Solid Gold Podcasts #BeHeard Education Investment with Monde Nkosi

EdTech and Leadership with Robert Paddock

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Robert Paddock (co-founder of GetSmarter, Hubble Studios, and Valenture Institute) talks to host Monde Nkosi about EdTech and leadership. Robert discusses EdTech in K-12, higher education, and lifelong learning. He explores the potential of technology to transform education, and explains the limitations of technology and the important role of humans in the learning process. Robert also discusses personal lessons from his entrepreneurial journey founding three successful EdTech companies. These lessons include deeply challenging topics such as burnout and personal fulfilment.

Robert is an exceptional entrepreneur. He co-founded GetSmarter, which went on to become one of the global leaders in the market for online short courses and was acquired by 2U in 2017. Robert also co-founded Hubble Studios, which went on to be acquired by Noodle Partners in 2023. Robert is currently the CEO of Valenture Institute, which he also founded. Outside of his entrepreneurial achievements in EdTech, Robert is a musician, triathlete, founding board member of Injini EdTech Accelerator, and co-founder of Men Who Meditate.
Chapters
  • 00:08 Robert Paddock's Introduction and Background
  • 02:58 Early Life and Influences
  • 08:30 Music, Meditation, and Personal Growth
  • 18:21 Burnout and the Highs & Lows of Entrepreneurship
  • 37:02 Current Priorities and Future Aspirations
  • 40:11 GetSmarter: Origins and Growth
  • 53:40 Hubble Studios: Custom EdTech Solutions
  • 58:35 Valenture Institute: A Mission-Driven Venture
  • 01:05:10 Partnership vs Direct-to-Consumer Approach
  • 01:07:52 Favourite Teacher and Educational Philosophy
2 Jul English South Africa Education · Investing

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