Quantum Leap

Host Dr. Rod Berger sits down with PJ McGrew to explore how Indiana is rethinking workforce development for the modern manufacturing era. PJ shares his journey from state government to Conexus Indiana, and how a network of 130+ manufacturing companies is co-designing education pipelines that prepare students for an AI- and automation-driven future.

The future of technology isn’t just coming — it's accelerating faster than we can keep up. Dr. Katrina Rosseini, a pioneer in cybersecurity and emerging tech, exposes how quantum computing, AI, and cybersecurity are intertwined in ways that will redefine everything from healthcare to national security. If you're feeling overwhelmed by the rapid pace of change — or unsure where you fit in this complex puzzle — this episode is your essential guide to understanding what’s happening now and what’s next.

Is AI making you feel like you're cheating? You're not alone! Let's shift the narrative on how we view AI in our careers. Tag someone who feels overwhelmed by AI! Many professionals are hesitant to embrace AI, fearing it undermines their hard work. But what if I told you it’s all about leveraging AI to amplify your genius? Instead of seeing it as a shortcut, view it as a powerful tool to enhance your impact. Remember, success isn’t just about effort; it’s about the impact you create. Embrace AI as your ally in achieving more! What’s your experience with AI? Let’s discuss! #AI #WomenInTech #WorkplaceInnovation #ImpactOverEffort #Flipwork

Rick Torres Fireside Chat Guest: Rick Torres — Former CEO of the National Student Clearinghouse; career spanning PepsiCo, Kraft, and Capital One Overview: A fireside chat exploring data-driven decision-making in higher education, the evolving role of credentials, and how institutions can better serve students and adult learners in a rapidly changing landscape. Key Topics Discussed: Short-Form Credentials & the Student Perspective — How students view the value proposition of short-term credentials vs. traditional degrees, and the expectation of immediate economic return. Upskilling Adult Learners — The opportunity for community colleges and technical schools to serve the 37 million Americans with some college but no degree, helping them convert prior experience into new opportunities. Real-Time Institutional Responsiveness — The imperative for schools to have the technology and agility to respond to adult learners quickly and in real time. Regional Workforce Data & Heat Maps — Using Department of Labor data, Burning Glass, and other sources to create regional skill and job demand maps, and aligning institutional offerings accordingly. AI in Vocational & Technical Fields — A Wall Street Journal survey found ~900 of ~1,000 HVAC and technical companies are using AI (pulling schematics, automating billing), highlighting the need for AI literacy in vocational training. Data Privacy & Actionable Insights — How FERPA- and HIPAA-protected data can be used responsibly to benefit learners and educators without trampling privacy. The Future of the National Student Clearinghouse — Its continuing role as a federal intermediary, its relationships with ~90% of U.S. high schools, and its work on tracking socioeconomic lift from credentials. Defining Success with Data — Torres' "Moneyball" analogy for community colleges: institutions should define their own success through data rather than be defined by traditional metrics (e.g., the Austin Community College graduation rate story). A Personal Relationship with Data — Torres' lifelong love of numbers and cross-referencing experiences across fields. Key Quotes: "You can either use data to define who you are, or you will be defined by it — and maybe not in the ways that you like." "The power to show who you are is in the data, and the data is right there in front of you. Don't be defined by traditional metrics." "Is there a way to make use of data without trampling the privacy of individuals? I'm finding that the answer is yes."

Episode Summary: Emad Rahim — born in a concentration camp during the Khmer Rouge Genocide in Cambodia, raised as a stateless refugee in Brooklyn, and now a three-time doctorate holder, Fulbright Scholar, TEDx speaker, and award-winning educator — sits down for a fireside chat with N2N's Storyteller in Residence, Dr. Rod Berger, about the intersection of technology, education, and the power of human storytelling. Key Topics Covered: Emad's journey from a dyslexic, first-generation college student to an acclaimed educator and author The role mentors played in redirecting his life at critical moments How AI and competency-based learning can level the playing field in education COVID's impact on young people's social skills and mental health — and how AI can help The power of vulnerability and storytelling as tools for human connection Using AI to enhance (not replace) the storytelling experience The "Choose Your Own Adventure" metaphor for navigating an AI-driven future Accessibility of technology and its potential to celebrate culture and community Notable Quotes: "It took a vice principal at a high school to see something in me and refuse to give up on me." "I would say I'm a storyteller… I know my story more than anybody else." "When you allow people to be vulnerable, they take advantage of it right away." "I think with the resources available, they can choose their own adventure." "There's a sense of fear that exists, and it's natural… but there also needs to be a sense of opportunity." Guest Bio: Emad Rahim was born in a Cambodian concentration camp during the Khmer Rouge Genocide and arrived in Brooklyn as a stateless refugee in the 1980s. Once a dyslexic student who barely graduated high school, he went on to earn three doctorates, become a Fulbright Scholar, TEDx speaker, and college dean. He is an award-winning educator, acclaimed author, and globally recognized motivational speaker, profiled in Forbes, HuffPost, StoryCorps, and PBS.