What if education could truly help every person lead a fulfilling, meaningful life? In this thought-provoking episode, host Carmen Tomas sits down with educational innovator Peter, founder of Educraftor, to explore how active learning and systemic change can reshape our schools, universities — and our societies.

Together, we unpack how learning isn’t about transferring knowledge but about activating human potential. Peter explains why maturity and self-awareness are missing links in most education systems and how his team works with schools and governments to bring these principles to life through practical, scalable initiatives — from creative “apple-drawing” workshops to the creation of 1,000 Education Innovation Hubs worldwide.

Whether you’re an educator, policymaker, or lifelong learner, this episode offers a radical yet deeply human vision: education as the foundation for personal flourishing and systemic transformation.

🔗 Learn more or get involved: https://educraftor.com | Follow Peter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/peterfagerstrom/

After 30 years of AI evolution, the algorithms have changed, the machines have gotten faster — but have we lost sight of what really matters in education? In this episode, I sit down with AI and education expert Rose Luckin to uncover a powerful truth: while the tech has transformed, the fundamentals of how we learn remain unchanged.

Join us as we go back to the basics — and explore why any truly effective educational technology must start there.

Credits: 

Presenters: Carmen Tomas, Rose Luckin

Music: Uplifting intro music by Joshua Wales

🎙️ Writing in Times of GenAI: Past, Present & Future — with Professor Mike Sharples

How has AI shaped creative writing over the past four decades — and where is it headed next?

In this episode, Professor Mike Sharples takes us on a journey from his groundbreaking AI research in the 1980s to today’s world of Generative AI. We explore what’s changed, what timeless lessons still apply, and how educators can use GenAI to spark creativity rather than replace it.

Mike shares practical ideas for rethinking assessment in the age of AI — shifting from product-focused grading to reflective, process-based approaches that celebrate creativity and learning.

He even predicted back in the ’90s that computers would write books — and he was right. Join us to hear his latest predictions for the future of writing, creativity, and education in the GenAI era.

Credits: 

Presenters: Carmen Tomas, Mike Sharples 

Music: Uplifting intro music by Joshua Wales

What happens when students take education into their own hands? At the Polytechnic University of Valencia, Pau Martinez and Claudia Herrero have set out to answer that question with SparkEd, a remarkable initiative driven by the power of student leadership and entrepreneurship.

Frustrated by the gap between theory and practice, Pau and Claudia created SparkEd—a vibrant community where students actively shape their learning journey through hands-on experiences, workshops, and collaboration. In just 18 months, SparkEd has already empowered over 400 students by:

·       Facilitating masterclasses with industry experts

·       Connecting students with local companies for real-world projects and visits

·       Launching their own podcast to share inspiring stories

·       Creating peer-to-peer learning spaces

·       Planning immersive bootcamps to further expand their impact

Their mission? To equip students with the entrepreneurial mindset, confidence, and skills they need to thrive in the future workforce.

💡 SparkEd is proof that student-led innovation can reshape education and cultivate the leaders of tomorrow.

Tune in to our latest episode to learn more about their inspiring journey and discover how empowering students can ignite meaningful change!

This episode is in Spanish.

#Entrepreneurship #StudentLeadership #Innovation #HigherEducation #FutureOfWork #SparkEd

Credits: 

Presenters: Carmen Tomas, Pablo Martinez, Claudia Herrero 

Music: Uplifting intro music by Joshua Wales

In a previous episode, we explored Minerva University’s groundbreaking educational model. Today, we dive deeper with fresh insight from those who know it best—its students and alumni.

Martina Dianda, a current first-year student, shares what it’s really like to study at a university without a traditional campus or exams, where active learning takes center stage. She reveals how Minerva’s unique approach relies on continuous, embedded assessment—without overwhelming students with deadlines—and how feedback is seamlessly integrated through flipped classrooms and real-world projects. Martina also discusses the innovative use of AI as both a learning and assessment tool.

We’re also joined by Alberto Arenaza, a Minerva graduate reflecting on his journey five years post-graduation. Together, we discuss how Minerva fosters resilience, embracing uncertainty, risk-taking, and building a global community. Alberto shares how these vital skills prepared him for life beyond university and why traditional institutions might benefit from nurturing the same mindset in their students.

Dive into the world of educational technology and innovation with Carmen Tomás as she goes into the origins of SEK Lab and explores the latest trends in Spanish EdTech with industry expert Félix López (SEK Lab Edtech Accelerator Director) 🎓💡.

Félix has been at the helm of the SEK Lab, part of the SEK Education Group, for nearly a decade. Under his leadership, SEK Lab has become a pioneering model of educational innovation, actively supporting over 100 EdTech startups, with an impressive 70% still thriving today ✅🚀.

As a central hub in Spain's EdTech landscape, SEK Lab’s success is deeply intertwined with the SEK Education Group's mission to champion innovation in education 📚🌍. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the current and future trends of educational innovation, guided by leading experts in the field 👩‍🏫📈.

🎙️ Unlocking Innovation: The CDTM Story 🚀

Join Carmen Tomas and Michael Fröhlich as they dive into the fascinating origins of the Center for Digital Technology and Management (CDTM) 🌐! From Munich to Valencia, CDTM is revolutionizing entrepreneurship education for undergrads 📚.

🔍 Michael reveals the secret sauce behind CDTM's success: rigorous selection, multidisciplinary teams, real-world problem-solving, student autonomy, and trust-building 🤝.

📊 We explore the impact of CDTM—both by the numbers and through the stories of those who've been part of it. Discover how CDTM creates virtuous circles by uniting talent, communities, industry, and universities to tackle challenges together 🌟.

Tune in for an inspiring journey of innovation and collaboration! 🎧

Join Carmen Tomás as she sits down with Inés Martínez, co-founder & CEO of FarmaLeaders Talento, to uncover an inspiring journey of impact and innovation! This remarkable success story illustrates how innovative collaboration with communities and employers is creating high value learning and talent solutions.

What started as a response to gaps in university education has grown into a thriving community dedicated to empowering pharmacy graduates. FarmaLeaders connects talent with top employers, offering:

• Affordable & accessible online master's programs

• 100+ employer partnerships 

• Guaranteed paid internships for students 

This is a game-changer for young professionals looking to kickstart their careers in pharmacy!  In just 2 years, they have 600+ graduates 

And guess what? This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for even more exciting developments! 

Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.hlexpodcast.com/subscribe

Visit FarmaLeaders Talento: https://www.farmaleaderstalento.com

Credits: 

Presenters: Carmen Tomas & Inés Martínez 

Music: Futuristic Beat by Nver Avetyan 

In this special and inspiring episode, Bisila Bokoko—public speaker, book author, and business consultant—joins Carmen Tomas to delve into the true meaning of success and the essential skills required for graduates entering the workforce in the 21st century, especially in these rapidly changing times.

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how educational organisations can support learners' success beyond their university results, fostering a lifetime of continuous learning and development. What steps can these organizations take to meet this challenge? Embracing the person-profession nexus, humanistic leadership, and fundamental values are excellent starting points.

If you are in need of inspiration, this is an episode not to be missed.

Curious about the future of higher education? 📚 Join Carmen and visionary founder Ben Nelson as they dive into the bold, game-changing philosophy behind Minerva University!

🔹 Discover the Minerva method – a radically innovative approach where students master the art of learning through active, applied learning both in the classroom and in the real world.

🔹 Say goodbye to fragmented, siloed courses. Minerva’s cohesive, program-level curriculum makes every class connect meaningfully to the bigger picture, preparing students for real-world impact.

🔹 And it doesn’t stop there! Ben shares how he’s working to bring this transformative, learner-centered model to institutions worldwide, through the Minerva Project.

If you’re passionate about education or curious about how learning can evolve, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and be part of the education revolution! 🎧

Credits: 

Presenters: Carmen Tomas & Ben Nelson 

Music: Futuristic Beat by Nver Avetyan 

Microphone animation by: creativeartstudio21 (pixabay)