Shows
Breaking the GradeFrom Collapse to Credibility: Robert Martellacci’s Blueprint to Win Back Influence and Close Deals in the Education SpaceWhat happens when your billion-dollar success story ends—and the market forgets your name?Robert Martellacci knows. And he didn’t quit—he reinvented.This episode isn’t just about resilience.It’s about the bold mindset shift it takes to reclaim relevance, rebuild trust, and restart traction when everything you built gets wiped off the board.Robert Martellacci—founder of MindShare Learning—joins me LIVE from the Education Research & Development Institute (ERDI), one of the most influential gatherings of education decision-makers in North America, to unpack how...2025-07-2733 min
Breaking the GradeFrom Dead-End to C-Suite: An Edtech’s Messaging Framework That Converts Education Conversations into ContractsHere's the Messaging Fix You Didn’t Know You NeededIf your EdTech offer sounds “nice” but never gets past your perfect client to respond… this episode is your wake-up call.Carlos Zapata, founder of Unicorn Academy, joins me live from the IFE Conference in Monterrey, Mexico — and pulls back the curtain on the exact moment his company stopped stalling and started closing.And here’s the kicker: it wasn’t the product that changed.It was the pitch.Carlos went from selling English upskilling as a “benefit” to positioning it as a revenue lever...2025-07-2015 min
Breaking the GradeYour Summer Fix: How Education Founders Can Rebuild Lead Flow Before Back-to-SchoolLet’s get one thing straight:September doesn’t start in September. It starts now—in June, July, and August.Because the biggest mistake founders make in summer isn’t taking a break.It’s confusing rest with silence.You can recharge and still generate leads.But most EdTech founders go dark.They hunker down. Rebuild ops. Tweak product.And completely disappear from LinkedIn.Then they roll into Q4 hoping “back to school” will bring the momentum.Spoiler: It won’t.In...2025-07-1314 min
Breaking the GradeFrom Quiet Posts to Real Revenue: How Anissa Used LinkedIn to Build Trust and Attract Qualified LeadsMost EdTech founders are still chasing views.Anissa Bouderraoui is closing pilots.She didn’t wait to go viral.She showed up consistently—with clarity, credibility, and the kind of messaging school leaders actually respond to.The result?No gimmicks. No funnels.Just a pipeline built on trust. Bolstered by LinkedIn consistency. 🎯 When Anissa started posting on LinkedIn, she wasn’t playing the influencer game.She was speaking directly to curriculum directors, bilingual program leads, and decision-makers who could say yes.And when the m...2025-07-0641 min
Breaking the GradeThe Rest Advantage: How Education Founders Use Strategic Pauses to Spark Lead Gen BreakthroughsMost education founders treat traction like a treadmill.When the leads slow down, they don’t stop to ask why—they sprint faster.More posts. More emails. More calls. More grind.But here’s what most founders miss:📉 Motion ≠ Momentum📉 Hustle ≠ Clarity📉 Activity ≠ ConversionIn this episode, Josh goes solo to unpack a hidden truth in EdTech sales:Your burnout might be bottlenecking your lead gen.He shares a real story from inside the EdSales Elevation Experience—Ken Spiegel, founder of LoveWorks, spent years refining hi...2025-06-2914 min
Breaking the GradeClearer Messaging, Consistent Leads: What EdTech Founders Can Learn from MindShiftingMost education companies don’t lose leads because their product is weak.They lose them because the message doesn’t land.They try to sound professional. Strategic. Smart.But polish ≠ presence.And clever ≠ clear.In this episode, Josh sits down with Mitch Weisburgh—a lifelong educator, EdTech veteran, and founder of MindShifting with Mitch—to unpack what really happens when education founders try to grow… without adjusting their communication to match their audience’s mindset.Mitch isn’t just a guest—he’s a client inside the Elevation Experience.And what he models in...2025-06-2236 min
Breaking the GradeDo the Opposite of Everything You’ve Been Doing: How Seinfeld’s George Costanza Unlocks Lead Gen Clarity for EdTech FoundersLet’s start with a sitcom—and a truth bomb.In Seinfeld Season 5, Episode 22 ("The Opposite"), George Costanza hits rock bottom. No job. No love life. No confidence.So he flips the script. “If every instinct I have is wrong, then the opposite must be right.”And suddenly?He orders chicken salad instead of tuna.He tells the girl he’s unemployed and lives with his parents—and she’s into it.He lands a dream job with the New York Yankees.The world didn’t change. George di...2025-06-1517 min
Breaking the GradeBreaking Borders: How Smart EdTech Founders Build Scalable Companies Without Losing Local TrustIf you’re trying to grow your education business beyond where you started—this episode is for you.Because whether you’re moving from one country to another, or just one state to the next…The real challenge isn’t translation.It’s trust.In this episode of Breaking the Grade, I sit down with Denise Abulafia—EdTech founder, Penn GSE professor, and the visionary behind Educatina, a platform that scaled to over 6 million students in Latin America and earned traction across vastly different regions.But here’s what stood out:She did...2025-06-0833 min
Breaking the GradeThe Speaking Strategy: How Education Founders Fast-Track Credibility, Confidence, and Sales MomentumLinkedIn builds your credibility — Speaking amplifies it.In this episode of Breaking the Grade, I’m sharing how I went from avoiding stages entirely to speaking at in the last 13 months at Penn GSE, the University of Chicago, SXSW EDU, DC Startup Week, Education Research and Development Institute, XEdu, Institute for the Future of Education in Mexico, EdTech Institute of Chicago, and more. Not because I had the biggest platform—because I had the right message.Here’s the truth: I wasn’t afraid of the mic or the big audiences.I was...2025-06-0120 min
Breaking the GradeFrom Ghosted to Booked: How Ashton Tate Filled His Calendar with Qualified School LeadsYou’re not afraid of hard work.You’ve put in the hours.You’ve sent the emails.You’ve done the demos.And still—no one’s biting.That was Ashton Tate.Founder of The Form Curriculum.Fitness coach-turned-EdTech founder.500 cold calls deep… and still stuck.Then he changed one thing.He stopped selling—and started listening.In this episode of Breaking the Grade, Ashton shares the real story behind his pivot from “grinding” to getting real results—and how everything shifted when he joined the EdSales...2025-05-2526 min
Breaking the GradeYou Don’t Just Sell to Schools—You Earn Their Trust: How Edtech Founder Paul Moch Built an Education Business That Got AcquiredYou think your sales process is tough?Try launching a brand new EdTech company during a global pandemic—while building trust with schools that aren’t exactly raising their hands.In this episode of Breaking the Grade, I sat down with Paul Moch, Founder of Camino 21 and now Vice Provost at Talisis, to break down what it really takes to build a scalable education business that gets acquired.Paul didn’t just build a product.He built trust.He didn’t guess what schools wanted.He asked.Listened.Built ba...2025-05-0420 min
Breaking the GradeBusy Isn’t Booked: The Silent Sales Mistake Most Founders MissYou’re busy. But you’re not booked.You’re showing up on LinkedIn.You’re attending conferences.You’re tweaking your SEO.You’re following the playbook everyone told you to run.And still—your pipeline’s empty.In this episode of Breaking the Grade, Josh Chernikoff breaks down the silent mistake most education founders don’t realize they’re making:Mistaking motion for momentum.Mistaking activity for traction.Mistaking visibility for credibility.If you’re tired of doing everything “right” and...2025-04-2520 min
Breaking the GradeCracking the Code: How to Sell Education Products in High-Stakes MarketsRecorded live at IFE in Monterrey, Mexico, this episode features Beatriz Guillen, Executive Director at The Resource Foundation—a leader focused on strengthening education outcomes across Latin America.While her work centers on Latin America, the insights she shares here resonate globally—especially for education companies and founders navigating the U.S. market.This conversation is packed with real-world takeaways for education companies and founders navigating B2G, credibility-building, and early-stage lead generation—especially those working to unlock high-value partnerships and grow in complex markets.💡...2025-04-1822 min
Breaking the GradeFrom Chaos to Clarity: How One Founder Rebuilt His EdTech Biz from the Ground Up to Revenue Way UpToo many education founders build something incredible—only to realize they can’t sell it.They try to figure it out themselves… piecing together advice from free webinars, Twitter threads, and late-night YouTube binges. But without a proven system, the growth stalls—and burnout creeps in.In this episode of Breaking the Grade, I sit down with Nick Farrenkopf, CEO and founder of Wibly, who went from scrappy solo founder to sales-ready CEO. Nick didn’t come from a sales background—but when he joined the EdSales Elevation Experience, he transformed how he showed up, pitched his...2025-04-1130 min
Breaking the GradeWhy Most Education Companies Burn Out Before They Scale—And the Fix That Actually WorksYou’ve got the vision. The team. The momentum.So why does it feel like you’re sprinting on a treadmill with no finish line in sight?Here’s the truth: Most education companies don’t burn out because of a bad idea.They burn out because they’re trying to scale without a system.In this live episode of Breaking the Grade, recorded at IFE 2025 in Monterrey (Mexico), I sit down with Sergio Abramovich, CEO of Scala Learning, to unpack how fast-moving education companies can shift from burnout to sustainable growth—without sacrificing...2025-04-0425 min
Breaking the GradeLinkedIn Connection to Contract: Josh's Proven Six-Step EdSales Method (No Paid Ads/Funnels/Cold Calls)You’ve added decision-makers on LinkedIn.You’ve liked a few posts, maybe even commented.You’re showing up… but nothing’s turning into a call, let alone a contract.Sound familiar?That’s what I call the LinkedIn illusion—where activity feels like progress, but the results just aren’t showing up in your pipeline.Here’s the truth: If you're an education company trying to sell into institutions, LinkedIn isn’t about going viral. It’s about using consistency, clarity, and credibility to turn conversations into clients.🎯 This episode of Breaking...2025-03-2821 min
Breaking the GradeStruggling to Sell to Schools or Universities? (An Expert in HigherEd Tells You How to do it Right)Selling into education institutions—whether K–12 or higher ed—isn’t just about having a great product.It’s about understanding how those institutions work: how decisions are made, what roadblocks slow things down, and how to position yourself as a trusted partner—not just another vendor.In this special live episode recorded at IFE in Monterrey, Mexico, I sit down with Michael Fung, Executive Director of the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnológico de Monterrey, to break down:Why so many education companies fail when selling into schools and universities.How to align...2025-03-2120 min
Breaking the GradeThe Conference Playbook: How Education Companies Get Conferences Wrong (And How to Fix It)Does this sound familiar?You just spent thousands of dollars flying to ANOTHER education conference, setting up a booth, shaking hands with decision-makers. You collected a stack of business cards, had great conversations, and walked away thinking, this was a success.Two weeks later? It was the kiss of death for their conference strategy—no follow-ups turning into deals, no real sales pipeline, just a stack of business cards from people who seemed interested but have since disappeared.Here’s the truth: Business cards aren’t contracts.Education companies do this unsucc...2025-03-1429 min
Breaking the GradeIFE Conference 2025 (Mexico): Breaking Barriers -- AI and Strategic Partnerships Shaping EducationThe education sector is buzzing with AI, but are schools and EdTech businesses truly leveraging it for sustainable growth? In this live episode, we cut through the hype to explore how AI, combined with strategic partnerships, can drive real impact.In this special live episode of Breaking the Grade, recorded LIVE from the IFE Conference in Monterrey, Mexico, I sat down with Jaime Pales, Co-Founder & President of Your Way Learning, and Michael Golden, Vice Dean of Innovative Programs & Partnerships at Penn GSE. These two educational...2025-03-0726 min
Breaking the GradeWhy Most Startups Get Investment Wrong—and How to Fix ItSummaryWhen you're growing your education business, one big question always comes up—should you seek investment or bootstrap your way to success? In this episode, Josh Chernikoff breaks down the real challenges behind this decision.He shares lessons from his own journey, the mistakes founders make when chasing investment too soon, and what it really takes to build a business that attracts the right investors (if you even need them). We also get into smart ways to bootstrap, key signs that you’re actually ready for investment, and why a st...2025-02-2121 min
My Favorite Mistake: Business Lessons from Failures and SuccessThe Mistake That Cost Hundreds of Thousands: Josh Chernikoff on Business Growth and Sales
My guest for Episode #295 of the My Favorite Mistake podcast is Josh Chernikoff, a seasoned expert in the education sector with nearly 20 years of experience in EdTech, sales, and entrepreneurship.
Episode page with video, transcript, and more
Josh is the founder of the EdSales Elevation Experience, a 12-week program designed to help education companies build lead-generation engines that consistently book 12-20 high-quality sales calls per month.
He has worked with hundreds of thousands of students and educational leaders, helping businesses scale with innovative, repeatable sales processes. Josh is...2025-02-1047 minBreaking the GradeBefore You Hire a Sales Team...The Steps Founders Can’t SkipSummaryIn this episode of Breaking the Grade, Josh Chernikoff tackles the big question: when’s the right time to bring on a sales team for your education-focused business? He shares why rushing to hire too soon can be a mistake and what you need to do first to make sure you're ready. Josh opens up about his own experiences, talking founder-led sales, how to refine your process, and the importance of building a strong foundation before scaling. If you're wondering how to grow your sales without the growing pains, this episode has the answers yo...2025-01-2418 minBreaking the GradeSecrets behind unlocking 7-figures in sales...How this seasoned entrepreneur transformed his sales process.SummaryIn this episode of Breaking the Grade, I chat with Ernie, a seasoned leader who's been navigating the ever-changing education landscape since 2001. He shares valuable insights on how he completely transformed his sales system and unlocked 7-figures in proposals before the new school year started. Ernie shares all about staying adaptable, building relationships, and why rejection can be a powerful teacher.Together we dive into the unique challenges of selling in education, how networking can shift your business, and the role LinkedIn plays in connecting with decision-makers.If you're looking...2025-01-1026 minBreaking the GradeFrom One-Off Sales to Repeatable Revenue...How Future Makers Transformed Their BusinessSummaryNine years of building a business—and then, overnight, everything changes. Suddenly, you’re scrambling to keep things afloat, unsure of your next move. That’s exactly what happened to Matt Barinholtz, founder of Future Makers. When the pandemic hit in 2020, he had to pivot fast—shifting from offering services to selling products. The truth is, pandemic aside, business is always unpredictable—marketing trends shift, relationships fade as new players enter the scene, and sometimes, your strategy just stops working. So how do you navigate these challenges and come out stronger? In this we...2024-12-2734 minBreaking the GradeMastering Sales Planning in the Education SpaceSummary:In this episode of Breaking the Grade, Josh Chernikoff and Toni McMurray tackle the challenges of sales planning for education companies as the new year approaches. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the tight sales window or struggling with staying top of mind with prospects, this episode is for you. We discuss the impact of inconsistent outreach and follow-ups, and how early planning and overcoming sales fears can set you up for success in 2025. Tune in to learn how to start building momentum now for the year ahead.Tune in...2024-12-0931 minBreaking the GradeMastering the Education Sales Cycle & Secrets to Staying Top of Mind and Closing DealsSummary:Sales in the education space can feel like an endless maze—long cycles, multiple decision-makers, and constant resistance. In this episode, Josh Chernikoff pulls back the curtain on the challenges EdTech founders face when selling to schools and districts. It’s not just about getting through the door; it’s about navigating complex decision-making processes and staying persistent when things don’t move as quickly as you'd like.If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated by slow progress and tough competition, this episode reveals why patience and strategy are your best tools. But be war...2024-11-2218 minBreaking the GradeA Journey of Resilience, Innovation, and Jewish Identity: The Devin Schain StorySummaryIn this conversation, Devin Schain shares his journey from personal challenges, including his parents' divorce, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and the founder of Shalom Learning. He discusses the importance of resilience, the lessons learned from his early business ventures, and how he adapted to create an innovative online Hebrew school that addresses the needs of modern Jewish families. The conversation also touches on the impact of recent events on the Jewish community and the importance of education in fostering connection and understanding....2024-11-1634 minBreaking the GradeFrom Sandwich Artist to Subway Superstar: The Michael Fay StorySummaryIn this conversation, Michael Fay shares his journey from working at Subway during high school to becoming a successful multi-unit franchise owner. He discusses the importance of early experiences in retail, the lessons learned from various companies like Blockbuster and frozen yogurt businesses, and the significance of company culture and direct feedback. Michael emphasizes the value of following established systems, the importance of building a strong team, and his unique approach to turning around struggling restaurants. The conversation highlights the collaborative relationship between Michael and Josh, showcasing their mutual respect and shared experiences...2024-11-1635 minBreaking the GradeWhy Waiting to Sell in the Education Sector Can Cost You...& when’s the right time to start sellingSummary:Wondering when you should really start selling in the education market? In this episode, Josh Chernikoff dives into the right timing and approach for effective sales in the education space. Spoiler: it’s not just about waiting until you have a perfect offer. It’s about understanding the specific buying cycles and decision-making processes that are unique to educational institutions.Josh breaks down why timing is key—and how positioning yourself early can build valuable relationships that will pay off later. He shares actionable insights on how to engage with your i...2024-11-0817 minBreaking the GradeA Better Approach to Sales Calls for Education Companies… How to sell without being salesy.Summary:Are your sales calls feeling like one-way pitches instead of real conversations? In this episode, Josh Chernikoff uncovers a simple yet powerful shift that could change how you approach every sales call moving forward. Spoiler: it’s not about selling harder or pushing your offer more aggressively. It’s about tapping into a skill most salespeople overlook.Josh dives deep into how listening can transform your calls, build trust, and help you uncover your prospects' true needs—without sounding like just another salesperson. And here’s the kicker: he shares why the best sal...2024-10-2519 minBreaking the GradeThe Better Demo Method To Sell More Education Services & ProductsSummary:Selling to schools and districts is more than just having a good product—it’s about really understanding the specific challenges and needs of the education market. In this episode, Special Guest: John Gamba (Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education) and I talk about how to deliver better sales demos, especially when technical issues or multiple decision-makers are involved. From using Loom videos to keep the conversation going between meetings to handling tough questions from tech experts, we’ll show you how to turn a demo that’s going off...2024-10-1131 minBreaking the GradeHow This EdTech Company Transformed Their Sales Process And Went From Stagnation to Leads In Just 8 WeeksJoin me as I sit down with Chris and Corey from Rocket PD to talk about how they revamped their entire sales process to feel more natural and focused on building relationships with their ideal customers. Chris and Cory have years of SaaS experience under their belt and they know a lot about marketing and selling software, but selling to schools felt like a whole different ball game. And so we worked on building out their sales process together to fit them, their business and their clients. If you've ever thought sales has to be pushy and you want...2024-09-2731 min
Inventive Journey"Clear Offers, Clear Success" The Podcast For Entrepreneurs w/ Josh ChernikoffI come from a background in live TV, where I've encountered my fair share of unexpected moments. That experience has taught me to handle any curveball with confidence. When it comes to answering your question, here's my advice: if you're just starting out in any field, it's crucial to have a clear and compelling offer. A confused mind doesn't make purchases, and it's equally challenging to sell to someone who's confused. Focus on one ideal client and one specific offer. Master the art of selling that single offer to that target audience. If it doesn't work out, you can...2024-09-0942 minBreaking the GradeHow this EdTech Startup sharpened their message & went from struggling to selling!SummaryImagine a tool that could revolutionize how students manage their homework—built not by some big tech company, but by a parent and a 12-year-old visionary. Curious?In this episode, we're diving into a startup story that's as unique as it gets. A co-founder whose biggest challenge wasn’t just building the tech but navigating the labyrinth of the education market... Join me as I interview Brent Newton, founder of MyOwl, about the challenges he and his daughter faced in getting MyOwl off the ground. MyOwl...2024-08-3023 minBreaking the GradeHow this EdTech founder got clarity on his ideal client & product... making selling easier!Summary:Starting a business with the goal of solving complex educational problems is a tall order. But Sam Saarinen, founder and CEO of Edapt Technologies, embraced this challenge head-on. In this episode, Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey—one marked by ambitious starts, hard-learned lessons, and a game-changing pivot that led to remarkable business growth. If you’re an entrepreneur struggling to find your footing, this episode is packed with actionable insights on refining your product, focusing your message, and attracting the right clients. Sam’s story is a must-listen for anyone looking to transform their approa...2024-08-1626 minBreaking the Grade3 Powerful Systems To Grow Your Education Business With More EaseIn this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses the importance of implementing systems in order to scale and grow an education business. He highlights three powerful systems: offer system, lead generation and sales system, and delivery system. He emphasizes the need for a repeatable and scalable offer, a lead generation system to attract and nurture ideal clients, and a delivery system to ensure client success. Josh also acknowledges that there will be glitches and mistakes along the way, but it's important to embrace imperfection and learn from them.TakeawaysImplementing systems is crucial...2024-08-0226 min
Empire BuildersThis week on Empire builders we interview Josh Chernikoff - EdSales Elevation Experience, Founder | Lead Generator | CoachWelcome to the latest episode of Empire Builders! Today, Tommy Yionoulis is thrilled to introduce our guest, Josh Chernikoff, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich background in education and youth enrichment programs. In this episode, Josh shares his journey from sports broadcasting to founding and scaling multiple successful businesses.Key Points Discussed:Introduction to Josh Chernikoff:Josh's transition from a sports broadcaster to an entrepreneur in the education sector.Founding a boutique home tutoring company in the DC area.Expansion into after-school enrichment programs through Flex Academies, operating in 82 schools before selling the business.2024-07-2657 minBreaking the Grade3 Essentials To Grow Your Business: Lessons I Learned From Starting, Scaling, and Selling Flex AcademiesIn this episode, Josh Chernikoff shares his experiences and challenges in growing his second business, Flex Academies. He discusses the importance of finding the ideal client, pivoting the business model, and building a strong offer. He also emphasizes the need for a lead generation system and the importance of surrounding oneself with experts. Josh highlights the significance of systems in scaling a business and shares his own journey of continuous learning and improvement.Takeaways:Finding the ideal client is crucial for business success.Pivoting the business model based on customer feedback...2024-07-1921 minBreaking the GradeKathryn’s Lead Generation Transformation with the EdSales Elevation ExperienceIn this conversation, Josh Chernikoff interviews Kathryn Adabonyan, the founder and CEO of Go Pursue, a company that helps high school students explore career options and connect with professionals in those fields. They delve into Kathryn's journey as an entrepreneur, a testament to her resilience in overcoming sales and marketing challenges. Kathryn shares how the EdSales Elevation Experience helped her reframe her mindset about LinkedIn and establish herself as a thought leader in her industry. She also talks about the value of the mastermind group and the support she received from Josh and other members. Kathryn invites directors of...2024-07-0527 minBreaking the GradeHow to Build A Lead Generation System in 9 StepsIn this conversation, Josh Chernikoff discusses his nine-step process for building lead generation machines that produce high-quality and high-converting leads on repeat. He addresses the common challenge of not knowing how to get leads and emphasizes the importance of founder-led sales. Josh shares his own experience of starting a tutoring business without any sales experience and explains how he overcame obstacles to become successful. He breaks down each step of his process, including getting clear on the ideal client, prospect-to-relationship building, creating a signature solution, laser targeting, magnetic messaging, and automating processes. He also highlights the significance of success...2024-06-2131 minBreaking the GradeRose’s Lead Generation Transformation with the EdSales Elevation ExperienceDon’t miss the Catalyst at Penn GSE Innovation Summit on June 21st at the University of Pennsylvania. It’s a must-attend event for entrepreneurs in the education sector, filled with insights on advancing your business. Register now at https://mailchi.mp/gse.upenn.edu/catalyst-summit-2024Rose, a successful entrepreneur and educator, shares her experience with the Ed Sales Elevation Experience. She discusses the challenges she faced in growing her business in education and how the program helped her overcome them. Rose highlights the importance of building an authentic community and focusing on quality over quantity when find...2024-05-2426 minBreaking the GradeSlow Burn Methods for Lead Generation in EdTechDon’t miss the Catalyst at Penn GSE Innovation Summit on June 21st at the University of Pennsylvania. It’s a must-attend event for entrepreneurs in the education sector, filled with insights on advancing your business. Register now at https://mailchi.mp/gse.upenn.edu/catalyst-summit-2024Welcome to today’s episode where we delve into the world of lead generation within the education industry. We'll explore a variety of strategies from quick social media ads to the slow and steady wins of SEO and relationship building. Join us as we navigate the complexities and discover sustainable methods for gr...2024-05-1017 minBreaking the GradeHow to sell to multiple stakeholders in the education spaceIn this episode, Josh discusses the importance of identifying the main stakeholders in the education space and how to sell to them effectively. He shares case studies of Brent and Katherine, who faced the challenge of determining who to sell to and how they overcame it. Josh emphasizes the need to focus on the benefits and transformation your solution can provide to the main stakeholder while also considering the benefits for other stakeholders. He also mentions the EdSales Elevation Experience and encourages listeners to join the community.TakeawaysIdentifying the main stakeholders in the education...2024-04-2912 minBreaking the GradeCase Study with David DvorkinIn this episode, Josh Chernikoff interviews David Dworkin, the CEO and founder of Hire Cause. They discuss David's experience in the Ed Sales Elevation Experience program and the impact it had on his business. David shares the challenges he faced before joining the program, including the difficulty of setting up consistent meetings with potential clients in the education sector. He also talks about his previous attempts to generate leads, such as attending conferences and sending cold emails. David explains how the Signature Solution, a key component of the program, has made his sales process more efficient and effective. He...2024-04-1215 minBreaking the GradeTransforming your LinkedIn profile into a sales pageIn this episode, the host discusses how to transform a LinkedIn profile into a sales page that generates more leads. The importance of having a professional and engaging profile picture is emphasized, as it sets the tone for others to perceive you. The headline is highlighted as a hook that captures attention and showcases how you can help your ideal client. The summary section is an opportunity to showcase the value you bring and how you can make a difference. Other sections such as the link, featured, experience, and education sections are also discussed....2024-03-2916 minBreaking the GradeThe most powerful tool to connect with your ideal clientsSummaryIn this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses how to confidently start conversations with potential clients that lead to booking more calls. He addresses the challenge of initiating conversations and offers strategies for building rapport and making connections. Josh emphasizes the importance of offering value and following up with potential clients. He provides tips for opening conversations, such as starting with a warm personalized greeting and getting people talking about themselves. Josh also highlights the value of creating a supportive community and helping clients get comfortable with initial conversations. He invites listeners to join the Ed...2024-03-1512 minBreaking the GradeWhy you need a signature solution to generate more leads and close more sales!SummaryIn this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses the importance of having a Signature Solution to generate more leads and close sales faster. He emphasizes the need for clear communication of value and the challenges entrepreneurs in the education space face in this regard. Josh explains that a Signature Solution is a clear visual roadmap that outlines the steps to take clients from where they are to where they want to be. He highlights the benefits of having a Signature Solution, such as standing out in a crowded market and building trust and credibility. Josh shares...2024-03-0415 min
Breaking the GradeHow to promote your services and products in the education space without feeling icky or salesyIn this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses the challenge of promoting oneself without feeling salesy or inauthentic. He shares his personal experience with imposter syndrome and how he overcame it. Josh also addresses common fears and challenges faced by entrepreneurs and provides tips to overcome the fear of self-promotion. He emphasizes the importance of not comparing oneself to others and highlights the value of building genuine connections and participating in communities. Additionally, he introduces the concept of using LinkedIn as a sales funnel and invites listeners to join a LinkedIn workshop.Chapters 00:00 Overcoming Imposter S...2024-02-1616 minBreaking the GradeGrowing MyOwl: LinkedIn Strategies for EdTech Startup GrowthIn this conversation, Josh Chernikoff and Brent Newton discuss the power of LinkedIn for business growth and networking. They highlight the evolution of LinkedIn from a resume platform to a sales funnel and emphasize the importance of improving LinkedIn profiles. The conversation also covers the challenges of consistently posting on LinkedIn and the value of building a supportive community. They explore the potential of LinkedIn groups and the impact of LinkedIn on business opportunities. The conversation concludes with tips for success on LinkedIn and the announcement of a LinkedIn workshop to boost professional presence.2024-01-2626 minBreaking the GradeHow do you use LinkedIn to get leads for education business?In this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses how to effectively use LinkedIn for lead generation in the education industry. He debunks common myths about LinkedIn and provides tips on optimizing your profile to attract the right audience. Josh emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections and leveraging social proof through testimonials. He also invites listeners to join a LinkedIn workshop to transform their profiles and improve their lead-generation strategies.Takeaways:My journey with LinkedIn and how I used it to start and sell a successful education business…How I went from a no-one to...2024-01-1922 minBreaking the GradeBreaking Free from Traditional Goal Setting Methods with Rose HastreiterIn this episode of Breaking the Grade, host Josh Chernikoff is joined by guest Rose Hastreiter to discuss breaking free from traditional goal setting. They explore the difference between goal setting and achieving goals, the importance of designing the experience of success, and the power of the past tense in goal setting. Rose shares actionable tips for goal setting and achievement, including writing down the desired experience, separating task-focused time from people's time, and breaking tasks down into smaller actions. They also discuss the power of LinkedIn for lead generation and announce an upcoming LinkedIn workshop.2024-01-1229 minBreaking the GradeSher Downing: On Taking Risks, Climbing Ladders and her "Journey" to the TopSher Downing has been a successful business owner for over 20 years. She’s become the go-to in the ed-tech space and also hosts her own podcast, “Ed-tech Speaks”. But Sher told us that she never discounts her own humble beginnings as an employee of a music store that really prepared her to climb the ladder in her own career. We were lucky to have Sher join us in this episode as she tells us all about risk-taking, building relationships, and the soundtrack that got her there.Don’t Stop BelievingAt first gl...2023-12-0535 min
Forward Thinking Experts040 Ed Tech Speaks Anniversary Edition - Year Three RecapWelcome to the third anniversary of EdTech Speaks!Host Sher Downing celebrates the anniversary of the podcast and reflects on the exciting year that Downing EdTech Consulting has had. The podcast has been instrumental in sharing impactful messages and insights from guests who are making a difference.Take a look back at some of the remarkable guests:Episode 30: Ahsan Rizvi, CEO and founder of Kiddom, discussed their innovative tool that combines curriculum, technology, and a learning community for K-12 education.Episode 31: Rachel Porter, a talented voice actor, lent her...2023-06-2609 minBreaking the GradeErin Dowd: Learning to Love Stories | Sowing Seeds Early in LifeA fantastic time spent talking with Erin Dowd and how she found her true calling in life! Erin comes from a family of educators, and she always looked up to her father and grandfather as mentors. They were more than just mentors; they were the key to unlocking her true potential. Erin's father, a master storyteller, weaved enchanting tales that made learning fun and relatable. And let's not forget her mother's father, a true champion of education and a trailblazer during the challenging times of segregation. He was all about building b...2023-06-2133 minBreaking the GradeSusan Gold: On Creativity, Critical Thinking and Being a Kid WhispererFor as long as she can remember, Susan Gold has been the “kid whisperer.” She just gets kids and they get that she gets them. A match made in heaven, especially since she founded her school in 2010. But - that didn’t mean that Susan’s peers in school got her. In fact, her middle school years were packed with bad days and bullying. By listening to our show about this excellent educator and even better person, you’ll learn about:2023-05-0241 minBreaking the GradeSher Downing: On Taking Risks, Climbing Ladders and her "Journey" to the TopSher Downing has been a successful business owner for over 20 years. She’s become the go-to in the ed tech space and also hosts her own podcast, “Ed-tech Speaks”. But Sher told us that she never discounts her own humble beginnings as an employee of a music store that really prepared her to climb the ladder in her own career. We were lucky to have Sher join us in this episode as she tells us all about risk taking, building relationships and the soundtrack that got her there.2023-03-2135 minBreaking the GradeKeltse Bilbao: On Embracing Change and Staying CuriousA high-powered personality in the fashion industry decides she wants to move into the education space. And she is successful in her first attempt to create a beautiful space for parents to work and children to learn. But, what happens when our education entrepreneur - Keltse Bilbao - decides she wants to take her concept from California to New York and beyond. In this episode of Breaking the Grade, you will learn:How Keltse went from fashion to families and created a super sleek and successful daycare plus...2023-02-2134 minBreaking the GradeEric Nelson: Who You Become is Just as Important as What You AchieveEric Nelson has made a habit out of turning setbacks into silver linings. Having grown up in a family of educators, Eric was taught early on to prioritize how to, “learn like a champion”. This lesson served him well as he faced his own hurdles personally and professionally that led to the development of Fanschool; the platform that promotes trust, connection, and growth between students, parents, and community members revolving around students’ published work. EPIC FAILSThere is much to learn from failure. Eric’s first lessons came from being too over-zealous about a project i...2023-01-2535 minBreaking the GradeAlberto Rossi: Believing IS SeeingAlberto Rossi always dreamed of being an airplane pilot or even an astronaut. A boy can dream all he wants, but this was a tall order for a young man who couldn’t even drive due to visual impairment. But Rossi, the son of parents from Italy and the Canary Islands, never saw a challenge or an opportunity in life that he didn’t want to drink up and dominate.By listening to our show today, you'll learn:...2023-01-1037 minBreaking the GradeLisa Friedlander: The Bumps and the Bruises That Lead To BrillianceLisa Friedlander is that family member, friend, colleague, and mentor that we all want in our lives. She is strong, smart, and super driven, and that has been evident throughout her personal and professional life.But, sharing all of these essential qualities with other people has come at a cost at times for Lisa because she has not always put herself first.By listening to our show today about Lisa, you will learn about the following:How her...2022-12-2835 minBreaking the GradeOliver Knott on Providing Hope for Diverse LearnersOliver Knott excelled in school from childhood through university. No surprise there because Knott was lucky enough to attend one of the UK’s prestigious grammar schools, which set him on a path to success. But – his brother, who did not attend the same school and struggled as a student, had a very different educational experience growing up. UNTIL – he was diagnosed with dyslexia which changed his life. And – Oliver’s life too. Dramatically. By listening to our show today about this champion for...2022-12-0631 minBreaking the GradeBrian Zapf: On Loving Numbers, People and Telling A Financial Story That SoarsBrian Zapf has always been good at math. And the strategic CFO has taken those number skills from his start at a community bank to investment banking, to M+A advising, and his strategic CFO business today. But – it wasn’t until an accounting course at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University that Zapf fully grasped how financial statements for a business tell an important story that any business owner needs to know. By listening to our show today about this m...2022-11-0129 min
Forward Thinking Experts032 Impactful Thought Leaders in EdTech with Josh ChernikoffAnother wonderful guest was interviewed on the EdTech Speaks podcast! Josh Chernikoff is an innovative entrepreneur, advisor, and strategist with 20+ years of experience in education, broadcast journalism, sales, marketing, and communications. Throughout these experiences, he has demonstrated success in founding, growing, and successfully exiting two education companies.With these wins came the need for something bigger. Josh set out to serve other entrepreneurs in the education space through Cascade Communications. He and his team support businesses, founders, and CEOS in advising and developing, thought leadership, content creation, lead generation, and more.He says, "If...2022-10-3145 min
EdUp Learning and Development, hosted by Holly Owens56: Fear is a LIAR & Breaking the Grade with Josh Chernikoff, Founder & CEO of Cascade CommunicationsOverview
In this episode, I got to chat with a great coach and entrepreneur, Josh Chernikoff, Founder and CEO of Cascade Communications and host of the Breaking the Grade Podcast. In this episode, we chatted about growing up in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) region, sports, moving during Covid, our love of ed tech, and helping others. Josh shares some great stories and tips for becoming a successful entrepreneur so be sure to have your writing devices or digital note apps ready. It’s time to dive into episode 56!
More about Josh Chernikoff in...2022-10-2027 minBreaking the GradeMike Lawrence: On Putting Students First, an Innovation Index and Ted LassoGrowing up in California in the 1970's, Mike Lawrence was surrounded by technology. He was a fan of Jobs, Woz, and Apple before they had fans around the world. His love for tech was just a hobby - at first - and once he got older, he stayed in Cali and became an English teacher. But -- Mr. Lawrence - as the cool kids called him in English class - quickly learned that tech - specifically helping teachers with tech - would be his path and passion. 2022-10-1839 minBreaking the GradeBreaking the Barriers of Language Learning with Malcolm LeeVirtual Reality allows learners to experience an immersive environment where they can play, engage, and explore with real-time feedback.In this episode of Breaking The Grade, we will have an exciting and grade-breaking discussion with Malcolm Lee, CEO and Founder of Gabb Global, on games and VR tech in language learning.He will share with us:How to take advantage of current technologies available to build a company that will uplift education quality and provide innovative solutions;2022-10-1131 minBreaking the GradeBreaking and Changing the way we Write and Consume Media with Daniel StedmanWith the rise of disinformation and biased media and content, how can we raise a generation that can sift through and process information in a healthy way? Join us with Daniel Stedman. Founder and CEO of Pressto. And let’s dive intoThe importance of learning how we can break the manipulations of social media and what it means for the future generationIncluding media literacy in every writing curriculumUnderstanding the different types of media and the message they are sending, and its importance to the media YOU createAre you r...2022-08-2641 min
Edtech InsidersEdtech Communications with Josh Chernikoff of Flex Tutors and Cascade CommunicationsSend us a textJosh Chernikoff is an educational entrepreneur and small business advisor. For the last 14 years, he has founded and grown two successful educational enrichment programs serving hundreds of thousands of students in 85 schools across six states. He now runs Cascade Communications, an edtech advisory. Josh and his team at Cascade are, above all, content and relationship experts in the educational space, leveraging email communication and live relationship roundtables to engage the entrepreneurs and businesses with key education decision makers. He also hosts two entrepreneurship and Edtech podcasts - How I Broke That and Breaking...2022-08-0940 minBreaking the GradeBreaking The Stigma Against Autism with Dr. Celest AustinEvery child should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential regardless of their uniqueness with their own path. But what happens if neurodivergent children's only option to learn is the same as the norm - a thing that is working against them?Join us with Dr. Celest Austin. Founder and CEO of GoManda. And let's address this and dive into:How the trajectory of her life changed because of the influence of her sister, Amanda;The current situation of the learning landscape for autistic people and neurodivergent learners and t...2022-08-0532 minBreaking the GradeThe New Era of Leadership | Breaking The Grade with Dr. Quintin ShepherdIn the era of advanced technology and rapid change, what is the role of the leaders in the education space in responding to the challenges it entails? The Breaking the Grade crew, had the opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Quintin Shepherd to talk leadership as a Superintendent and his new book “The Secret to Transformational Leadership.”Breaking the Grade is produced by Cascade Communications.Follow us online:Subscribe to our Youtube ChannelFollow us for more updates: Cascade's Facebook2022-07-1208 minBreaking the GradeBridging the Gap Between Students and Employers with Nancy SoniCollege students invest thousands of dollars in their education and the other things that come with it, not to mention the time and energy they put into providing for themselves only to come out making less than $35K a year.In this episode of Breaking The Grade, we will be joined by Nancy Soni, CEO, and Founder of PathMatch in discussing:The realities freshly graduated students are facing todayThe disconnect between the skills employers need and the current skills of the graduates and how this gap can be closed and more...2022-06-1738 minBreaking the GradeBig Breaks - Celest Austin, GoManda🎥 GoManda is on camera!Often an entrepreneur is inspired by an experience or maybe even a family member. In the case of Celest Austin, MD, PhD Austin, it was both. She founded GoManda after watching her sister’s amazing way of thinking – as an autistic person. The name of the company comes from her family’s time celebrating whenever her sister Amanda accomplished anything. They would cheer, "GoManda! GoManda!'Dr. Austin then made it her personal and professional mission to empowering autistic children by helping them accept, nurture, and cheer for their strengths...2022-05-2602 min
Education On Fire - Sharing creative and inspiring learning in our schools251: Entrepreneurship in Education with Josh ChernikoffJosh Chernikoff is an innovative entrepreneur, advisor, and strategist with 20+ years of experience in education, broadcast journalism, sales, marketing, and communications. Throughout these experiences, he has demonstrated success in founding, growing, and successfully exiting two education companies.With these wins came the need for something bigger. Josh set out to serve other entrepreneurs in the education space through Cascade Communications. Alongside his experienced team, he supports businesses, founders, and CEOS in advising and developing, thought leadership, content creation, lead generation, and more. His experiences and skillsets carry clients to new levels, helping them achieve the same levels...2022-05-0939 min
Charter School SuperstarsEp 128: “Breaking things” to help schools reach their full potential with Josh ChernikoffThis week, Ryan sits with Josh Chernikoff, an entrepreneur, strategist, and the founder of Cascade Communications. On this episode, Josh talks about the term of “breaking things” when it comes to entrepreneurship and what this concept looks like in the charter school sector. Josh also talks about disruption in education and shares insight for charter school professionals on how they can become more entrepreneurial. Tune in! You can find out more about our guest’s work by visiting by visiting www.cascadego.co and www.joshchernikoff.comHost: Ryan Kairalla (@ryankair)Producer: Ross Ulysse2022-05-0421 min
Learning Unboxed142. Helping Entrepreneurs Reach Educators with Josh ChernikoffToday’s guest has had a remarkable journey in the innovation and entrepreneurship space within education. His name is Josh Chernikoff and he is an innovative entrepreneurship advisor and strategist with over 20 years of experience in education, broadcast journalism, sales, marketing, and communications. He’s used that unique combination of skill sets and applied them to a wide range of work. We hear about his successes, failures, and the thinking that goes on behind the scenes.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:joshchernikoff.comcascadego.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshuachernikoffLearning Unboxed is p...2022-04-1131 minLearning Unboxed142. Helping Entrepreneurs Reach Educators with Josh ChernikoffToday’s guest has had a remarkable journey in the innovation and entrepreneurship space within education. His name is Josh Chernikoff and he is an innovative entrepreneurship advisor and strategist with over 20 years of experience in education, broadcast journalism, sales, marketing, and communications. He’s used that unique combination of skill sets and applied them to a wide range of work. We hear about his successes, failures, and the thinking that goes on behind the scenes.To learn more, visit: pastfoundation.orgResources:joshchernikoff.comcascadego.coLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/joshuachernikoffLearning Unboxed is p...2022-04-1131 min
EntreEd TalkEpisode 122- Josh ChernikoffIn this episode of EntreEd Talk, Toi chats with Josh Chernikoff. Josh is CEO of Cascade Communications, an entrepreneur, and a small business advisor. For the last 14 years, he has founded and grown two successful educational enrichment programs serving hundreds of thousands of students in 85 schools across six states. Tune in to hear more about his own entrepreneurial journey and how he advises others through their entrepreneurial journeys as well. https://www.joshchernikoff.com/Support the show2022-04-0747 minBreaking the GradeBreaking the Silence: Inequity in Education with Alexa EscobedoOur students deserve to know they belong. But equality isn’t always placed as the priority it deserves to be.Alexa Escobedo discovered this as she was teaching elementary, and immediately switched gears to create an impact.She knew she could affect far more than her group of 35.She moved out of the classroom and into larger education organizations.She put her effort toward expanding student equality every single day.Join us now to hear what Alexa ha...2022-04-0335 minBreaking the GradeLet’s Make SEL More Effective with Nicole LipkinWe know social-emotional learning is essential. But we haven’t all figured out how to teach it effectively.Nicole Lipkin, Clinical Psychologist and founder of HeyKiddo, is breaking traditional methods with her unique curriculum. Join us today as she shares:Why social, emotional, and leadership skills are so important for kids in current times.Why typical SEL isn’t as effective as we’d hoped.How teachers can make an impact in the social and emotional lives of students.2022-04-0234 minBreaking the GradeBreaking and Rebuilding American Education with Kevin ChavousSchools are at the forefront of learning, but they don’t always feel up to par. Kevin Chavous is an education activist, lawyer, author, and podcast host with innovative ideas on how to fix this.Join us to hear how:The education system is breaking, but we as a culture can build it back better.Education isn’t an end-goal, but a lifelong process.Virtual learning will change not only classrooms, but education and society.Are...2022-04-0144 minBreaking the GradeThe Importance of Co-creating Products with Your Researchers and What to Expect in the next Episodes with John GambaIn the first episode of Breaking the Grade, we interview our very own John Gamba, Entrepreneur in Residence & Director of Innovative Programs at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education.Join us as we dive in to see the grade-breaking changes and initiatives that John is actively pursuing and what else can listeners expect in the next episodes of BTG.2022-03-2829 min
Stories from the Field: The Superintendent Podcast3.16 Breaking the Mold with Josh ChernikoffJosh is a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur. He is the founder of three education companies: Ashley Tutors, Flex Academies, and Flex Tutors. He also began recording and hosting podcasts called “How I Broke That” and "Breaking the Grade" where, in his words, “each episode will simultaneously induce cringes and provide comfort in helping you realize you are not alone in breaking something on your path to innovation.” Beyond starting education companies, he also runs Cascade Communications, where he provides coaching to companies in the education space. Josh has much to share with his experiences of innovating and not just thinking outside...2022-03-1539 minBreaking the GradeBreaking the Grade TrailerBreaking the Grade is a thought-provoking podcast that follows entrepreneurs as they transform learning and advance equity and impact in the global education space. Tune in for stories about breaking norms, introducing new ideas, and shaping our future through every lesson learned. Breaking the Grade hosts Josh Chernikoff and John Gamba have been education entrepreneurs for most of their professional lives. They’ve witnessed firsthand how positive change and creative thinking can impact this space. They’ve coached other companies on their entrepreneurial journeys. . . Now it’s time to lift others...2022-03-0801 minBreaking the GradeWhat is Breaking the Grade?The future of the world’s classroom is falling into our hands. How can we help shape the next generation to learn more and live better than we do today?This type of change won’t come from repetition. We need to BREAK the education industry if we want its EVOLUTION to take place.That's why we’re working to Break the Grade. 2022-01-3102 min