GOA Chats w/ Reshan Richards - Episode 2
Welcome to GOA Chats, hosted by Michael Nachbar and Deepjyot Sidhu.
What’s shaping the future of learning? Let’s talk about it. GOA Chats is a new video series featuring powerful, thought-provoking conversations with education thought leaders from around the world. Hosted by GOA’s Michael Nachbar and Deepjyot Sidhu, each short, engaging episode offers insight and inspiration from people who are pushing boundaries, reimagining learning, and leading with purpose. These are not just interviews; they’re sparks for new ideas and deeper connections in education.
In Episode 2, we are excited to highlight our conversation with Dr. Reshan Richards.
Dr. Reshan Richards is a faculty member in the Math, Science, and Technology department Teachers College, Columbia University and the Human Capital Management program at the Columbia University School of Professional Studies. His co-authored publications include Blending Leadership, Make Yourself Clear, and a Substack monthly newsletter titled Making the Case. He also serves as Director of Studies at New Canaan Country School in New Canaan, CT. He was the co-founder and CEO of Explain Everything, a whiteboard software company that was acquired in 2022. He has an Ed.D. in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University, an Ed.M in Learning and Teaching from Harvard University, and a B.A. in Music from Columbia University.
Tune in to hear:
7:56: "I'm a very systems-driven person... there has to be structural elements that transcend human elements, because the people will always change and evolve. When the default systems are running well and have accountability, it puts thoughtful and experienced people in the best place to do what only they can do: imagine possibility, read the room, and make relational connections that aren't linear."
14:24: "Every day, 8:30 to 10, if you look at my calendar, just says ‘busy.’ I’m not really busy, but it means no matter what, I’ve got this cushion to sit and process. That time and space creates the potential for connection: serendipitous conversations, quick check-ins, or just a human acknowledgement that says, ‘I’ve got it.'"
