There’s no shortage of discussion about AI in the education industry right now. What’s harder to find is a grounded, practical dialogue about what’s actually working, what’s still evolving, and what leaders should be doing differently as a result. That’s exactly why I’m looking forward to moderating an upcoming panel, Hiring and Building Teams in the Age of AI, at the AIxEd Leadership Summit on May 8, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
This panel brings together a group of edtech leaders who are not just participating in the AI conversation but are actively shaping how it shows up in classrooms, institutions, and workforce development. Each brings a distinct perspective rooted in practical execution. Together, the discussion will move beyond headlines and into the decisions leaders are making every day.
Why This Matters for Hiring and Leadership Teams
From where we sit, AI is not just influencing product strategy. It’s fundamentally reshaping leadership profiles across education and edtech.
There is a growing need for leaders who can operate across disciplines: individuals who understand technology, but who can also translate that into meaningful outcomes for educators, learners, and institutions.
At the same time, there is a clear shift toward more structured, data-informed hiring. Organizations are placing greater emphasis on cognitive agility, adaptability, and the ability to lead through ambiguity. These are not easy qualities to assess without a thoughtful, rigorous approach.
We’re also seeing gaps emerge: gaps in role clarity, in team alignment, and in how organizations define success in an AI-enabled environment. The companies that address these gaps proactively are the ones positioning themselves for long-term success.
A Panel Grounded in Real Leadership
What makes this conversation especially compelling is the caliber and diversity of leadership at the table. These are individuals who have scaled organizations, led through change, and made deliberate decisions about how to integrate AI in ways that drive meaningful outcomes.
Dr. James Lane, CEO of University Instructors, offers a unique lens shaped by both public sector leadership and private sector execution. His experience includes serving as Virginia’s Superintendent of Public Instruction, where he led statewide education strategy and policy. Today, at University Instructors, he focuses on delivering high-impact instructional support and solutions to improve student outcomes. Dr. Lane brings a deep understanding of how systems-level change happens and how AI can be applied in ways that are both scalable and equitable.
Trisha Thomas, President of Reading Horizons, leads a mission-driven organization focused on eradicating illiteracy by helping students achieve reading proficiency. Under her leadership, the company has evolved from a supplemental literacy provider into a comprehensive literacy partner serving thousands of schools nationwide. What stands out in Trisha’s approach is her ability to align strategy, operations, and outcomes. She has thoughtfully guided the integration of AI across product development, go-to-market, and internal operations, always keeping teaching and learning at the center.
Phillip Miller, CEO of Skillwell, brings a strong perspective on innovation in higher education and workforce training. Skillwell is a pioneer in immersive and adaptive simulation technology, helping institutions and organizations deliver more effective, hands-on learning experiences. Phillip has spent over two decades in edtech, including leading Open LMS where he oversaw multiple acquisitions that built the world’s largest Moodle provider. He has also worked closely with early-stage companies, advising on product strategy, fundraising, and go-to-market execution.
Dr. David Raney, CEO and Owner at Nuventive, adds an important perspective grounded in data, continuous improvement, and institutional effectiveness. Nuventive’s work centers on helping higher education institutions use data to drive decision-making and improve outcomes. Dr. Raney’s experience sits at the intersection of research, technology, and applied strategy. His voice in this conversation is particularly important as institutions think about how AI can support not just innovation, but measurable impact and accountability.
A Conversation Worth Paying Attention To
What I’m most looking forward to with this panel is the honesty. These are proven education industry leaders who are “in it” every day, making decisions without a perfect playbook. The goal is not to present polished answers, but to share real experiences and perspectives that others can learn from.
For anyone building teams, leading organizations, or thinking about how AI fits into their strategy, this is the kind of conversation that brings clarity. If you are in Boston and available on May 8th, consider attending the event at Northeastern University. I will also share highlights and a summary of the panel’s comments via The Renaissance Network Website in mid-May, so stay tuned.
TRN’s Pre-Summit View
AI is pushing leaders to be more intentional about where it truly adds value. The organizations gaining traction are not chasing every new tool, but are thoughtfully redesigning how work gets done, balancing speed with structure, and aligning teams around clear priorities.
At the same time, leadership expectations are evolving. Companies need leaders who can bridge technology and outcomes, operate across functions, and guide teams through change. Those that proactively address gaps in alignment, role clarity, and execution will be best positioned for long-term success in the age of AI.
The Renaissance Network
If you’re looking for assistance along this leadership and organizational journey, be sure to reach out to The Renaissance Network. We focus on the Education and Technology space and can become a vital partner for attracting, recruiting, and retaining the top talent that can make a difference for your organization. Get in touch today, and let’s see how we can help.
