Community First, Data Fast: Jonathan Wachtel on OurCo and Real-Time Engagement

Описание: In this episode of Solve for X, host Dr. Rick Fernandez welcomes Jonathan Wachtel, Co-Founder of OurCo. With a background spanning journalism, diplomacy, and public affairs, Jonathan shares how OurCo helps districts move beyond one-off surveys to ongoing, moderated community engagement—so leaders can take the pulse before big decisions, not after the backlash.

From sentiment tools and push notifications to anonymous input and district-level branding, Jonathan explains how superintendents, boards, and school teams can use real-time feedback to build trust, reduce crisis noise, and make faster, smarter calls.

What You’ll Learn

Why continuous engagement beats sporadic surveys for decision-making

How moderation tools keep discourse productive (not performative)

Ways districts use OurCo for pay systems, wraparound services, and student voice

How real-time polling informs board meetings and crisis comms

Branding, privacy, and anonymity: building trust while getting honest input

Using OurCo to market your district amid school choice and consolidation pressures

Cost and time advantages vs. traditional survey consultants

How nonprofits and statewide orgs can align far-flung members quickly

Episode Timestamps

00:00 Cold open & welcome to Solve for X
00:51 Meet Jonathan Wachtel + why the name “OurCo”
02:16 What OurCo solves: social + sentiment for real-time decisions
03:21 Use cases: HISD, wraparound services, and student voice
04:53 Moderation & controls: keeping engagement constructive
06:44 From journalism to K-12: avoiding scandals with proactive comms
09:23 What’s different about OurCo: engagement loop + live dashboards
12:36 Competing for families: branding, outreach, and community consensus
14:56 Trust & privacy: data ownership, options for anonymous input
19:26 Getting started: customization, pricing value, and broader use cases

Connect with Us
Host’s LinkedIn:   / dr-rick-fernandez-40692434  

Special Thanks
To Jonathan Wachtel and the OurCo team for helping education leaders listen first, decide wisely, and build durable community trust.

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Until next time—keep asking the right questions, and keep solving for X.