“If you’re really committed to developing a solution for EdTech, you want to be focused on how you’re going to deliver change to individuals.“
– Jessica Hinkle
In today’s fast-paced world, where the traditional career landscape is rapidly evolving, continuous learning is more critical than ever. Join host Debbie Goodman on this episode of On Work and Revolution Podcast with our guest, Jessica Hinkle, SVP of Strategic Investments at Strada Education, an impact-driven education organization dedicated to bridging the gap between education and employment.
Debbie and Jessica explore the following topics that EdTech leaders should pay attention to:
1️. The Changing Nature of Careers: Gone are the days when you could simply get a four-year degree and settle into a lifelong job. Our guest, Jessica, highlights the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in today’s dynamic job market. She emphasizes the need for individuals to embrace multiple detours along their career journey, constantly connecting what they know and how they work. It’s a paradigm shift that demands resilience and a growth mindset.
2️. Navigating the EdTech Landscape: Jessica raises a crucial point about the overwhelming number of ed tech, workforce tech, and HR tech solutions flooding the market. It’s essential for entrepreneurs and innovators to carefully consider their target audience and ensure their solutions cut through the noise. Strategic partnerships and platform opportunities that offer holistic solutions are becoming increasingly attractive to organizations seeking to simplify their tech adoption and integration processes.
3️. The Five Pillars for Success: Our guest outlines five pillars that she believes will drive progress towards a brighter future of work. These pillars include work-based learning, quality coaching, affordability, alternative education pathways, employer alignment, and clear outcomes. By focusing on these areas, we can bridge the gap between education and career, empower individuals to make informed decisions and create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.
Gain valuable insights into the future of work and stay informed about the latest trends and developments in EdTech investments. Tune in to discover essential strategies for success in the evolving landscape of education and technology.
About our guest, Jessica Hinkle:
As SVP Strategic Investments, Jessica evaluates potential mission-aligned investments and oversees Strada’s portfolio of mission-aligned investments and funds. Previously she led Product Strategy and Innovation, working with Strada Collaborative organizations to identify and create new products. Prior to Strada, she held a variety of roles at Laureate Education, including as chief product officer for Walden University and co-founder of an innovation group that incubated new business models to address the needs of working adult learners.
Jessica started her career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley and also spent time building the yoga teacher training business at Yogaworks. She holds a BA from Brown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.