Designing Schools
105 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago -Cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. As you navigate today’s changing world the question remains how do you create these cultures? How do you scale them? And how do you help people develop the mindset and skills to thrive within them?
These are the questions people ask Dr. Sabba Quidwai, researcher, educator and storyteller. Each week we’ll explore the answers with stories and strategies from researchers, education leaders and today’s young people as we explore how might we design schools.
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Episodes
DS9 | Daily SPARK | Year In Review: Lesson Learned
December 19, 2023 06:46 - 8 minutes - 7.03 MBToday we are looking at lessons learned from a year in review. Join me on a journey of introspection, looking back at the past twelve months. This episode is a treasure hunt for wisdom and insight, where we celebrate our achievements and learn from our regrets. We discuss how to use these reflections as a compass for future choices and growth. Key Points: Celebrating Successes: Recognize and appreciate the achievements that have made us proud and happy over the year. Learning from Regre...
DS8 | Daily SPARK | Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
December 14, 2023 22:49 - 4 minutes - 8.71 MBIn this episode Sabba let's discuss an essential aspect of personal growth: stepping out of our comfort zones. We explore how venturing into the 'learning zone'—the space just outside our comfort zones—can foster significant personal development, skill enhancement, and confidence building. Key Topics: Understanding the Comfort and Learning Zones: The concept of the comfort zone as a familiar yet stagnating space, and the learning zone as the area where real growth and development occu...
DS7 | Daily SPARK | Cultivating Resilience
December 14, 2023 22:37 - 5 minutes - 9.17 MBIn this episode, we explore the concept of resilience, often described as the ultimate skill that thrives through experience and is crucial in our rapidly changing world. Resilience is likened to a muscle that strengthens with exercise. Our focus is on how to develop this resilience muscle and utilize it effectively. Key Topics: Understanding Resilience as a Muscle: The analogy of resilience being like a physical muscle, which gets stronger with each challenge we overcome. The Role of C...
DS6 | Daily SPARK | The Power of Reflection
December 14, 2023 22:05 - 4 minutes - 7.94 MBToday's episode of the Daily SPARK focuses on a crucial, yet often overlooked aspect of personal and professional development: the art of reflection. Dr. Sabba Quidwai delves into how transforming our approach to reflection can lead to significant growth and learning, inspired by the research of Amy Edmonson on psychological safety. Key Topics: The Importance of Reflection: Understanding reflection not as a focus on failures but as a vital tool for learning from experiences. Psychologic...
DS5 | Daily SPARK | Embrace the Unknown
December 11, 2023 07:17 - 4 minutes - 3.87 MBToday's episode discusses personal growth by stepping out of our comfort zones. We explore the 'learning zone,' a space just outside our comfort zones where true growth, skill development, and confidence building occur. It's about taking small, ongoing steps towards becoming the best versions of ourselves as lifelong learners. Key Points: The Learning Zone: This is where we find new challenges that are stimulating but not overwhelming. It's a space for growth, skill development, and confi...
DS4 | Daily SPARK | Asking, "What If..."
December 07, 2023 09:58 - 6 minutes - 5.1 MBIn this inspiring episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai invites the audience to explore the potential of the question 'What if...' in driving innovation and reshaping industries. By examining the transformative stories of companies like Netflix, Uber, and Airbnb, she illustrates how challenging conventional norms can lead to groundbreaking innovations. Key Highlights: The Power of 'What If': Dr. Quidwai emphasizes the significance of this simple yet powerful question in sparking innovation, as seen ...
DS3 | Daily SPARK | Breaking the Rules
December 06, 2023 09:41 - 5 minutes - 4.01 MBOverview: In this episode of 'Daily Spark,' Dr. Sabba Quidwai talks about 'Breaking the Rules.' She discusses the transformative power of trust and relationships in challenging the status quo, inspired by Satya Nadella's culture of learning at Microsoft and Simon Sinek's insights in 'The Infinite Game.' Key Highlights: Challenging the Status Quo: Dr. Quidwai emphasizes the significance of creating a safe environment for trying new things, asking questions, and sharing ideas. She poses an ...
DS2 | Daily SPARK | Learning to Learn
December 05, 2023 05:46 - 7 minutes - 6.11 MBOverview: In this episode of 'Daily Spark,' Dr. Sabba Quidwai explores the concept of "Learning to Learn Again." This journey is about reigniting the childlike curiosity we often lose as we grow older, and understanding its importance in an AI-driven world. Download Your Free ChatGPT Guide Key Points: The Power of Childlike Curiosity: Dr. Quidwai emphasizes the organic approach to learning seen in children, like her young nephew and niece, which is essential for creativity and innovati...
DS1 | DAILY SPARK | Your Blank Canvas
December 04, 2023 03:33 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MBEpisode Overview: Welcome to the first episode of 'Daily Spark,' where Dr. Sabba Quidwai guides us in strengthening our human advantage in an AI-dominated world. This episode focuses on overcoming the 'Blank Canvas' anxiety and leveraging design thinking to transform challenges into opportunities. Today's Prompt (Edit, cut, and paste this prompt into any AI tool, works best with ChatGPT4): Hey ChatGPT, I'm looking at 2024 as a blank canvas for my personal and professional development. ...
Scaling AI with Enterprise Adoption Across Your Organization with CIO Robert Dickson
November 27, 2023 23:05 - 54 minutes - 50.3 MBThis week I'm delighted to introduce you to Robert Dickson, CIO of Wichita Public Schools, one of the first to design an enterprise integration of AI across their large school district of 50,000 students, and 10,000 employees. Here are three core ideas Robert shares with us in this episode. You'll find all his information below, as I know this is one guest you'll definitely want to add to your network. Robert Dickson's insights highlight the transformative power of AI in education, foc...
Cultivating Authentic Connections: A Journey Inward
August 09, 2023 07:30 - 48 minutes - 46.9 MBIt's a familiar scene: organizations invest in team-building exercises and post-work gatherings to foster a sense of belonging. These proactive efforts are commendable, yet they only scratch the surface of a more profound challenge. True connectivity, it turns out, originates from a place within. In the absence of a well-defined set of core values, establishing profound and authentic relationships becomes an intricate endeavor. Enter Brant Menswar, a proponent of a values-driven pathway to...
The Human Advantage in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
March 29, 2023 08:05 - 33 minutes - 30.6 MBDiscover the power of the human advantage in the age of AI in this podcast episode! I explore how to harness our uniquely human skills in a world where artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, is rapidly advancing. Plus, learn about my new framework, SPARK, designed to help you maximize the potential of ChatGPT for growth and success. Tune in for an engaging conversation that will inspire and equip you for the future. Link to Resources
The AI Revolution: How Four Human Traits Can Help You Thrive in a Tech-Driven World
March 15, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MBIn a world where AI is advancing rapidly, it's easy to feel like our jobs and skills are at risk of becoming obsolete. But according to Duncan Wardle, former head of creativity and innovation at Disney, there are four human traits that will give us a competitive edge over machines. In this episode, we explore these four traits - curiosity, creativity, imagination, and intuition - and learn how they can help us succeed in a tech-driven world. Duncan shares insights on why these traits are s...
How to Reclaim Your Time with Artificial Intelligence
February 22, 2023 22:34 - 32 minutes - 29.6 MBIn this episode I share a keynote I gave a few weeks ago at a conference titled, "Using Design Thinking and Artificial Intelligence to Reclaim Your Time." Do you want to bring this motivation and optimism to your campus? When we use technology to reduce teacher burnout, and increase impact with learners we all thrive. Click here to bring this talk and workshop experience to your campus. Overview: In this episode, educator and researcher Sabba Quidwai shares her insights on the power ...
The Purpose of School in Today's World with AI
February 01, 2023 16:37 - 18 minutes - 17.2 MBIn today's rapidly evolving world, the role and purpose of education are constantly being redefined and reevaluated. With the advent of artificial intelligence (AI), the demands of the job market are shifting, and new skills are becoming increasingly valuable. So, what is the purpose of school in this new age? Traditionally, schools have served as places for students to learn fundamental skills and knowledge necessary for success in life, such as reading, writing, and basic arithmetic....
Transferring Skills from the Classroom to the Corporate World with Danielle Cevallos
January 25, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBTransferring Skills from the Classroom to the Corporate World with Danielle Cevallos
How Coffee, Curiosity and Confidence Led Mokhtar Alkhanshali to Design His Future
January 11, 2023 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MBIt’s not everyday that I have a guest whose story encompasses elements of design thinking in both their personal and professional lives. In this episode Mokhtar Alkhanshali, whose NYT Bestselling Author Dave Eggers calls “The Monk of Mokha” shares how his curiosity in the origins of coffee allowed him to build a life at the intersection of his passion and purpose. Join The LinkedIn Leader course waitlist. To learn more about Designing Schools click here.
The Risks and Rewards of Artificial Intelligence in Education with Erik Brynjolfsson
January 09, 2023 11:00 - 51 minutes - 93.7 MBWith everyone talking about ChatGPT and the acceleration of AI today's conversation is with economist and author Erik Brynjolfsson on why we should race with the machine not against the machine. He shares why we have to return to a conversation about our values and vision to guide the decisions we make as we reinvent education for what he calls The Second Machine Age. When we step back and assess the risks and rewards of existing and emerging technologies in the context of the needs of ou...
Stories, Trust, Innovation, and Recognizing Others Through Social Networking
May 18, 2022 18:15 - 50 minutes - 46.1 MBBoth personal and professional development can be improved through social media. There are many tools that can be used to share stories, ideas, and build relationships. Social media is the perfect medium for boosting creativity and encouraging innovation since it is not restricted by any physical or geographic boundaries. It's a powerful platform for those with innovative ideas to express their thoughts and share experiences. There are a number of strategies one can use on social media...
Align the Science of Research With the Artistry of Classroom Teaching with Jon Corippo
April 20, 2022 07:01 - 46 minutes - 42.7 MBIn the digital age, it’s important to teach students how to use technology as a tool in order to learn and not be left behind. When applied in tandem with design thinking, we can start to teach students how to solve problems in a new and innovative way. Jon Corippo co-founded and developed a series of instructional lesson frames called EduProtocols that are designed to engage students in learning through the 4 C's: 1. Critical thinking 2. Collaboration 3. Communication 4. Creativity...
Trust, Creativity, Accomplishments, Vision: The Four Pillars of Success
April 13, 2022 00:34 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBThe four pillars of leadership and social influence are: 1. Building trust 2. Encouraging creativity 3. Recognizing accomplishments 4. Inspiring a collective vision. In order to be a successful leader and have social influence, one must be able to demonstrate these qualities. For example, someone who is creative can come up with new ideas that will help those around them grow; someone who has accomplished a lot can show others what they can do if they work hard enough; someone...
Learn to Become a Life Ready Innovator and Reimagine the World
April 06, 2022 07:31 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBThe best way to get learners to see the space in between as an opportunity is to create a culture of innovation. This can be done through leadership and design thinking. When it comes to innovation, leaders should be able to take a step back and see the big picture, whereas design thinkers should be able to understand the needs of the student and create solutions that are both innovative and practical. Leadership is key when it comes to creating a culture of innovation. Leaders should ...
Promoting Educational Innovation and Equity in Our Community’s Schools
March 30, 2022 07:30 - 37 minutes - 34.1 MBThe future of schools is changing. The current education system is in need of change more than ever. Schools should focus on what students want to learn, and not what teachers want to teach them. Students should have the opportunity to explore their interests and passions in a safe environment. The nation's schools are under more pressure than ever to educate kids for an information-rich, high-tech, entrepreneurial, global economy that demands a highly trained, informed, adaptable, and...
More Teachers and More Leaders: Dr. Shane Hotchkiss on How to Improve Education in the Future
March 23, 2022 17:06 - 37 minutes - 34.3 MBIn both Virginia and Pennsylvania, Shane Hotchkiss has over 23 years of combined educational and managerial experience. He's worked as a fourth grade teacher, an elementary reading specialist, an elementary assistant principal, an elementary principal, and an assistant superintendent. Dr. Hotchkiss has also taught at Wilkes University, Cabrini College, and Wilson College as an adjunct professor. Shane graduated from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania, with a doctorate in educa...
Making a Positive Impact in the Lives of Students Through Equity, Innovation, and Change
March 16, 2022 07:30 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MBA good superintendent should have a deep understanding of the district’s needs and be able to build relationships with parents, teachers, students and other stakeholders. They should also be able to lead design thinking in order to develop innovative solutions for problems in the education system. Some duties of the superintendent include directing planning and scheduling, budgeting, student assessment and determining appropriate resources for schools. Josh Van Norman took over as Supe...
Online Teaching: Putting a Human Face to a Name Makes a Difference With Denise Maduli-Williams
March 09, 2022 08:30 - 38 minutes - 34.8 MBThe capacity to personalize the interaction with remote learners is critical in all kinds of distance education. It is important for teachers to understand that it's not about them, but about the learners. They need to focus on designing an engaging learning experience for their students. You want to generate great online videos, but you also want to make your online discussion boards more interesting, while also bringing equity and diversity into your online classrooms through synchro...
Boost Your Leadership Effectiveness Through Strengthening Trust-Based Relationships with Zandra Jo Galvan
March 02, 2022 15:19 - 38 minutes - 35.1 MBOne of the most crucial parts of leadership is relationships. You must be able to build a connection with those around you and earn their trust in order to be an effective leader. Frameworks that facilitate effective conversations build solid relationships, and in turn, everyone can better solve issues, improve decision-making, and promote trust and safety in any environment. Relationships also serve as a foundation for how people feel about themselves. A relationship that is built on...
On Becoming a Leader with Dr. Jeffrey Prickett
February 23, 2022 01:13 - 47 minutes - 43.3 MBLeadership is not something that you are born with. It is something that needs to be taught and nurtured. Leaders are made, they don't just happen. Leadership is a skill that needs to be practiced and learned. The first step to becoming a leader is learning how to think like one. This means understanding what leadership really means and how it can be applied in different situations. Leadership skills are developed through observing others, practicing leadership in various situations, a...
How to Create Personalized Learning Environments Where Students Are Architects of Their Learning
February 16, 2022 01:56 - 55 minutes - 50.6 MBHow can we move away from a one-size-fits-all paradigm and toward one in which learners have the agency to design their own learning experiences? Today I visit the Davis School District to meet Robert Kinghorn and Amy Thompson. Amy has been a teacher for the past 18 years. Amy was formally recognised as a "Exemplary Teacher" in the Salt Lake City School District based on student progress and competency outcomes while teaching in the Salt Lake City School District. She has also worked a...
Teaching Design Thinking to Build Strong Communities
February 09, 2022 11:00 - 44 minutes - 35.7 MBThis week on the show I’m taking you to Georgia Tech. From diversity, to innovation to academic excellence it’s one of the top ranking universities with a vision to develop leaders who advance technology and improve the human condition. Today I’m speaking with Wayne Li and Michael Flanigan about how they use design thinking to carry out the vision of the university. In this episode we discuss: Why design thinking is a lifestyle Why the traditional model of school leads to children feel...
How Great Teams Work Better Together PT. 2
February 02, 2022 08:30 - 44 minutes - 40.5 MBPart one of my conversation with Adam and Larissa, co-founders of MakeTeamWork, discusses why a culture of trust and psychological safety is critical for creating successful teams. A talk regarding masculine and feminine cultures was one of the most intriguing aspects of our chat. In a feminine society, the emphasis is on the quality of life and the people. While in a male society, competitiveness, accomplishment, and success are valued. A culture that pervades all institutions, especi...
How Great Teams Work Better Together PT. 1
January 26, 2022 08:30 - 41 minutes - 38.4 MBTrust is the most important factor in culture activation. It’s the cornerstone of education, and it’s what makes people want to do something. It’s how you get people to take that one step. Trust is the foundation if anything else is to thrive. Larissa and Adam co-founded MakeTeamWork.com, a global company specialising in team development, culture change, and visual collaboration. MakeTeamWork, founded in 2020 and located in Amsterdam, has created a relevant array of services and an impress...
Part 3: Leadership and Social Influence with Jerry Almendarez
January 19, 2022 15:26 - 30 minutes - 24.7 MBIn This Episode We Discuss: The challenges that arise when you don't take ownership of telling your story How leadership and social influence help build trust, encourage creativity, recognize accomplishments, and inspire a collective vision How leaders can nurture and grow talent within an organization How districts can leverage brand ambassador programs How different departments from construction, to site principals can leverage social media Why leaders should embrace an infinite...
Part 2: Building a Culture of Trust Amongst School Leaders with Jerry Almendarez
January 12, 2022 11:00 - 51 minutes - 41.3 MBIn this episode we discuss: How Jerry uses his weekly Friday meetings with his leadership team of over 180 people How creating a culture of vulnerability influenced the conversations that were taking place at the different sites across the district Significant inflection points, both personal and professional, that have shaped Jerry into he leader he is today
Leading with Vulnerability to Create a Culture of Innovation
January 05, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MBIn This Episode We Discuss: How Jerry defines innovation The framework Jerry uses to develop strategic foresight How being vulnerable led to deep and meaningful relationships with his leadership team The strategies Jerry uses to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world How he overcomes the fear of being vulnerable in public spaces, such as social media platforms Connect with Jerry on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Connect with Sabba on Twitter and Instagram.
Part 1: Leading with Vulnerability to Create a Culture of Innovation with Jerry Almendarez
January 05, 2022 11:00 - 18 minutes - 17.6 MBIn This Episode We Discuss: How Jerry defines innovation The framework Jerry uses to develop strategic foresight How being vulnerable led to deep and meaningful relationships with his leadership team The strategies Jerry uses to stay relevant in a rapidly changing world How he overcomes the fear of being vulnerable in public spaces, such as social media platforms Connect with Jerry on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. Connect with Sabba on Twitter and Instagram.
How Coding Allows Young People to Solve Problems and Explore Opportunities
December 06, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 25.5 MBToday's episode is a reminder of how much potential today's young people have to create, collaborate and design solutions to areas they are interested in. In this episode we discuss: The mindset and skills Seth believes young people need to have to thrive in today's world How he uncovered a need for creating LinkJoin The value of LinkedIn as a platform for young people Strategies for how students can get started with LinkedIn and how to use it The changes he'd like to see in scho...
Tips for Sharing Your Story Online
September 30, 2021 17:32 - 7 minutes - 10.6 MBYou may have noticed that people kind of say the same thing over and over. They have one message with different versions for different audiences, and that consistency is a big part of their influence. But being consistent on social media doesn’t have to mean coming up with brand new content every day. It could mean showing up consistently with repurposed content or going deeper into old content. In this episode, I give you some tips to tell your story online and increase your influence. ...
2 Frameworks You Can Use to Start Making Change
September 30, 2021 17:32 - 6 minutes - 9.05 MBJust about everyone believes that the way we do education needs to change. We know the why, so I’m focusing on the how. In this episode, I talk about two different frameworks that can help educators get through the first step. Click here for the full episode! To complement the summer series I’ve created a free guide for you to master how to develop the clarity and confidence to showcase your strengths, skills, and ideas in an online portfolio. You can download it here.
Preparing for the Future Now
September 30, 2021 17:31 - 4 minutes - 6.06 MB“The future is already here – it’s just not very evenly distributed.“ This quote by William Gibson resonates with me so much. Most of the time when we talk about the future, we talk about things that are going to happen. But if you look around the world you may find that these things are already happening. There is so much opportunity in the world today but how do we empower others to fully take advantage of it? In this episode, I rift on this quote and talk about the humble beginnings of my...
Beginning with a Culture of Empathy
September 30, 2021 17:30 - 10 minutes - 14.1 MBThe struggle never ends. You solve one problem, just to find a different one later one. But finding the right problem is a huge part of finding the right solution. So no matter what struggle I’m facing, I always remember that cultures of innovation begin with a culture of empathy. And I combat it by focusing on people’s fears and motivations. In this episode, I talk about this concept further. I also bring up the importance of listening. Click here for the full episode! To compl...
The Story Behind the Podcast
September 30, 2021 17:29 - 5 minutes - 7.56 MBIf you’ve been listening to the podcast for a while, you probably know that it started off as an extension of my dissertation, which was a deep dive into the work of Design39Campus. Design39Campus is a collaborative community focused on changing the way we do school. In this episode, I talk about how this idea started and why I chose podcasting as my medium. Click here for the full episode! To complement the summer series I’ve created a free guide for you to master how to develop th...
3 Steps to Solving Problems with Luke Harris
September 23, 2021 19:18 - 2 minutes - 3.54 MBIn this follow-up episode, Luke tells us where the idea for his curriculum came from. He also talks about his three steps to solving a problem: 1. Finding the problem, 2. Solving the problem, and 3. Creating a prototype. Click here for the full episode! To complement the summer series I’ve created a free guide for you to master how to develop the clarity and confidence to showcase your strengths, skills, and ideas in an online portfolio. You can download it here.
Messy Learning with Luke Harris
September 23, 2021 19:17 - 3 minutes - 4.39 MBWe can’t teach students how to solve every problem. We just can’t. We don’t even know what the major problems in the future will be. So instead, we need to teach students methods to solve problems by breaking them down! That is why today’s guest Luke Harris created the Design Engineering Curriculum for Young Adults, to help students learn empathy and other skills in a greater worldly context. Click here for the full episode! To complement the summer series I’ve created a free guide...
Benefits of Leadership and Entrepreneurship Skills with Nancy Bosnoian
September 17, 2021 15:50 - 4 minutes - 6.74 MBLet’s face it. The American Education System could definitely use a makeover. We don’t teach students how to be leaders and problem-solve and think for themselves. Instead, they learn how to be a part of a whole, how to get hired by a corporation, how to fit in. In this episode, Nancy talks about how different skills like leadership and entrepreneurship can better benefit students. Click here for the full episode! To complement the summer series I’ve created a free guide for you to ...
Taking Risks and Failing with Nancy Bosnoian
September 17, 2021 15:49 - 5 minutes - 8 MBNancy Bosnoian is a sleep activist and the founder and executive director of End No Sleep, Inc., a youth-led, nonprofit committed to providing sleep resources to vulnerable communities through education, awareness, and direct service. In this episode, she talks about why she recommends gap years and/or taking semesters off to help students find their passions and figure out what they want to pursue. She encourages taking risks and being okay with failing. Click here for the full episo...
Advice for New Graduates with Diana and Kandis
September 17, 2021 15:48 - 6 minutes - 9.49 MBIn this follow-up episode, Diana and Kandis share some advice with new graduates. They talk about finding opportunities to practice your passion, connecting with people from all over the world, building your network, and being creative. Click here for the full episode! To complement the summer series I’ve created a free guide for you to master how to develop the clarity and confidence to showcase your strengths, skills, and ideas in an online portfolio. You can download it here.
Elements of Design Thinking with Diana and Kandis
September 17, 2021 15:48 - 13 minutes - 18.2 MB“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” This Japanese proverb explains that before you can act, you must plan, and before you can plan, you must have a vision. Diana Ying Liu and Kandis O'Brien agree. Diana and Kandis are co-founders of The Six, a consulting company working with leaders and their teams to help design better business operating models, processes, and product experiences. In this episode, they talk about the elements of design thinking and h...
The Importance of Collaboration with Alex and Bob
September 17, 2021 15:47 - 6 minutes - 9.22 MBOne thing that isn’t talked about enough is the importance of collaboration in an organization. The leaders, staff, interns, volunteers, must be able to talk, debate ideas, and share their hearts in a safe way, or they won’t share at all. And when the different parts of a company aren’t communicating, the issues just get bigger, and harder to deal with. In this follow-up episode, Bob gives us an example of how better communication led a company to be more successful. Click here for th...
Managing Imposter Syndrome with Alex and Bob
September 17, 2021 15:46 - 5 minutes - 7.15 MBAlex Jamieson and Bob Gower have been helping leaders align their teams for the past two decades. They founded The Alignment Company and have worked with clients like Zoom, GE, and Foot Locker. One thing they see often in this line of work is imposter syndrome. And in this episode, Alex and Bob give us tips on how to manage it. Click here for the full episode! To complement the summer series I’ve created a free guide for you to master how to develop the clarity and confidence to sho...