In this episode of Capital Class, host Adam Giery sits down with Tyson Smith, CEO of Reading Horizons, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, literacy, and building a mission-driven enterprise.
Smith reflects on more than two decades at the helm of Reading Horizons and offers a rare, longitudinal view of how the literacy landscape has evolved from the era of whole-language instruction to today’s growing embrace of the science of reading. He explains why structured, evidence-based reading instruction is essential not only for struggling learners, but for ensuring every student has a genuine opportunity to succeed. Throughout the conversation, Smith underscores a core belief that reading is not just an academic skill, but a fundamental human right.
Giery and Smith also explore the realities teachers face in classrooms, dispelling common misconceptions and highlighting the power of equipping educators with the right training, tools, and data. Smith shares how Reading Horizons has intentionally blended teacher-led instruction with technology for decades, viewing technology as an accelerant rather than a replacement for great teaching.
Beyond education, the episode dives into entrepreneurship and leadership. Smith recounts formative moments that shaped his commitment to the mission, his decision to remain privately held and resist outside capital, and how values like trust, patience, and long-term thinking have guided growth. The conversation closes with an optimistic look at the future of education, leadership, and the responsibility leaders carry to create lasting impact beyond revenue
Timestamps
04:42 Science of Reading Revolution
06:42 Empowering Teachers Through Reading Science
11:18 "Early Multimedia Learning Challenges"
13:15 Blending Tech and Teacher Support
17:29 From Business School to Publishing
22:33 "Staying True to Core Values"
24:41 "Prioritizing Literacy Over Investment"
26:44 "2012 Transformation and Leadership"
30:03 Believing Growth Through Reflection
33:50 AI Transforming Work and Productivity
Connect with Tyson Smith
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyson-smith-4598ba5
Website: https://readinghorizons.com/
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PODCASTS
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