In this powerful episode of Unlearned & Unlimited Podcast, hosts Dr. Sito Narcisse & Tatiana Echevarria sit down with Dr. Dorsey Hopson, one of the most experienced and influential leaders in American K–12 education.

Together, they unpack the real cost of leadership—the emotional, political, and personal realities of serving in public institutions, and the surprising lessons learned after transitioning into the private sector.

Dr. Dorsey Hopson’s journey spans nearly 25 years, including some of the most challenging and high-impact roles in education:

Career Journey Highlights

Partner at The City Fund (2022–Present)

National K–12 Director, Cigna Healthcare (2019–2022)

Superintendent, Memphis-Shelby County Schools (2013–2019)

General Counsel, Memphis City & Shelby County Schools (2008–2013)

Education

Juris Doctorate, Georgia State University College of Law

B.A. in Political Science, University of Memphis

WHAT THIS EPISODE UNPACKS

The emotional toll of leading in K–12 during historic disruption

Why leadership demands sacrifice no one warns you about

How Dr. Hopson navigated district mergers, federal uncertainty, and community pressure

What the private sector showed him about impact, scale, and sustainability

Why unlearning old habits is the key to evolving as a leader

This is one of the most transparent conversations ever recorded about the true human cost of leadership.

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