Capital Class

In today's episode, we have a fascinating guest joining us. Sandy Roskes, the co-founder of Legends of Learning and the EVP of District Partnerships at Hooked on Phonics.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 RoskesLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandy-roskes/Website: https://www.legendsoflearning.com/Produced by Old Soul

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sits down with Skip Hansen. They explore the pressing issues facing the education system and the innovative solutions that Lifelong Learning and Learn4Life are implementing to make a difference. The conversation spans challenges pregnant teens face in school to providing industry connections and skills training for 18-year-old adults seeking jobs. Lifelong Learning is revolutionizing education by focusing on individual needs and creating opportunities for success.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 HansenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skip-hansen/Website: https://llac.org/Produced by Old Soul

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of education and the challenges educators face. Our guest, Evan Erdberg, founder and CEO of Proximity Learning, shares his journey and insights into transforming the education system. From managing a team and remote instruction to the impact of COVID-19, Evan sheds light on the struggles faced by teachers and the need for innovation. 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 ErdbergLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-erdberg-0054921/ Website: https://www.proxlearn.com/Produced by Old Soul

On this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sits down with Svetlana Elgart, the founder, and CEO of Rainbow Chef's Academy. Svetlana passionately shares how Rainbow Chefs Academy fosters literacy, math, history, and science through the art of cooking. Get ready to explore the hidden layers of knowledge that sizzle within every dish, enriching young minds with practical skills and essential wisdom.Timestamps1:17 - Importance of teaching kids how to take care of themselves and cook healthy meals2:45 - Teaching kids life skills and making healthy choices in their diets3:30 - Cooking incorporates literacy, math, science, and history4:10 - American society's fast-paced lifestyle and its impact on health9:08 - Hands-on component of the program where students make their own food9:45 - Alignment of the program with educational standards11:10 - Transition from in-person classes to a SaaS platform13:33 - Success during the pandemic and delivery of food and backpacks20:15 - Engagement level and understanding of students in cooking23:00 - Starting the company to address the lack of healthy eating and nutrition education27:10 - Challenges faced in starting the business and lack of awareness about nutrition29:00 - Influence of immigrant background on persistence and determination31:17 - Reflection on immigrant experiences and struggles34:40 - Comparing daily struggles in Ukraine to live in the USConnect with Svetlana ElgartLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svetlanaelgart/ Website: https://rainbowchefsacademy.com/ Produced by Old Soul

On this episode of Capital Class, we welcome Ryan Whittemore, an experienced venture capitalist. Whittemore shares their successful journey in the industry, breaking down the challenges and strategies they used to achieve their goals. They discuss the importance of developing a clear financial forecast, how to create a well-prepared deck for investors, and the process of finding solid businesses with long-term growth potential. Whittemore also talks about the sustainability of the venture capital market, how to handle feedback, and the importance of treating people right. 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/

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sits down with Mohannad Arbaji, Founder and CEO of ChalkTalk, to discuss a journey that shaped the development of teacher-led and humanized personalized learning for students throughout the world. 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

The Impact of Innovative Technologies on EducationIn 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

The Future of The Internet for EducatorsIn 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

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sat down with educator-turned-entrepreneur Anarupa Ganguly. They discuss how her experience with Teach for India inspired the thought process that led her to start her company Prisms.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/Produced by Old Soul

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sat down with Johanna Mikkola, an entrepreneur who risked jail time and deportation to realize her dream. Johanna's story of founding a coding school in an obscure corner of Miami to advising the White House on the future of computer coding is a compelling lesson in determination and persistence.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!Produced by Old Soul

In this episode of Capital Class, Adam Giery sat down with entrepreneur Samyr Qureshi, co-founder and CEO of Knack, an innovative online tutoring platform that matches college students with tutors in relevant subjects. 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!Produced by Old Soul

Season #2, Episode #4: Christiane Maertens, Founder, DoGooderyIn 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/Produced by Old Soul

Season #2, Episode #3: Lauren Brill Castle, CEO & Founder, Sweet Loren's Inc. 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/Produced by Old Soul

Season #2, Episode #2: Olli Vallo, CEO of Education Alliance Finland. 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/Produced by Old Soul

Season #2, Episode #1: Tom Vander Ark, CEO of Getting Smart 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 @tvanderarkProduced by Old Soul

Episode #6: Michael Hernandez, Teacher & Education ConsultantIn 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.netProduced by Old Soul

Episode #5: Lord Jim Knight, Director of SUKLAA Limited | Member of the House of LordsIn 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/Produced by Old Soul

Episode #4: David Linke, Managing Director of EduGrowth | Global EdTech InnovatorIn 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/Produced by Old Soul

Episode #3: Alex Lazarow, Global Venture Investor | Author | Adjunct ProfessorIn 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_LazarowLearn more about Alex Lazarow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandrelazarow/ Produced by Old Soul

Episode #2: Claire Lessinger, Chief Operating Officer - Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee | Vice President of Events - Tampa Bay Sports CommissionOn 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:...

Episode #1: Ash Kaluarachchi, Cofounder at StartEd | Producer at EDTECH WEEKIn 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