Disrupting Higher Ed: From Textbooks to NFL Deals—The New Path to Success, with Mateo Valdez

Mateo Valdez is the founder of Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group, providing business solutions to high-profile clients, bridging the gap between education and industry. In this episode, KJ and Mateo discuss how he identified and addressed gaps in traditional education by creating a student-led consultancy that provides real-world business solutions to major sports brands like the NFL, MLS, and New Balance.   Episode Highlights: 01:58 The Flaws of Traditional Education 12:35 The Arbitrary Nature of Education Systems 14:36 Why Sports Consultancy? 16:42 Challenges in Traditional Education 17:24 Combining Passion with Education   Quote of the Show (23:00): "Don't be imprisoned by the status quo. Just because you hear everyone is doing something one way, doesn't mean you have to do it that way yourself." - Mateo Valdez   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Mateo Valdez: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mateo-valdez Company Website: https://www.gonzaga.edu    How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Kitun is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor. He currently serves as Advisor to the CEO at Republic, where he is building the infrastructure to enable retail investors to access private equity through tokenization. As a Strategic Advisor and Investor at KingsCrowd, Scott is helping to create the leading investment research and advisory firm for retail private markets, empowering everyday investors to make data-driven decisions in the private equity space. In this episode, KJ and Scott explore the impact of AI on the financial ecosystem and the need for investors to diversify to mitigate market volatility.   Episode Highlights: 09:11 The Underserved Market and Private Infrastructure 16:18 The Future of Retail Investing 23:43 Simplifying Transactions with Blockchain 24:20 Tokenization and Real-World Assets 26:25 Challenges in Retail Investment Access 36:25 Resources for Learning About Private Equity   Quote of the Show (16:00): “Private equity in general has beat public stocks 19 out of 20 years…”- Scott Kitun   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Scott Kitun: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kitun/ Company Websites: https://www.linkedin.com/company/republic.co/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/kingscrowd/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Russell Mikowski is the CEO of SurePeople, a people intelligence platform, transforms workplace dynamics with AI-powered coaching and collaboration tools that enhance interactions, boost teamwork, and drive business success. In this episode, KJ and Russell explore the benefits of integrating these tools into everyday workflow applications like Slack and Zoom, enhancing communication, productivity, and employee morale. Russell also emphasizes the importance of understanding team dynamics and personal development.   Key Takeaways: 11:12 Challenges and Opportunities in Psychometric Assessments 20:28 The Impact of People Intelligence on Productivity 23:41 Impact on Workplace Productivity and Morale 25:34 Reducing Meeting Time to Combat Burnout 28:02 Introducing the Prism Psychometric Self-Assessment 30:36 The Future of AI and Human Interaction in the Workplace   Quote of the Show (15:00): “Ten percent of employees get eighty percent of development investment,” – Russell Mikowski   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Russell Mikowski: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-mikowski-a349903/ How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France Hoang is the Co-founder and CEO of BoodleBox, a collaborative GenAI platform for higher education that enables professors and students to work together responsibly with top AI tools. In this episode, KJ and France cover the importance of critical thinking, domain expertise, and responsible AI use in modern education.   Key Takeaways: 01:33 AI's Impact on Education 04:14 Challenges and Opportunities in AI-Driven Education 09:16 AI Readiness: Domain Expertise and Enablement 16:29 Real-World Applications and Benefits of AI in Education 18:16 Experiential Learning and Critical Thinking with AI 20:37 The Future of AI in Education and Lifelong Learning   Quote of the Show (5:00): "AI is revolutionizing every industry, and education is on the front line of this change." – France Hoang   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with France Hoang: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/franceqhoang/ Company LinkedIn: https://boodlebox.ai/edu/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Devon Shigaki is the mind behind FreshCredit, a company that is dedicated to increasing access to credit on a global scale and empowering individuals to own and manage their own personal data. In this episode, KJ and Devon explore the broader implications of decentralized credit reporting, its simple yet groundbreaking application of blockchain, and the potential for creating a more inclusive financial landscape.   Key Takeaways: 03:56 The Problem with Current Credit Systems 06:57 The Controversy of Blockchain in Credit Reporting 13:28 Devon's Personal Experience with Identity Theft 18:35 FreshCredit's Innovative Solutions     Quote of the Show (14:00): "Fear of not fixing the problem drives me." – Devon Shigaki   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Devon Shigaki: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devonshigaki Company LinkedIn: https://freshcredit.com   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Olfa Hamdi is the Co-Founder & CEO of Concord Project Technologies, a company helping project teams in asset intensive industries deliver superior results to their capital project organizations. In this episode, KJ and Olfa delve into the inefficiencies and outdated methods that plague the construction industry and discuss how Olfa's pioneering framework, Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), is transforming project management.    Key Takeaways: 15:20 The Importance of Early Involvement in Construction 17:26 Breaking Down the Status Quo 18:02 Empowering Through Micro Learning 18:55 Industry Adoption and Impact   Quote of the Show (18:00): "Risk in construction projects is like energy. It transforms, it doesn't disappear." – Olfa Hamdi   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Olfa Hamdi: LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/olfahamdi Company LinkedIn: http://www.tconglobal.com/blog   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Autumn Cushman is the Co-Founder & CEO of ShiftRx, a company solving the clinician shortage and building an autonomous staffing agent to reduce administrative burdens placed on clinicians and healthcare administrators; starting in pharmacy. In this episode, KJ and Autumn explore the systemic issues, shocking statistics, and real-life examples illustrating the urgent need for disruption and innovation in the healthcare industry.   Key Takeaways: 05:21 The Root Causes of Burnout and Staffing Issues 10:42 The Impact of Understaffing on Patient Care 17:12 Innovative Solutions: AI and Automation in Healthcare 20:37 Medical Errors and Administrative Burdens 25:23 Administrative Burdens in Rural Healthcare   Quote of the Show (24:00): "By automating non-clinical tasks, we can increase provider salaries by 30-40%." - AK Cushman   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Autumn Cushman: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akcushman/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.shiftrx.io/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Castleigh Johnson is the Founder and CEO of MyHomePathway, a company changing the mortgage acquisition process and expanding opportunities to achieve the American Dream. In this episode, KJ and Castleigh explore the historical context of redlining, the persistent wealth gap, and how innovative fintech solutions can foster equity and transform the mortgage landscape.   Key Takeaways: 02:17 Systemic Barriers in Financial Services 05:19 Historical Context: Redlining and Its Impact 09:41 Current Home Ownership Statistics 12:06 Economic Impact of First-Time Home Buyers 21:35 Understanding Mortgage Rejections 24:18 Transparency in Underwriting   Quote of the Show (11:00): "Home ownership is a trillion-dollar opportunity, not just a societal issue." – Castleigh Johnson   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Castleigh Johnson: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/castleigh Company LinkedIn: https://www.myhomepathway.com/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josef is the founder of BrikMate, a company using AI to transform how commercial real estate teams manage, analyze, and extract insights from complex lease data. In this episode, KJ and Josef delve into the importance of confidence and curiosity for innovators and the potential of AI to revolutionize the service industry.    Key Takeaways: 05:41 Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats 08:14 Modern Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics 10:32 Deepfake and Advanced Cyber Attacks 19:50 AI in Cybercrime: The Nigerian Email Scam 26:19 Future of Cybersecurity: AI vs. Human   Quote of the Show (19:00): “The customer doesn't always know what they want. It takes someone who's confident, curious, and willing to take action" – Josef Pipoly   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Josef Pipoly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefpipoly Company LinkedIn: https://www.brikmate.com/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ross Lazer is the Co-Founder and CEO of Mirage Security, a company using AI to simulate realistic spear-phishing attacks, including voice-based simulations using deepfakes, to train employees to recognize and resist social engineering tactics. In this episode, KJ and Ross uncover the evolving landscape of cybersecurity where attackers are increasingly targeting human weaknesses using sophisticated AI techniques. Ross reveals how Mirage Security is utilizing AI to simulate realistic phishing attacks, including voice and video deepfakes, to train employees and outsmart potential threats. They discuss the rapid advancements in social engineering tactics, the importance of contrarian thinking in innovation, and the future of cybersecurity training.   Key Takeaways: 05:41 Evolution of Cybersecurity Threats 08:14 Modern Phishing and Social Engineering Tactics 10:32 Deepfake and Advanced Cyber Attacks 19:50 AI in Cybercrime: The Nigerian Email Scam 26:19 Future of Cybersecurity: AI vs. Human   Quote of the Show (16:00): “In cybersecurity, the real challenge isn't just the technology; it's transforming the human side from our greatest vulnerability into our strongest defense." – Ross Lazer   Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome.   Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval   Ways to connect with Ross Lazer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosslazer/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/miragesecurity/   How to get more Disruption/Interruption:  Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlDSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.