Episode 13 | Rethinking Education with Cortney Woodruff of Assemble | SPARK*D THE DREAMBEACON PODCAST

11/05/2025 1h 11min Temporada 1 Episodio 13

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Episode Synopsis

In this conversation, host, Jabir McKnight, and Co-Founder and CEO of Assemble, Cortney Woodruff discuss the relevance of higher education, the mission of Assemble, and the importance of bridging the gap between industry and academia. They explore the challenges faced by universities in adapting to changing workforce demands, the role of corporations in shaping educational curricula, and the impact of demographic trends on higher education. Cortney shares his entrepreneurial journey, the significance of cultural intelligence, and discusses the evolving landscape of fundraising and investment in diverse startups as well as the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers within corporate structures. The conversation also touches on the frustrations within the Black community regarding access to opportunities and the importance of democratizing education.Stay connected with SPARK*DInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedreambeaconpodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedreambeaconpodcastCheck out our parent company at www.mydreambeacon.comCheck out Assemble at https://www.assemble.fyi/Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Assemble and Its Mission03:03 Bridging the Gap in Higher Education06:05 The Role of Corporations in Education09:04 The Impact of Demographics on Universities12:11 The Pandemic's Influence on Education15:02 Cortney's Entrepreneurial Journey18:07 Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspectives20:59 Fundraising Challenges and Opportunities24:06 Navigating the Investment Landscape27:07 The Shift in Silicon Valley's Diversity30:02 Conclusion and Future Outlook38:19 Navigating Corporate Hierarchies41:33 Building a Network for Future Executives44:07 Curating Executive Connections48:11 Frustrations and Aspirations in the Black Community51:42 Democratizing Access to Opportunities54:43 Engaging with Universities01:00:04 The Future of Education01:04:34 Future-Proofing Careers for the Next Generation

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