Game Changers Silicon Valley

For generations, higher education has been described as the great equalizer.  But for many families, the cost of tuition has quietly turned that promise into a barrier. What happens when a university stops debating access and simply takes tuition off the table ? And more importantly, what has to change in the educational ecosystem to make that kind of promise actually work—not just to enroll stude...

College is no longer just about earning a degree—it's about proving you're employable in a world shaped by AI. In this episode of Game Changers Silicon Valley, Jim Connor speaks with  Dr. Marianne Lewis, Ph. D., Dean of the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati , about the challenges facing universities on the following:  Training students to use AI models to conduct analysis...

Despite extraordinary advances in technology—and even the rise of artificial intelligence—too many students are still not learning to read at grade level proficiency. Weak early literacy doesn't just affect test scores; it shapes a student's entire academic future and limits opportunity long before careers even begin. In this episode of Game Changers Silicon Valley, Jim Connor sits down with Dr. L...

Every election cycle, there's one race that flies under the radar.  In Santa Clara County, CA , we have an election that affects every homeowner, every taxpayer, and every senior ...  that race is for County Assessor . This election has a special twist that one candidate, Rishi Kumar, who has taken a strong position against a sales tax increase referred to as  Measure A .   Join us to learn why a...

Disruption isn't random — it follows patterns that can be seen, interpreted, and even anticipated. Yet most companies only recognize those signals after the market has already shifted . The organizations that thrive are the ones that develop the discipline to study weak signals — small but telling changes that reveal how markets or industries are about to evolve. These signals may come from unexpe...

Virginia Cheung brings to the table not just policy ideas but personal stories that underscore the urgency of investing in the first five years of a child's life. With California spending billions on education and still falling behind, she asks a provocative question: Are we missing the most crucial years of a child's development? Cheung delves deep into the connection between a child's early envi...

I just sat down with Ann Hsu , a bold and fearless candidate for the San Francisco School Board , and let me tell you – this interview is unlike anything you've seen before. Ann doesn't mince words about the deep-rooted dysfunction plaguing our school district. From exposing how political ambitions have hijacked our children's education to sharing her no-nonsense strategies for restoring fiscal sa...

The San Francisco school district is in the middle of a financial reckoning, forced to reconcile a significant drop in student enrollment with years of delayed responses to the growing operational costs. This isn't just a San Francisco problem—it's a glaring example of the challenges facing large school districts nationwide. Today's conversation centers on the hard truth: there simply aren't enoug...

California, once renowned for its high-performing public schools, is experiencing significant changes that raise concerns about the future of academic excellence. Notably, many high schools have eliminated honors and Advanced Placement classes, while some middle schools have stopped teaching Algebra in the 8th grade. A new state law mandates that all high school students must complete an ethnic st...

Eli Steele's documentary, "Killing America," emerges from a profound silence into a loud, defining statement about the currents sweeping through American education. Born deaf, Steele transcends the boundaries of sound to explore the ideological framework shaping the narratives within schools across the nation. Through his lens, Steele investigates the dilution of meritocracy, the ascent of indoctr...

We share a highly visible, universal concern: the persistent cycle of crime, drug addiction, and recidivism. My interview with former San Jose Mayor and current Congressional candidate Sam Liccardo, provides a deeper insight into the pernicious nature of this cycle. Sam underscores the deep-seated connection between these elements, painting a picture of a cycle that perpetuates itself but believes...

Everyone agrees: We are witnessing unprecedented political polarization and deep divides tearing our country's fabric.  Since the current leadership in Congress cannot come to terms, the voters have little option but to send a message by electing new representatives and senators to Congress. I had an opportunity to interview a newcomer in the upcoming primary elections in California. Peter Dixon h...

In the run-up to the 2024 elections, Anna Cheng Kramer, a candidate for California's 15th Congressional District, captures the quintessential American narrative of the underdog.   The story of Anna Chang Kramer, who is vying for a congressional seat in California's 15th District, offers a unique insight into the immigrant experience. Kramer's narrative, which began in Taiwan, weaves through a back...

No one wants to admit they are being treated for depression, bi-polar disorder or having thoughts about suicide.  The fact is, today's stressful lifestyles will overwhelm the coping mechanisms of many people.  My guest believes it's time to remove the stigma and treat mental illness "just like any other disease." Homeless encampments in commercial districts remain a visible and complex challenge....

In today's blog, we delve into the critical role judges play in our justice system. We had the privilege of speaking with Johnene Stebbins, a seasoned deputy district attorney running for Judge in Santa Clara County. Join us as we explore the responsibilities and challenges judges face in maintaining fairness, integrity, and public safety. We discuss the correlation between the decriminalization o...

In 2023, approximately 3,200 venture-backed firms in the U.S. went out of business, according to data from PitchBook. These startups had collectively raised about $27.2 billion. Since the failure of Silicon Valley Bank in March 2023, this situation has been described as the most difficult year for startups in at least a decade, with many companies quietly shutting down. So the question is: What is...

Three Key Steps in Constructing the Startup Asset Class  One fundamental building block to startup investing is defining the sectors and technologies that will fit your organization's definition of a startup asset class. A second critical step involves creating an education program to explain the purpose, risks, diversification, time horizon, and expected returns in a portfolio of early-stage tech...

Universities face many challenges in their goal of educating students for engagement in the 21st century economy. In this podcast, we delve into this transformative shift in academia, where the traditional model of university education is being reimagined and revitalized.    The University of Cincinnati is at the forefront of this educational revolution, fostering an environment where academic kno...

A Crusade for Justice Imagine inheriting your family home, only to find a tax bill that forces you to sell. It's not fiction; it's the startling reality under California's Proposition 19. In this episode, we uncover how this law is upending lives and what's being done to challenge it. Meet Gina C. Louis, our advocate guest driving the charge against this controversial law. Her analysis and experti...

In a candid conversation with our host, Jim Connor, Lydia Kou shares her journey from a reluctant council member drawn into politics by community demand to a passionate advocate for change in Sacramento. With a focus on common sense and fiscal responsibility, Lydia Kou aims to shake up the status quo, where party interests often overshadow the needs of the people. Her unwavering dedication to publ...

My guest is Gus Mattammal, a congressional candidate representing the northern part of Silicon Valley in the upcoming 2024 election. Gus's story is a testament to the American dream, having risen from a tough neighborhood in St. Louis to become a successful entrepreneur and community leader. His deep love for California and concern about its recent challenges, including population decline and loss...

In an era marked by political polarization and growing disillusionment, the erosion of trust in government has emerged as a pressing concern. Pew Research has documented a decline in public trust, which has plummeted from 75% in 1960 to a mere 20% today, as a trend that transcends political administrations and warrants urgent attention.  This decline is not confined to any specific political party...

We have observed and, perhaps, suffered from the gridlock in Congress.   In today's discussion, we unravel a growing concern within Congress—the increasing percentage of members over 70, many boasting 15 to 30 years of service. This demographic tends to align with their respective political parties, often sidelining the needs and voices of their constituents. Moreover, we explore the troubling int...

AI-powered tools have revolutionized education, opening up a world of possibilities for students. With access to vast amounts of information and intelligent tutoring systems, students can delve deeper into complex topics, conduct comprehensive research, and gain valuable insights. Chat GPT, with its natural language processing capabilities, provides students with in-depth analysis and personalized...

Since the end of World War II, the U.S. dollar has reigned supreme as the world's reserve currency, facilitating international trade and acting as a safe haven for global financial transactions. However, the landscape is shifting, and various factors are challenging the dollar's dominance. We see several threats faced by the U.S. dollar as a reserve currency that could potentially lead to its repl...