As a young child, Richard Tauer’s family, and particularly his widowed mother, faced one of our society’s continuing inequities; unequal gender-based pay. Richard’s strong sense for righteousness and social justice was forged by his mother’s tireless work to keep the family café open while attaining her teaching credential, and eventually accepting a teaching job despite discriminatory terms and work conditions. Now a retired superintendent, education consultant and lecturer, Richard assures us that listening is perhaps one of the most important leadership skills he relies on, because sometimes, all anyone wants is just an opportunity to be heard.  He also reflects on the importance  of organizations (teams) needing to learn and understand their individual members’ personalities to improve the effectiveness of the team.  Doing so helps identify members’ strengths and dispels preconceived notions or attitudes that would otherwise impact future collaboration.  His experience, demeanor, approach and willingness to coach and mentor groups in this regard has served Sin Cuenta’s team very well. As an educational consultant and grandparent, Richard touches on inequities presently faced by large segments of students, with the technological divide being at the forefront.  It is not only about providing students with a device but it is about ensuring reliable quality access to the internet.  The obstacles are not always economic when it is a reality that some communities still lack the necessary infrastructures for reliable service.  He predicts with his “bright glasses on” that the future of education will necessarily involve some form of virtual instruction. He notes there are exceptional teachers who already incorporate technology most effectively to enhance their students’ learning, in ways that far exceed what he once did with a film projector. Richard is fond of the Santa Ana Unified School District’s community of parents, and particularly the Latino community that refers to him as Ricardito.  He emphasizes that parent involvement is critical to student success. Based on his experiences, especially as modeled by SAUSD, he staunchly denies the notion that Latino parents do not care about their children’s education. Richard is not only one of Sin Cuenta’s thought partners and godfather but, he is the first to receive a formal invitation to be a Sin Cuenta guest.  Sin Cuenta has commissioned a Loteria inspired card titled “El Padrino,” inspired by Richard’s imparting of wisdom and blessings on the Sin Cuenta podcast. The image evokes hands in prayer bestowing a blessing, for which we are so grateful. (For context regarding social issues referenced, this interview was recorded in August 2020.) We hope you enjoy this episode. Esperamos que este sea de su agrado.