florida-based technologist and professional learning specialist Victoria Thompson joins us for a lively discussion about her views on equity and diversity, her experiences around it, and the way she uses data to teach students about social just...
Pete Just | Beneath the Water
Indiana's very own Pete Just (former CoSN chair and Executive Director of Indiana's CTO Council) joins us this week to talk about building trust, encouraging collaboration, and having integrity as a leader.
Dr. Adam Phyall | Beneath the Water
Welcome to Beneath the Water's very first episode! This week join host Diane Doersch for a lively conversation with Dr. Adam Phyall, Director of Professional Learning and Leadership for All4Ed. Adam shares his leadership journey, the lessons he...