Welcome to How Leaders Lead where every week you get to listen in while I interview some of the very best leaders in the world.

I break down the key learning so that by the end of the episode, you'll have something simple you can apply as you develop into a better leader.

That's what this podcast is all about. You know, I always say one of the most

important jobs as a leader is to define reality. You have to figure out what is really happening

in your organization and in your business if you want to make it better. And today's guest is a

leader who can show you how to do just that, the superintendent of the Miami-Dade County

Public Schools, Alberto Carvalo. He leads the fourth largest school district in the nation,

and believe me, it is one success story. But it sure wasn't when Alberto took charge.

Schools were failing. The finances were an absolute mess, and there was a

real lack of conviction in leadership positions. Alberto defined a tough reality at Miami-Dade,

but once he understood what wasn't working, he used it as the foundation for their turnaround,

and you'll hear exactly how he's done it.

I just know that this conversation is going to give you the inspiration and courage you need to tackle whatever tough reality you may be facing right now.

So here's my conversation with my good friend and soon to be yours, Alberto Carvala. Alberto, I want to thank you so much for taking the time to have this conversation.

Thanks, David.

I really appreciate the opportunity.

Let's get started.

Okay.

Well, you have a huge challenge at Miami-Dade.

I mean, it's a very unique school district. Give us a snapshot on what

makes it so unique. Well, number one, let's start with the fact that we are the fourth,

soon-to-be third-largest school system in America with over 350,000 students coming from over

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