In this episode, I chat with Lawrence Fauntleroy - Director, Experiential Learning Lehman College, School of Business. Lawrence is a seasoned professional who dedicated 27 years of his life to the healthcare IT industry. Without the advantage of a college degree, Lawrence's path was shaped by a natural affinity for his field and a talent for forming meaningful connections—essentially building his career on what many would call "networking" before he himself was familiar with the term. However, his steadfast journey took a significant turn following a personal family tragedy, which prompted him to reevaluate his life's direction. This introspection led to a decision to pivot away from the security of his long-term career—often referred to as "golden handcuffs" due to the comfort and stability it provided—and step into the uncertainty of a new professional adventure. Lawrence is here to share his inspiring journey of personal growth, from the catalyst of tragedy to the triumphant completion of his education, crafting a narrative that proves: it’s never too late to invest in oneself. We'll delve into the gritty details of how Lawrence and his team are revolutionizing the educational landscape, intertwining the essential hard skills with the soft skills of presence and critical thinking. He's bringing industry and academia into a dance of mutual accountability, cultivating a generation of professionals equipped not just with knowledge, but with the wisdom to apply it. From discussing pressing issues such as the decline of men in higher education to innovative solutions like repurposing real estate, Lawrence's insights are reshaping the value proposition of education. With the Hispanic-serving institution serving a kaleidoscope of cultures, Lehman College stands out as a beacon of diversity and opportunity in the Bronx. Lawrence isn't stopping there; with initiatives like the CUNY two x tech talent pipeline and the upskilling program, he's bridging gaps and lighting pathways for students straight into new industries. Imagine a boot camp that doesn't just prepare you -- it transforms you. Time stamps: 00:00 Determined student completes accelerated double major program. 05:07 Delta more important in theory to practice. 06:34 Dialogue essential between industry and higher education. 10:23 Creating pathways for tech careers through partnerships. 13:16 The Bronx supports small businesses, offering courses. 20:15 Maximizing impact with frugal funding allocation. 21:00 Decline of men in college education and workforce. 25:07 Strengthen partnership with Streetwise for mentorship. 30:05 Excited about new students, focusing on education. 33:48 Apply basketball coaching mindset to business challenges. 34:30 Challenges and value of education in AI. Follow Lawrence on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrencefauntleroy/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elenaagar/support