Cultivating a Culture of Excellence: The Mindset Behind High Achievement

What does true excellence look like? From shaping future Nobel Prize winners as an educator to working with Olympic champions like Michael Phelps, Audrius Barzdukas has spent his career immersed in high-performance environments. As a former Head of School at Harvard-Westlake and Poly Prep, as well as a key figure in U.S. Olympic sports, he brings a rare perspective on what it takes to foster success—both in education and beyond.
This discussion will go beyond admissions, focusing instead on the culture, mindset, and environment that enable young people to thrive. How can parents and educators cultivate ambition? How do we support students in setting high goals while allowing them the freedom to develop into their best selves? Join us for an insightful conversation on raising resilient, high-achieving students and creating a foundation for lifelong excellence.

About Audrius Barzdukas

Mr. Barzdukas currently serves as the Head of School at Lyford Cay International School in Nassau, Bahamas. He previously spent seven years as the Head of School at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, New York, and before that, 13 years at the world-renowned Harvard-Westlake School in Los Angeles, California, which consistently ranks as one of the Top 5 private schools in the United States and the Number 1 private school in California.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Barzdukas spent a decade with USA Swimming and the U.S. Olympic Committee, experiences that equipped him with unique insights into team building and student development. He is known for his holistic approach to education, emphasizing not only academic achievement but also the artistic and athletic growth of students.
Throughout his career, Mr. Barzdukas has been recognized for fostering supportive and inclusive communities, driving academic excellence, and leading programs that set higher standards and results for the schools he has served. His visionary approach is focused on educating future leaders and preparing students to achieve ambitious goals.

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