Building the Future Together: 4 Ways District Leaders and Vendors Can Co-Design Solutions (So You Don’t Have to Hire Me)

In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, success isn’t about going it alone—it’s about building a tribe. Whether you're a school district leader or an EdTech vendor, your small but mighty network can propel you further than you ever imagined. Co-creating solutions with the right people can lead to real change, stronger relationships, and, ultimately, success for students.

But how do you start building this tribe? Here are four actionable ways to co-design solutions that prioritize collaboration, trust, and impact.

1. Prioritize Authentic Relationships Over Transactions

The best collaborations begin with relationships built on authenticity, not an agenda. Too often, vendors push products, and district leaders hold their cards close, waiting for vendors to prove themselves. That dynamic needs to change. Brett Roer is an expert in building authentic relationships and shows daily that he truly cares!

How to Do It Right:

• District Leaders: Let vendors see the human side of your schools. Share stories about your staff and students, the challenges you face, and your vision for the future. Authenticity draws the right people to you. Scott Rocco, Ed.D. and Glenn Robbins are as authentic and as they come and are the gold standard for district leaders in NJ. Xanthy Karamanos is an amazing leader and someone who I admire as well!
• Vendors: Show you care about more than the sale. Follow up consistently, celebrate district wins, and bring value without always pitching. Amanda Bickerstaff is always so involved with her clients and celebrations are common. This is what makes her so incredible for districts to work with!

Building a tribe starts with shared values. When people feel seen and understood, collaboration flourishes.

2. Create Spaces for Open, Honest Dialogue

Nothing derails co-creation faster than miscommunication. District leaders and vendors need spaces where they can speak openly about challenges and opportunities without fear of judgment or rejection.

How to Do It Right:

• Host innovation summits or brainstorming sessions with small groups of leaders and vendors to explore real needs and solutions collaboratively. Theodore Ragavas hosting Brainstorm, Fil Santiago and the NJETA (NJ Education and Technology Association) hosting the Techspo pre-confernece are incredible ways to boost your skills and share open and honest thoughts.
• Use feedback loops that are transparent. Both sides should walk away knowing exactly what’s working and what needs to change. Elizabeth Hickey Orme is always someone that will always provide open, honest feedback and helps me grow. Wendy Gray Morales, Ed.D. is a district leader that I have been so fortunate to work with and someone that is always thinking outside of the box and building spaces for open, honest dialogue! Lisa Schleer , Dana Grau , and Tori Byrd are examples of partners who understand education and always put their client's success ahead of their own. They are visionaries!

Your tribe thrives when trust is built on candid, constructive conversations.

3. Co-Design Around Real-World Needs, Not Just Vision Statements

Too many solutions fail because they’re designed in a vacuum. Successful co-creation happens when leaders and vendors work together to address immediate, practical needs while keeping long-term goals in mind.

How to Do It Right:

• District Leaders: Be crystal clear about your pain points. Don't just say, "We need better technology." Be specific: "We need a tool to streamline IEP documentation for special education." Kyle Arlington has been an amazing mentor to me and has shown me the need to be clear about district pain points. Once you understand them, then you can work with a team to work together and attempt to solve them!
• Vendors: Instead of presenting a prepackaged product, ask, "How can we adapt this to solve your unique challenges?" Matthew Giovanniello Jen Mendelsohn Kathy Scott Janessa Ferrell Jodi Lott Shari Grayson Hayley Spira-Bauer are examples of partners that get it! Always asking the right questions and taking the time to listen to our needs. If you have not spoken to them yet, you need to!

Your tribe is built by solving problems together, not imposing solutions.

4. Invest in the Long Game

The most impactful tribes are built over time. Quick wins are great, but lasting success comes from fostering long-term relationships where everyone benefits.

How to Do It Right:

• District Leaders: Don’t jump from vendor to vendor based on price. Choose partners who align with your values and vision and nurture those partnerships. I cannot say this enough! As a district leader for numerous years, I work with people that I trust. It is critical for all of us to identify district leaders, educators and partners that get it and want to work with us. James O'Boyle Andrew Levine Joseph Valver Cara Flodmand Sharon Johnson Chrissie Masi Joel Handler @kath
• Vendors: Focus on showing value consistently, even after the contract is signed. A small act—like sending a tech tip to help teachers—can pay dividends in trust. Megan Olbrys Vince LaForgia Eric Savitsky Ralph Barca Sara White Hall Emily Cook Brian Morton Chris Aviles are examples of people who I have worked with for years ( I am sure that there are others) and are absolutely incredible. They get education and know how to do it right.

Your tribe will stick with you because they know you’re in it for the long haul.

Why Build Your Tribe?

The people you choose to collaborate with—your tribe—become your greatest advocates. They’ll have your back when times are tough, cheer for your successes, and help you navigate challenges you didn’t even see coming. When you are out at conferences, these people are there to insulate you and are Las on the lookout of others to join your tribe. They are always celebrating your wins and you are their biggest cheerleader! And the best part? When you build the right tribe, solutions happen organically.

So, whether you're a school leader or an EdTech vendor, start building your tribe today. Find the people who believe in your vision, care about your needs, and want to co-create a better future.

Let’s start a conversation: Who’s in your tribe, and how do they help you succeed? Please share this and tag others that we know are in our tribe and others can benefit from! Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep building this community together.