Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Exceptionally Good, I’m joined by Scott Seider, a professor, former public school teacher, and one of the most thoughtful voices I know on what it means to educate young people for a just and democratic society.

Scott is a Professor of Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology at Boston College Lynch School of Education and Human Development, where his research centers on how schools can support young people in developing a sense of purpose, critical consciousness, moral courage, and civic responsibility. Before entering academia, Scott taught high school in Boston Public Schools …experience that continues to ground his scholarship in the lived realities of classrooms and communities.

He is the author of Character Compass and co-author of Schooling for Critical Consciousness, works that have shaped how educators across the country think about character development, equity, and the role of school culture in young people’s lives. Across his writing, research, and teaching, Scott consistently asks a deeper question: 

What kinds of human beings—and citizens—are our schools helping to cultivate?

In this conversation, we explore:

• What “critical consciousness” actually looks like in practice
• How schools can nurture purpose and moral courage without slipping into ideology
• The role of identity, power, and belonging in adolescent development
• What it means to prepare young people not just for college and careers—but for democracy itself

If you’re an educator, school leader, or anyone wrestling with how to raise and teach young people in uncertain times, this episode offers both grounding and hope.

Links & Resources Mentioned

Character Compass 

— https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9798895570302/character-compass-second-edition/

Schooling for Critical Consciousness 

— https://hep.gse.harvard.edu/9781682534298/schooling-for-critical-consciousness/

More on Scott

www.scottseider.com

Info on a project in which we collaborated, Critical Consciousness in Crew, is available at www.bc.edu/4cs

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Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

In this episode of Exceptionally Good: Leaders for a Better World, I’m joined by two remarkable humans—Sheeba Jacob and Anay Shah—for a conversation about purpose, partnership, and the clarity that can emerge through challenge and loss.

Two compelling and humble leaders for good… who just happen to be married to each other!

Sheeba is the Director of Middle School Design at Citizen of the World Charter Schools, a researcher, educator, and musical artist whose work explores how teachers—and all of us—can cultivate hope in uncertain times. Her recent article in the Journal for Multicultural Education examines how contemporary teacher preparation often neglects hope and healing justice, the deeply human frameworks needed to build empathy, community, and connection. When she’s not writing or leading, Sheeba composes music that tells stories of parenthood, identity, and solidarity across communities.

Anay is an investor, storyteller, and systems thinker. As co-founder of Stepchange Fund, he works at the intersection of capital and justice, reimagining how financial systems can fuel more equitable and sustainable futures. His work reflects a deep curiosity about how complex systems—from data centers to markets—shape our lives and possibilities.

In our conversation, Sheeba and Anay talk candidly about how periods of transition and loss helped them clarify what truly matters—both in their work and in their life together. We explore how they’ve learned to name priorities, let go of what no longer serves them, and protect the relationships that make meaningful work possible.

They also share the small but powerful rituals that help them stay connected amid demanding roles and ambitious social-good goals—including Tequiza: a Friday-night ritual involving pizza, tequila, and intentional time together as partners.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on what it looks like to build a life of purpose not just as an individual, but alongside someone else—to do good work, tend to love, and keep choosing connection, even when the work is hard.

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About Exceptionally Good:

https://www.exceptionallygood.org/about

More from Exceptionally Good:

📧 ryan@exceptionallygood.org

Work with Ryan:
  https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services

Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

Courtenaye Jackson: - From Prosecutor to Purpose: A Journey to Justice

What does it mean to lead with purpose, principle, and power?

This episode features Courtenaye Jackson—currently General Counsel for the Children’s Aid Society in New York City. With a $300M endowment and a wide portfolio of schools and social services, Courtenaye brings legal expertise and deep conviction to systems in service of children and justice.

But her path wasn’t linear. From growing up in Queens with dreams of being a forest ranger, to tipping sheep at Cornell, to launching a powerful legal career that has spanned the Manhattan DA’s Office, human trafficking interventions, and a decade as General Counsel for the NYC Department of Education, Courtenaye has lived what it means to fail forward.

Together, we explore:

• How formative failures taught her what her real “genius” is
• The ethical weight of criminal prosecution—and why she left it
• Stories of trauma, resilience, and redemption in the justice system
• How to lead when your team might not all be aligned
• What it means to truly change a system, not just work in one
• How compassion and justice go hand in hand

Courtenaye’s work invites us to ask:
Are we building systems that solve problems—or perpetuate them for profit? 

Are we willing to reset when the path we chose no longer serves our purpose?

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Learn More:

•Children’s Aid Society

•NYC Department of Education

•Center for Justice Innovation (formerly Center for Court Innovation)

•Midtown Community Court

“I think we’re all called. Not everybody gets to pick what they’re good at. I think that’s part of the design—your genius is the packaging for your purpose.”

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About Exceptionally Good:

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Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

Bernie Shakeshaft is the founder of Backtrack Youth Works, a nonprofit based in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. For nearly 20 years, Bernie and his pack of working dogs have helped young people who’ve been kicked out of everything—school, home, the justice system—find purpose, responsibility, and healing.

In this episode, Bernie shares how his own troubled youth, time as a jackaroo, and lessons from Aboriginal elders shaped the radical, relationship-driven model of Backtrack. From confronting youth tragedies and incarceration to chasing dreams and building trust through dogs, Bernie’s story is one of deep commitment and humility.

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We discuss:

• What kids really need to survive and thrive
• How dogs teach us to lead with empathy
• The cost of following rules when they go against what’s right
• What it means to step back and plan for the next generation of leadership

Watch & Learn More:

Backtrack Boys – Documentary

Bernie’s Man of the Year acceptance video (2020 Australian Local Hero)

Backtrack Youth Works

“We do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”

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Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

Support the show

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About Exceptionally Good:

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More from Exceptionally Good:

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Work with Ryan:
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Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

There is no Episode 13.

There is no 19th Story.

There is no Miss Zarves.

Look it up.

You are in for a treat.

Support the show

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About Exceptionally Good:

https://www.exceptionallygood.org/about

More from Exceptionally Good:

📧 ryan@exceptionallygood.org

Work with Ryan:
  https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services

Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

It’s who you know….

And, see, I know you. 

And you know people. You know inspiring leaders who would make excellent guests for the Exceptionally Good podcast. 

Leaders on a mission for a better world. 

They are exceptionally good not because they were born with it or heroic. 

But because they are just regular humans like you and me — and they are driven to contribute to good in the world. 

You know the world needs their voice. 

And you know them. 

And I know you. 

Recommend them. 

Link in bio and here ⬇️:

Recommend a leader to be a guest!

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Support the show

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About Exceptionally Good:

https://www.exceptionallygood.org/about

More from Exceptionally Good:

📧 ryan@exceptionallygood.org

Work with Ryan:
  https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services

Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

Ever had your barn burn down and then see the moon?

What happens when you realize those you put in place to lead are the wrong people?

How should you use critique to make you and your org stronger?

All the way from Doncaster, England, Andy Sprakes and Gwyn Ap Hari detail their journey as co-founders of XP Trust, a group of innovative and successful “free schools” in the UK. We discuss their unique approach to education, their personal leadership styles, the significance of culture in schools, and the importance of working in a team. They also delve into the challenges they faced, including a critical moment when their school burned down, which ultimately led to the foundation of XP Trust, and how they addressed leadership missteps to rejuvenate the culture and effectiveness of their schools.

“Separating yourself is a way of collecting power and collecting more money and collecting more influence.  But it's not a way of leading, because if you're not spending time with people, you're not leading anything.” 

Links:

XP Trust

https://xptrust.org/

Video on XP - Above all, compassion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwrtCFGGUaE

Education Research Reading Room:

 Gwyn Ap Harri on Building, Breaking, and Fixing a World Famous School

How We XP - Andy’s and Gwyn’s book

https://shop.xptrust.org/products/how-we-xp

My barn 

having burned to the ground

I can see the moon.

- Mizuta Masahide

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Support the show

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About Exceptionally Good:

https://www.exceptionallygood.org/about

More from Exceptionally Good:

📧 ryan@exceptionallygood.org

Work with Ryan:
  https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services

Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

Hey, good people, happy new year! 
As we look ahead into 2025, I am recruiting a new batch of exceptionally good leaders to host on the show. In particular, I'm looking for leaders in the realm of healthcare, rescue services, social services and more. We have a solid batch of education leaders in the first season because I started with friends who I knew were brilliant, admirable, and willing to take a chance on some podcast that didn't even exist yet with someone who had never hosted one! Now that we have a full season out, I'm looking to recruit our 2025 lineup. If you know of a great leader who you would nominate to be on the show, and you could recommend them, especially from a personal connection you might have with them, please nominate them for the next season. Of course they have no obligation to come on the show, I offer them no compensation, other than that which comes from doing a good deed, but it is a great way to amplify the voice of a leader who is doing the work for social good.

You can find that link for nominations in the show notes, or you can drop me a line on LinkedIn, Instagram, or any way else you know how to get a hold of me.

Help us keep leaders inspired, and share the voices of inspiring leaders.

Yours for the good,

Ryan


Recommend a leader to be a guest:
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Help us cover costs - give $5, $10, $25, $50 or $?? at our Donorbox:
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Support the show

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About Exceptionally Good:

https://www.exceptionallygood.org/about

More from Exceptionally Good:

📧 ryan@exceptionallygood.org

Work with Ryan:
  https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services

Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

How do you go from a town hall lashing, go up for a vote of no confidence and turn it around? 

What’s a leader to do when faced with a moment of crisis? 

Have you ever wondered how to know it is the right time to step down? 

In this transcript, Derek Pierce, the founding leader of Casco Bay High School, shares his extensive journey in educational leadership. Derek discusses his early influences, experience in the film industry, and the emotional challenges of starting a new school in a rural community. Highlighting key stories, such as handling a contentious Pledge of Allegiance issue and responding to hate crimes, he reflects on the importance of human-centered leadership. The conversation touches on Derek's leadership style characterized by humor, love, and a focus on student and faculty potential. As he transitions from his role after 19 years, Derek emphasizes the significance of listening, adapting, and continuously striving for improvement in education. This dialogue aims to inspire aspiring leaders committed to social good in educational settings.

“Keep tinkering towards better and to keep loving your people with intention relentlessly.”

Links:

Casco Bay High School

https://cbhs.portlandschools.org/

Derek’s Silverberg Leadership Award Speech - (bunny, bunny!)

https://vimeo.com/190194953

Derek leaves Casco Bay after 19 years

https://www.pressherald.com/2024/02/21/principal-leaving-portlands-casco-bay-high-after-19-years/

Coalition of Essential Schools Design Principles

https://web.archive.org/web/20220121202607/http://essentialschools.org/common-principles/

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About Exceptionally Good:

https://www.exceptionallygood.org/about

More from Exceptionally Good:

📧 ryan@exceptionallygood.org

Work with Ryan:
  https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services

Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.

How does your self-talk provide a barometer for your own alignment and integrity in a situation?

How do you build trust in order to give growth-producing feedback?

How do you keep your fire fueled despite the challenges of leading for systemic change? 

In this episode, Shyla Kinhal, the Director of Literacy for Evanston Skokie School District, shares her extensive career journey and expertise in literacy and equity in education. From teaching in NYC to her current role, Shyla discusses the impact of her personal experiences, her strategic implementation of literacy programs, and her leadership philosophy. The conversation explores the importance of community, integrity, meaningful work, and celebrating progress in driving educational change.

Links:

District Literacy Adoptions

https://evanstonroundtable.com/2023/01/18/school-district-65-plans-to-adopt-new-curriculum-for-its-k-5-reading-program/

Shyla in Edweek - Giving students literacy experiences they deserve

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/reading-comprehension-hinges-on-building-knowledge-new-curricula-aim-to-help/2024/01

EL Education

https://eleducation.org/

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Recommend a leader to be a guest:

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Help us cover costs - give $5, $10, $25, $50 or $?? at our Donorbox:

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Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer.

Support the show

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About Exceptionally Good:

https://www.exceptionallygood.org/about

More from Exceptionally Good:

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Work with Ryan:
  https://www.exceptionallygood.org/services

Exceptionally Good on Substack:

https://substack.com/@exceptionallygood

Producer, editor and host: Ryan Maxwell

Theme music: Ryan Raddatz

Guitar music: Adeline’s Guitar

Credits/Outro Read by: Adeline, Advice and Jess

The views shared on this podcast are those of my guests and the host and do not necessarily reflect those of any employer past or present.