John White, CEO - Great Minds
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The Square Pizza podcast focuses on the intersection of education, innovation, and diversity. We host and interview leaders doing incredible work around the country to ensure all students have access to an equitable education. The Square Pizza podcast is hosted by SchermCo, a social-impact implementation firm that offers strategic implementation and project management services to schools and education-focused organizations across the country.
Dad. Husband. Marathoner.
Deputy Chancellor, New York City Department of Education
State Superintendent, Louisiana Department of Education
Teach For America Board Member
Chief Executive Officer, Great Minds
John White has spent his career working at nearly every level of the education system, giving him a unique perspective on leadership, reform, and what it takes to create meaningful change at scale.
In this episode of the Square Pizza Pod, Greg and John discuss lessons from Louisiana, the growth and future of Great Minds, the role of artificial intelligence in education, and why strong leadership requires both ambition and trust. John also reflects on how sports shaped his approach to teamwork, how his leadership style has evolved, and why the most important parts of teaching and learning must remain deeply human.
In this episode, you’ll learn more about:
How John’s experiences across classrooms, districts, states, and organizations shaped his leadership philosophy
The lessons he took from Louisiana’s education reforms and open-enrollment model
How Great Minds is balancing rapid growth with quality, implementation, and student outcomes
Where artificial intelligence can support teachers and students—and where human interaction still matters most
Why listening, trust, and coalition-building have become increasingly important throughout John’s career
How sports, running, and team experiences continue to influence the way he leads
