StartEdUp Podcast

This Wednesday I broke a rule of mine: I don't do politics. I ended up interviewing former White House Communication Director, Anthony Scaramucci. However, I felt like this was a time to demonstrate that while I might not agree 100% with your politics, I can have a great conversation with you. This is my plea.

When things are "automatic" it allows us to focus on more important things. Unless we lose control of the "easy" things. What happens when we cannot do the easy things?

Adam Koniuszewski, FCPA, FCA, CFA, is active in the business and non-profits words and deeply involved in international affairs. His focus is on private sector sustainability, energy security and climate policy. Adam gained his experience finance, governance, risk management and public affair with various sectors including the “Big Four”, banking/finance, FMCG (Fortune 100) and non-profits. Adam and Margo Koniuszewski launched The Bridge Foundation as an educational initiative with activities in Switzerland, Canada and Poland to raise awareness and inspire action on global issues and SDGs. Through its “Education is a window to the World” program, The Bridge turns young leaders into informed, aware and engaged global citizens.

I watched the Documentary, "Won't You Be My Neighbor" about Fred Rogers. It might be the best film I've seen in my life. I've never had such an emotional response to a film in my life. This 5min podcast is a reflection and a call to action. We need more Fred Rogers and less political tribalism. Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhwktRDG_aQ

This week we circle back to Innovate WithIN corhort member @AvaWettrick. Ava was invited to attend the U.N. World Investment Forum by Ariel Foundation International. In this episode she reflects on the lessons learned by attending the conference, learning lessons of proper protocol, and what the world all agrees on to move forward. Please take a look at what Ariel Foundation International is doing to empower youth delegates and the world: https://arielfoundation.org/

We don't need another school improvement plan. That just builds on what already is. What we need are totally new opportunities. Please share if this resonates with you.

I'm all in when it comes to student-led innovation and entrepreneurship. The other side of this, however, is the reported feelings of isolation and depression that sometimes accompanies the pursuit of entrepreneurship. This podcast is how to avoid these pitfalls, and would appreciate it if you would share this with other hard working students.

Mark C. Perna is on a mission to get people to see the greatness in Generation Z. His new book, "Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance In Younger Generations," Mark dives deep into how and why GenZ will become the leaders of tomorrow. This is a must-listen episode, and I would appreciate it if you would give this one a share!

Former NFL quarterback Jim Everett weighs in on hard work, exceeding expectations, investing, and esports. Raised by educators, Jim remembers his journey from New Mexico to Purdue University, where he led the Boilermakers to one of their most successful seasons ever. He also looks back on his success, and even gives a little nudge to "the Jim Rome incident." Most importantly, Jim recalls what it takes to succeed.

I presented and attended the Indiana Connected Educators (ICE) conference, and I was surprised how many people remembered our presentation about #esports from last year. Then a bunch of people saw @Ninja on ESPN this weekend, and it got people thinking... maybe this Esports thing is real.

Tiana had the honor to attend the eighteenx18 event hosted by @YaraShahidi and has EXPLODED with passion and ideas. Please take a listen AND follow her on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-mudzimurema-8b2486160/

Justin Kulla is a venture capital and growth equity investor, and entrepreneur and operating executive. He is the Founder and CEO of BusinessBlocks, and previously served as a founding member and principal at Weld North, a venture capital and growth equity firm backed by KKR. He is an investor in #edtech, #fintech, #insuretech and technology businesses. He is also a frequent contributor and speaker at Stanford University, Inc Magazine, and Forbes Magazine.

This weekend I had the opportunity to speak at the #Rewire conference in New Jersey. When I got there I was stopped when a teacher recognized me and told me that she loved the podcast.... my daughter's podcast that is. This got me thinking about uploading your life. Wether you press public or not, its a good idea.

In my mentorship part duties for our #InnovateWithIN cohort, I've noticed a trend: It's NOT easy to be a college student and want to launch a startup. Take a listen:

Gary Brackett is a former NFL linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts. From his days at earning a spot at Rutgers as a walk-on, to winning a Super Bowl, Gary has always had a "walk-on mentality." He was revered in Indianapolis for his workman-like qualities on and off the football field. Now Brackett is in the second phase of his career (or as his son said, his grown-up job): an entrepreneur; growing and expanding his franchise restaurant, The Stacked Pickle, to several cities in the United States. Gary also wanted to give away a signed copy of his book, "Winning." Just visit: https://www.facebook.com/startedup and leave a comment under the Gary Brackett podcast announcement.

This week the nation watched the Supreme Court Hearings to investigate Brett Kavanaugh. While most agree that this is tearing the country apart, I was interested in getting a dialogue going. I wanted more of my friends to treat each other like... friends. It backfired. Take a listen.

Sarah Schaefer is starting to realize that running a new startup, go to college, and maintain a regular job is REALLY difficult. If you have a high school student or a freshman in college, this is a MUST listen. You can find Sarah on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahschaefer50/

Dr. Beth Niedermeyer, superintendent of Noblesville Schools discusses the trials, troubles, and misunderstanding of public school funding. We also get into the "awkward" discussion of how teachers must campaign for their salary raises. If you are a teacher, admin, or parent that has ever good through a public school referendum, this is an episode you'll want to listen to, and share.

I've noticed that "mid-major" city's like Indianapolis, Nashville, Milwaukee, (among many others) have embraced the start-up culture. This past weekend, I got to work with some great college students at Carlow University in Pittsburg. While I was there I met several other young entrepreneurs and team members of smaller startups. Most agree: we wish we had "found" this culture when we were in high school. So- how can we foster relationships between the startups and school?

Alex Mattingly and Daniel Hancock of Paradigm Esports talk about how school can and should set up more esports teams. If you are a teacher or student that has ever considered adding an esports team to your school, THIS is the podcast for you. You can find Alex and Daniel on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-mattingly-877a21164/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielchancock/

Cinque Henderson's book, "Sit Down and Shut Up" is an eye-opening read as the author looks back on his experience as a substitute in an inner-city school. In this episode, Cinque and I talk about the differences in education from the "book ends" of inner city and college prep schools, and how they are actually similar in their approach to status quo. We also debate back and forth, but quickly realize that our styles overlap. You can find his new book: https://www.amazon.com/Sit-Down-Shut-Up-Discipline/dp/1250101883/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1537309014&sr=1-1&keywords=sit+down+and+shut+up+henderson

Why we should encourage our students to be "innovative," but have them go one step beyond and think like an entrepreneur.

Colin Wareham is learning the balance of being an entrepreneur & the demands of being in college. In this #InnovateWithIN series, take a listen to how Colin is finding a way to make it work.

Will Little knew what it was like to live with anger and fear. From his early life of crime that led to his prison sentence for murder, Will decided that his journey had to start with his own education. What he didn't expect was to be forgiven by his victim's brother. This is a must-listen episode. I HIGLY recommend you follow Will on LinkedIn at:https://www.linkedin.com/in/motivational-speaker-will-latif-little-75380811/ His TEDx speech here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gW3B31EKmU0 Be on the lookout for his HBO documentary coming out later this year.

I was driving home when I saw a sign for a storage unit. "Declutter Your Life." Odd, I thought...

Morgan Spade is on a mission to get girls off their cell phone & "connect" with a grandma! Her business idea that she started off with her grandma has made some pivots. And now she wants to create the experience to more girls that could use some grandma wisdom.

Nancy Conrad is the Founder and Chairman of the Conrad Foundation, based on the rich legacy of her late husband Pete Conrad, the Apollo I2 astronaut. Her mission is to promote collaborative, student-centered, real-world learning that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship and unleashes students' potential to create future-defining solutions and a sustainable society for generations to come. Ankesh Madan is an accomplished Conrad Challenge alumnus, whose entrepreneurial focus was sparked by his participation in the Challenge. He competed in the challenge in 2010 while attending a high school that specializes in math and science in North Carolina. He and his team were finalists in the Renewable Energy category, and he is currently a member of the Conrad Alumni Leadership Council. As an undergraduate at North Carolina State University, he and some fellow students co-founded Undercover Colors, a company that is addressing drug-facilitated sexual assault by developing products that detect date rape drugs. This invention sparked a flurry of media interest that spanned the globe. In 2008, Nancy Conrad established the Conrad Challenge, a multi-phase innovation and entrepreneurship program, which includes mentorship and support from worldwide experts. This annual global competition challenges students to combine education, innovation and entrepreneurship to create commercially viable, technology-based solutions to local and global real-world challenges. By enabling young minds to connect education, innovation and entrepreneurship, the Foundation helps provide a bold platform for enriching the innovative workforce of the future. Teams of students from around the world can enter the Conrad Challenge in one of several categories including the following: Aerospace & Aviation Cybertechnology & Security Energy & Environment Health & Nutrition Smoke-Free World Transforming Education through Technology Through the challenge, students learn to apply the Conrad Design Method (CDM), a structured five phase collaboration framework for teachers and student teams to understand and accomplish innovative and entrepreneurial solutions. Finalists congregate for an Innovation Summit at the Kennedy Space Center in April.

As an educator and entrepreneur I'm a little tired of the political polarization. So, what do I love LinkedIn so much? And why do I recommend it to my students? Take a listen:

Tiana Mudzimurema: Wants to help more middle school students to learn, understand leadership. She is also a member of the InnovateWithIN cohort, and this podcast is an update on her amazing journey. Tiana has won several awards for her leadership and academics, but now her focus is on giving back. You can follow Tiana on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiana-mudzimurema-8b2486160/

Glenn Robbins is the Superintendent of Tabernacle Schools, an award winning Principal, and opinionated on where education needs to head. In this episode Glenn speaks candidly about innovation, student branding, education platitudes, and "edu-celebrities." If you liked this, there is plenty more of Glenn on Twitter at: @Glennr1809

The #1 thing I hear back from parents, teachers... my student doesn't know what they want to do. They don't know where their passions lie.

Ava Wettrick is the founder of Mentorz Media and the host of Mentorz Podcast. In this Friday spotlight of the InnovateWithIN cohort, we discuss the "why" of Mentorz, how she got here, and the power of LinkedIn. Lastly, Ava goes into why "playing the long game" of providing value is better than asking for people to do her favors. You can find her podcast here: https://soundcloud.com/ava-wettrick On LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ava-wettrick-973863153/

Kevin Simpson wants YOU to take an Edu-venture and consider teaching internationally! This episode is full of great insights and tips if you have ever wanted to set sail and teach over seas! Kevin is a native from Flint, Michigan who has served 500+ schools and thousands of educators worldwide in 20 countries. KDSL Global is an education consulting company he launched in 2016 in the USA and in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The majority of Simpson's work in education has centered on American curriculum schools. Since 2008, he has been focused on education in the MENA region, assisted numerous schools with accreditation, training, development, and served as a thought partner with investors on school start-up projects. Simpson is co-founder of the UAE Learning Network (one of the largest online network of educators in the UAE) and leads the GCC ASCD Connected Community. In addition, he has co-authored papers on American curriculum in the MENA region with a focus on Common Core State Standards, the Next Generation Science Standards, social studies, and the history of American Education in the UAE. He also owns KDSL USA which was set up in 2007. Simpson holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Teaching from Michigan State University (USA). Currently, he is a member of the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) and studying in their Institute for International School Leadership.

There is tired, and then there is first week of school exhaustion. However, to combat that, we have a suggestion.

Paradigm Esports by Don Wettrick

Gary Hensley is the CEO of LivingTree, a company focused on family engagement and fund raising. However, how he got there IS the story. Starting out as a classroom teacher, Gary saw a problem with schools and funding. So he did something about it, and started EdBacker. Then tragedy struck, coupled with the highs and lows of being a startup entrepreneur. Take a listen to this AMAZING podcast and the lessons this teacher turned CEO has learned. You can find Gary at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garyhensley/

Most of us see that there is a MAJOR shift in employment. So when do educators (& employers) shout ICEBERG! STRAIGHT AHEAD! Better yet, when will the majority of our schools to start implementing strategies to prepare our students for this shift? Take a listen:

Luna Calhoun and Sarah Schaefer on a mission to make environmentalism a fun game- to both adults and students. Listen to this awesome episode as we talk to this team that works with our StartEdUp foundation. Warning: REALLY proud teacher alert. If you want know more visit: https://www.facebook.com/Go-Plant-It-183365878957713/ Find Sarah here: https://twitter.com/SarahSchaefer50 Luna here: https://twitter.com/lunaaseaa

Few people have succeeded, failed, then succeeded like James Altucher. While many people know him for his books "Choose Yourself," and "Reinvent Yourself," as well as his podcast, "The James Altucher Show," some might not know what it took to get there. His track record of finding trends, and seizing on opportunities is amazing. That is why in this episode, we dive deep into education, learning, and what the future might hold for "students" in the next ten years.

Last week I begged you to NOT start off with the "rules and regulations" of school. This week, I begging you TO do something: Video your first days. Reflect often. It will improve your work, allow for reflection, and create a great way to enjoy your memories much later. Take a listen:

Colin and Jackson are on a mission to make business education fun. They were also the winners of the 2018 Innovate WithIN. A pitch competition sponsored by the Indiana Economic Development Corp, Ball State University, and StartEdUp Foundation. For more information please go to: https://www.educaid.games/ The Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EducaidGames/ You can follow Colin and Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-wareham-14255610b/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackson-ramey-27b43a163/

Pam Moran was the Supt of Albemarle Co. Schools in Virginia. But don't let her fool you. She is NOT retired. She is now setting her sights on empowering more schools by encouraging teachers and administrators to do what her schools did- experiment, innovate, and LEARN!

I start back to school this week. But there is something that I NEVER start off the year with. And I'm begging you, PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!

I've been briefly talking about what our larger goal is. Today I go into detail on what we are doing with the StartEdUp Foundation. For more information, please visit https://startedupfoundation.org/ There you can meet the cohort of students, meet the team, and the board of directors, or even make a donation! You can also email directly at: [email protected] if you want to mentor or have any other questions!

Seth Godin is known for being a pioneer of internet marketing, his books, and his legendary blog. However, what I loved about this interview was the willingness to challenge me- the public teacher. This back and forth with Hunter and I was a great dialogue of what education isn't, but also what it *could be. Also, his "question" at the end is amazing. Listen and profit from this interview. Please comment and share if it brings you value.

Knowing the differences between your priorities and balancing the "stuff" after your priorities.

This week we took a "field trip" with the #InnovateWithIN cohort. We took this trip to get OUT of our normal setting to learn, experience, and network. Why YOU should encourage YOUR student to get out of the school to connect.

Jeff Hoffman is the embodiment of the mindset of entrepreneurialism. In this podcast you will hear why teaching the mindset and skills of an entrepreneur will empower millions. I encourage you to share this with your friends and colleges. Also, connect w/ Jeff at: http://jeffhoffman.com/

The "feeling of belonging" is a strong force. However, many people feel like they are not connected- or worse- think that being on a social media platform will make them feel fulfilled. Here is a tip to create that feeling- talk to people.

Michael Cohen, aka The Tech Rabbi, wants more students to be empowered with skills on how to think- not just what to think. Michael is an entrepreneur and creativity instigator turned educator. He helps schools leverage creative thinking, collaboration, and technology as methods to empower our youth to take on challenges, scale their passions, and be positive contributors to our global society. You can find his blog and much more at: https://thetechrabbi.com/