In this thought-provoking and refreshingly honest talk, Dr. Brian Carpenter explores the well-intentioned yet often incomplete advice school boards receive as they navigate governance, leadership, and educational outcomes. With humor and insight, Dr. Carpenter unpacks why some of our most common recommendations fall just short of real impact — and what it would take to transform “almost useful” advice into strategic guidance that actually moves the needle. This talk challenges board members, educators, and leadership teams to go beyond surface-level solutions and engage in deeper, more courageous conversations that drive meaningful change. After dropping out of high school in 1977 and joining the United States Marine Corps, neither he nor those around him could have predicted the turn his life would take. In the nearly five decades, he has become an educator, author, speaker, and charter school consultant. His expertise in charter school oversight, board governance, and financial management has made him a sought-after advisor for schools, authorizers, and education attorneys across the country. For the past 20 years, Dr. Carpenter has leveraged his expertise to empower charter school leaders, board members, and authorizers nationwide. He has authored multiple books. Dr. Carpenter holds a Ph.D. in Education from Capella University, a Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination from West Virginia University. He is also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), utilizing his skills to strengthen financial and operational integrity within schools. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx