Forward Thinking Experts

Welcome back! In Part 2 of this powerful conversation, Forward Thinking host Sher Downing reconnects with Annette Levesque to explore one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today: how to move beyond superficial training and create learning experiences that truly stick. From workplace onboarding and AI-powered learning tools to employee engagement, retention, and organizational change,...

In this episode of  Forward Thinking Experts , we sit down with Evan J. Schwartz to explore a refreshing and necessary perspective on digital transformation—one that puts  people first . Evan challenges the typical tech-first mindset and makes a compelling case for why sustainable innovation depends on human-centered thinking. From AI and ERP systems to education and ethics, this conversation conn...

In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts, Sher Downing, PhD, introduces the innovative minds behind Gildre: Brian Lee, Michael J. Frank, and Taiga Gamell. Their mission is to create a community that transcends traditional networking, focusing instead on building meaningful relationships among founders. This insightful conversation reveals the intentionality driving Gildre and how it aims to res...

In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts , Sher Downing, PhD sits down with Andrew Lawrence, PhD — Co-Founder and CTO of New Light IO — to explore how AI-driven solutions are transforming K–12 education. Andrew shares how their platform, IntelliTier, simplifies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) by unifying behavioral and academic data, improving consistency across schools, and accelerating...

Thank you for listening to our conversation on the Forward Thinking podcast as Nicholas Loise and Sher Downing, PhD, explore the intricacies of sales, leadership, and the importance of building relationships in the sales process. They discuss the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and salespeople, particularly the reluctance to engage in direct sales conversations. Nick emphasizes the need for a so...

In this conversation, Sher Downing and Nic DeAngelo discuss the complexities and opportunities in the real estate investment landscape. Nic is known as the "Fixed Income GOAT" in real estate circles. He has a knack for simplifying complex theories and delivering them in an entertaining and bit-size way. Throughout the interview, they explore the current housing market challenges, the imp...

In this episode of the Forward Thinking podcast, Jeanne Omlor shares her journey and entrepreneurial insights from offline coaching to building a successful online business. She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit. She discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning careers, the significance of investing in oneself, and the power of organic m...

In this episode of  Forward Thinking Experts , host  Sher Downing, PhD  sits down with  Carrie Goetz —Principal, CTO, Amazon bestselling author, and global data center leader—to explore the fascinating world of data centers and the career opportunities they unlock. Carrie shares her unique journey from architecture and teaching to building networking divisions, commissioning and decommissioning da...

This week, host Dr. Sher Downing sits down with Karen King —founder of Gold Star Pro and The Escapepreneur —to talk about building businesses that support freedom, not burnout. Karen’s entrepreneurial journey has taken her from cake decorating to global travel, from “soft sales” success to developing tech solutions for solopreneurs. Today, she helps business owners simplify systems, automate proce...

In this conversation, Sher Downing and Joe Erle discuss the critical importance of cyber insurance and cybersecurity for businesses. Joe shares his expertise in the field, highlighting real-life incidents and the lessons learned from them. They delve into the costs associated with cyber incidents, the necessity of having an incident response plan, and the role of education in cybersecurity. Joe em...

In this special anniversary episode, Dr. Sher Downing reflects on the five-year journey of the EdTech Speaks podcast. Born during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show has evolved into a living documentary of transformation in education, technology, and human-centered innovation. As we enter year six, Sher invites listeners to imagine and create a future where technology enhances huma...

Thanks for tuning in to Forward Thinking Experts! In this podcast episode, Sher Downing and Andy Bell discuss the innovative approaches of Thinkery, a children's museum in Austin, Texas, that focuses on STEAM education. They explore the importance of community engagement, the role of technology in education, and the need for a shift in how learning is approached. Andy shares his personal journ...

Welcome back to Forward Thinking Experts! In this episode, Dr. Emily Levy and Sher discuss innovative educational products, including Dr. Levy's Writing Mastery program and multi-sensory math workbooks. She emphasizes the importance of immediate feedback in learning, the need for foundational skills in math, and the significance of study strategies for students. Dr. Levy shares her journey into en...

In this conversation, Sher Downing and Ryan Duffy discuss the journey of entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of service in business and introducing Stack, a new platform designed to assist aspiring solopreneurs.  Ryan shares insights from his background in Hollywood and how those experiences shaped his approach to client service. The discussion highlights the evolving landscape of entrepr...

In this episode, host Sher Downing sits down with Patrick Boylan, the visionary behind Museflow AI , to explore the intersection of music, technology, and education . From his early days as a band nerd to becoming an entrepreneur in edtech , Patrick shares how Museflow AI is transforming music education by making it more accessible, engaging, and innovative . They discuss the limitations of tradit...

Thanks for listening in on another episode of the Forward Thinking podcast where Sher Downing and Ben Bressington explore the transformative power of AI and automation in business. Together, they dive into the importance of starting automation processes even when they are not perfect, the significance of timely communication, and how to leverage AI for content creation and repurposing. We dig a bi...

Welcome to another episode of the Forward Thinking podcast. In this conversation, Sher Downing and Michaell Magrutsche delve into the complexities of AI, the importance of human-centric technology, and the impact of financial systems on society. They discuss the need for collaboration over competition, the significance of transparency in AI, and the lessons learned from crises like the pandemic. D...

In this conversation, Sher interviews Jose Moreno, founder and CEO of IntelliTear NewLite, about his transition from major tech companies like Microsoft and Netflix to the EdTech space. They discuss the challenges in education technology, the importance of user experience, and how IntelliTear aims to improve student support through AI-driven solutions. Jose shares his personal experiences that fue...

In this episode, Sher Downing and Matt Raad explore transitioning from traditional business to digital assets, discussing Matt’s background in zoology and how he and his wife shifted to online entrepreneurship. The conversation highlights the pandemic’s role in accelerating interest in digital assets, the importance of patience and training, and the power of mentorship. Matt also emphasizes levera...

In this conversation, we interview Emily Chase Coleman from HAI Analytics about the importance of analytics and statistical analysis in higher education. Emily's company is dedicated to helping colleges and universities optimize their enrollment and financial aid strategies through predictive modeling, ensuring that these institutions meet their goals while maintaining financial sustainability...

In this insightful episode of the Forward Thinking Podcast , we sit down with Prashant Raizada, the visionary behind Lumi—a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to empowering young people to tackle the world's most pressing global issues. Lumi equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world, disrupted by advancements in AI and other technologies. Prashant shares...

Thanks for tuning into this educational interview with Namit Jindal on the EdTech Speaks podcast! Namit, founder of Deliverability Ninja, discusses the importance of effective sales strategies and email deliverability for startups and small businesses. He emphasizes the need to focus on sales from the beginning and highlights the impact of email deliverability on open rates and replies. Namit expl...

Thanks for joining us during this episode of the EdTech Speaks podcast as we dive into the innovative world of Reading.com with Stephanie Barber and her play-based learning app. The app is designed as a co-play activity, with scripted lessons and interactive books. It is personalized for each child, and the program is structured and cumulative. The app also includes 60 decodable books that are int...

In this enlightening episode, we are joined by Annette Levesque, a pioneer in the e-learning space and author of "E-Learning Goal: The Ultimate Guide for Leaders." Annette shares her extensive experience in virtual education, emphasizing the importance of a human-centric approach to online learning. She discusses the need to enhance access to education and tailor learning experiences to...

Welcome back to the EdTech Speaks podcast where this episode dives into Terawatt, a groundbreaking B2B marketplace reshaping the coaching landscape by making it more affordable and accessible through group coaching. Francie Jain introduces us to this concept of recruiting and vetting expert coaches, then offering services to multiple individuals, allowing costs to be shared among them. This approa...