ClickPoint

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, cohost of the Future Fluent podcast. A former journalist and cofounder of Lede Labs, 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 Fire02:15 | How Personal History Shapes Tech Worldview05:49 | Second Grade Homework… on a Mainframe07:54 | Curiosity, Conversations, and the Influence of Dad11:06 | Parallel Processing, Play, and Thinking Ahead14:29 | KwaKu’s Parallel Story: Tech, Music & Motherhood16:28 | Asking Better Questions = Better Connections18:19 | Books, Verbal Processing & Intellectual Play20:57 | Jane Jacobs & Cross-Pollinating Ideas23:31 | Generalists, Songwriting, and Crafting Prompts27:56 | Early Web Days, Email, and Explaining Innovation32:42 | Metaphors, Meaning-Making & Community35:55 | The Big AI Questions: What’s in the Box?39:41 | The NYT Lawsuit, DOTA2, and Training Data42:55 | Kissinger, AI Ethics, and Building with Integrity44:21 | Introducing FutureFluent: Literacy in an AI World46:01 | Final Thoughts on Voice, Values, and Asking MoreFollow KwaKu Aning 🔗https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwakuaningFollow 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.

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 Moments06:01 "The Journey of Transformation"08:49 Lead with Benefits, Not Features11:00 Tools Change, Jobs Don't14:41 Choosing Software: Trial to Purchase Decision18:32 Perceptions Based on Video Call Platforms23:01 Non-Compliant Communications Cost Banks Millions25:19 "Video Conferencing Hardware Insights"28:55 Tech Interview Prep and Rapport31:07 Nutty Butter Breakfast Story34:11 BNY Mellon Engagement Success37:10 AI's Impact on Podcasting40:13 AI-Generated Audio Innovation44:10 Evolution of Music Recording48:29 Ethics of Internal Editing51:36 Podcasting Reflections and GratitudeFollow Kwaku AningLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwaku-aning/Follow Dan BlumbergLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dblums/Website: https://www.modernproductminds.com/Follow ClickPointStay 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.

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 Connection04:28 | Nature vs. Nurture in Building Relationship Skills09:06 | The Digital Age: What We Lose and Gain in Online Connections12:44 | The Difference Between Meaningful and Transactional Networking17:06 | Quality vs. Quantity in Professional Relationships21:09 | Running a Remote-First Business: Challenges & Best Practices25:44 | Creating a Culture of Connection in Virtual Teams29:37 | The Role of AI in Relationship-Building34:03 | Future of Networking and the Importance of In-Person Meetings38:26 | Daily Habits for Strengthening Connections41:00 | Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with SusanFollow Kwaku Aning LinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/kwaku-aning/Follow Susan McPhersonLinkedIn : https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanmcpherson/Website : https://www.mcpstrategies.com/Follow ClickPointStay 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.

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 Moments05:38 Embracing Personal Tech Evolution07:08 Gen X Digital Native's Tech Impact11:55 "From Personal Use to Startup Idea"15:33 Claude: AI Rapper and Thought Partner17:19 "Evolution of Human-Computer Interactions"20:53 Simplifying Investor Accessibility24:33 Zoom Beats In-Person Meetings28:48 Digital Connection Irony33:03 Digital Networking Enhances Career Opportunities35:49 Holocaust Letters Audio Project38:44 Balancing Tech and Personal Connections42:12 LinkedIn Overtakes Twitter for Networking44:26 LinkedIn's Networking DynamicsFollow Kwaku Aning🔗 LinkedInFollow Jessica Millstone🔗 LinkedInCopper Wire VenturesFollow 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.

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 History05:33 | Australian Isolation: Connecting Through Technology09:44 | Balancing Analog and Virtual Connections12:32 | Tech’s Role in Human Connection14:23 | Technology: Tool for Connection or Consumption?19:32 | "Remembering Agency Over Helplessness"21:55 | Empowered Collaboration Over Passive Consumption24:34 | Evolving Creativity and Its Impact29:21 | "Authentic Vulnerability at Stanford"34:03 | Embracing Abundance Through Connection36:40 | Cultivating Growth and Curiosity in Teams39:57 | "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 LoukaFollow Kwaku Aning🔗 LinkedInFollow ClickPointStay 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.