In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow Podcast, host Steve Miksta sits down with Andrew Collins, President & CEO at New Learning Ventures, Inc, and Managing Director at Acton Academy Phoenix, to discuss how learner-driven education, curiosity, personal responsibility, and real-world experiences are preparing young people for success in an AI-powered future. Together, they explore the Heroβs Journey approach to learning, the importance of autonomy and purpose, and how schools can help learners develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Andrew shares his journey from teaching elementary school through Teach For America to becoming an education entrepreneur and leader at Acton Academy Phoenix. He explains how becoming a father helped shape his vision for learner-driven education, why Acton focuses on curiosity, responsibility, and real-world learning, and how learners use goal setting, leadership, and AI tools to build skills for the future.
Key TakeawaysLearner Ownership Drives Growth: Learners set goals, manage their time, and take responsibility for their progress.
Curiosity Fuels Learning: Asking questions and exploring interests helps learners adapt and grow in a changing world.
Real-World Experience Matters: Projects, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship help learners build practical skills.
Character is a Competitive Advantage: Empathy, grit, leadership, and accountability are developed alongside academics.
AI Supports Better Learning: Learners use AI as a tool for feedback, creativity, and faster learning.
Purpose Creates Motivation: Autonomy, mastery, and meaningful work help learners stay engaged and motivated.
Episode Timestamps[00:00] - Teaser
[01:17] - Andrew shares how teaching led him into education reform
[03:10] - Becoming a father changed Andrew's view of education
[05:26] - Why traditional education no longer fits today's world
[08:33] - The Hero's Journey and the three challenges learners face
[11:16] - How learners set goals and track academic progress
[13:43] - Fitness, feedback, and the value of mixed-age play
[15:09] - Real-world learning through afternoon quests
[17:36] - Acton's three pillars: learn, do, and be
[20:22] - The ICY framework for personal growth and accountability
[24:05] - Why curiosity and grit matter in the AI era
[27:26] - Autonomy, mastery, and purpose in learner motivation
[32:15] - How learners use AI as a learning tool
[36:38] - Future plans for Acton Phoenix
[40:16] - Children's Business Fair and how to connect with Acton Phoenix
π Connect with the Guest Andrew Collins:
π LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collins-1620931/
π Connect with the Guest Companies:
π LinkedIn - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-learning-ventures-inc/
π LinkedIn - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acton-academy-phoenix/
π Website - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.newlearningventures.org/
π Website - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.actonphx.org/
π Email: [email protected]
π Instagram - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.instagram.com/actonphx/
π Facebook - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.facebook.com/actonphx/
π Come explore Acton Phoenix β 40th Street, north of Camelback (near Biltmore/Arcadia).
πFollow the podcast:
πYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited
πSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8
πApple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216
π Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:
π LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/
π YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222
π Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:
π LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/
π Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/