LEARNING, THE NEW CURRENCY OF SUCCESS
streamline administrative
Quantifying the value of
kindergarten to retirement.
each educational
That data could give
opportunity
educators unprecedented
By Edd Gent
To prosper in an era of technological disruption we’re told we need to become lifelong learners, and to nurture skills like creativity, adaptability and emotional intelligence. But there’s often little guidance on how to do this; navigating the bewildering array of educational options at our fingertips can be a daunting task. What if there was a way to quantify the value of each university module, training course or career choice, and map how they would shape your skills and the opportunities available to you? That’s the goal of Washington DC-based non-profit Learning Economy, which is building a way to securely share data about our skills, education and work history using
blockchain, the technology behind bitcoin. The system could tasks like verifying qualifications, but more importantly could track how people learn from
insight into the learning pipeline and provide people with personalized guidance on how to chart a course through education and work. ‘New gold standard’ That might sound like a tall order for a passion project started less than two years ago, which has so far relied on volunteers and financial support from two of its cofounders, CEO Chris Purifoy and chief Technology officer Jacksón Smith. But Colorado’s Department of Higher Education and Broward County Public Schools in Florida, the latter of which serves a quarter of a million school students, have already signed up to trial Learning Economy’s technology. Both held kickoff events last month and pilots should be up and running by the end of the summer. The group is also
supply chain needs to be
medical record keeping
more substantial funding
fixed. Schools, employers,
and tracking the
with the help of like-
and governments all
provenance of food. And
minded education
measure skill development,
Learning Economy has
foundations.
but a lack of data sharing
adapted it to join up the
means the process is
vast trove of learning data
system they’re building
fragmented. Consolidating
languishing in private
could eventually support a
all that information in one
databases.
global economy where
place could be hugely
skills are the new currency
valuable but would also
and students are paid to
create enormous privacy
learn in exchange for their
concerns, so Learning
data. “We have this
Economy is developing a
mantra – what if
way to share it safely and
education was the new
anonymously on a public
gold standard?” says
database.
in the process of raising
Smith believes the
Smith. “If you can quantify
That is made possible
the value of
by blockchain, a high-tech
education…you can
record-keeping system
actually build a market on
invented to support the
top of it.”
cryptocurrency bitcoin. The technology makes it possible to share records
“
The idea is that you can actually work with the AI to determine what your goal is in learning. - Jacksón Smith
across a large network of computers, and changes must be agreed upon by the entire network rather than relying on a single central authority. Records are also protected by powerful encryption that makes them virtually impossible to tamper with and masks the identity of users. A growing number of companies are experimenting with using this technology as a faster and more secure way of sharing information for applications as varied as
For the original story go to: www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200210-iseducation-the-new-currency
HOW TO WIN IN THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR LIFE The benefits of giving exfelons a second chance at a new life By Chris Cavallini
I am an entrepreneur, and I believe in giving exfelons a second chance If you had told me 15 years ago today, I would be leading and running a fast-growing company, I would’ve called you crazy. I experienced, shall we say, a rebellious youth. To put it more accurately, I
was not a good kid. I was
had committed three
arrested 17 times before
years earlier.
my 18th birthday and several more arrests
ON GETTING A SECOND
throughout my twenties
CHANCE
and early thirties. After
The police prosecutor
many run-ins with the law, I
had recommended 24
had to make a choice: go
months in state prison, and
to jail or serve in the
I walked into the
military.
courtroom that day not
I took the latter option.
knowing if I would walk out
Five years as a Navy deep
on my own free will. What
sea diver gave me a
happened next was
newfound purpose. But I
nothing short of a miracle,
found myself on the wrong
as the judge made a
side of the law again when
decision that allowed me
I went down the path of
to be where I am today.
selling illegal anabolic
Although I had pleaded
steroids. When I finally
guilty for multiple felony
decided to abandon that
charges, she decided not
life to build Nutrition
to send me to prison.
Solutions–I found myself
Instead, she let me off with
standing before a judge
a one-year probation. She
waiting to receive
considered the strides I
sentencing for crimes that I
took to better my life and grow my business and
recognized the efforts I
they’ll prove to be,” no
determining whether
had made to change for
matter how committed the
someone deserves
the better. That judge
individuals are to bettering
another shot comes down
chose to see the best in
themselves.
to one element–whether
me, despite my past
Having hired former
that person has accepted
felons myself, I can say for
full responsibility for their
I realized that not
sure that a mark on your
past actions.
everyone in that position
criminal record does not
would have been as lucky.
mean you can’t succeed
you can judge a person’s
Many people who
and make something of
character by the way they
experience the criminal
yourself. It is true that you
view their mistakes. Do
justice system will not have
can’t escape your past,
they acknowledge it, or do
the opportunity to prove
but those who have
they blame external
themselves the way that I
struggled with life-altering
circumstances? When they
was able to. That day, I
circumstances or a
accept responsibility for
vowed to do everything in
troubled past still can
the fact that they were the
my power to help those
create a productive life for
one who got themselves in
with a troubled past, have
themselves and the
that position, they also
hit rock bottom or who
people around them. Pain
understand that they
come from nothing to help
makes you stronger–and
possess the ability to get
them make positive
adversity teaches you
themselves out.
transformations in their
valuable lessons that you
lives. Here’s what I learned.
will not forget. I’ve found
founder of Nutrition
with the proper training,
Solutions, a lifestyle meal-
SOMEONE’S HISTORY ISN’T
structure, and support
prep company that
AN ACCURATE INDICATION
those with criminal records
provides healthy meals to
OF THEIR FUTURE
can become productive
clients globally.
circumstances.
We have a massive problem with incarceration
employees and thriving members of society.
and re-entry in America.
Chris Cavallini is the
For the original story go to: www.fastcompany.com/90312661/im-anentrepreneur-and-i-believe-in-giving-exfelons-a-second-chance
One in three Americans
THE BENEFITS OF FOCUSING
have a criminal record,
ON CHARACTER & VALUES
and 60% of those are
Criminal record or not,
To be clear, I do not
unemployed one year
give second chances to
after being released.
just anyone. I evaluate
Getting a job with a
those with criminal records
criminal record is almost
and/or a history of
impossible. As Rick
substance abuse on a
Wartzman previously wrote
case-by-case basis. Some
for Fast Company, many
acts and crimes do not
businesses see this as a sign
warrant a second chance.
of “the kind of workers that
The simple recipe for
LEARN, LIVE & LAUNCH IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE The chance to learn, a place to live, and a platform to launch By JD Lee
LearnLiveLaunch™ (or simply LLL) is a non-profit organization based in Whitewright, Texas whose mission is to help individuals re-imagine their future through vocational training. The organization brings awareness to people who will have access to education, experiences, and life opportunities that will help relaunch them into a new and successful direction! LLL services the greater parts of Collin County, Grayson County, and the North Texas region at large. The LLL curriculum is designed to help both men and women prepare to start a new career in their chosen field and empower them to reach for it. LLL offers a range of vocational programs in
fields that are in high demand for employment across the U.S. and has a dedicated staff of professionals, who all have real life practical work experience in each of these fields of training, as well as traditional education. LLL also assists in job placement upon completion of the LLL programs. LLL will help with resume prep and the interview skills necessary to land the perfect job. Kristi J. Avalos founded Accessology in November 1990. She has successfully owned and operated her own company for 30+ years and specializes in helping entities comply with disability regulations. She has spent her entire career as a champion for the underdog.
Kristi Avalos / Founder LearnLiveLaunch™
Based on the vision set
In June of 2019, she felt a
will almost cover the costs
sense of urgency and
of the non-profit initiatives
forth by founder Kristi
pursued having the
and she will be able to
Avalos, with the support of
concept professionally
develop the necessary
the board of Directors of
developed. In April of 2020
business models to help
LLL, the objectives of the
during the COVID-19
those who are looking to
organization are as follows:
outbreak, she was offered
learn marketable skills.
an incredible deal on an
This became the
82.5-acre ranch, and she
framework for what is now
knew the ministry had
our Learn Live Launch™
learn about each
been birthed.
concept. The ministry
candidate for our training
By creating two for-
found its home site at the
programs. We invest time
profit social enterprises,
beautiful Bethel Ranch in
getting know them
Kristi believes their income
Whitewright, Texas.
personally. Who are they?
THE LEARN LLL takes the time to
What are their God given
family. Everyone in our
experiential learning will
talents? What are they
programs will learn to see
bring out the best in them.
passionate about? What
the best in themselves, so
They live these skills by
careers can utilize their
they can go forward and
working as an intern using
talents? What do they
follow their dreams.
the job skills they will need for their chosen career.
need to learn to follow that dream? How can we best teach them the skills
THE LIVE We believe that each
Whether they work on our Ranch or with a partnering
they need to succeed?
candidate in LLL training
company, we will be
They will also learn basic
programs will get the most
paying their labor costs
skills to help them in life,
out of the experience if
while they learn, and we
from budgeting their
they live it. Some
will supervise their progress.
money to interviewing skills
classroom style learning is
With hands on learning
to how to balance life and
important, but mostly
and mentorship provided,
each candidate will be prepared to live out their true passions. THE LAUNCH Once equipped with knowledge and experience, we help prepare each candidate for the professional world of business by helping them with understanding proper business attire for job interviews, attitude in the workplace and tools they need for success. As part of the LAUNCH program we set up job prospects and give them the physical tools they need for success. For instance, someone who wants to be a Chef and goes through our Culinary program may receive a set of Chef’s knives as part of their LAUNCH. Someone else may need help getting enrolled in vocational school or college to further their careers, and we may pay for their first semester to take their careers to even greater heights. In the end, we give them the individualized assistance they need to successfully launch into the future they previously only imagined.
LIVING EVERY MOMENT TO SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY Taking advantage of life's opportunities wherever they present themselves By Simon Jacobson
You first must recognize it, to seize an opportunity. While some of the opportunities given to you in life are obvious, others are hidden. What does it mean that an opportunity is hidden, and how can you find it? GENERATE SPARKS A physical analogy: Picture a matchbook. If the matchbook is in working order (i.e. it is not waterlogged or missing a critical component), every match contains the potential to generate sparks and light flames. Although you do not see sparks when you look at the matchbook, you recognize the potential for sparks because you know the matchbook’s function. You know that all it will
“Random” encounters:
take to extract a spark
difficult, but they are rife
from a match is the act of
with opportunities. If it
Every one of your
striking the match on an
seems like your challenges
encounters, even
appropriate surface or
have not offered you any
seemingly random ones,
igniting it with another
opportunities, change your
has a purpose. Every single
flame.
perspective. Ask yourself:
person whom you
What have my challenges
encounter, even someone
encounter in life — every
taught me? What strengths
unpleasant, is put in your
situation and every person
and skills have you
path for a reason. Always
— is like that matchbook,
acquired to deal with your
be open to hidden,
in the sense that they
setbacks? What good
unexpected possibilities in
contain sparks, which are
came from your
every one of your
generated through your
overcoming a challenge?
experiences. Every
actions. Dismissing any
Have your challenges
encounter, even the ones
experience as useless is like
taken you to new places
that ostensibly seem
looking at a functional
or introduced you to new
superficial, will offer you an
book of matches and
people? Have you, at the
opportunity to be kind, or
deeming it devoid of
very least, gained self-
be helpful, or to refine your
sparks. There is a kernel of
knowledge through the
emotional attributes. When
enormous value in
difficulties you have
you travel, even if it is for
everything, even stuff that
faced? Have you put that
business or pleasure,
is frustrating and
self-knowledge to work?
always be open for the
Everything you
unpleasant. It is up to you
Meetings: You might
spontaneous encounter
to look for the hidden
be through with your
that can change your life
opportunity, for that
formal education, but the
and the life of another.
hidden spark.
school of life is always in
Your work: Your job is
session. When you meet
more than an opportunity
hidden choreography, far
others, even for no special
to earn a living. The
richer than you can
reason, always keep your
people you work with, the
imagine, with sparks of
eyes, ears, and heart open
place where you work,
opportunities concealed in
to new opportunities.
and the actual work that
every step of your journey.
Maybe someone will
you do are suffused with
It is your role to uncover
mention a situation which
opportunities. What can
and ignite these sparks,
can open new doors for
your work teach you about
connecting the dots and
you. Maybe you will
being a better person?
the coordinates of your life
discover that someone
Can you use your work to
trajectory.
needs help with
fulfill your purpose in life,
something. In every
even if the actual work
PLACES WHERE
interaction look for ways to
seems like it is not at all
OPPORTUNITIES HIDE
be of service — that is
connected to it?
Your life is driven by a
Challenges: Challenges can be
where the opportunities are hiding.
For the original story go to: www.meaningfullife.com/recognizingseizing-opportunities/
THE 5 WAYS TO LAUNCH YOUR BEST LIFE NOW!
and tidy! That goes for
responsible for, we not only
grooming too! Hair, nails,
manage to get more
and skin should be neat
accomplished we feel
and clean.
better about what we are
After the launch into
doing. Selfcare can
your new professional life,
include eating well,
you can keep that mojo
getting enough sleep and
going by a few daily or
exercise, but it also should
Now that you are ready, it
weekly personal habits
include time for your
is time to launch your new
such as:
personal growth and
life and career By Connie G. Roth
Launching into a new career takes vigilance. Not only should you have a great resume to present, but you also need to understand how to conduct yourself during the interview. Time to brush
#1 EQ – “Emotional Quotient” is achieved by
enjoyment. #3 Mentor – Most
thinking positively.
successful people in the
Speaking positively to
world have not one, but
yourself is the best way to
many mentors throughout
get to a better place in
their lifetime. They have
your head. Re-direct that
been able to speak to
“stinkin thinkin” to a more
them about their goals
positive program for
and challenges. You may
yourself. We ARE what we
find a good mentor at
consume!
work, at your place of
up interview skills! Dressing for success is particularly important for that first impression. Understanding the position, you are being interviewed for will help you decide what to wear for your big day. If you are interviewing for an agricultural position, dressing casually may be the way to go. When you are interviewing for a management position dressing up will probably be expected. When in doubt, always dress up more than dressing down. And as a reminder make sure your attire is clean
#2 Time Management
worship or several
– We all have lots of things
organizations that want to
we need or want to
help people just like you.
achieve in a day, a week,
#4 Negotiating –
or a month. By allowing
Negotiating for the things
time for selfcare as well as
you want in life is an
for the things we are
exceptionally good skill to
acquire. You will always have things to negotiate. You might want to ask for time off from work, better pay or to lower the cost on an item you want to purchase. A good negotiator will understand the worth of the things they are negotiating. To request an unrealistic term for what you want will be the best way to not get it. Know your facts and use real data to get the terms to your favor. #5 Customer Service – There will never be a more valuable skill than customer service. Understanding how to make your customer happy is essential for any successful business. Your customers could be your co-workers, vendors, or an actual patron of the company you work for. Any personal relationship could be the benefactor of your understanding and knowing how to please.