Transforming Education: Strategies and Stories from "On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired."

In this episode of Superintendents Unplugged, host Addison Davis sits down with two of the nation’s most respected education leaders—Dr. Kristi Wilson and Dr. Susan Enfield—for an unfiltered conversation on leadership, resilience, and the realities of the superintendency. Together, they delve into their new book, On Fire, Under Fire, or Fired, a candid chronicle of 40 superintendents navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and the political and professional turbulence that followed.

Dr. Wilson, former president of AASA and long-time superintendent in Arizona, and Dr. Enfield, a nationally recognized former superintendent from Nevada and Washington, reflect on the urgent need to reframe the narrative around superintendents—not as embattled bureaucrats but as committed public servants with unmatched passion for students and communities. They explore themes like mentorship, systemic equity, political acumen, and the power of networks that sustain leaders through crises.

What emerges is not just a book, but a blueprint—for current and aspiring superintendents to find strength, strategy, and solidarity in a job that’s as rewarding as it is relentless. From war stories to wisdom, the episode is a tribute to the courage and complexity of the role—and a call to action for communities to support those who lead their schools forward.

Key Moments

04:00 Celebrating the Superintendent Role

07:56 Superintendents: Dedicated to Service

11:02 Keys to Success: Prepare, Listen, Connect

14:53 Team Building & Situational Awareness

17:05 "Engaging and Aligning with the Board"

19:19 Lessons from Crisis Management

Connect with Dr. Kristi Wilson

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristi-wilson-ed-d-28597933/

Connect with Dr. Susan Enfield

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanaenfield/