Meet the Team
Don Austin: A Leader in Strategic Simplicity
Don Austin is a champion of strategic simplicity in educational leadership, known for his relentless work ethic, authentic communication, and deep commitment to student advocacy. With over three decades of experience in various educational roles, Don has built a reputation as a trusted mentor and strategic thinker, influencing superintendents across California and beyond.
A Journey of Impactful Leadership
Leading Palo Alto USD, the top-ranked comprehensive school district in California, Don has partnered with the Board of Education, staff, students, community, Stanford University, Silicon Valley tech industry, and local officials. His leadership has not only maintained but elevated the district's profile as a model for public education. Don's innovative initiatives, such as creating an annual community stewardship report and evolving a state model for mental health support programs, have set new standards. His adept handling of the district during the COVID-19 pandemic earned him national recognition and the National “Champions of Equity” Leadership Award.
Before his tenure at Palo Alto, Don led Palos Verdes USD to significant success, despite financial constraints. His focus on developing leadership programs and engaging the community through PTA lobbying efforts helped the district thrive. Don’s ability to maximize outcomes with limited resources showcased his strategic acumen and commitment to high-leverage actions.
Earlier in his career, Don served as Assistant Superintendent at Huntington Beach UHSD, where he supported multiple high schools and led all aspects of the Educational Services division. His efforts in curriculum development, special education, and instructional technology drove substantial improvements across the district.
As a principal, Don transformed Laguna Beach High School into a California Distinguished School and National Blue Ribbon School. His policies and cultural shifts earned recognitions like the CSBA Golden Bell and College Board AP Honor Roll for under-represented student participation and success. Similarly, at La Sierra High School, his leadership led to remarkable academic growth and a 400% increase in Advanced Placement participation.
A Visionary Mentor
Don’s eclectic background—from blue-collar roots to learning from giants in education, business, and technology—has equipped him to succeed in diverse settings. His partnerships with Stanford University and his pragmatic approach to leadership have earned him recognition as a life-long mentor and innovative leader. Known for challenging the status quo and offering fresh perspectives, Don’s insights are both thought-provoking and practical.
Join the Journey
Through SimpleWins, Don shares his proven strategies for success in educational leadership. His courses, rooted in the philosophy of strategic simplicity, cover essential topics like team evaluation, goal prioritization, public relations, and conflict management. Whether you are an aspiring superintendent, a new leader, or looking to reinvent your approach, Don’s guidance will help you achieve unparalleled success. Engage with a leader who not only makes you think but also provides a playbook for excellence.
 Get ready to simplify, strategize, and succeed with Don Austin.
Emilie
Marketing Manager at SimpleWin
Emilie is the creative force behind SimpleWins' marketing strategy, specializing in social media, graphic design, and content creation. With two years of experience in the marketing field, she has a knack for transforming ideas into visually stunning and effective campaigns. If something looks exceptional at SimpleWins, you can bet Emilie had a hand in it.
Her passion for design and storytelling enables her to craft compelling content that resonates with audiences and drives engagement. Emilie's keen understanding of market trends and user preferences ensures that each project not only looks great but also achieves strategic goals.
Dedicated to continuous improvement, Emilie thrives on collaboration and is always exploring innovative approaches to elevate the brand. Her creativity and attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to the SimpleWins team.
CONTACT EMILIE FOR MARKETING SERVICES: [email protected]
Daniel
Producer & Content Manager
Daniel is a skilled video editor with a focus on online courses for YouTube and private websites. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, he brings a creative touch to every project. His expertise extends to editing commercials and crafting engaging short-form videos for social media, ensuring content resonates with diverse audiences.
Currently, Daniel is enhancing his technical skills by pursuing certifications in Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects through Bring Your Own Laptop. This commitment to professional development reflects his dedication to delivering high-quality content that meets the evolving demands of digital media.
Whether working on educational materials or promotional content, Daniel's goal is to elevate each project through innovative editing techniques and a strong understanding of visual narrative. He thrives in collaborative environments and is always eager to explore new creative possibilities.
CONTACT DANIEL FOR VIDEO EDITING SERVICES: [email protected]
Trent
Trent has served as Chief of Staff and Deputy Superintendent in two of California’s highest-performing school districts. With a deep understanding of all aspects of school operations, he is well-equipped to address the challenges faced by administrators at every level. Trent excels in navigating complex environments and coaching teams to collaborate effectively, always balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders. His strengths in communication, messaging, problem-solving, and process improvement are foundational to his leadership style, enabling him to drive meaningful change and foster a positive culture.
