ClickPoint podcast

47:25

Welcome to ClickPoint, where we explore the intersection of education, technology, venture capital, and sustainability to uncover transformative possibilities. In this episode, host KwaKu Aning reconnects with Betsy Corcoran , cofounder of Lead Labs and cohost of the FutureFluent podcast. A former journalist and founder of EdSurge, Betsy brings a lifelong relationship with technology—beginning with punch cards and vacuum tubes in her childhood—into today’s conversations about AI, literacy, and innovation. Betsy shares how growing up with a Cold War-era engineer father shaped her understanding of computers, curiosity, and future-thinking. They dive into the evolution of tech, the role of journalism in humanizing innovation, and the critical questions we should be asking as AI reshapes culture, learning, and society. From binary counting at the kitchen table to shaping the conversation around AI and equity, this episode is a warm, rich exploration of human connection through—and beyond—technology. Key Moments: 00:00 | Welcome + Cozy Conversations by the Fire 02:15 | How Personal History Shapes Tech Worldview 05:49 | Second Grade Homework… on a Mainframe 07:54 | Curiosity, Conversations, and the Influence of Dad 11:06 | Parallel Processing, Play, and Thinking Ahead 14:29 | KwaKu’s Parallel Story: Tech, Music & Motherhood 16:28 | Asking Better Questions = Better Connections 18:19 | Books, Verbal Processing & Intellectual Play 20:57 | Jane Jacobs & Cross-Pollinating Ideas 23:31 | Generalists, Songwriting, and Crafting Prompts 27:56 | Early Web Days, Email, and Explaining Innovation 32:42 | Metaphors, Meaning-Making & Community 35:55 | The Big AI Questions: What’s in the Box? 39:41 | The NYT Lawsuit, DOTA2, and Training Data 42:55 | Kissinger, AI Ethics, and Building with Integrity 44:21 | Introducing FutureFluent : Literacy in an AI World 46:01 | Final Thoughts on Voice, Values, and Asking More Follow KwaKu Aning 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwakuaning Follow Betsy Corcoran 🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsycorcoran/ Follow ClickPoint 🚀 Stay tuned for more authentic conversations on innovation, human connection, and the future of learning. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss upcoming conversations with visionary leaders reimagining how we connect, create, and lead across industries.…

ClickPoint

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Exploring Technology's Role in Connection and Storytelling with Dan Blumberg 53:33

27 days ago53:33

53:33

In this episode of ClickPoint, our host, KwaKu Aning, delves into a fascinating conversation with Dan Blumberg, the insightful mind behind the podcast Crafted. In this episode, Dan shares his journey from being captivated by the strategic game Railroad Tycoon as a teenager to becoming a prominent figure in the realm of product management and innovation. Learn how his early passion for systems thinking translated into a successful career that spans from radio production to consulting work at major institutions like Citibank and The New York Times. Dan offers a rich perspective on the importance of storytelling, not just within media and podcasts, but as a crucial element in designing products that resonate with users. He shares his experience of navigating the intersection of technology and human connection, highlighting how tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams play into professional and personal interactions. Dan also brings up the significance of maintaining the authentic human element in conversations, particularly in an era where AI technology is rapidly advancing and influencing content creation. Join us as we explore how Dan Blumberg leverages his diverse experience to impact the world of product management and podcasting, all while pondering the exciting, yet sometimes daunting, implications of new technologies. This is an episode packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in the evolving relationship between technology and human stories. Key Moments 06:01 "The Journey of Transformation" 08:49 Lead with Benefits, Not Features 11:00 Tools Change, Jobs Don't 14:41 Choosing Software: Trial to Purchase Decision 18:32 Perceptions Based on Video Call Platforms 23:01 Non-Compliant Communications Cost Banks Millions 25:19 "Video Conferencing Hardware Insights" 28:55 Tech Interview Prep and Rapport 31:07 Nutty Butter Breakfast Story 34:11 BNY Mellon Engagement Success 37:10 AI's Impact on Podcasting 40:13 AI-Generated Audio Innovation 44:10 Evolution of Music Recording 48:29 Ethics of Internal Editing 51:36 Podcasting Reflections and Gratitude Follow Kwaku Aning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwaku-aning/ Follow Dan Blumberg LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblums/ Website: https://www.modernproductminds.com/ Follow ClickPoint Stay updated for more insightful conversations on education, leadership, and the future of technology. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on conversations with visionary thinkers redefining industries and human connection.…

ClickPoint

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Building Meaningful Connections in a Digital Age with Susan McPherson 41:21

6 weeks ago41:21

41:21

In this episode, host Kwaku Aning sits down with Susan McPherson, Founder and CEO of McPherson Strategies. McPherson Strategies is a women-owned and led B Corp-certified boutique communications consultancy focused on social impact and corporate responsibility. Susan, known as a "serial connector," shares invaluable insights on the power of authentic relationship-building in a remote-first world. From her early influences to her strategies for fostering deep and meaningful connections, Susan highlights the role of intentionality, curiosity, and generosity in networking. She also delves into the impact of AI and digital communication on relationships and offers practical advice on making virtual teams feel as connected as in-person ones. Key Moments: 01:47 | The Early Influences That Shaped Susan’s Approach to Connection 04:28 | Nature vs. Nurture in Building Relationship Skills 09:06 | The Digital Age: What We Lose and Gain in Online Connections 12:44 | The Difference Between Meaningful and Transactional Networking 17:06 | Quality vs. Quantity in Professional Relationships 21:09 | Running a Remote-First Business: Challenges & Best Practices 25:44 | Creating a Culture of Connection in Virtual Teams 29:37 | The Role of AI in Relationship-Building 34:03 | Future of Networking and the Importance of In-Person Meetings 38:26 | Daily Habits for Strengthening Connections 41:00 | Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Susan Follow Kwaku Aning LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwaku-aning/ Follow Susan McPherson LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmcpherson/ Website : https://www.mcpstrategies.com/ Follow ClickPoint Stay updated for more insightful conversations on education, leadership, and the future of technology. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on conversations with visionary thinkers redefining industries and human connection.…

ClickPoint

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Leveraging AI and Tech in Venture Capital with Jessica Millstone 49:57

7 weeks ago49:57

49:57

In this episode of ClickPoint, Kwaku sits down with Jessica Millstone, co-founder and managing director of Copperwire Ventures, an early-stage fund specializing in women-led technology companies, particularly in the education sector. Together, they delve into Jessica's journey from her early connections with technology to her impactful work today. She shares insightful anecdotes about growing up with tech due to her family's business and how these experiences shaped her professional path. Jessica and Kwaku discuss the evolution of digital communication, examining the blurred lines between personal and professional tech use and how generational shifts are influencing these connections. Tune in to explore the "messy middle" of maintaining human connections in an increasingly digital world and discover how Jessica's selective approach to integrating new technologies enriches her work at Copperwire Ventures. Key Moments 05:38 Embracing Personal Tech Evolution 07:08 Gen X Digital Native's Tech Impact 11:55 "From Personal Use to Startup Idea" 15:33 Claude: AI Rapper and Thought Partner 17:19 "Evolution of Human-Computer Interactions" 20:53 Simplifying Investor Accessibility 24:33 Zoom Beats In-Person Meetings 28:48 Digital Connection Irony 33:03 Digital Networking Enhances Career Opportunities 35:49 Holocaust Letters Audio Project 38:44 Balancing Tech and Personal Connections 42:12 LinkedIn Overtakes Twitter for Networking 44:26 LinkedIn's Networking Dynamics Follow Kwaku Aning 🔗 LinkedIn Follow Jessica Millstone 🔗 LinkedIn Copper Wire Ventures Follow ClickPoint 🚀 Stay updated for more insightful conversations on education, leadership, and the future of technology. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on conversations with visionary thinkers redefining industries and human connection.…

ClickPoint

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Navigating Technology and Human Connection with Louka Parry 50:52

9 weeks ago50:52

50:52

Welcome to the first episode of ClickPoint, where we explore the intersection of education, technology, venture capital, and sustainability to uncover transformative possibilities. In this episode, host Kwaku Aning sits down with Louka Parry, CEO and Founder of The Learning Future, an organization dedicated to helping schools, systems, and companies thrive in an evolving world. Louka shares his insights on leveraging technology to foster meaningful global connections, particularly from the geographically isolated context of Australia. We explore his journey across cultures, the role of digital tools in education and leadership, and how to balance technology with authentic human connection. From practical tech solutions to the power of vulnerability, Louka provides valuable insights on collaboration, creativity, and the future of learning. Key Moments: 00:00 | Embracing Global and Personal History 05:33 | Australian Isolation: Connecting Through Technology 09:44 | Balancing Analog and Virtual Connections 12:32 | Tech’s Role in Human Connection 14:23 | Technology: Tool for Connection or Consumption? 19:32 | "Remembering Agency Over Helplessness" 21:55 | Empowered Collaboration Over Passive Consumption 24:34 | Evolving Creativity and Its Impact 29:21 | "Authentic Vulnerability at Stanford" 34:03 | Embracing Abundance Through Connection 36:40 | Cultivating Growth and Curiosity in Teams 39:57 | "Beyond Personal Branding: Authentic Leadership" 44:05 | "AI, Authenticity, and Ethical Implications" 47:53 | "How a Digital Connection Led to Global Impact" 48:28 | Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Louka Follow Kwaku Aning 🔗 LinkedIn Follow ClickPoint Stay updated for more insightful conversations on education, leadership, and the future of technology. Enjoyed this episode? Don’t miss out on conversations with visionary thinkers redefining industries and human connection.…

ClickPoint

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Introducing: The ClickPoint Podcast 0:56

10 weeks ago0:56