It Takes Courage (PM in Public Education)

In this episode, we talk with David Doty, an education leader who’s taken on some of the toughest assignments in the field.

From launching a brand-new school district in a divided Utah community to transforming educational access for incarcerated adults, David has led complex, high-stakes projects under intense public scrutiny.

We explore what it takes to lead systems change, build trust in fractured environments, and stay grounded in purpose when the pressure is on. This one’s about courage, collaboration, and the kind of steady leadership that actually gets it done.

2:00 – From Spanish Teacher to Education Leader
David shares his journey through teaching, law, administration, and consulting.

3:40 – Launching Canyon School District
Superintendent of Utah’s first new district in 100 years: 34K students, $200M budget.

4:12 – A Referendum and a Split
The district formed by splitting from Jordan SD—one of the largest in the U.S.

5:30 – Starting From Scratch
Tasked with opening an entire school district in just 12 months.

6:00 – Kitchen Table Planning
Mapped out operations, staffing, and logistics at home—45 buildings, full IT, HR, and transport systems.

7:45 – Legal Mindset in Action
His law background helped navigate voting rights, benefits transfers, and property issues.

9:00 – PM Insight: Getting People Behind You
Trina highlights the core PM skill of rallying support for massive initiatives.

10:45 – Incompatible Expectations
Managing conflicting demands from parents, employees, and politics.

11:34 – Stabilizing the Workforce
Visited 45 schools for face-to-face staff meetings to calm fears and build trust.

12:15 – Annual 1:1s With Staff
Held personal meetings with each staff member every year.

13:05 – “We All Have to Work Together”
A reminder that students are coming—ready or not.

14:08 – The Power of Vision
Great leaders define and communicate a compelling vision.

15:19 – Giving Every Student Our Best
Basic literacy and high-quality instruction are non-negotiable.

16:16 – Brown v. Board of Education
Equity in education is still a personal and professional calling.

17:31 – Passion Powers the Team
David’s focus on disadvantaged students sets the tone.

19:00 – Correctional Education Coding Program
Launched tech training for incarcerated women—"making the world better is our work."

20:00 – Academic Program Management at WGU
Aligning stakeholders and launching impactful Master’s programs.

21:00 – Data-Driven Success
Uses data to ensure educational projects achieve their goals.

22:00 – “The Projects Are the People”
Education projects are always about the humans they serve.

23:00 – Who’s the Customer?
Balancing student and employer needs in curriculum design.

25:00 – Breaking the Status Quo
Innovation is hard in institutions built to resist risk.

27:00 – Politics in Public Education
Navigating legislation, parental input, business pressures, and teacher advocacy.

28:00 – Social Media & Stakeholder Division
Everyone’s an expert when it comes to their kids—p

Project Insight Website

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