Empowered Learning Podcast

From Clickers to AI: Educating the Future with Darren Ward

Darren Ward
Summary:
In this episode, old friends Darren Ward and Andy Bennetts discuss their history and connections in the education and technology industry. They also talk about the evolution of education technology and the enduring mission to support teachers and students. The critical need for immediate data collection and analysis in educational settings is also emphasized, with a focus on providing timely data to facilitate student growth and school improvement. The transformative effects of technology, particularly clickers on student communication and engagement were also discussed.
The episode also covers the transformation of data collection practices in education technology, the company's evolution towards meeting district needs, and the challenges of managing siloed data in education. The potential implementation of AI technology for student feedback was also discussed, with an emphasis on maintaining a human element in the grading process. The meeting concluded with a discussion about the importance of servant leadership and impactful learning experiences, particularly the "All In" podcast, and the significance of fostering student confidence and engagement to enhance learning outcomes and empower future generations.
Throughout the episode, Darren and Andy emphasize the importance of a customer-centric approach, actively listening to customer pain points, and avoiding assumptions about user needs. They also express their passion for the positive impact technology can have on education and their desire to be influential and helpful to their customers, particularly schools, districts, and businesses. The conversation underscores the inevitability of technology's influence and the futility of trying to limit its progress, emphasizing the need to embrace and leverage it rather than resist its advancement.
Bio:                  
Prior to founding ALL In Learning, Darren was instrumental in creating and leading eInstruction’s sales team and marketing efforts. He worked at eInstruction for 17 years and led the sales team that propelled eInstruction’s explosive growth. He pioneered eInstruction’s viral marketing approach that generated wide-spread interest in eInstruction’s response pad technology and a fervent following at trade shows around the country. The educational consultants selling team that he led was one of the most successful sales organizations in the education marketplace. He brings that experience, expertise and passion to ALL In Learning.
The ALL In Learning team wants to partner with educators to make this become a reality and help teachers drive lasting progress for all students.
Darren is married to Amy and is the father of three sons. Darren earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Baylor University.
Links:
https://www.allinlearning.com/

Lead with Love: A Conversation with Phil Routly on Life and Leadership

Phil Routly
Summary:
In this episode, Andy and Phil discuss the format for their upcoming conversation on leadership and learning, with Phil sharing insights into his upbringing and career path. The conversation then shifts to a discussion about their children's accomplishments and their own diverse career journeys.
Phil and Andy then delve into a candid discussion about the enduring effects of individuals' decisions on team dynamics, drawing parallels from their personal experiences in sports. They also discuss the prevalent problem of selfishness and the absence of mentorship in various spheres, including education and sports. The conversation then shifts to a detailed discussion about the Salvation Army, shedding light on its historical beginnings and the impactful work of its founders, William and Catherine Booth.
Phil also discusses his experiences with John Maxwell and the profound impact he has had on his leadership journey. Phil opens up about personal challenges, including his wife's health scare, and the reassurance they find in their faith. The meeting concludes with a heartfelt discussion about empowering learning for future generations, focusing on the central theme of love and its transformative impact. Phil shares insights from the book "Gentle Persuasion" and emphasizes the need for individuals to feel loved in order to be receptive to guidance and wisdom.
Bio:
Are you a Christian entrepreneur striving to reach new heights of success? Being good isn't good enough. You're ready to take it up a notch... or several!
In the world of business, every entrepreneur faces unique challenges and opportunities on their journey to success. As you pour your heart and soul into building your organization, you may find yourself grappling with obstacles that hinder your growth and progress.
Does this resonate with you? Perhaps you've experienced the frustration of missed opportunities for impact, knowing that there's untapped potential within yourself and your team. You're driven by a vision for your organization's future, but you're unsure how to navigate the path forward effectively.
That's where I come in.
With my program, "Leadership Accelerator," I provide entrepreneurs like you with the tools, strategies, and support needed to cultivate your leadership skills and drive meaningful change in your organization.
Through a comprehensive 12-week coaching program, we'll explore the core principles of effective leadership, helping you to clarify your vision, enhance your decision-making abilities, improve your bottom line and maximize your impact as a leader. Together, we'll uncover your unique strengths and talents, empowering you to lead with clarity, confidence, consistency, and integrity.
No more missed opportunities. No more frustration. It's time to unlock your full potential as an entrepreneur and make a lasting impact in your organization and beyond. It's time to raise your leadership, and just as important, level-up your team!
Now, imagine the day when you are able to have more funds and more time to spend with your family? When you have the freedom for time out of the office, with those you love, enjoying the vacation that right now you can only dream of!
If this perhaps resonates with you in any way, DM me to see if can give you any free advice or to see if I can further support you on your journey.
To quote “Hannibal” Smith on the A-Team, “I love it when a plan comes together!”
Ready to take the next step on your leadership journey? Let's connect and explore how "Leadership Accelerator" can help you achieve your goals.
Links:
FB Page – https://www.facebook.com/phil.routly
FB Group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/soulimpact.ca
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-routly/

Beyond the Blockchain: Crypto, Code & Convictions with Ken Brengle

Ken Brengle
Summary:
This episode between friends Kenneth Brengle and Andy Bennetts covers a wide range of topics. They discuss their experiences navigating the crypto space, emphasizing the lessons learned from losses and the significance of discerning legitimate projects. Kenneth provides insights into his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the challenges of hiring and managing employees while running an insurance agency. The discussion also touches on plans for a sequel to the documentary "The Highest of Stakes" and the potential of Pulse Chain as an Ethereum fork with faster transactions and cheaper fees.
The conversation between Andy and Kenny also explores the potential of developing tools to make crypto more accessible and mainstream for everyone. They discuss the shift from traditional businesses to the software industry, citing its scalability and long-term potential for success. The conversation also touches on the personal motivations for entering the crypto space, including the desire for continuous learning and the belief in the transformative power of crypto in reshaping the relationship between individuals and their governments.
Next, the two friends delve into the topic of leadership, with Kenny sharing his admiration for Elon Musk's emphasis on first principles and the need for standing on convictions. They also explore the complexities of software development, highlighting the challenges of building secure and reliable software in the crypto space. The conversation touches on the potential for empowering learning in future generations and hinted at a future discussion on the broken education system. They concluded the meeting with expressions of gratitude and plans for future discussions.

A Lil Sass & Laughter: Building Inclusive Education with Kassy Lopez-Sonchar

Dr. Kassy Lopez-Sonchar
Summary:
Long-time friends, Andy and Kassy enjoy their time together discussing early education and their paths since parting ways as third grade teacher partners many years ago! Kassy presents her research findings on the impact of preschool attendance on kindergarten readiness for Indigenous students, emphasizing the role of classroom time in improving readiness skills.
The two friends share their experience teaching students from the reservation and stressed the importance of culturally responsive training for educators. They also discuss their shared passion for early childhood education and mental health consultation, particularly in tribal communities. Kassy shares her extensive experience working with tribal nations and indigenizing the Special Olympics young athletes' curriculum, emphasizing the importance of inclusive practices and play-based learning in early childhood education.
They also talk about leadership and empowerment in education, emphasizing the need for positive relationships, shared decision-making, and trust within teams. Kassy opens about her entrepreneurial journey, sharing the personal significance of the name Lil Sass Early Childhood Consultation and her decision to start her own practice after feeling limited by an organization.
They touch on the impact of inclusive practices on Kassy's career, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity in education. Additionally, they explore the idea of empowering future generations through learning from mistakes and play, highlighting the significance of reflection and improvement.
Ultimately, Kassy and Andy advocated for a workplace environment that prioritizes mental health and positivity, emphasizing the impact of laughter on releasing happy chemicals in the brain.
Bio:
Dr. Kassy has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. She has been a teacher, director, curriculum coordinator, early childhood mental health consultant, psychology professor, and early childhood education college professor. Dr. Kassy has collaborated with Native American and Alaska Native Head Start programs for a decade. Currently, she is an ECE faculty member at Pikes Peak State College in Colorado Springs. Additionally, Dr. Kassy is contracted with Special Olympics Young Athletes as a consultant to Indigenize the curriculum. Integrating traditional games, language, and food into the fully inclusive program of Special Olympics is groundbreaking work. Most recently, Dr. Kassy started her own early childhood consultation business, where training and support are built on a foundation of mental health. Her deepest passion is to positively impact the lives of children and support the adults who have a direct impact on their learning and well-being.
Links:
https://www.a-lil-sass.com/

Empowered Learning Podcast - Season 1 Wrap

Join Andy for this brief but exciting announcement about the culmination of Season 1, a boatload of new content, and the introduction of our brand-new newsletter, Empowered Learning Bytes!
Sign up now: https://tagdeo.com/6XhTdH 
And make sure to catch up on all the incredible episodes you missed in Season 1!
Apple: https://tinyurl.com/elp-apple
Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/elp-spotify
YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/elp-youtube
YouTube Shorts: https://tinyurl.com/elp-shorts

Shaping Minds, One Cube at a Time with Isabella Gipson

Isabella Gipson
Summary:
In this episode, Isabella Gipson and Andy Bennetts discuss personal anecdotes and professional experiences. Isabella shares her personal and professional journey, from growing up in Germany to her current role as the Director of Channel Sales at Merge EDU. They also engage in a detailed discussion about the Merge Cube and Merge EDU platform, showcasing its innovative capabilities and educational potential.
The conversation also touches on Merge's trajectory and development, with Isabella providing insights into her experience working with the company since its early days. They explore the company's transition from selling VR headsets to the launch of the Merge EDU platform, highlighting the pivotal moment when Merge collaborated with educators to create educational content. Isabella also shares details about the founders and the company's growth, including the milestone of selling 1 million Merge Cubes to Walmart.
They also delve into the importance of empowering students to become leaders and the transformative role of technology in education. They highlight the positive impact of technology on student empowerment, confidence, and engagement and the significance of tactile learning.
Andy and Isabella also talk about the two-week free trial promotion for Merge. Sign up here: www.trymerge.com/WardsMediaTech.BIO:
Isabella Gipson, Director of Channel Sales at Merge, brings a wealth of experience and a global perspective to her role. Raised in Germany, Isabella earned both her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and an MBA from German universities while advancing her career. She began her professional journey in the oil and gas industry with her employer sponsoring her education. After three years, she transitioned to a direct sales manager role, focusing on AI-based software solutions. In December 2016, Isabella moved to the United States, where she has been an integral part of Merge for the past seven years. Her contributions have been crucial in developing sales strategies, optimizing processes, and collaborating with resellers worldwide. Isabella is a regular presence at industry conferences and frequently visits schools to demonstrate the innovative Merge EDU platform. Committed to continuous learning, she is currently pursuing a second Master's degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Harvard Extension School.
Links:
Isabella’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabella-gipson-mba-pmp-b14536b7/
Merge EDU: https://mergeedu.com/
Research: Impact of AR/VR on Student Achievement: https://mergeedu.com/edu-resources/research
Free 2-Week Trial of Merge EDU: trymerge.com/WardsMediaTech

From the Coast Guard to the Classroom: A Conversation with Clay Cromer

Clay Cromer
Summary
Andy and Clay engage in a friendly conversation, discussing their backgrounds, military experiences, and callings to ministry. Clay shares his journey from the Coast Guard Academy to his time at sea during Hurricane Katrina, his transition from active duty to seminary and his current role in the JROTC program. They also discuss the transformative impact of the JROTC program on cadets' lives and the crucial role of dedicated instructors in guiding and supporting the students.
The episode highlights the importance of mentors and the value of broadening perspectives, emphasizing the significance of guidance during formative years. Clay's journey serves as a testament to the impact of influential figures and the value of considering alternative paths. They also discuss the importance of a well-rounded education and the value of pursuing extracurricular activities, encouraging students to take advantage of these opportunities during their secondary education and college years.
The conversation concludes with Andy expressing genuine appreciation for Clay's leadership and character, and they engaged in a rapid-fire question session, discussing the leader Clay most admires, impactful learning experiences, and empowering learning for future generations.

Embracing Mindset and Financial Freedom: Clayton Sampson’s Inspiring Journey

Clayton Sampson
Summary:
Clay shares his humble beginnings in Trinidad and Tobago and reflects on the opportunities and success he found in the United States. He also discusses his retirement and how he now lives life on his own terms, emphasizing the importance of family and enjoying his passions.
The episode then shifts to the critical role of mindset and personal development, stressing the need to break the cycle of misunderstandings and expose oneself to new perspectives. The two friends explore the "Good Life" seven-step challenge, delving into the significance of leaving a legacy and paying it forward, and how these principles align with personal growth and faith. Additionally, they touch on the impact of mindset training and the exposure to new ideas, emphasizing the transformative power of these experiences.
Clay passionately addresses the lack of life skills education in schools, particularly focusing on the absence of teaching on money management and credit. He highlights the different financial mindsets of poor, middle class, and wealthy individuals, emphasizing the need for practical education in these areas. Andy agreed with the need to break the cycle of inadequate education and expressing the desire to teach these essential life skills.
Finally, Clay discusses his achievements in saving people money using a system similar to what banks use and expresses confidence in reaching the goal of saving $18 million in five to seven years. Andy reiterates the legitimacy and 20-year history of United Financial Freedom and encourages individuals to approach research with an open mind when considering the company. He also mentions the availability of extensive information and weekly calls for further clarification on the Money Max Account. The episode concludes with a personal discussion between Andy and Clay, highlighting Clay's passion for making a positive impact and his belief in the importance of financial education for personal empowerment.Links:
envySocial: Mentor for FREE!! Where much is given, much is expected! Check out my story at www.envySocial.group.
Good Life 7 Step Challenge: https://www.facebook.com/groups/258318408127553/
Wisdom Walks: https://www.youtube.com/@thegoodlifewisdomwalks3425 

Education’s Uncomfortable Truths: An Honest Conversation with Dr. Justin Baeder

Justin Baeder, PhD
Summary:
In this episode, Andy and Justin discuss their backgrounds and experiences in education, highlighting their interest in leadership, learning, and technology in education. They also discuss the challenges in education, such as discipline reform, special education, grading reform, and the mass exodus of teachers. They emphasize the importance of thoughtful use of technology in education and the need for parents and educators to make better decisions for students based on their own experiences with technology.
The episode also focuses on the need for a more scientific and student-centered approach to education reform, particularly in the area of discipline reform. They express concerns about the current trend of eliminating consequences for disruptive behavior and questioned the rationale behind this approach, emphasizing the need to prioritize the actual experiences of students over statistical outcomes. They also discuss the challenges and implications of 100% inclusion in education, particularly for students with special needs, and advocated for a balanced, student-centered model that prioritizes safety and personalized support for all students.
The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in ensuring teacher safety and meeting the needs of students in educational settings. They explore the financial and staffing factors that influence the placement of students, particularly those with special needs, and the impact on the safety and well-being of teachers and paras. Finally, they talk through the complexities of progressive discipline and the dearth of data on student behavior in schools, stressing the importance of better data collection to establish a fair and rational relationship between behavior and consequences.
The meeting also delved into the challenges and nuances of grading reform, particularly in the context of standards-based grading. They explored the potential pitfalls of removing traditional grading elements such as accountability for behavior and effort, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that considers both academic mastery and learning behavior. Additionally, they addressed the issue of grade inflation and the role of standardized testing as a metric for assessing academic abilities, emphasizing the need to maintain a focus on knowledge acquisition for all students, regardless of their performance on standardized tests.
Bio:
Justin Baeder, PhD is Director of The Principal Center, where he helps senior leaders in K-12 organizations build capacity for instructional leadership. A former principal in Seattle Public Schools, he is creator of the Instructional Leadership Challenge, which has helped more than 10,000 school leaders in 50 countries around the world:
Confidently get into classrooms every day
Have feedback conversations that change teacher practice
Discover their best opportunities for school improvement
Dr. Baeder is the author of Now We're Talking! 21 Days to High-Performance Instructional Leadership, and the co-author, with Heather Bell-Williams, of Mapping Professional Practice: How to Develop Instructional Frameworks to Support Teacher Growth (Solution Tree).
He is the host of Principal Center Radio, a podcast featuring education thought leaders, and the founder of Repertoire, the professional writing app for instructional leaders.
He holds a PhD in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies from the University of Washington and an MEd in Curriculum & Instruction from Seattle University, and is a graduate of the Danforth Program for Educational Leadership at UW.
Links:
The Principal Center: https://www.principalcenter.com/
Principal Center Radio: https://www.youtube.com/@PrincipalCenterRadio
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinbaeder/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eduleadership
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/principalcenter/

From Introvert Pastor to World-Class Sales Ninja: Jay Lee’s Incredible Journey

Jay Lee
Summary:
Jay shared his personal journey from being an introverted, shy kid to finding faith and being called into ministry, despite challenges and resistance, particularly from his parents. He achieved significant success in church planting and evangelism, impacting thousands of lives. His story served as a testament to resilience, faith, and the pursuit of one's calling, even in the face of adversity.
The two friends also discussed the broken educational institution and the need for a shift towards personalized, practical learning experiences. Jay emphasized the value of children learning while having fun and without realizing it and criticized the traditional education system for not providing this type of learning environment.
The episode also touched on the importance of networking and strategies for building and maintaining professional relationships. Jay shared personal experiences from his role as a church planner, emphasizing the impact of community and the importance of loving oneself in addition to others. He highlighted the value of networking for personal and business growth, stressing the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive and growth-oriented individuals. They also provided testimonials for eGlass, emphasizing its role in enhancing virtual meetings and presentations.
Bio:
Jay Lee, a former introvert and pastor, is now a world-class high ticket closer and sales coach. He's also known as the Sales Ninja and helps high ticket coaches and entrepreneurs sell like crazy without sounding salesy, sleazy or making prospects sleepy with boring offers using the proven GLASS Selling Method. This GLASS Method has generated $25M+ in client revenue and continues to empower his clients to sell more to give more. 
🥷His G.L.A.S.S. Selling Method is a 5-Step Framework That Closed $1M+ in 12 Weeks🥷 with close rates as high as 81% and cash collected rates as high as 96% for consecutive months. He was interviewed by Eli Wilde’s podcast amongst many others and helped a recent client scale from $0-$2.5M in 24 months.
Links:
www.gosalesninja.com
https://www.facebook.com/jayleesalesninja
The Sales Ninja Show Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sales-ninja-show-podcast/id1673152143
Subscribe to the Sales Ninja Newsletter on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7064417405774540800 
FREE Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/salesninjacommunity  
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Decoding Success: A Journey of Literacy, Growth, and Gratitude with Dee Larsen

Dee Larsen
Summary:
Dee Larsen and Andy Bennetts discuss a range of topics related to their professional experiences and interests. The two friends discuss their personal and professional journeys, expressing gratitude for the support and influence they received from each other and their colleague, Steve. They reflect on the changes and growth they've experienced, with Andy expressing how Dee and Steve were instrumental in guiding him towards a new career path. Additionally, Dee shares her diverse background, from her childhood in Northeastern Ohio to her aspirations in music and worship leading. She emphasizes her passion for literacy and her dedication to helping educators understand the importance of reading proficiency.
The conversation also touches on the literacy gaps in education and the lack of uniformity in evidence-based reading programs across different states. Dee emphasizes the need for legislative support and discussed the potential impact of standardized science of reading knowledge for K-3 teachers and administrators. They also explore the science of reading, highlighting the essential components of decoding and language comprehension for achieving reading comprehension. Dee shares her admiration for Dr. Susan Hall and her commitment to understanding the challenges of dyslexia and improving literacy education.

Unleash Your Inner Leader: Insights from Meg Stevens

Meg Stevens
Summary:
Andy and Meg engage in a conversation about Meg's professional journey, including her experiences in leadership development, consulting, and organizational change. Meg shares her insights on the importance of mental health in the workplace and the need to connect individual needs with business needs during organizational change.
The conversation also touches on the concept of unconditional positive regard and its impact on interpersonal dynamics, as well as the nuances of effective leadership and the importance of staying true to oneself in leadership roles. The two also discuss the corporate response to the George Floyd situation and the importance of prioritizing humanity and open dialogue. Lastly, they explore the topic of fostering a culture of innovation within the organization and empowering learning for future generations.
Bio:
Meg Stevens is a leadership coach, consultant, and counselor.  Shortly after college, after being a manager for several years, she went back to school to get a Master of Science in Leadership Development, knowing that there was an art and a science to great leadership and that she wanted to be a great leader herself.  While this course of study left her with just as many questions as answers, she became even more passionate about working with and helping leaders so that workplaces could be better.  Meg has subsequently spent her career helping leaders work through change and be the best leaders that they can be for their teams.  She led small and large teams throughout her career.  Working in HR consulting, organizational change management, leadership development, and as a Human Resources Executive, she helped leaders manage significant change as a key leader working with the C-Suite on a mega-merger and subsequent spin-off.  
After working with leaders through such intense times and watching the breadth of trauma that was occurring for folks during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, Meg decided to return to school to work on additional credentialing to become a Licensed Professional Counselor so that she could continue to work deeply with leaders on their individual and organizational changes.  Meg will finish this program of study in May 2024 and begin the process to become fully licensed.
In March 2023, when Meg left her role in a Fortune 500, she started Meg Stevens Consulting where she has been working with leaders in a coaching and consulting capacity to support their individual and organizational change.  She spends time coaching leaders who are managing personal and professional changes or those who are looking to achieve big goals in their professional endeavors.  Meg has especially been able to support leaders who are looking for a more natural way of working or who need help finding their own natural leadership style.  She’s hosted a “Natural Leadership Retreat” which is an experience where leaders can come together to support their professional development, restoration, and sense of connection, and to create new rituals for resilience.  Meg expects that Meg Stevens Consulting will continue to host these sessions in the coming years.
Links:
https://www.megstevensconsulting.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-stevens-5640287/