The Talent Lab Podcast

In this episode of the Talent Labs  Podcast EdTech Insights Series, we’re joined by Sach Siriwardane, former Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships at Guild Education, who helped lead Guild’s groundbreaking collaboration with Team USA to support Olympic and Paralympic athletes in their education and career transitions.

Sach shares an insider perspective on what makes partnerships truly work — from aligning missions to navigating challenges in a rapidly shifting EdTech landscape. We unpack how Guild built partnerships that scaled access, improved learner outcomes, and shaped the future of upskilling.

You’ll hear about:

• The story behind Guild’s partnership with the U.S. Olympic team
• Why education benefits often fail — and how Guild reimagined them
• What defines a “true” partnership in the EdTech ecosystem
• The future of upskilling, workforce learning, and cross-sector collaboration

Whether you work in higher ed, workforce development, or EdTech strategy, this conversation offers practical lessons on building impactful, mission-driven partnerships.

Guest: Sach Siriwardane — Former Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships, Guild Education | MBA Candidate, Saïd Business School, University of Oxford

In this episode, we sit down with Poonam Ribadia, who spent nearly eight years at 2U, most recently as a Partnerships and Customer Success Manager.

Poonam offers a candid, insider’s perspective on 2U’s journey — from its early strengths and value proposition to the challenges that came with scale, shifting strategy, and the high-profile edX acquisition. We explore what 2U did well, where it struggled, and what lessons other EdTech companies can take away.

Whether you’re an EdTech professional, a university partner, or simply curious about the dynamics of scaling education companies, this episode offers valuable insights into the opportunities and pitfalls of the industry.

Edited by: Glyvolner Gabriel

Join hosts Michael and Chris as they kick off The Talent Labs Podcast by sharing their personal journeys into education. 

They talk about their transformative time as Teach for America corps members, their first jobs after teaching, and navigating tech layoffs.

Edited by: Glyvolner Gabriel

Since July 2023, we've been connecting with incredible innovators across education, workforce development, and technology. Now, we're taking those conversations public to help our community learn from each other and drive meaningful change.