In this executive leadership episode of EdTech Elevated, Lisa March, President and Founder of Partner in Publishing, interviews Leigh Newsome, Partner at Hoola Hoop and New York University adjunct professor. This episode focuses on scaling EdTech companies through navigating the complexities of technology leadership. Drawing from his experience as both a Silicon Valley engineering leader and executive coach, Leigh shares methodologies for CTOs and CEOs, including specialized CTO coaching programs and technology team optimization. In addition, how to prepare for due diligence and strategic technical debt management.
Furthermore, the discussion explores critical tech leadership challenges, particularly focusing on strategic outsourcing decisions, AI implementation and impact in education technology, and subsequently, conducting technical due diligence during mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, Leigh reveals effective frameworks for CEO-CTO alignment and demonstrates how Hoola Hoop’s comprehensive executive coaching and advisory services help EdTech leaders excel. Consequently, through targeted CTO coaching, leadership development, and strategic planning, Hoola Hoop consistently supports education technology executives in building and scaling successful companies.

00:06 – Introduction to EdTech Elevated
00:22 – Leigh Newsome’s Background and Role
01:31 – Leigh’s journey to Hoola Hoop and CTO Leadership
05:09 – Challenges in Technology Leadership
07:42 – AI’s Impact on EdTech
10:18 – Supporting Pre-Revenue Companies
13:03 – Due Diligence for Investors and M&A
16:45 – Outsourcing and Tech Team Management
19:20 – CEO and CTO Collaboration
25:10 – Hoola Hoop Team Overview
27:12 – Closing Remarks