About Leadership 2.0 Academy
Leadership 2.0 Academy is where education’s most dynamic leaders come together to shape the future. Built for superintendents, chief business officials, and district executives, the Academy redefines professional development by focusing on collaboration across every corner of a school system. Rather than siloed training, Leadership 2.0 bridges perspectives from facilities, finance, instruction, and operations—giving leaders the tools to lead with clarity and confidence.
Unlike traditional programs that focus narrowly on one role or department, Leadership 2.0 embraces the full spectrum of district leadership. Participants gain practical strategies to tackle urgent challenges—funding, facilities, staffing, curriculum alignment, and student success—while also sharpening the soft skills that matter most: communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. This holistic approach ensures leaders walk away not only with knowledge, but with the ability to unify their teams around shared goals.
At the Academy, learning happens through powerful sessions led by seasoned educators, former superintendents, and nationally recognized thought leaders. Each gathering is designed as an immersive experience that blends inspiration with action, offering case studies, scenario planning, and peer-to-peer exchange. Leaders leave energized, armed with new insights, and connected to a community that continues long after the event ends.
Education is evolving faster than ever, and districts need leaders prepared for both today’s realities and tomorrow’s opportunities. Leadership 2.0 Academy provides that edge—a rare space where vision meets execution, and where the next generation of school leadership is built. For districts, the return is clear: stronger alignment, smarter decisions, and a culture of excellence that benefits every student.
Upcoming Conferences
District Operational Efficiencies
Leadership in Operations and Maintenance operational efficiency - leadership’s role in facility management communicating vision and goals.
Financial Leadership in Education
Facilities budgeting, funding, and financial acumen making strategic financial decisions amid budgeting contraints.
Partnering with State and Local
Agencies
Leadership in collaborative work - working with local and state agencies creating effective partnerships - navigating bureaucracy.
Agile workshop
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Identify issues
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Brainstorming
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Agile workshop 2
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Solving issues
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Workshop and wrap-up
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Speakers
Californiaʼs most forward-thinking leadership academy—where district leaders align vision, compliance, and culture to drive student success.
Dr. Sherine Smith is a seasoned educational leader with over 30 years of experience in California
public schools. She served as Superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District—one of
the top performing in the state—where she championed equity, academic excellence, and
innovative programs that prepared students for college and career.
Dr. Kyle Jensen stands at the forefront of reshaping leadership through the lens of artificial intelligence. He is a national thought leader on the intersection of rhetoric, AI, and education, with a deep academic background and multiple published works.
Dr. Suzette Lovely is a respected author, leadership coach, and former California school superintendent with a distinguished career in public education. With more than three decades of service—as a teacher, principal, assistant superintendent, and superintendent—she has been recognized for her strategic vision, ability to lead complex systems, and unwavering commitment to student-centered leadership.
George Mumford, renowned mindfulness coach to champions like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, is the author of The Mindful Athlete and a trusted mentor to Olympians, CEOs, and educators on focus, resilience, and emotional intelligence.
Joe Dixon is a veteran education facilities expert and public school leader with over 40 years of experience transforming learning environments across California.
Dr. Stella Kemp is a transformative educational leader with over 30 years of experience advancing equity, innovation, and operational excellence in K–12 public education. She is a visionary strategist whose leadership has driven system-wide improvement.
How to join us
Select below or inquire now
Newport Beach, CA
FAQs
Common questions and answers
The Academy is designed for superintendents, chief business officials, cabinet-level leaders, and aspiring district executives who want to strengthen collaboration across facilities, finance, instruction, and operations.
Unlike traditional events that focus on one department or role, Leadership 2.0 brings all perspectives together—creating a holistic view of district leadership and equipping attendees with tools that immediately translate into action.
The upcoming Academy will take place at VEA Marriott Newport Beach, Ca. Attendees will also receive a special booking link for discounted hotel accommodations.
Registration is available online through our event page. You can pay securely by credit card or choose to receive an invoice for processing through your district.
Your registration includes all Academy sessions, program materials, networking opportunities, and meals provided during the event. Hotel accommodations are booked separately through our partner hotel link.
Yes. Attendees will receive a certificate of completion and continuing education hours that may count toward district or professional association requirements (check with your agency for applicability).