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 Hero’s 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.

Learner 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.

[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

🔗 Connect with the Guest Andrew Collins:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-collins-1620931/

🔗 Connect with the Guest Companies:

👉 LinkedIn - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-learning-ventures-inc/

👉 LinkedIn - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acton-academy-phoenix/

👉 Website - New Learning Ventures, Inc: https://www.newlearningventures.org/

👉 Website - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.actonphx.org/

👉 Email: [email protected]

👉 Instagram - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.instagram.com/actonphx/

👉 Facebook - Acton Academy Phoenix: https://www.facebook.com/actonphx/

📍 Come explore Acton Phoenix – 40th Street, north of Camelback (near Biltmore/Arcadia).

🔗Follow the podcast:

👍YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8

👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216

🔗 Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222

🔗 Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/

👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/

In this episode of the Leaders of the Workplace of Tomorrow podcast, host Steve Miksta sits down with Rich Flanagan, Executive Vice President/Partner at Centralized Vision-Virtual Safety & Security Monitoring, to discuss how technology, AI, automation, and strong internal systems are reshaping the future of workplace operations.

Rich shares his journey from more than 20 years in the mortgage industry to helping grow Centralized Vision into a national security operations center. He explains how the company shifted from direct customer work to a partner-focused model, built stronger processes through Salesforce, developed its own internal platform called VIC, and used automation to support major growth.

1. AI Raises the Standard for Human Performance: AI gives companies better data and stronger alerts, but people still play a key role in making smart decisions and delivering the right customer experience.
2. Strong Systems Make Growth Possible: Centralized Vision invested heavily in workflows, Salesforce, automation, and its own VIC platform, allowing the company to launch large projects faster and with more confidence.
3. Technology Works Best When Teams Are Involved: Rich explains that team buy-in comes from feedback, collaboration, and letting employees feel part of the solution instead of forcing systems onto them.
4. Automation Gives Employees More Freedom: Tools like ClickUp help remove mental clutter, track responsibilities, and give leaders better visibility without making employees feel overly managed.
5. AI Training Can Improve Consistency: Centralized Vision is using AI-based training content and avatars to make onboarding more consistent, easier to update, and easier to scale.
6. Businesses Need a Practical AI Strategy: Rich warns against rushing into every new AI tool. His approach is to test carefully, research deeply, and implement technology that solves long-term problems.

[00:00:00] – Introduction to Rich Flanagan and Centralized Vision: Steve welcomes Rich and asks about his background, career path, and current work.

[00:05:58] – How AI Is Reshaping Operations: Rich explains how AI is driving efficiency, changing workforce strategies, and pushing companies to constantly improve their operations.

[00:09:36] – Building Efficient Systems and Workflows: Rich explains how Centralized Vision improved onboarding, automation, forecasting, and team workflows to support scalable growth.

[00:15:13] – Building a Culture That Embraces Technology: Rich discusses how collaboration, accountability, and employee buy-in are essential when implementing new technology and scaling a growing business.

[00:20:45] – Scaling Through Automation and Customer Experience: Rich shares how Centralized Vision uses automation, streamlined processes, and strong partner experiences to support rapid growth and enterprise-level clients.

[00:32:38] – Why Businesses Must Lean Into AI: Rich explains how every industry eventually adapts to technological change and why embracing AI is the best way to stay relevant and reduce fear about the future.

[00:34:45] – Episode Wrap-Up and Final Thoughts: Steve thanks Rich for joining the podcast as they close the conversation on AI, workplace innovation, and the future of proactive security solutions.

🔗 Connect with the guest Rich Flanagan:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-flanagan-virtualsecuritymonitoring/

🔗 Connect with the guest company, Centralized Vision-Virtual Safety & Security Monitoring:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/centralized-vision/

👉 Website: https://www.centralizedvision.com/

🔗Follow the podcast:

👉Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033rjH7T2gSv9KyUs4uC4x?si=db0aed8e99f84fc8

👉Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/leaders-of-the-workplace-of-tomorrow/id1896864216

👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opptyunlimited9222

🔗 Connect with the Host Steve Miksta:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevemiksta/

🔗 Connect with the Host Company, Oppty Unlimited:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/opptyunlimited/

👉 Website: https://www.opptyunlimited.com/