Game Changers Silicon Valley

Taking Tuition Off the Table

For generations, higher education has been described as the great equalizer.  But for many families, the cost of tuition has quietly turned that promise into a barrier. W

The New Rules for Graduates in the AI Economy

College is no longer just about earning a degree—it's about proving you're employable in a world shaped by AI. In this episode of Game Changers Silicon Valley, Jim Connor

Why So Many Kids Still Can't Read!

Despite extraordinary advances in technology—and even the rise of artificial intelligence—too many students are still not learning to read at grade level proficiency. Wea

When Does a Tax Assessor Candidate Oppose a Tax Increase?

Every election cycle, there's one race that flies under the radar.  In Santa Clara County, CA, we have an election that affects every homeowner, every taxpayer, and every

Disruption Isn't Random

Disruption isn't random — it follows patterns that can be seen, interpreted, and even anticipated. Yet most companies only recognize those signals after the market has al

The Edge in Education!

Virginia Cheung brings to the table not just policy ideas but personal stories that underscore the urgency of investing in the first five years of a child's life. With Ca

The Crisis at Big City School Districts

I just sat down with Ann Hsu, a bold and fearless candidate for the San Francisco School Board, and let me tell you – this interview is unlike anything you've seen before

Financial Meltdown at the San Francisco Unified School District

The San Francisco school district is in the middle of a financial reckoning, forced to reconcile a significant drop in student enrollment with years of delayed responses

From Honor Rolls to Racial Roles: California's Educational Transformation

California, once renowned for its high-performing public schools, is experiencing significant changes that raise concerns about the future of academic excellence. Notably

The Oppressor Class

Eli Steele's documentary, "Killing America," emerges from a profound silence into a loud, defining statement about the currents sweeping through American education. Born

Breaking the cycle, Crime, Drug Addiction, Recidivism

We share a highly visible, universal concern: the persistent cycle of crime, drug addiction, and recidivism. My interview with former San Jose Mayor and current Congres

Guns, Border, and Immigration Reform

Everyone agrees: We are witnessing unprecedented political polarization and deep divides tearing our country's fabric.  Since the current leadership in Congress cannot c

The Crisis in Public Safety

In the run-up to the 2024 elections, Anna Cheng Kramer, a candidate for California's 15th Congressional District, captures the quintessential American narrative of the un

The Stigma of Mental Illness

No one wants to admit they are being treated for depression, bi-polar disorder or having thoughts about suicide.  The fact is, today's stressful lifestyles will overwhelm

Law & Order Silicon Valley

In today's blog, we delve into the critical role judges play in our justice system. We had the privilege of speaking with Johnene Stebbins, a seasoned deputy district att

Quantifying Startup Risk

In 2023, approximately 3,200 venture-backed firms in the U.S. went out of business, according to data from PitchBook. These startups had collectively raised about $27.2 b

Unlocking the Startup Asset Class

Three Key Steps in Constructing the Startup Asset Class  One fundamental building block to startup investing is defining the sectors and technologies that will fit your

Restructuring the University

Universities face many challenges in their goal of educating students for engagement in the 21st century economy. In this podcast, we delve into this transformative shi

The Prop 19 Fix for a Taxation Nightmare

A Crusade for Justice Imagine inheriting your family home, only to find a tax bill that forces you to sell. It's not fiction; it's the startling reality under Californi

The Destructive Power of Party Politics

In a candid conversation with our host, Jim Connor, Lydia Kou shares her journey from a reluctant council member drawn into politics by community demand to a passionate a