Shows
EdSales Edge ShowWhen More Kills Deals: Why Simpler Offers Win in Education SalesMore services. More customization. More flexibility.Sounds like value—but it’s often why deals stall.In this live episode of EdSales Edge, Josh Chernikoff, founder of the EdSales Elevation Experience and John Gamba, Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Penn GSE break down a hard truth: adding more makes your offer weaker.Most education founders try to win by doing more—more features, more options, more ways to say yes. But buyers want the opposite: clarity, focus, and a clear outcome.Deals don’t fall apart at the end—they fall apart the moment your offer...
2026-04-2637 min
EdSales Edge ShowFrom Stuck Deals to Simple Wins: How to make education buyers say yes“If you have to sell hard, your offer sucks."Josh Chernikoff, founder of the EdSales Elevation Experience, opens this episode with a truth bomb inspired by the Alex Hormozi school of business: deals don't die at the finish line; they die the second you introduce a weak offer.Most education founders are busy tweaking pitch decks and chasing leads, but they’re ignoring the Hormozi fundamental: creating a "Grand Slam Offer" so good that people feel stupid saying no. In education sales, your offer doesn’t stop with you—it has to make sense when your buyer r...
2026-04-1920 min
EdSales Edge ShowFrom Confusion to Clarity (The Offer That Makes People Say “I Need That”)Deals stall all the time, even after strong conversations. In the education space, this happens every day with superintendents, principals, university presidents, and decision-makers who are interested, but don’t move forward.This live episode of EdSales Edge dives into the real reason why: stalled deals aren’t about follow-up, they’re about clarity. When your message isn’t clear, it doesn’t travel. And in education sales, your buyer isn’t the final decision-maker, they’re the one carrying your message into rooms you’re not in.Josh Chernikoff, founder of the EdSal...
2026-04-1235 min
EdSales Edge ShowWhy Deals Stall (And How To Keep Them Moving)If your deals keep stalling after great conversations… it’s not your follow-up.It’s your clarity.In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh Chernikoff (founder of EdSales Elevation Experience) breaks down why deals don’t die at the end, they fall apart at the beginning, when your offer isn’t clear enough to survive without you.He’s joined by Edwin Blanton, Ph.D., Assistant Vice Provost at The University of Texas at San Antonio, who shares the shift that changed everything. Instead of offering 1,000+ training options, Edwin built a clear Signature Solution his...
2026-04-0526 min
EdSales Edge ShowStop Guessing, Start Thriving: Unlocking Clarity in Education SalesMost education founders think sales success comes from bigger networks or constant activity. In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh Chernikoff, founder of the EdSales Elevation Experience (3E), flips that assumption. He shows why clarity about who you serve, what you solve, and the results you deliver drives consistent, high-converting sales.Josh answers common questions from founders in 3E, a program designed to build repeatable, clarity-driven sales systems. He breaks down whether networks can replace systems, why outreach stalls even with responses, how to know if you’re ready for structure, and what makes 3E di...
2026-03-2930 min
EdSales Edge ShowListen More, Sell More: From $25K Pilots to $100K PartnershipsMany founders in education sales assume success comes from a sharper pitch, a polished deck, or a stronger demo. In this episode of The EdSales Edge, Josh Chernikoff and Paul King reveal a different truth: strategic listening beats persuasive talking.Paul King, Founder of Neighborhood Educational Partners (NEP), shares how shifting from explaining to understanding transformed his business. By listening first, he increased confidence, turned pilots into year-round partnerships, and opened new district contracts, including work in juvenile detention facilities.The episode breaks down the “Raise Your Hand” framework. Not scripts, a mindset: lead with curi...
2026-03-2223 min
EdSales Edge ShowMiss the Signals, Lose the Deal: What Happens When You Don’t Ask and AlignMost founders know listening matters in education sales. But few understand how to structure their questions to uncover real tensions and build trust before pitching. In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh explains how the discipline of journalism — inspired by Terry Gross, host of NPR’s Fresh Air since 1975 — became the foundation for his education companies and the Raise Your Hand campaign, now used by hundreds of education vendors.Terry Gross isn’t loud or flashy. Her interviews succeed because of preparation, curiosity, and thoughtful questioning. Josh shows how those same principles...
2026-03-1523 min
EdSales Edge ShowListen First. Win Later: How Listening Saves Pilots From FailingMost founders believe winning districts comes down to a stronger pitch.Better deck. Sharper demo. Stronger proof.But in this episode of EdSales Edge, a senior education leader reveals a different problem:Most vendors never ask what the system actually needs.Josh sits down with Ryan Donaghy, Deputy Minister of Government, New Brunswick, Canada. Ryan is pitched constantly — AI tools, tutoring platforms, and “transformational” solutions.Yet one pattern appears again and again.Vendors talk. Almost none listen.They arrive with s...
2026-03-0836 min
EdSales Edge ShowListening Beats Pitching in Education (Why Trust Markets Don’t Respond to Noise)Most founders selling into education think they need more leads.More visibility.More meetings.More activity at the top of the funnel.In this episode, Josh explains why traditional lead generation breaks down in education, and introduces Raise Your Hand as a different kind of lead generation strategy built for trust-based markets.Instead of chasing calls or pushing urgency, Raise Your Hand is designed to generate voluntary buying signals from decision-aware leaders. It filters for readiness by lowering risk.Education buyers rarely say “no.”They delay.They stay...
2026-03-0117 min
EdSales Edge ShowHow Education Buyers Evaluate Credibility (Why Credentials Alone Don’t Build Trust)Credibility in education isn’t earned through credentials alone — it’s earned through alignment and believability. In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh sits down with Dr. Tara Williams, Founder of Innovative Collegiate Consultants, Inc. to explore a positioning shift most education founders avoid: When you share your struggles clearly and intentionally, people trust you more.Dr. Tara holds a PhD, earned tenure, and built programs at the college level. But her credibility accelerated when she stopped leading with her résumé and started leading with her...
2026-02-2230 min
EdSales Edge ShowWhy Most LinkedIn Advice Fails Education Founders (And What Actually Works)LinkedIn is filled with confident advice about growing audiences and turning posts into sales. But most of that advice was built for fast-moving industries, not for education.In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh explains why so many education founders feel frustrated and stuck on LinkedIn, even when they follow all the popular strategies. He breaks down how education buyers actually evaluate credibility and why likes, comments, and visibility rarely translate into real influence.Instead of treating LinkedIn as a conversion funnel, Josh shows how to use it as a long-term credibility system built on...
2026-02-1519 min
EdSales Edge ShowBuilding Trust with Education Buyers: Why Silence Isn’t RejectionRachel Edoho-Eket, President of the Maryland Association of Elementary School Principals, understands that in education, credibility isn’t earned through noise or constant visibility — it’s earned through consistent, observable behavior over time.As a principal and state-level education leader, Rachel has seen founders and vendors make the same mistake repeatedly: talking too much, posting too often, and confusing activity with trust.In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh sits down with Rachel in a live interview recorded at FETC in Orlando to break down how education buyers actually evaluate credibility — and why...
2026-02-0826 min
EdSales Edge ShowWhy Chasing “Likes” Keeps You Stuck (How Education Buyers Actually Decide)Most education founders assume LinkedIn isn’t working because no one is engaging.Posts get views but no likes.Thoughtful ideas land quietly.Weeks go by with no visible signal that anything is happening.In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh explains why that silence isn’t rejection — it’s evaluation — and introduces two mental models that change how founders understand credibility in education: the Conference Model and the Gym Model.This episode isn’t about posting more, going viral, or gaming the algorithm.It’s about understa...
2026-02-0119 min
EdSales Edge ShowWhy Selling Software Keeps You Stuck, and Selling Peace Moves DealsMost education founders would celebrate landing one pilot.Sam and Michael landed nine.In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh sits down with Samuel Rabkin and Michael Mahoney, co-founders of Mediator Spark, to unpack how clarity around their Perfect Client led to a sharper Signature Solution—and why that clarity turned stalled conversations into fast-moving pilots.This isn’t a story about selling software or education theory. It’s a case study in what happens when founders stop explaining tools and start enroll...
2026-01-2540 min
EdSales Edge ShowWhy “What You Do” Isn’t Why Education Leaders BuyWhy is Apple more innovative than everyone else? It’s not better technology; it’s a different way of communicating.In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh applies Simon Sinek’s "Start With Why" framework directly to education sales. For early-stage founders (
2026-01-1818 min
EdSales Edge ShowWhy the Fastest “Yes” Beats the Biggest Budget — with Dr. Brooke Olsen-FarrellSelling into education rewards clarity, not size. Long cycles, layered decisions, and committee-based buying can quietly drain a founder’s runway, especially when growth is tied to landing “big name” districts.In this episode of EdSales Edge, Josh sits down with Dr. Brooke Olsen-Farrell, a nine-year Superintendent at Slate Valley Unified School District and a national policy leader. Together, they unpack why traction in education doesn’t start with the biggest budgets, it starts with the Perfect Client.If you’re stuck chasing prestige logos while momentum stalls, this conversation will help you r...
2026-01-1127 min
EdSales Edge ShowThe Perfect Client Paradox: Why Chasing More Leads Isn’t the AnswerMost education founders think they have a lead problem. You want more emails, more demos, more top-of-funnel activity.But here is the hard truth: You don't have a lead problem; you have a perfect client problem. If you are chasing the wrong person, no amount of lead gen will fix your revenue. It just gives you more conversations that don't convert.Traction comes from the "Clean Window" strategy. Instead of trying to convince skeptics to care, you need to target the buyers who already value the outcome.In this...
2026-01-0427 min
EdSales Edge ShowBest of 2025: How Education Founders Can Turn Any Conference or Summit Into a Sales Engine That Builds Trust, Authority, and PipelineSome episodes don’t just inspire, they show you what execution really looks like.This one’s a real-time playbook in action.Originally LIVE from the University of Toronto at the Canadian EdTech Summit on 30th October, 2025, Josh breaks down exactly how education founders can stop wasting time and money at conferences, and start turning them into revenue-driving machines.After two decades in education and sales leadership, Josh has learned one thing: conferences don’t grow your business, a conference strategy does. From DC Star...
2025-12-2824 min
EdSales Edge ShowBest of 2025: Karim Kuperhause & Rose Hastreiter on Why Education Founders Must Sell First, Master Objections, and Build a Repeatable Process Before Delegating or ScalingSome episodes can't just be missed… this one is one of them. Why? Because it shifts how education founders think about sales, delegation, and building predictable pipelines. Originally streamed as a LinkedIn Live in October 2025, this replay brings back one of the most tactical, mindset-shifting conversations of the year.When Karim Kuperhause, CEO and Founder of HierSales, joined Josh for a candid LinkedIn Live conversation, later joined by Rose Hastreiter, founder and CEO of Leon...
2025-12-211h 03
EdSales Edge ShowBest of 2025: Jolene Levine on How Education Founders Can Turn Betrayal, Burnout, and Chaos Into a Blueprint for Credibility, Alignment, and Lead Flow That ConvertsSome episodes don’t just start conversations, they shift how education founders think about credibility, leadership, and lead generation. This one did.When Jolene Levin, entrepreneur, innovator, and founder of NorvaNivel, shared how she built a global company, scaled too fast, got fired from her own business, and rebuilt from the ground up, it became one of the most replayed and quoted episodes of the year.Her story hit home for education founders who’ve seen their pipeline stall or partnerships implode. Because behind every funding round or fast scal...
2025-12-0750 min
EdSales Edge ShowBest of 2025: John Gamba on How Education Founders Can Rebuild Trust, Visibility, and Pipeline Through Authentic LinkedIn StrategySome episodes don’t just offer sales tactics; they redefine how education founders think about visibility, trust, and lead flow. This one did.When John Gamba joined Josh for a candid LinkedIn Live conversation, it wasn’t just another talk about personal branding; it was a deep dive into how education founders can turn an authentic online presence into real-world partnerships, pipeline, and predictable revenue.John, entrepreneur, investor, long-time education innovator, and Entrepreneur in Residence and Director of Innovative Programs at Penn GSE, broke down how...
2025-11-3049 min
EdSales Edge ShowThe Headline Mistake: How eight words on LinkedIn unlocked a $100k repeatable pipeline.Most education founders think their LinkedIn headline is just a formality.A place to drop their title. List their company. Maybe add “passionate about education.”But here’s what they’re missing: your headline is where credibility begins. Where confidence starts. Where clarity is born.And when you nail those three? Everything else follows. Your LinkedIn sharpens. Your offer becomes clear. Your messaging finally lands with the buyers you’ve been chasing.But getting your headline right? That’s the hard part.It seems simple, just 220 characters, right? But distilling y...
2025-11-1615 min
EdSales Edge ShowYou Crushed the Demo—But Still Can’t Close: The $100K Mistake Education Founders Keep MakingYou crushed the demo.The buyer smiled. They nodded. They even said, “This is exactly what we need.”And then… nothing.That silence isn’t harmless. Every “We’ll be in touch” costs you weeks of follow-up, lost momentum, and deals that should already be on your books.In Part 1, “Your Demo Is the Problem” with John Gamba, Entrepreneur in Residence and Director of Innovative Programs at Penn GSE, Josh and John exposed a hard truth: most EdTech demos fail before they even start. Founders pitch products, not pain. They confuse polish for persuasion. Head n...
2025-11-0218 min
EdSales Edge ShowFrom Betrayal and Courtroom Battles to Closed Deals: Robespierre Reyes on Rebuilding Credibility, Team Alignment, and Education Deals That CloseRobespierre Reyes had funding, traction, and a winning idea.Then came the lawsuits, burnout, and partners who betrayed him.Four companies, three failures, one courtroom showdown. His confidence, credibility, and pipeline of leads were all at risk.Most founders would quit. Rob didn’t.Instead, he rebuilt everything that actually drives qualified leads and closed deals, team alignment, credibility, and trust, with radical honesty, clear boundaries, and a repeatable playbook for education founders.Josh met Rob at the IFE Conference in Monterrey, Mexico. After sharing a panel, th...
2025-10-2619 min
EdSales Edge ShowThe Mindset Reset: Mitch Weisburgh On How Education Founders Can Master Mindset, Beat Burnout, and Close Strong DealsYou’ve got the product, the drive, and the skills, but when pressure hits, your mindset starts to crack.Suddenly, deals stall, momentum fades, and even your warmest prospects go quiet. The harder you push, the less it seems to move forward.Most education founders panic. They double down on demos, CRMs, late nights, and new pitches, thinking more effort will fix it.🚫 Big mistake.When your mindset cracks, hesitation costs contracts, fatigue kills momentum, and fear turns every objection into self-sabotage.That’s why this episode of Brea...
2025-10-1236 min
EdSales Edge ShowStop Delegating Sales: Why Education Founders Must Sell Their Solution First Or Watch Their Pipeline DieMost education founders think the next rep, agency, or AI tool will solve their sales problem. It won’t.Here’s the truth: if you can’t sell your own offer clearly, no one else can. Every lead you hand off too early is wasted time, lost money, and a pipeline headed for collapse. Every day you delay founder-led sales is another day your growth stalls and another day your competition pulls ahead.In this episode of Breaking the Grade, you’ll hear the reset education founders don’t want but desperat...
2025-10-0514 min
EdSales Edge ShowFrom Lost Leads to Locked Contracts: Paul King on Niche Focus, Pilots That Convert, and Closing Education DealsWhat happens when you stop trying to serve every school and start solving one urgent problem for the right schools?It’s the positioning shift most founders resist—but it’s the exact move that transforms “just another vendor” into a mission-critical partner.That’s why this episode of Breaking the Grade is essential listening: Josh sits down with Paul King—Founder & Director of Neighborhood Educational Partners (NEP) and Founder of King Education, who pivoted from one-on-one tutoring to landing public school contrac...
2025-09-2832 min
EdSales Edge ShowFrom “Great Pitch” to Signed Contract: Paul Vallas on the Buyer’s Lens That Closes Education DealsWhat happens when you finally land the big meeting… and walk out with nothing but “We’ll think about it”?It’s the growth killer most founders don’t see coming—your pitch isn’t aligned with how education buyers actually make decisions.That’s why this live Breaking the Grade episode from ASU-GSV (the edtech conference each April in sunny San Diego) is such a win: I sat down with Paul Vallas——nationally recognized education leader, former superintendent of Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, CEO of the Recovery School District after Hurricane Katrina, and co-founde...
2025-08-2423 min
EdSales Edge Show(Re-Air) The Signature Solution: Your Proven Blueprint to a Clear Offer That Generates Leads and Wins the Education MarketWhat if your biggest lead gen problem isn’t visibility — but the fact that your offer isn’t clear enough to close?Most EdTech founders think they have a marketing problem.Some think it’s a sales problem.But what they actually have is this:❌ An offer that’s vague❌ A proven model that’s undefined❌ And no document that makes buyers say “yes” on the spotWe first aired this episode on March 4, 2024 — and the response was so strong, we’re bringing it back.Because the Signature Solu...
2025-08-1717 min
EdSales Edge ShowFrom $10M in Sales to Losing Her Company: What Education Founders Learn the Hard Way About Selling, Scaling, and Staying AlignedMost founders think their growth problem is sales.But Jolene Levin, entrepreneur, innovator and founder of NorvaNivel proved it’s the other way around: your sales reveal your growth problem.Jolene founded a classroom furniture company in Australia, scaled it across schools, and then brought it to the U.S.Three months after launching in the U.S., she closed $10M in deals.No sales team. No systems. No safety net.Just conviction, urgency—and operational chaos catching up fast.And two year...
2025-08-1026 min
EdSales Edge Show(Best of) Your Demo Is the Problem: What Education Founders Must Do—and Stop Doing—to Close More Deals With Their DemosMost EdTech demos fall flat because they focus on product—not pain. They walk through features—but skip the funding strategy.They sound polished—but feel disconnected.And when the call ends? No buy-in. No follow-up. No deal.That’s where John Gamba changes the game.John isn’t just an expert in EdTech innovation—he’s coached thousands of education entrepreneurs through founder-led sales. As Director of Innovative Programs and Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Penn GSE, he’s helped founders go from pitch mode to purchase orders—without sounding like a salesperson.
2025-08-0335 min
EdSales Edge ShowFrom 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
EdSales Edge ShowFrom 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
EdSales Edge ShowYour 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
EdSales Edge ShowFrom 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
EdSales Edge ShowThe 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
EdSales Edge ShowClearer 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
EdSales Edge ShowDo 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
EdSales Edge ShowBreaking 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
EdSales Edge ShowThe 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
EdSales Edge ShowFrom 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
EdSales Edge ShowYou 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
EdSales Edge ShowBusy 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
EdSales Edge ShowCracking 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
EdSales Edge ShowFrom 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
EdSales Edge ShowWhy 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
EdSales Edge ShowLinkedIn 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
EdSales Edge ShowStruggling 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
EdSales Edge ShowThe 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
EdSales Edge ShowIFE 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
EdSales Edge ShowWhy 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 minEdSales Edge ShowBefore 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 minEdSales Edge ShowSecrets 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 minEdSales Edge ShowFrom 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 minEdSales Edge ShowMastering 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 minEdSales Edge ShowMastering 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 minEdSales Edge ShowWhy 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 minEdSales Edge ShowA 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 minEdSales Edge ShowThe 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 minEdSales Edge ShowHow 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 minEdSales Edge ShowHow 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 minEdSales Edge ShowHow 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 minEdSales Edge Show3 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 minEdSales Edge Show3 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 minEdSales Edge ShowKathryn’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 minEdSales Edge ShowHow 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 minEdSales Edge ShowRose’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 minEdSales Edge ShowSlow 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 minEdSales Edge ShowHow 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 minEdSales Edge ShowCase 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 minEdSales Edge ShowTransforming 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 minEdSales Edge ShowThe 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 minEdSales Edge ShowWhy 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
EdSales Edge ShowHow 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 minEdSales Edge ShowGrowing 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 minEdSales Edge ShowHow 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 minEdSales Edge ShowBreaking 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 minEdSales Edge ShowSher 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 minEdSales Edge ShowErin 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 minEdSales Edge ShowSusan 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 minEdSales Edge ShowSher 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.Connect with Josh Cher...
2023-03-2135 minEdSales Edge ShowKeltse 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 minEdSales Edge ShowEric 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 minEdSales Edge ShowAlberto 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 minEdSales Edge ShowLisa 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 minEdSales Edge ShowOliver 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 minEdSales Edge ShowBrian 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 minEdSales Edge ShowMike 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 minEdSales Edge ShowBreaking 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 minEdSales Edge ShowBreaking 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 minEdSales Edge ShowBreaking 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 minEdSales Edge ShowThe 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 FacebookConnect with Josh ChernikoffFoun...
2022-07-1208 minEdSales Edge ShowBridging 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 minEdSales Edge ShowBig 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