What does it take to lead, make decisions, and plan for the future of a public school district?

In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas and Dr. Stacy Smith speak with Steve Dietz, a candidate for the Weston School Committee.

As part of a special series, the two candidates in the 2026 School Committee election are asked the same set of questions in separate interviews. These conversations are designed to help listeners understand each candidate’s background, leadership approach, and perspective on key issues facing Weston’s schools. Weston’s town election will take place on May 2, 2026, which provides important context for these discussions.

Steve shares how his background in technology and product management influences the way he thinks about leadership. He talks about the importance of listening, asking good questions, and working through complex problems step by step.

The conversation also explores how leaders weigh competing priorities, along with perspectives on technology in education, supporting teachers, and maintaining strong academic standards.

The episode closes with advice for students on leadership, decision-making, and building independence.

Many thanks to the Weston Media Center for helping us record and edit this episode.

• Steve’s campaign website
• Weston Observer’s interview with Steve
• Weston Public Schools
• Weston School Committee
• Visit TeenExec.com for information about upcoming workshops, coaching, and other insights
• Join Teen Exec on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

What does it take to lead, make decisions, and plan for the future of a public school district?

In this episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas and Dr. Stacy Smith speak with Adam Newman, a candidate for the Weston School Committee.

As part of a special series, the two candidates in the 2026 School Committee election are asked the same set of questions in separate interviews. These conversations are meant to give listeners a clear look at each candidate’s background, leadership style, and perspective on key issues facing Weston’s schools. Weston’s town election will take place on May 2, 2026, which provides important context for these discussions.

Adam shares how his experience—from classroom teaching to working across the education sector—shapes the way he approaches leadership today. He talks about adapting to different situations, making decisions when there are real tradeoffs, and focusing on turning plans into results.

The conversation also covers priorities for the district, including community engagement and continuing to improve outcomes for students over time.

The episode closes with advice for students on leadership, organization, and making thoughtful decisions.

Many thanks to the Weston Media Center for helping us record and edit this episode.

• Adam’s campaign website
• Weston Observer’s interview with Adam
• Weston Public Schools
• Weston School Committee
• Visit TeenExec.com for information about upcoming workshops, coaching, and other insights
• Join Teen Exec on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn

In this Leadership Journey episode of the Teen Exec Podcast, host Natalya Lucas talks with Dr. Jerry Smith—former chair of the Marketing Department in the Carroll School of Management at Boston College—about how classic marketing ideas like positioning, branding, value, and pricing can help teens make smarter choices today. Dr. Smith traces his path from economics and music to Parker Brothers and General Mills, then into academia and consulting. He shares why financial literacy matters, how to think in three money buckets (now, soon, long-term), and why mentors often make the difference between potential and progress.

What You’ll Learn:

• Positioning yourself: how to define what you stand for and communicate your value
• Pricing & value (for life): thinking beyond price to the value you create and receive
• Financial literacy for teens: the “three buckets” approach to saving and spending
• Career paths aren’t linear: lessons from brand management to academia
• Mentors matter: how to find them and why they accelerate growth

Guest:

Dr. Jerry Smith — Former Chair of the Marketing Department of the Carroll School of Management at Boston College; researcher and consultant in pricing strategy; creator of a teen financial literacy course; passionate about helping young people apply business concepts to everyday life.

Try-This-Week (from the episode):

1. Position yourself: write 3 words you want others to use to describe you; do one action that proves each.
2. Think value, not just price: before a purchase, ask, What am I really getting for what I’m giving up?
3. Check opportunity cost: if you say yes to X, what are you saying no to?

Resources & Links:

• Visit TeenExec.com for blog posts, tools, and upcoming workshops
• Join Teen Exec on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn