The Education Concierge

A Conversation with Jeremy Shorr: The Future of Education is Student-Powered: AI, Innovation & the Courage to Disrupt

🎓 Season 10: A Legacy in Progress In this thought-provoking episode, host Benita G. sits down with Jeremy Shorr—educational technology and STEM consultant, Apple Distinguished Educator, and "Just Some Guy From Ohio" (his words!) doing chaotic-good thought partnership in education. In this episode: * The difference between disruption and agitation in education * How AI presents both challenges and opportunities (and how to navigate both) * Why courage is essential for educators embracing change * Empowering students to solve real-world problems, not just pass tests * Why modeling mistakes helps students learn better than modeling perfection * The future of student-powered, student-led education * Why real innovation happens when we trust teachers Key Quote: "The future of education is student-powered and student-led. We need to get out of the way and let them build it." Jeremy challenges us to rethink how we prepare students—not for a world that exists, but for a world they'll create. This conversation explores the intersection of technology, courage, innovation, and student empowerment. About Jeremy: Apple Distinguished Educator, Chair of ISTE's Technology Coordinators Network, named one of the National School Boards Association's "20 to Watch" and Crain's Cleveland Business "Forty under 40." Season 10: A Legacy in ProgressHost: Benita G. #EducationConcierge #AIinEducation #StudentEmpowerment #Innovation #Season10 #FutureOfEducation #JeremyShorr

A Conversation with Iman Alleyne: A Legacy in Progress: From Educator to Entrepreneur: Building Micro-Schools with Mindset and Money Literacy

Welcome to The Education Concierge Podcast — where we disrupt the traditional, honor the journey, and build what's next in education, leadership, and life. I'm your host, Benita Gordon, guiding you through conversations that blend passion, strategy, and soul. Season 10 — A Legacy in Progress — is about shaping what we'll leave behind while living boldly in the present. This season isn't just about the "what" we achieve, but the "how" and "why" behind it. In this episode, we sit down with Iman Alleyne, CEO and Founder of Kind Academy and Launch Your Kind, a trailblazer in the micro-school movement who's taught over 50 schools how to open and operate successfully. Iman brings unflinching truth about what it takes to build alternative education models that actually work—from mastering the business fundamentals educators never learned in school to shifting mindset from employee to entrepreneur. You'll hear why "culture is the curriculum," how financial literacy can liberate educators from dread, why joy-centered environments transform learning, and why representation in educational leadership isn't just nice to have—it's non-negotiable. This conversation will challenge you to see yourself not just as an educator, but as a guide, innovator, and yes—a businessperson building the future. Shoes off. Hands washed. Mind open. Let's build together. * Why micro-schools are revolutionizing education and how to build one that's financially sustainable—not just mission-driven * The mindset shifts educators must make to transition from employee to entrepreneur without losing their souls * Why financial literacy isn't optional for educators who want to create lasting impact and actually get paid fairly for their expertise * How to position yourself as a guide in the learning process rather than a traditional "keeper of knowledge" * The power of joy-centered education and creating spaces where students thrive, not just survive Education isn't just about the classroom. It's about shaping communities, influencing futures, and creating ripples that extend far beyond ourselves. Iman's journey from traditional educator to CEO and founder of both Kind Academy and Launch Your Kind proves that when we master both the mission AND the money, we create sustainable alternatives that serve marginalized communities without burning out. With over 50 schools trained in her methods, Iman is building a movement, not just a moment. This conversation will help you think differently, act boldly, and craft a legacy worth remembering. Connect with Iman Alleyne: * Organizations: CEO and Founder of Kind Academy & Launch Your Kind * Achievement: Taught over 50 schools how to open and operate micro-schools successfully * Website: https://www.kindacademy.org * Instagram: @imanalleyne, @kindacademy, @launchyourkind * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.comin/iman-cassells-alleyne-744677169 Connect with Benita Gordon: * Follow The Education Concierge Podcast * Instagram: @theeduconciergepodcast * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Benita-C-Gordon * Season 10: A Legacy in Progress theme * Join the conversation: #EducationConcierge #ALegacyInProgress

Season 10: Marilynn Cabiness, CEO Cabiness Coaching | Leading with Heart: From Banking to Consulting with Authenticity & Service

Don't Let Education Define Your Identity Marilynn Cabiness, CEO of Cabiness Coaching and Consulting Group, shares powerful truths about leading with heart, building authentic businesses, and why soft skills matter more than credentials. In this episode: * Why soft skills are essential for workforce success * How is authenticity your competitive advantage * The journey from banking to entrepreneurship * Leadership as service, not status * AI in education: tool vs. replacement * Building confidence through action Key Quote: "You make a difference in who you are—not in your credentials, but in how you serve. The future of education is still being written—and we all have a pen." Your degrees don't define you. Your character and service do. Season 10: A Legacy in ProgressHost: Benita G. Connect with Marilynn: Marilynn’s profile linkedin.com/in/marilynn-cabiness-25748a3b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marilynn-cabiness-25748a3b/] Email mrcabiness@yahoo.com [mrcabiness@yahoo.com] #EducationConcierge #AuthenticLeadership #SoftSkills #Consulting #Entrepreneurship #Season10

Season 10: A Legacy in Progress: David Heiber-From $150K to $10M: Building Black Educational Enterprises with Authenticity

A Legacy in Progress: Challenging Educational Norms with David Heber-From $150K to $10M: Building Black Educational Enterprises with Authenticity In this powerful episode of The Education Concierge Podcast, host Benita G. sits down with David Heber—CEO of Redemption and former CEO of Concentric Educational Solutions—for an honest conversation about what's broken in education and how we can build something better. In This Episode: * Why "college for everyone" is a harmful myth that's failing our students * How wraparound services transform from optional extras to essential infrastructure * The role of vulnerability and empathy in creating authentic educational leadership * Preparing students for the 22nd century through entrepreneurship and innovation * How AI can enhance education without replacing irreplaceable human connection * Building community through comprehensive student support systems Quotable Moments:"College is not for everyone." - David Heber"God doesn't make mistakes. Lean into the instruction." - David Heber"Vulnerability and empathy should guide leadership—this is how we create real change." - David Heber Why This Matters:Education isn't just about classrooms and test scores. It's about shaping communities, influencing futures, and creating ripples that extend far beyond ourselves. David's journey from traditional educational systems to building innovative, community-centered models proves that when we challenge outdated norms and lead with authenticity, transformation becomes possible. Key Takeaways:✓ Wraparound services aren't "nice to have"—they're mission-critical for student success✓ Leading with vulnerability creates trust, authenticity, and lasting impact✓ We must prepare students for multiple pathways—not just four-year colleges✓ The future of education requires innovation, empathy, and courage to challenge broken systems About David Heber:David Heber is the CEO of Redemption and former CEO of Concentric Educational Solutions. He's a visionary leader challenging traditional educational paradigms and building comprehensive support systems that honor the whole student. His leadership philosophy centers on vulnerability, empathy, and the courage to disrupt systems that no longer serve our communities. About The Education Concierge Podcast:Season 10 - A Legacy in Progress - explores what we're building while we're living. Host Benita G. brings you conversations that blend passion, strategy, and soul with educators, innovators, and leaders who are shaping education's future. Shoes off. Hands washed. Mind open. Let's build together. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations that challenge the traditional and build what's next in education, leadership, and life. Connect with David Heber:David’s Profilelinkedin.com/in/davidheiber [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidheiber] Websites * concentriced.org/contact-us/  [https://concentriced.org/contact-us/](Company) * redemptionsocialsolutions.com  [http://www.redemptionsocialsolutions.com/](Company) Connect with The Education Concierge: Your Profilelinkedin.com/in/benita-c-gordon [https://www.linkedin.com/in/benita-c-gordon] EmailGordonGlobalEC@gmail.com [GordonGlobalEC@gmail.com] * Instagram: @benitag * LinkedIn: Benita G.

Season 10: A Legacy in Progress: Alfredo Matthew III-From Classroom to CEO: Teaching Ownership Over Employment

The Education Concierge Podcast - Season 10: From Classroom to CEO: Teaching Ownership Over Employment Host: Benita G.Guest: Alfredo Matthew III After 14 years in the classroom, Alfredo Matthew III hit his ceiling. At 40, he left his pension to start fresh - and built a business that closed $22 million in contracts. This conversation explores why education needs to shift from preparing employees to building owners who understand assets and wealth. You'll hear about: * Why being a classroom teacher was harder than being a business owner * How school choice (Texas: $10,600 vouchers) is radically changing education * The difference between wages and assets and why it matters * Why hitting your ceiling means you're ready to transition UP * How your teaching skills are more transferable than you think * Building local economic engines through small business collaboration Key Quote: "You are a trailblazer. We need more trailblazers because the path that has been prepared for us is leading nowhere." For transitioning teachers: Your 14 years in the classroom prepared you for anything. No one was patting you on the back. You drove yourself. That made you hard as steel. Connect with Alfredo: * Website: alfredomathew.com * LinkedIn: Alfredo Matthew III * Speaking at Green the Church conference, October 13-14, Atlanta Connect with Benita:Follow The Education Concierge Podcast on all platformsSeason 10: Legacy in Progress Don't forget to like, share, subscribe, and most importantly - go do something. Tags: #TeacherEntrepreneur #SmallBusiness #Ownership #WealthBuilding #CareerTransition #EducationInnovation