Join host Rachel Maves as she sits down with AJ Crabill, Senior Coach at Effective School Boards and Director of Governance for the Council of Great City Schools. In this episode, AJ shares his perspective that effective governance isn’t about managing from a higher level; it’s about listening deeply to the community and representing its vision. He explains how board members and educational leaders can move beyond technical expertise to truly embody responsiveness, empathy, and connection with those they serve. The conversation challenges traditional notions of leadership, emphasizing that the most powerful governance happens “one layer down,” rooted in community trust and shared purpose.