Pietri comes to K–12 not from the classroom, but from decades of leading large-scale SaaS and industrial automation software including an 11+ year run as CEO of Aspen Technology. After Aspen was acquired, he expected to retire, but the pull of purpose—and the opportunity to build brought him back. At PowerSchool, he sees a mission-driven organization with the “right to win,” serving more than 60 million students across 90+ countries, and a massive runway to evolve from good to truly great.

Together, Giery and Pietri explore why education is at an inflection point: districts juggling disconnected tools, rising expectations for interoperability, and growing pressure for real-time insights. Pietri makes the case that AI shouldn’t replace teachers it should reclaim their time by automating paperwork, streamlining workflows, and turning growing volumes of student data into actionable insight. The goal, he argues, is simple: remove the mundane so educators can focus on what matters most to students and outcomes.

The episode also offers a candid look at leadership at scale. Pietri reflects on risk-taking, resilience, and what changes when the “buck stops” with the CEO. Now in his first weeks at PowerSchool, he’s moving fast on operational transformation while intentionally staying in learning mode listening, absorbing, and building conviction in a new industry.

Timestamps

06:10 "AI's Role in Education"

09:24 "AI Advancing Education Effectiveness"

11:04 "Career Inflection Points and Passion"

16:59 "Learning and Growth in Education"

20:27 "AI Solutions for K12 Education"

21:32 "Red Square: A Lifelong Fascination"

Connect with Antonio Pietri

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonio-pietri

Website: https://www.powerschool.com/

Bharani’s story begins with a deeply personal mission. Raised in a family of four living on $35,000 a year, he saw how limited access to resources can close doors for many young people. After working in finance and co-founding LearnBop, a math tutoring platform later acquired by K12 Inc., he turned his focus toward building solutions that could expand opportunity. With Transfr, he is using virtual reality to provide career exploration and rapid training for in-demand jobs, helping learners gain both confidence and practical skills.

Together, Adam and Bharani examine the macro forces driving change in the labor market: baby boomer retirements, rising higher education costs, and the acceleration of technology adoption after COVID. Bharani explains why skilled trades, once overlooked in favor of a college pathway for all, now present stable and well-paying opportunities that do not require a four-year degree. The discussion also explores the disruptive rise of artificial intelligence, which is reshaping job requirements and amplifying the urgency for adaptable, short-cycle training.

Beyond technical skills, Bharani emphasizes perseverance and self-belief as essential for success. With VR, learners can immerse themselves in real-world environments such as advanced manufacturing floors or healthcare settings, helping them discover capabilities and build confidence before stepping into the workplace.

Timestamps

03:35 From Finance to EdTech Advocate

08:34 Opening Career Paths Without College

11:35 AI’s Impact on Job Market

13:16 Future Skills: Rapid Training Essential

18:50 Perseverance: Essential Skill for Future

20:48 "Adapting to Market Changes"

Connect with Bharani Rajakumar

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bharanidharan-rajakumar-98aa1a1 

Website: https://transfrinc.com/ 

Sara explains how the early-education landscape has transformed over the past decade: investor interest has grown, providers have adopted more technology, and cultural norms have shifted from “daycare as a dirty word” to early learning as a valued—often expected—step before kindergarten. She argues candidly that child care should be expensive because it’s profoundly valuable, but families shouldn’t shoulder the cost alone—public funding and employers must help close the gap. From the provider’s side, she demystifies tight margins, regulations, and what it takes to run a sustainable, recession-resilient business.

Digging into Winnie’s growth, Sara recounts the moment product-market fit clicked, why the team chose a national footprint early, how providers themselves pushed Winnie toward monetization, and what surviving shocks like the SVB crisis taught them about resilience and profitability. Tune in for valuable insights on innovation, leadership, and where the future of family tech is headed.

Key Moments

04:48 Evolving Perceptions of Childcare

07:20 Challenges Faced by Childcare Providers

12:10 Licensed Childcare Marketplace

14:35 Unexpected Childcare Marketplace Journey

17:02 Winnie's Shift to Childcare Marketplace

20:26 Monetization Dilemma for Childcare Marketplace

24:05 Event Led to Financial Strategy Shift

27:17 Profitability Over Fundraising

31:41 Oversharing and Open Book Life

35:19 Winnie Expands to K12 Education

38:25 "Growth: In-Person Customer Interaction"

Connect with Sara Mauskopf

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smausk

Website: https://winnie.com/

=============================

Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

🎧 To the Point with Jim Horne and Doug Mesecar: https://to-the-point.captivate.fm/

Produced by Old Soul: https://bit.ly/3KuYfrD

=============================

#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Under Hyland’s leadership, ACE has emerged as a standout institution: fully online, accredited, and fiercely committed to access, affordability, and quality. With 85% of students graduating debt-free and tuition for graduate degrees well below national averages, ACE is proving that high-impact education doesn't require a high price tag.

Throughout the episode, Hyland and Giery explore the state of the education workforce, the teacher pipeline crisis, and how ACE’s practitioner-led model equips educators for real-world challenges. Hyland also opens up about his unconventional path to ACE, driven by a passion for human capital development and a personal mission to make education more accessible.

This episode also highlights ACE’s impressive student outcomes, employer satisfaction, and innovative use of AI to streamline administrative tasks—freeing faculty to focus on what matters most: teaching and learning.

Key Moments

03:12 Addressing Teacher Career Progression

09:06 Career in EdTech and Education Reform

12:13 Affordable Education With High Quality

15:41 Recharging Through Challenging Hobbies

16:45 Sauna Tradition Recreated in Tampa

Connect with Geordie Hyland

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geordiehyland/

Website: https://ace.edu/

The episode begins with Jess recounting her early days as a Baltimore City schoolteacher, where she quickly discovered the stark reality of underfunded classrooms. That experience sparked a decade-long mission to reimagine K–12 finance systems—culminating in the launch of Allovue and its eventual acquisition by PowerSchool in 2024.

Jess and Adam explore the often overlooked complexities of school budgeting, the unsung heroism of district CFOs, and the emotional toll of entrepreneurship. With candor and conviction, Jess reflects on burnout, resilience, and the hard choices behind building a mission-driven company. She also unpacks why federal COVID-era funding didn’t transform education as some hoped and how we must reframe the conversation about what schools are expected to deliver.

Key Moments

04:46 Solving the Student Achievement Gap

09:07 Evolving Role of Modern Schools

13:37 Teachers Subsidizing Classroom Resources

16:32 Public Sector Budget Efficiency

19:10 Balancing Extremes in Business

21:25 Embracing EdTech in Education

27:29 "Deep Problem Understanding through Interviews"

28:25 Understanding Data Gaps in Education

33:44 "Building Amidst Financial Constraints"

36:30 Entrepreneurial Vision and Persistence

39:52 School Budget Scrutiny Surges

41:44 Temporary Emergency School Funds Usage

46:26 Founder Reflects on Life Journey

48:38 Prioritizing Team and Mission Values

54:12 "Leading with Integrity and Resilience"

57:08 "Desert Sands: Otherworldly Experience"

59:04 "Capital Class Podcast Sign-off"

Connect with Jess Gartner

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessgartner

Website: https://www.jessgartner.com/

Giery and Curran dive into today’s uncertain market landscape, discussing how economic turbulence impacts M&A in the education sector. Curran pulls back the curtain on the complexities of selling an education company, highlighting the risks of "unbanked" deals and the essential role of a trusted advisor in maximizing value for founder-led businesses.

Curran also reflects on the founding of Tyton Partners—a firm born from the fusion of public service, Wall Street banking, and entrepreneurial grit—and its mission to serve education enterprises with both capital and counsel. With characteristic candor, he explains how Tyton’s service-driven model and deep sector expertise have reshaped how education companies grow, merge, and thrive.

From at-risk learners and skills-to-jobs pathways to the global rise of edtech, Curran offers an unvarnished look at the trends shaping the future. Along the way, he opens up about personal lessons learned, the balance between ambition and family, and the enduring power of mission-driven work.

Key Moments

00:00 ASU GSV 2025: Education Industry Evolution

05:08 Common Business Process Pitfalls

08:23 Titan Partners: Education-Focused Ventures

11:50 Global Success in Emerging Markets

16:10 AI's Impact on Education Pathways

17:53 Cultivating Future Company Leaders

Connect with Chris Curran

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curranchristopher

Website: https://tytonpartners.com/

Cohen discusses the significant increase in students requiring special education, rising from 8% in 2000 to 14% in recent years, and the growing awareness around diagnoses such as autism. FullBloom steps in to help school systems address these challenges, providing specialized services to support students with severe behavioral needs, trauma backgrounds, and diagnosed disabilities.

Throughout the conversation, Cohen emphasizes the importance of early intervention, the integration of education and healthcare, and the power of partnership in driving better outcomes for students. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how specialized education solutions, in partnership with school systems, are transforming the educational experience for students with unique needs, ultimately creating a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Timestamps

00:00 Special education needs evolving with increased demand.

03:51 Increasing autism challenges schools, partners assist.

07:31 We enhance the school system for specific needs.

11:20 Education and healthcare intersect in addressing needs.

15:17 95% of special ed kids can thrive academically.

17:17 Proper support enables all students to succeed.

20:28 Empower You SEL program utilizes asynchronous coaching.

23:55 Public-private partnerships improve education outcomes.

27:55 Catapult: Largest private US teacher employer, 8,000+.

32:06 Investment community committed to education mission.

36:41 Impressed by talent at Fullbloom leadership meeting.

38:09 Success is team improvement and incredible colleagues.

41:36 Our destiny hinges on prioritizing decisions effectively.

Connect with Jeff Cohen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-cohen-35097038

Website: https://fullbloom.org/

Tune in to hear about Tom's vision for the future of American education and his dedication to the mission of empowering students and teachers through literacy and language arts.

Timestamps

00:00 Content development evolved with effective instructional strategies.

05:00 Increased emphasis on research-based foundational skills.

09:10 Teachers need professional development for updated skills.

13:33 Navigating risk in education, learning from challenges.

16:50 Eager to witness growth committed to education.

18:41 Passionate architect prioritizes family and business.

21:22 Benchmark Education produces fine podcasts featuring experts.

Connect with Tom Reycraft

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-reycraft-59a53b6

Website: https://www.benchmarkeducation.com/

We explore the educational challenges Peter Yorke overcame in Ghana and the differences he encountered in the U.S. education system. He passionately advocates for re-evaluating the traditional qualifications for teaching and promoting culturally responsive and inclusive classrooms that cater to the diverse needs of students. 

Join us as Adam and Peter underscore the Important role of family, community, and interventions in ensuring student success while debunking common misconceptions about what it takes to be an effective teacher.

Timestamps

00:00 Transitioning from Africa to the US education.

06:31 Limited resources and challenges shaped the school experience.

09:28 Education should reflect diverse cultural experiences.

12:16 Capital Class by Adam Giery, Strategos Network

15:46 Education opportunities in America motivate me.

20:00 Educators should give all children equal opportunities.

25:40 Be patient, work as a team, stay realistic.

Connect with Peter Yorke

Website: https://manormiddle.manorisd.net/

Bridget shares her inspiring journey from academia to building a successful education enterprise. She emphasizes the importance of quality interactions in early education, the economic benefits of investing in young learners, and the challenges of scaling impactful research. Intending to reach 20 million children in five years, Teachstone aims to ensure that every child has access to nurturing and impactful educational experiences. 

Join us as we uncover the groundbreaking work shaping early childhood education’s future and learn valuable insights from Bridget’s personal and professional experiences.

Timestamps

00:00 Daycare evolving into early childcare education, critical.

03:58 Early childhood investments yield high economic returns.

08:37 Parental interactions are crucial for early brain development.

12:22 Organization develops methodology, trains observers, and supports educators.

14:28 Core skills are essential for academics and life.

18:38 Improving AI for teaching, individualized and interactive.

20:46 Research led to the development of a successful company.

25:33 Studying correlation, system design, and improvement ideas.

30:05 Measuring interactions in classrooms for child development.

31:29 Vision work impacting 2M children, aiming for 20M.

34:54 Importance of social and emotional skills in education

Connect with Bridget Hamre

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bridget-hamre-534a2940/

Website: https://teachstone.com/

Dimmett will also discuss the role of Project Lead the Way in partnering with businesses and industries to meet their recruitment needs. Stay tuned as we uncover the secrets to engaging students, empowering teachers, and redefining the traditional pathway from high school to career. Plus, Dimmett will share his journey and reflections on continuous learning, as well as his vision for the future of education. You won't want to miss this insightful and thought-provoking conversation. Let's dive right into this captivating episode of Capital Class with Dave Dimmett.

Timestamps

05:37 Opportunities to improve teaching and learning abound.

08:20 Teacher and student empowerment through project-based learning.

13:12 Effort to refresh career pathways, keep learning.

14:34 Integrating content for relevance in education.

17:52 Ongoing learning crucial, alternative credentials gaining value.

23:34 Dimmett talks about how companies engaging young people and connecting with schools is important

25:55 How early experiences are shaping, and why team is important.

30:04 Why teaching needs to be lifted as a profession.

31:41 Reflection on learning, growth, leadership, encouraging ownership, and exciting opportunities.

41:15 Learning from stoic philosophers, modern life, Wim Hof, and blue zones for longevity.

43:21 Discussion around future homes, office changes, telemedicine, technology trends.

Connect with Dave Dimmett

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviddimmett/ 

Website: https://www.pltw.org/

Produced by Old Soul

We explore how this visionary leader navigates the complexities of educational policy, advocating for legislative changes to support new teachers and pushing for greater accountability and transparency in recruitment. Andrew discusses the importance of focusing on meaningful results, emphasizing the vital role of technology—especially AI—in the future of education.

We also touch on the personal side of Andrew’s role, from the dynamics of working with family to the joy of coaching his sons’ basketball team. His story unveils the weight of leadership and the balancing act of managing partnerships, growth, and team morale.

Join us for a Capital Class conversation with Andrew Rozell—a compelling discussion about the heart of teaching and the strategic challenges in education.

Timestamps

00:00 Positive outlook for the teaching profession's resurgence.

06:03 Career changers bring impactful real-world experiences.

08:10 Supportive parent-teacher relationships benefit classroom dynamics.

12:55 Student teaching transition, a support system for teachers.

15:31 Challenges with teacher certification and licensing in Texas

19:42 Accountability in teacher licensing extended in Virginia.

23:18 Transition from broker to president, program expansion.

24:56 Challenges and variety in early business operations.

30:23 First time in new states, faced challenges.

33:32 Soliciting quality leads and empowering aspiring educators.

35:16 Training for teachers to switch content areas.

37:55 Scheduling time for contemplation and strategic planning.

41:35 Resisting the temptation to broadcast busyness and prioritize productivity.

Connect with Andrew Rozell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arozell/

Website: https://iteach.net/

From the struggles of language difficulties to the importance of representation and the impact of teachers, Abouelnaga leaves no stone unturned as he advocates for change. Get ready to be inspired and enlightened as we dive into this thought-provoking conversation with Karim Abouelnaga on Capital Class.

Timestamps

[00:04:44] Insecurity and doubt about college and future.

[00:07:29] Education system keeps poor people and POC down.

[00:13:41] Realizing the power to defy statistics.

[00:19:19] Urban schools need better teachers and facilities.

[00:21:25] Don't measure resilience in schools.

[00:24:16] Money measures success, promotes innovation, and serves children.

[00:27:48] Business as a vehicle for purposeful work.

[00:32:44] Purpose and mission drive decision-making, and growth.

[00:40:02] Doing what I love brings me joy.

[00:42:27] Weekly NPR shows challenges and inspires thinking for Abouelnaga.

Connect with Karim Abouelnaga

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimabouelnaga/ 

Website: https://www.karimabouelnaga.com/

Produced by Old Soul

Here's the question: Can we actually learn from games? Today, Sandy Roskes will shed light on this intriguing topic. Roskes’ research studies focus on the efficacy of using games in education. His findings not only refined his ideas but also served as the motivation to launch a company.

Throughout this episode, Roskes will discuss the process of building a startup, identifying the product-market fit, and the importance of constantly tweaking and adjusting the product to achieve success. He will also share insights on the Science of Reading and how systematic instruction, combined with promoting the joy of reading, can have a profound impact on students.

.

Timestamps

[00:02:16] Confluence of technology enables game-based learning.

[00:04:26] COVID-19 heightened technology use in classrooms. Initially met with skepticism, but research later validated game-based learning efficacy.

[00:08:10] Gamification rewards behavior, game-based learning is for instructional games.

[00:14:46] Legends of Learning launched with 50 teachers.

[00:19:34] Succession planning is important for startups. The excitement lies in creating from scratch. Building up teams, reaching a certain scale and then handing over for new beginnings.

[00:23:08] Business builder focused on early-stage startups.

[00:25:48] Build impactful businesses through growth and value.

[00:29:34] Hooked on Phonics: Name recognition, the Science of Reading implementation in K-12 education.

[00:30:45] Educator experience wrapped around a core material, was effective in teaching kids to read.

[00:36:42] Rediscovering Seven Habits for success in life.

Connect with Sandy Roskes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-roskes/

Website: https://www.legendsoflearning.com/

Produced by Old Soul

Join us as we discuss the impact of AI on jobs, the crucial need for trade skills in our evolving workforce, and how Lifelong Learning and Learn4Life are positively impacting communities through their unique approach to education.

Timestamps

[00:00:55] How education can adapt to support diverse student needs.

[00:05:13] Young man gets a job, and can't attend school.

[00:09:52] Connecting kids to jobs through training.

[00:12:15] School boards need more business-oriented thinking. Inner city districts need more innovation for job preparation.

[00:14:36] Homelessness is linked to a lack of education and COVID-related gaps.

[00:18:24] AI threatens tech sector jobs, but not the trades

[00:21:09] The journey of scaling a niche business to serve kids.

[00:24:33] How a high school diploma changed a dad’s life.

[00:28:23] Expansion success with trained staff and support

[00:33:57] Dream: Major business owner sponsors school placement.

[00:35:30] Private-public school partnership: School 2.0 of the future.

[00:39:11] Education needs to change and schools must adapt and diversify.

Connect with Skip Hansen

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skip-hansen/

Website: https://llac.org/

Produced by Old Soul

Join us as we explore the importance of creating a supportive environment for educators while reimagining education for the benefit of our students.

Timestamps

[00:06:26] Teachers face new challenges and are leaving the profession.

[00:11:00] The education system is stuck in an outdated model.

[00:15:18] Innovative, student-driven education with professional teachers.

[00:18:37] Passionate educators deserve our gratitude and support.

[00:23:16] How a chemistry teacher shortage led to remote teaching.

[00:26:19] Funding, remote learning, and the uphill battle for education.

[00:28:56] Challenges Evan faced throughout his entrepreneurial journey.

[00:34:14] Student enrollment leading to change defines success.

[00:39:37] How a busy dad of three finds work energizing.

[00:45:21] AI tutor implementation in progress for students.

Connect with Evan Erdberg

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-erdberg-0054921/ 

Website: https://www.proxlearn.com/

Produced by Old Soul

Timestamps

1:17 - Importance of teaching kids how to take care of themselves and cook healthy meals

2:45 - Teaching kids life skills and making healthy choices in their diets

3:30 - Cooking incorporates literacy, math, science, and history

4:10 - American society's fast-paced lifestyle and its impact on health

9:08 - Hands-on component of the program where students make their own food

9:45 - Alignment of the program with educational standards

11:10 - Transition from in-person classes to a SaaS platform

13:33 - Success during the pandemic and delivery of food and backpacks

20:15 - Engagement level and understanding of students in cooking

23:00 - Starting the company to address the lack of healthy eating and nutrition education

27:10 - Challenges faced in starting the business and lack of awareness about nutrition

29:00 - Influence of immigrant background on persistence and determination

31:17 - Reflection on immigrant experiences and struggles

34:40 - Comparing daily struggles in Ukraine to live in the US

Connect with Svetlana Elgart

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlanaelgart/

Website: https://rainbowchefsacademy.com/

Produced by Old Soul

Join us for an insightful discussion on the successful path to becoming a venture capitalist.

Timestamps:

[00:03:02] Florida's tech scene thrives despite setbacks.

[00:06:47] Venture capital funding depends on strategy and diligence.

[00:10:12] Investors need to know what they're doing.

[00:13:18] Investments based on solid businesses, not fads.

[00:17:35] More deals mean better investment choices.

[00:21:34] Sleepless deal-driven nights, family struggles.

[00:26:27] Be prepared with a clear pitch deck.

[00:31:02] Feedback and persistence lead to success.

[00:35:44] Venture investment is challenging due to equity balance.

[00:41:57] Forecast revenue scenarios impress investors, be credible.

[00:46:03] Persistence pays off in the venture capital industry.

[00:51:42] Treating people right for successful investment business.

[00:54:41] Meeting Florida Funders, Tampa, Silicon Valley, progress.

[00:58:56] Intellectual and diverse with challenging ideas.

=============================

Learn more about Strategos Group: https://www.strategosgroup.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategos-group-public-affairs/

🚨 Subscribe to the Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@strategospodcastnetwork

=============================

PODCASTS

🎧 Capital Class with Adam Giery: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast

🎧 On the Clock with Todd Dallas Lamb: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-the-clock

🎧 Swimming Upstream with Tom Luna: https://swimming-upstream.captivate.fm/listen

🎧 On Balance with Dr. Rod Berger: https://www.strategosgroup.com/podcast-on-balance

Produced by Old Soul

=============================

#educationmanagement #educationleadership #education

Arbaji discusses his early beginnings as an international student that embraced a love for education as a vehicle of opportunity. He expands on entrepreneurial shifts that opened his eyes to the ultimate importance of finding tech solutions that provide teachers with the resources and support necessary to advance learning.

According to Arbaji, building education technology that listens to educators with actionable steps far outweighs promises of disruptive revolutionary change. Instead of asking teachers to spend hours training on technology, the most effective tech tools function behind the scenes, augmenting instruction for continuous student learning.

Listen to learn about the development of ChalkTalk, funding strategies, and lessons learned along the way, where passion for student learning and increased engagement act as an undercurrent of entrepreneurial growth.

What You Will Discover:

• 00:00 Episode Begins

• 02:50 Arbaji shares his coming to America story, plus the backstory of how ChalkTalk was founded.

• 08:10 How his Jordanian culture, love for education, and immigration inspired his drive.

• 13:07 Why building what people needed worked instead of disrupting or changing.

• 19:50 The importance of building technology that people need to solve their problems.

• 22:08 How ChalkTalk impacts students with confidence and motivation that tech doesn’t offer.

• 24:27 The exceptional qualities that make teachers great in connecting with students.

• 28:03 The features ChalkTalk is using to make life easier for teachers and reduce burnout.

• 30:37 ChalkTalk’s fundraising journey to bring in the right investors that add value and credibility.

• 35:48 The importance of driving for progress and staying in alignment with investors.

• 38:58 Top ways to measure a tech company's tangible and intangible progress.

• 42:46 How Arbaji relaxes to balance the pressure of work and life.

• 47:34 The fast-forward questions with Arbaji.

Connect with Mohannad Arbaji

• Websites: https://chalktalk.com/ & https://www.mohannadarbaji.com/

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohannadarbaji/

Produced by Old Soul

In this episode of Capital Class, we are joined by Scott Kinney, Chief Executive Officer at Discovery Education. Scott is a thought leader and influential voice in the education sector, dedicated to supporting the success of every student and teacher. His commitment is demonstrated in three decades of steadfast work and experience in the fields of professional learning and educational technology.

Scott shares the efforts behind building a business based on value and impact, including how Discovery Education accelerated growth during and after the pandemic. In addition, he explores the early days of the internet in education and the evolving environment that is better leveraging and implementing the growth of technology.

Listen in to also learn how technology is making a difference in the classroom by providing teachers with impactful digital tools that integrate and enhance learning objectives.

What You Will Discover:

• 00:00 Episode Begins

• 02:03 Scott’s journey as an educator and his love for the role of technology in education.

• 04:23 How Discovery started as a video-on-demand service in the early days of the internet.

• 07:16 How the early days of the internet looked like in the education sector.

• 09:20 How the education system is looking to leverage the growing technology.

• 13:37 How Discovery innovates and experiments with new technology.

• 16:16 The specifics that Discovery looks at when going for an acquisition.

• 20:58 The importance of developing a culture of “swing and miss” to innovate.

• 25:17 The top qualities Scott looks for in talent acquisition.

• 30:13 Why Discovery Education detached from Discovery Channel and the lessons they took.

• 35:53 The importance of staying on the path to making the biggest impact possible.

• 38:26 How momentum & the pandemic accelerated growth.

• 41:36 How technology is providing teachers with impactful digital tools that make a difference.

• 46:11 Scott on how he spends his time away from his business to refuel.

• 52:11 Four Fast-forward questions with Scott.

Connect with Scott

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-kinney-2587053/

Produced by Old Soul

In this episode of Capital Class, we have Saif Ishoof, startup entrepreneur and founder of Lab22c. Saif is a speaker and believer in authentic partnerships. He serves as a thought partner to companies, founders, funders, and institutions looking to grow and scale their impact and reach in Miami’s innovation ecosystem.

Learn about Lab22c!

Saif explains the evolution of the internet from Web 1.0, which only enabled us to read, then Web 2.0, which enabled us to read and write, and now Web 3.0, which allows us to read, write, own, and decentralize data. He also explains how an educator can create a business model by combining some freelance economy elements and decentralized internet blockchain technologies.

Listen in to learn the importance of expanding your sense of learning and finding balance to be a successful leader in your field.

What You Will Discover:

• 00:00 Episode Begins

• 03:04 The evolution of the internet from the web’s earliest version (1.0) to the now web (3.0).

• 07:19 The power of the read, write, own, and decentralization of data web for content creators.

• 12:07 Combining some Web 3.0 and freelance economy elements to create a viable business model.

• 18:56 The future of the decentralized web and the role we can play as stakeholders.

• 24:16 The disruption of technology and the possibilities that exist for humankind.

• 31:59 His professional and entrepreneurial journey plus admiration for institutional systems.

• 42:20 How to allow ourselves to expand our sense of learning than striving to be right.

• 47:25 Saif’s passion for supporting founders to bring the vision and promise of their technologies to life.

• 51:27 How family, balance, and community help him recharge and be the best at work.

• 59:08 Rapid fire questions for Saif.

Connect with Saif:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saifishoof/

Produced by Old Soul

Anurupa's entry point to education began as a physics and math teacher in the Boston Public Schools. For 10+ years since then, Anurupa has led STEM curriculum and teacher preparation across the largest educational systems in the US including the NYC DOE, Boston Public Schools, and Success Academy Charter Schools. 

Through her experience as a district and charter administrator, she found that she did not have the learning tools to deliver the outcomes her leaders and teachers were accountable for, and the personal sense-making journeys that students deserve while developing foundational mathematical reasoning & proficiencies.

She was awarded a National Science Foundation SBIR grant to build a scalable learning platform that actualizes pedagogies that we know work best but weren't possible until recent advances in IVR and AI technologies.

Her mission is to rapidly improve student performance and engagement in the mathematical sciences while crafting the instructor aids and training required to operationalize innovative technologies in the classroom. Anurupa holds a BS & M.Eng in electrical engineering from MIT and an EdM in Curriculum & Teaching from Boston University.

Listen in to learn how to reconnect with yourself and define your work-life balance as opposed to following the standard definition of it.  

What You Will Discover:

·     00:00 Episode Begins

·     02:28 Anurupa describes her journey from Teach for America to Teach for India.

·     04:36 How culture and resources differentiate America’s education system from India’s.  

·     07:26 The importance of categorically defining the scope of a teacher’s job.

·     10:23 How to change the narrative and give teachers the pathway to improving their practices.

·     19:10 The genesis of Prisms plus building a spatial learning environment for mathematics.

·     24:29 What it entails to teach kids to solve real-life problems with mathematical models.

·     28:29 How Prisms VR is prioritizing objective-driven learning through real-world situations.

·     32:14 The investment and market challenge Prisms experienced when entering the market.

·     37:45 Anurupa on how she reconnects with herself away from her founder role.

·     41:27 How to listen to yourself and define what work-life balance means to you.

·     46:14 Rapid fire questions for Anurupa. 

Connect with Anurupa:

·      Website: https://www.prismsvr.com/

·      LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anurupa-ganguly-92790379/

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Johanna is the co-founder of Brain Station (formerly Wyncode Academy), and she helps hundreds of non-coders each year learn how to code and product-design in just 10 weeks. She shows students how to build web applications and teaches the valuable business and leadership skills necessary to be successful as web developers.

Learn more about Brain Station here!

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Learn from this insightful conversation as Samyr discusses scaling a once highly localized, one-on-one service into a profitable, growing business model. Don’t miss it Tuesday, June 21! 

Learn more about Knack here!

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Christiane Maertens. Read her bio below:

Christiane Maertens has a palpable love for life. For over 15 years, Christiane (Kris-tee-on-ah Mair-tens) has built values-driven brands that create positive social impact on a global scale.

Christiane is the founder of DoGoodery, a social impact agency for change makers where doing good is about making this world a tangibly better place for all. They work with bold leaders who go beyond their everyday stories and live into their legendary purpose.

Maertens helped lead the design of the first corporate social responsibility portfolio for The Walt Disney Company. Her global marketing and education initiatives engaged 2,000 schools, 75,000 students and mobilized millions of viewers to take social actions around the world.

In the nonprofit sector, Maertens served as the Deputy Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE). She built a professional team that leads the largest and most diverse environmental education network in the world, including 60,000 educators and 56 affiliate organizations in more than 30 countries.

As a storyteller for our times, Maertens delivers truth with her trademark moxie and optimism. She was named a National Geographic Explorer for her original podcast Imagine If. This series inspires young leaders to find resilience in responding to the climate crisis. Within two months, this popular podcast had attracted over 4,000 subscribers. She also traveled all over North America to capture stories of young engineers with breakthrough solutions to humanity’s biggest challenges.

Christiane is an outdoor adventurer, horseback rider, overly enthusiastic to get on an airplane, always thinking about her next meal, and loves building community. She was born in Los Angeles to immigrant parents from El Salvador and Germany.

Learn more about Christiane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiane-a-maertens-6bb2b74/

Read more about the work of DoGoodery: https://dogoodery.com/our-work/

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Loren Brill Castle. 

Sweet Loren’s, Inc. is a clean food company that is redefining what it means to be delicious, better-for-you, and convenient. Sweet Loren's offers irresistible cookie dough made from non-GMO, plant-based, gluten-free, dairy-free, and nut-free ingredients—free of compromise, full of joy! All products are safe-to-eat raw, with pre-portioned packaging as well as tubs of creamy edible cookie dough. The company is presently working on innovation to launch in 2022 and beyond.

Sweet Loren's cookie dough can be found in the refrigerated dough section in over 12,000 supermarkets in North America. Sweet Loren's ships nationally direct to consumer from sweetlorens.com. Sweet Loren's also offers convenience and foodservice options working with fast casual restaurants, coffee shops, universities, military, and much more. 

After beating cancer in her early twenties, Loren Brill Castle made it her mission to eliminate processed foods from her diet. When she couldn’t find great-tasting cookies made from clean ingredients, she set out to make her own - and it led her to create Sweet Loren's. Sweet Loren's mission and purpose is built on well-being and making clean food accessible to more.

Among its accomplishments, Sweet Loren's has ranked on the Inc. 5000 fastest growing companies 3 years in a row, including #114 in 2019. Some of Loren’s accolades include: Ted talk on "The Survivor in All of Us", picked as Marie Claire’s Top Entrepreneur, and Inc.'s Female Founders 100. Loren has been featured live on NBC, The Rachael Ray Show, and in many other national publications and podcasts. This proves that clean food and well-being is the future, and that the story of Loren creating Sweet Loren's really resonates with today's consumer. Loren is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a BA in Communication. She is a certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, attended the New School for the Master Class in Cooking, and attended the Natural Gourmet Institute. Loren was born and raised in NYC, and now lives in Los Angeles, California, truly living the healthy lifestyle. 

Learn more about Loren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/loren-brill-castle-56887121/

Read more about the Sweet Loren's story: https://sweetlorens.com/our-story/

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Olli Vallo.

Olli is the CEO of Education Alliance Finland. He has worked in the Edtech field since 2012, has an MSc in Education, and has previously worked as a primary school teacher.

Education Alliance Finland is specialized in quality evaluation and certification of EdTech products. Through the product certification work, EAF gathers significant insights into the global EdTech product market. Together with Finland's National Agency for Education, EAF has developed quality criteria for EdTech solutions in Finnish schools.

Learn more about Olli on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olli-vallo/

Stay connected to the work of Education Alliance Finland: https://www.linkedin.com/company/education-alliance-finland/

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Tom Vander Ark.

Tom Vander Ark is an advocate for innovations in learning. As CEO of Getting Smart, he advises schools, districts, networks, foundations and learning organizations on the path forward. A prolific writer and speaker, Tom is author of Getting Smart, Smart Cities That Work for Everyone, Smart Parents, Better Together, The Power of Place and Difference Making at the Heart of Learning and has published thousands of articles and co-authored more than 50 books and white papers. He writes regularly on GettingSmart.com, LinkedIn, and contributes to Forbes.

Previously he served as the first Executive Director of Education for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Tom served as a public school superintendent in Washington State and has extensive private sector experience. Tom is a board member for Education Board Partners, Director for 4.0 Schools, Digital Learning Institute, Latinx Education Collaborative, Mastery Transcript Consortium and eduInnovation and an Advisor for One Stone and Teton Science Schools.

Learn more about Tom Vander Ark on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomvanderark/ 

Stay up to date on Tom's continuous work via Twitter @tvanderark

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Michael Hernandez. 

Michael is an award-winning teacher, author, and consultant in Los Angeles whose work focuses on media literacy, digital storytelling, and innovation in learning. He is an Apple Distinguished Educator, National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, Google for Education Certified Innovator, and PBS Digital Innovator. 

Learn more about Michael Hernandez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-hernandez-21a8195/

Find him on: 

• Twitter: @cinehead 
• Instagram: @changing.the.narrative and; 
• www.michael-hernandez.net

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Lord Jim Knight.

Jim Knight works in education, MedTech and as a legislator. He is an expert in politics, leadership, digital disruption, and talent recruitment and development.

Jim is the Chief Education and External Officer at TES Global Ltd, the news, training, jobs and resource sharing service for teachers. His responsibilities include all corporate communications and Tes Institute, a teacher training business he founded and that is now the fifth largest qualifier of teachers in the UK. Tes Institute uses online learning extensively for high quality post graduate level learning, delivered as professional development.

Jim is also a founder of XRapid, enabling diagnosis of malaria and asbestos fibres using iPhones. This technology used machine learning and pattern recognition to replace monotonous laboratory practice.

As a UK government minister his portfolios included rural affairs, schools, digital and employment.  He was a member of Gordon Brown’s Cabinet 2009-2010, before joining the Lords after the 2010 General Election.  He is the only person to have won and retained a seat for Labour in a General Election in Dorset.  He is also a visiting Professor at the Knowledge Lab of the UCL Institute of Education and Chair of Whole Education.

Learn more about Lord Jim Knight on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimpknight/

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with David Linke.

David leads EduGrowth, Australia’s education technology, and innovation industry hub. Through connection and collaboration, EduGrowth is accelerating Australia’s EdTech ecosystem globally.

David has decades of experience across the education sector having led Asia Pacific operations of global listed EdTech companies and, founding and exiting EdTech businesses. Today he is a strategic advocate, supporter, and champion of the Australian EdTech sector at home and abroad.

“Australia has a significant story to tell in the education technology and innovation sector globally. We will continue to transform global communities through the Australian EdTech ecosystem”

Learn more about David Linke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlinke/

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On July 30, 2012, Claire Lessinger joined the Tampa Bay Sports Commission team and now serves as the Vice President of Events. Lessinger and the TBSC are responsible for driving economic and social impact by identifying, bidding on, and ultimately hosting sporting and entertainment events in Tampa Bay.  Over the last seven years, Lessinger has served as the Tournament Manager for multiple NCAA Championship events. As the event’s point guard, Lessinger was the liaison to the NCAA staff and the Tampa Bay community and helped manage day-to-day operations for the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee (TBLOC).  In 2017, Lessinger and the TBLOC hosted the first College Football Playoff National Championship in the Southeast at Raymond James Stadium on January 9th, 2017. In 2018, Lessinger and Team Tampa Bay hosted a wildly successful NHL All-Star Weekend in partnership with the Tampa Bay Lightning and most recently Lessinger served as the Executive Director of the Tampa Bay Local Organizing Committee for the 2019 NCAA Women’s Final Four which recorded the highest all-time attendance as a three-time host (123,039 fans).

As Tampa Bay prepares to host its fifth Super Bowl in February 2021, Claire will help lead the effort by serving as Chief Operating Officer for the Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee, overseeing internal operations, special events, legacy programming, and community engagement.

Recognized as one of the most influential women in Tampa Bay sports by the Tampa Bay Times, Lessinger has been instrumental in piloting successful legacy programs and social impact initiatives like the “Beyond Series”, which focuses on gathering and empowering local women of influence in support of major sporting events hosted in Tampa Bay. As a result, thousands of women and girls have participated in the Beyond Series throughout the years.

Active in the community, Claire serves on the Executive Boards of USF’s Women in Leadership and Philanthropy, Positive Coaching Alliance – Tampa Bay, University of Florida Eric Friedheim Tourism Institute, and a founding member and Vice President of WISE Tampa Bay (Women in Sports and Event). Lessinger also served as a mentor for the USF Athletics – Selmon Mentoring Institute and is an active member of the Saint Leo Sport Business Advisory Council as well as the Athena Society.

Lessinger came to the TBSC from the University of South Florida (USF) where she spent eight years as the head volleyball coach (2004-2012) and seven as the assistant volleyball coach (1996-2003).

Prior to her coaching career at USF, Lessinger spent five years as a collegiate volleyball player at the University of Florida (UF) where she won five SEC Championships, participated in five NCAA Tournaments, and three Final Four Tournament appearances. In honor of her relentless effort, hard work, and dedication, the UF volleyball program established the "Claire Roach Defensive Award," which is still presented annually to the best defensive player on the team. She graduated from UF in 1997 with a Bachelor of Science degree in exercise and sports science and a concentration in sports management.

Raised in Clearwater, Florida Lessinger was named the Tampa Tribune’s 1992 High School Athlete of the Year and the 1993 High School Female Athlete of the Year. Claire was inducted into Clearwater Central Catholic High School’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame class in 2001 and most recently she was honored as a Distinguished Alumni and presented the Inspiring Excellence Award at her alma mater.  Claire and her husband, Mike resides in Tampa with their two sons Tyler (12) and Tanner (9).

Learn more about Claire Lessinger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claire-lessinger-b4674863/

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Alex Lazarow.

Alexandre (Alex) Lazarow has spent his career working at the intersection of investing, innovation, and economic development across the private, public, and social sectors. He is a venture capitalist with Cathay Innovation, a global firm that invests across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. Previously, Alex worked with Omidyar Network, a philanthropic investment firm that has invested over a billion dollars in hundreds of startups around the world. Alex is an investor in a range of global startups including Chime, Neon, Sidecar Health, Terminal, FinAccel, Facily, Kueski, Kin, Guiabolso, Zola, Rensource, Paga among others.  Previously, Alex served as a strategy consultant with McKinsey & Co., a financial regulator with the Bank of Canada, and an M&A investment banker with the Royal Bank of Canada.  Alex is an adjunct professor specializing in social impact investment and entrepreneurship at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. He is a Kauffman Fellow, CFA Charterholder, and CFR Term Member. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a B.Comm from the University of Manitoba.  Alex's book Out-Innovate: How Global Entrepreneurs - from Delhi to Detroit - Are Rewriting the Rules of Silicon Valley is being published by Harvard Business Review Press in April 2020. Alex is a regular columnist with Forbes, and his writing has been featured in the Financial Times, Harvard Business Review, McKinsey Quarterly, Techcrunch, Venturebeat, Business Insider, and CIO Outlook Magazine, among others. He speaks regularly on global innovation trends and has presented at Collision, Endeavor, Insuretech Connect, Harvard Business School, the Social Innovation Summit, SOCAP, and the Corporate Venture Capital Summit.  Get in touch: - Website: alexlazarow.com- Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/27f60b70f8d1/99techsignupform- Book: https://amzn.to/3306fcr- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Alex_Lazarow

Learn more about Alex Lazarow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrelazarow/ 

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In today's episode, Adam sat down with Ask Kaluarachchi.

Ash Kaluarachchi advises and enables growth for organizations solving problems in education and workforce learning. As an entrepreneur and advocate for entrepreneurs he has advised, launched and operated multiple accelerators, including for Techstars, the #1 startup accelerator and mentorship-driven seed stage investment fund in the world. To date, these accelerators have enabled 2,000+ companies, including global EdTech unicorns, in partnership with organizations such as Google, Amazon, Kaplan, Intel, NYU, USC, and the University of Pennsylvania. He was voted one of the Top 100 Influencers in Education Technology by Edtech Digest.

He continues to provide support for founders solving problems for educators, administrators and learners in Pre-K, K-12, HigherEd, Workforce and Adult Learning as CEO at Started Inc (www.started.com), which provides intensive mentorship and access to a network of experienced edtech mentors and investors. He is also the Producer of EDTECH WEEK (www.edtechweek.com), a global distance learning and networking event for global education leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and educators. Ash has an MBA with a focus on entrepreneurship from the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and economics from Grinnell College.

Learn more about Ash Kaluarachchi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashanthaik/ 

Produced by Old Soul