S03E22 - Tom Vander Ark Talks AI, Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset, and Building Credibility | Tom Vander Ark | REPLAY

Build Momentum - Thought Leadership for Education, Global Workforce Edition

In this episode of Build Momentum, Sarah and Katie are joined by Tom Vander Ark, an advocate for innovations in learning. He is the CEO of Getting Smart, a design learning firm that helps education organizations increase their impact with innovations for a better learning experience. Tom is also a prolific writer and speaker who has authored or co-authored eight books, including “The Power of Place: Authentic Learning Through Place-Based Education” and “Smart Parents: Parenting for Powerful Learning,” and he’s working on a new one. He has also been a content contributor for Forbes, LinkedIn, and Getting Smart. In his free time, Tom enjoys cycling and making vegan creations.

Some Questions We Ask:

• What career experiences led you to launch Getting Smart? (00:44)
• What trends and challenges are districts facing now? (01:50)
• What’s your take on the evolution of AI? (03:31)
• Can you tell us more about your new book? (11:39)
• What are your thoughts on developing an entrepreneurial mindset among students? (15:17)
• Looking ahead, what are your hopes in education? (18:14)
• What advice and insights do you have for other organizations hoping to follow the path you’ve taken? (20:03)

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• All about Tom Vander Ark and Getting Smart (00:53)
• The top challenges school districts face today (02:06)
• Tom’s perspective about AI (03:48)
• About Tom’s new book (11:58)
• His thoughts regarding entrepreneurial mindset (15:42)
• How to create more opportunities and environments where young people can succeed (18:24)
• His advice for other organizations to follow his path to success (20:34)

Quotes:

“The key to education today is helping students develop a sense of identity and agency, understand their strengths and interests, and then understand how and where they can act on the world, spot opportunities to make a difference, design solutions, and deliver impact to a community.”
“That the rise of the platform economy has created many new ramps for people to step into employment or create a new business or campaign. It has enabled a new wave of entrepreneurship.”
“We can create environments where students are experiencing success in what's next. They're actually doing work that matters. That's project-based learning. That's work-based learning. That's enterprise.”

Connect with Tom:
Getting Smart Website
Tom's Twitter
Tom’s LinkedIn
Tom's Instagram
Tom's Epic Veggie Creation Instagram
Resources Mentioned:
Human Work In the Age of Smart Machine by Jamie Merisotis
Tom Vander Ark Books
Stay in touch with Sarah Williamson:
Free Case Study Guide
SWPR GROUP Website
LinkedIn
Stay in touch with Chad Bolser:
LinkedIn
About "The Secret to Transformational Leadership," which Sarah co-authored with Dr. Quintin Shepherd:
Transformational Leadership Secret website
Purchase the print or ebook