Episode 28 | Closing the Gap: How AI and Networking Drive Equity in Education with Ross Romano

Summary

In this episode of the Business of Education, Kyle Wallgren interviews Ross Romano, CEO of September Strategies, about his journey in the ed tech space and the importance of equity in education. They discuss the challenges faced by ed tech founders in messaging, branding, and leveraging AI for equity in the school system. Ross also shares insights on performance coaching and the significance of networking for new founders.

Takeaways

The importance of promoting innovative solutions to address equity in education
Challenges faced by ed tech founders in messaging and branding
The potential of AI to enhance equity in the school system
The significance of networking and performance coaching for new founders

Sound Bites

"I wanted to start this new firm driven by what motivates my work in education overall, which is really promoting innovative solutions to address equity."
"The most common thing that I see when it's not going well is the tendency for a lot of companies entering the ed tech space to gear all of their messaging toward teachers, particularly if teachers are the product users."
"AI is the biggest cheating tool in education because if schools and educators are not making sure that students are learning how to develop the skills to compete with AI, they're cheating students out of their future."

Chapters

00:41 Introduction to Ross Romano and September Strategies

03:50 Promoting Equity in Education

04:51 Challenges in Branding and Messaging for Ed Tech Founders

14:23 Leveraging AI for Equity in Education

24:04 Performance Coaching in the Ed Tech Space

29:21 The Power of Networking for New Founders

About Ross

Ross is a seasoned leader and strategic advisor, specializing in thought leadership, team evaluation, business development, and marketing strategy. He’s known for connecting talent and ideas to drive creative solutions.

Ross has advised nearly 100 education companies, including Soundtrap at Spotify and Curriculum Associates, and has created over 15 podcasts and video series for organizations like ASCD and CoSN. He has also served on advisory boards for companies such as Virtue Analytics and Edsoma. Ross is the founding program chair of the Excellence in Equity Awards with the American Consortium for Equity in Education.

Connect with Ross

LinkedIn: [@rossromano]
X: [@RossBRomano]