In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts, Sher Downing, PhD sits down with Andrew Lawrence, PhD — Co-Founder and CTO of New Light IO — to explore how AI-driven solutions are transforming K–12 education.

Andrew shares how their platform, IntelliTier, simplifies MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) by unifying behavioral and academic data, improving consistency across schools, and accelerating personalized student support. The conversation dives into how AI can reduce delays in intervention, improve documentation, protect student data through FERPA compliance, and help schools move away from reactive discipline toward proactive, evidence-based strategies.

They also discuss fairness in AI, ethical data use, SIS integration, and the long-term vision of leveraging large-scale insights to improve outcomes for students nationwide.

If you care about student success, educational equity, and the responsible use of AI in schools, this is a must-listen conversation.

Takeaways:

• AI helps schools identify struggling students sooner — not months later.

• When academic and behavior data work together, interventions get smarter.

• Proactive support beats reactive discipline every time.

• Ethical, FERPA-compliant AI is essential — not optional.

• The future of student success is tech-enabled but human-led.

Andrew says, "My parting advice: focus on solving meaningful problems, listen to the people you serve, and ensure your technology empowers, not intimidates."

Learn more about New Light IO and Andrew here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-r-lawrence/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/neulight
https://www.facebook.com/people/Neulight/61559694274342/
https://www.instagram.com/neulight.io
https://www.threads.net/@neulight.io

Keywords:

#AIinEducation
#EdTech
#K12Education#StudentSuccess#PersonalizedLearning#MTSS
#EducationInnovation
#DigitalTransformation#FERPA
#SchoolLeadership
#FutureOfEducation
#DataDrivenEducation

Thank you for listening to our conversation on the Forward Thinking podcast as Nicholas Loise and Sher Downing, PhD, explore the intricacies of sales, leadership, and the importance of building relationships in the sales process.

They discuss the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and salespeople, particularly the reluctance to engage in direct sales conversations. Nick emphasizes the need for a solid sales operating system and the importance of creating demand for products and services.

Their discussion also covers the significance of understanding sales velocity and pipeline management, as well as the role of technology in enhancing sales processes. We hope our conversation provides valuable insights for anyone looking to improve their sales strategies and navigate the complexities of the sales landscape.

Takeaways:

• Sales is about building relationships and trust.
• Overcoming reluctance to engage in sales is crucial.
• A solid sales operating system is essential for success.
• Creating demand is key to driving sales.
• Understanding sales velocity helps in managing expectations.
• Pipeline management is critical for cash flow and planning.
• Technology should enhance, not replace, sales efforts.
• Salespeople must be good students of human behavior.
• Follow-up is essential and should be value-driven.
• Sales strategies must adapt to changing market conditions.

Nicholas says, "Sales is hand-to-hand combat. Selling isn't for the faint of heart."

Learn more and connect with Nicholas here:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasloise

https://www.facebook.com/salesperformanceteam/

https://salesperformanceteam.com/

#sales #leadership #entrepreneurship #marketing #salesstrategies #salesoperatingsystem #demandcreation #salesvelocity #pipelinemanagement #salesreluctance

In this conversation, Sher Downing and Nic DeAngelo discuss the complexities and opportunities in the real estate investment landscape.

Nic is known as the "Fixed Income GOAT" in real estate circles. He has a knack for simplifying complex theories and delivering them in an entertaining and bit-size way.

Throughout the interview, they explore the current housing market challenges, the impact of government policies on homeownership, and the dynamics of mortgage financing, especially for gig workers. Nic shares insights on the transformative role of AI in market projections and emphasizes the importance of stable investment opportunities amidst economic uncertainty.

The discussion highlights the pressing need for affordable housing and the potential for investors to navigate this evolving market effectively.

Takeaways:

• Real estate investment can be accessible to everyone.
• The current housing market is facing significant challenges.
• Government policies play a crucial role in homeownership.
• Gig workers face unique challenges in securing mortgages.
• AI can assist in market analysis but has limitations.
• The housing market is experiencing a significant affordability crisis.
• Investors should focus on stable opportunities in real estate.
• Understanding mortgage dynamics is essential for investors.
• The future of housing will be influenced by demographic trends.
• There is a growing need for innovative housing solutions.

• Unlocking Real Estate Investment Opportunities
• Navigating the Housing Market Crisis
• "What they want is a fixed return."

• "The affordability crisis can be solved."
• "70% of Americans can't afford a home."

Learn more and connect with Nic here: https://linktr.ee/NicDeAngelo

Keywords: #realestate #investment #housingmarket #mortgages #homeownership #distressedassets #governmentpolicies #gigeconomy #AIinrealestate #investmentstrategies

In this episode of the Forward Thinking podcast, Jeanne Omlor shares her journey and entrepreneurial insights from offline coaching to building a successful online business.

She emphasizes the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the entrepreneurial spirit. She discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning careers, the significance of investing in oneself, and the power of organic marketing. Jeanne also highlights the value of mentorship and the need for a supportive community in achieving business success.

Keywords

#onlinebusiness #entrepreneurship #resilience #organicmarketing #mentorship #careertransition #businesscoaching #adaptability #investinginoneself

Takeaways

• Investing in oneself is crucial for business growth.
• Organic marketing can be more effective than paid ads.
• Resilience and adaptability are key to entrepreneurial success.
• Mentorship provides valuable guidance and support.
• Fear of failure often holds people back from success.
• Transitioning careers can lead to new opportunities.
• Building a supportive community is essential for growth.
• Understanding the truth about business is vital for success.
• Time is more valuable than money in business.
• Embracing change can lead to personal and professional growth.

Learn more and connect with Jeanne here:⁠ 

https://jeanneomlor.com/reviews/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeanneomlor

https://www.facebook.com/jeanneomlor/

In this episode of Forward Thinking Experts, host Sher Downing, PhD sits down with Carrie Goetz—Principal, CTO, Amazon bestselling author, and global data center leader—to explore the fascinating world of data centers and the career opportunities they unlock.

Carrie shares her unique journey from architecture and teaching to building networking divisions, commissioning and decommissioning data centers, and traveling millions of miles worldwide to support IT infrastructure. She breaks down what data centers really are (hint: think mission control), why they matter to everyone—even if you don’t know they exist—and how careers in this hidden industry are more diverse and accessible than ever before.

Together, Sher and Carrie dive into:

• Why data centers are everywhere (but often invisible).

• The importance of diversity of thought in tech careers.

• Career pathways for women, trades, and veterans in data centers.

• How the Educator’s Reference Guide is filling a massive curriculum gap.

• The 300+ jobs in data centers—from electricians to marketing pros—and why many don’t require a degree.

• How AI is reshaping hiring, resumes, and the future of tech work.

Whether you’re an educator, a student, a trades professional, or just someone curious about the backbone of the digital world—you’ll walk away with fresh insight into an industry that powers our everyday lives.

• Data centers = mission control for the modern world.

• Diversity in experience drives stronger innovation and solutions.

• Certifications (not always degrees) can be life-changing career moves.

• AI is rapidly transforming both the industry and how we approach careers.

Carrie Goetz

• Amazon bestselling author: Jumpstart Your Career in Data Centers

• Creator of Educator’s Reference Guide for Data Center Curriculum

• Advocate for inclusivity and nontraditional pathways in tech

Learn more and connect with Carrie here:⁠ 

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564459576330

https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-goetz

https://www.instagram.com/carriejgoetz/

https://www.instagram.com/strategitcom/

https://www.carriegoetz.com 

https://www.strategitcom.com

#womenintech #womenindatacenters #tradesintech #tradesindatacenters #vetsintech #vetsindatacenters #ForwardThinkingPodcast #DataCenters #FutureOfWork #WomenInTech #VeteransInTech #TradesInTech #TechCareers #AIandCareers #DigitalInfrastructure

This week, host Dr. Sher Downing sits down with Karen King—founder of Gold Star Pro and The Escapepreneur—to talk about building businesses that support freedom, not burnout.

Karen’s entrepreneurial journey has taken her from cake decorating to global travel, from “soft sales” success to developing tech solutions for solopreneurs. Today, she helps business owners simplify systems, automate processes, and create the life they really want to live.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:

• Why being “too soft” in sales can actually put you at the top of the leaderboard

• The inspiration behind Gold Star Pro, an all-in-one business management platform for solopreneurs and coaches

• How automation and streamlined systems free up creativity (and reduce stress)

• What led Karen and her family to sell everything and travel the world for 9+ years

• The vision behind The Escapepreneur—a 12-month program designed to help entrepreneurs escape the 9–5 mindset and build location-independent businesses

• Actionable insights on balancing passion, profitability, and freedom

Karen’s key message: “It’s about creating a life you love, doing what you love. The more you simplify, the more freedom you gain.”

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• The Escapepreneur: theescapepreneur.com – Free guide + details on the Escapepreneur Summit

• Gold Star Pro: usegoldstar.com – All-in-one platform for solopreneurs and coaches

Subscribe to Forward Thinking Experts so you never miss an episode of inspiring conversations with leaders who are reshaping the way we work and live.

#FreedomLifestyle #SimplifyYourBusiness #AutomationTools #DigitalNomadLife #Escapepreneur #SystemsOverStress #WorkFromAnywhere #ForwardThinkingExperts #podcast

In this conversation, Sher Downing and Joe Erle discuss the critical importance of cyber insurance and cybersecurity for businesses. Joe shares his expertise in the field, highlighting real-life incidents and the lessons learned from them. They delve into the costs associated with cyber incidents, the necessity of having an incident response plan, and the role of education in cybersecurity.
Joe emphasizes the importance of creating a robust cybersecurity strategy and practical steps that small businesses can take to protect themselves. The conversation concludes with resources for further learning and preparation for potential cyber threats.

Takeaways/Highlights:

• Cyber insurance is a rapidly evolving field that can significantly impact businesses.
• Real-life incidents highlight the importance of having cyber insurance.
  The costs of cyber incidents can escalate quickly, including legal fees and reputational damage.
• An incident response plan is essential for businesses to prepare for cyber threats.
• Education and awareness are crucial in understanding cybersecurity risks.
• Creating a layered cybersecurity strategy is vital for protection.
  Small businesses should prioritize multi-factor authentication and regular employee training.
• Having a virtual chief information security officer can help small businesses develop a comprehensive strategy.
• Data protection is not just about the business; it's also about safeguarding client information.
• Resources and guides are available to help businesses improve their cybersecurity posture.⁠

Learn more and connect with Joe here: https://blinq.me/0Fi1eT2oPsJS

#cyberinsurance #cybersecurity #incidentresponse  #ransomware #smallbusiness #dataprotection #riskmanagement #insuranceclaims #cyberthreats #education

In this special anniversary episode, Dr. Sher Downing reflects on the five-year journey of the EdTech Speaks podcast. Born during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the show has evolved into a living documentary of transformation in education, technology, and human-centered innovation. As we enter year six, Sher invites listeners to imagine and create a future where technology enhances human flourishing—not just functionality.

Takeaways/Highlights:

• The podcast began during the pandemic to document the rapid evolution of education and work.

• Early guests were trailblazers adapting in real time to educational upheaval.

• The focus expanded beyond EdTech to include innovation in work, leadership, and digital transformation.

• EdTechSpeaks was named a finalist in the prestigious EdTech Awards, affirming its growing impact.

• The show now serves as a collective archive—a real-time chronicle of five years of global change.

• AI is positioned as a creative partner, not a replacement for human intelligence.

Keywords

#EdTechSpeaks #ForwardThinkingExperts #EdTechPodcast #InnovationInLearning #DigitalTransformation #HumanFlourishing #EdTechAwards #PodcastAnniversary #CreativityAndAI #StorytellingInTech #FutureOfEducation🎧 Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow educators, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of learning and technology.

Thanks for tuning in to Forward Thinking Experts! In this podcast episode, Sher Downing and Andy Bell discuss the innovative approaches of Thinkery, a children's museum in Austin, Texas, that focuses on STEAM education.

They explore the importance of community engagement, the role of technology in education, and the need for a shift in how learning is approached. Andy shares his personal journey and the transformative impact of his experiences on his perspective towards education and learning.

Takeaways/Highlights:

• Thinkery focuses on joyful STEAM learning experiences for children.
• Community partnerships are essential for educational innovation.
• Engaging caregivers is crucial for children's learning.
• The outdated education system promotes a fixed mindset.
• Experiential learning can transform students' understanding of subjects.
• Technology should be embraced as a partner in education.
• Creativity is innate in children but often stifled by traditional education.
• Professional development for teachers should be engaging and rewarding.
• Learning environments need to be fun and dynamic.
• Education should prepare students for multiple careers, not just one.

Learn more and connect with Andy here:

https://thinkeryaustin.org/

https://issuu.com/thinkeryatx/docs/2023_impact_report_web

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-bell-3a482a8/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/austin-children's-museum/

#Thinkery #STEAMeducation #communityengagement #innovativelearning #lifelonglearning #technologyineducation #creativity #educationreform #childrensmuseum

Welcome back to Forward Thinking Experts! In this episode, Dr. Emily Levy and Sher discuss innovative educational products, including Dr. Levy's Writing Mastery program and multi-sensory math workbooks.

She emphasizes the importance of immediate feedback in learning, the need for foundational skills in math, and the significance of study strategies for students. Dr. Levy shares her journey into entrepreneurship, the impact of her family's legacy in education, and the role of multi-sensory teaching methods.

The discussion also highlights the accessibility of her programs and the support provided to teachers.

Takeaways:

• Writing Mastery is a research-based, multi-sensory writing program.
• Immediate feedback enhances learning and builds student confidence.
• Math struggles often arise from a lack of foundational skills.
• Multi-sensory teaching integrates various learning modalities.
• Strategies for Study Success focuses on executive functioning skills.
• Dr. Levy's entrepreneurial journey began with a passion for education.
• Three generations of women in education create a unique legacy.
• Professional development is essential for effective program implementation.
• The Writing Mastery program is accessible via web-based platforms.
• Helping students thrive requires the right tools and methods.

Learn more and connect with Emily here:

https://eblcoaching.com/

https://www.facebook.com/EBLCoaching

https://www.instagram.com/ebl_coaching/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emily-levy-79b1728/

Keywords:#EdTech #WritingMastery #MultisensoryLearning #Tutoring #EducationTechnology #StudySkills #SpecialEducation #FoundationalSkills #ExecutiveFunctioning #OnlineLearning