The Edge in Education!
Game Changers Silicon Valley
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 California spending billions on education and still falling behind, she asks a provocative question: Are we missing the most crucial years of a child's development? Cheung delves deep into the connection between a child's early environment and their long-term academic success. She argues that when children are exposed to stable family routines and communication tools—whether through language, art, or even sign language—it...
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The Crisis at Big City School Districts
Game Changers Silicon Valley
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. Ann doesn’t mince words about the deep-rooted dysfunction plaguing our school district. From exposing how political ambitions have hijacked our children's education to sharing her no-nonsense strategies for restoring fiscal sanity and accountability, Ann delivers a candid, unfiltered take on the mess our public schools have allowed to become the norm. What makes Ann's journey even more compelling is her personal story as...
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Financial Meltdown at the San Francisco Unified School District
Game Changers Silicon Valley
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 to the growing operational costs. This isn’t just a San Francisco problem—it's a glaring example of the challenges facing large school districts nationwide. Today’s conversation centers on the hard truth: there simply aren't enough students to support the district’s bloated infrastructure, and drastic measures are needed to avoid insolvency. In this episode, we dive into the heart of the matter with Supryia Ray, a...
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From Honor Rolls to Racial Roles: California's Educational Transformation
Game Changers Silicon Valley
California, once renowned for its high-performing public schools, is experiencing significant changes that raise concerns about the future of academic excellence. Notably, many high schools have eliminated honors and Advanced Placement classes, while some middle schools have stopped teaching Algebra in the 8th grade. A new state law mandates that all high school students must complete an ethnic studies course to graduate, aimed at enhancing cultural awareness and respect among diverse populations. However, the lack of a standardized curriculum has allowed for the introduction of "Liberated...
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The Oppressor Class
Game Changers Silicon Valley
Eli Steele's documentary, "Killing America," emerges from a profound silence into a loud, defining statement about the currents sweeping through American education. Born deaf, Steele transcends the boundaries of sound to explore the ideological framework shaping the narratives within schools across the nation. Through his lens, Steele investigates the dilution of meritocracy, the ascent of indoctrination, and the looming shadow of censorship, crafting a narrative that questions whether we are on the verge of educational decay or the brink of an academic renaissance. "Killing America" is not...
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Breaking the cycle, Crime, Drug Addiction, Recidivism
Game Changers Silicon Valley
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 Congressional candidate Sam Liccardo, provides a deeper insight into the pernicious nature of this cycle. Sam underscores the deep-seated connection between these elements, painting a picture of a cycle that perpetuates itself but believes it can be dismantled with strategic intervention. His insights, drawn from years in public service, propose a pivot from punitive to rehabilitative justice. At the core of Liccardo’s argument is...
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Guns, Border, and Immigration Reform
Game Changers Silicon Valley
Everyone agrees: We are witnessing unprecedented political polarization and deep divides tearing our country's fabric. Since the current leadership in Congress cannot come to terms, the voters have little option but to send a message by electing new representatives and senators to Congress. I had an opportunity to interview a newcomer in the upcoming primary elections in California. Peter Dixon has impressive international accomplishments, entrepreneurial experience, served as a marine in combat, and a common sense approach to addressing big issues. He believes in finding creative...
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The Crisis in Public Safety
Game Changers Silicon Valley
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 underdog. The story of Anna Chang Kramer, who is vying for a congressional seat in California's 15th District, offers a unique insight into the immigrant experience. Kramer's narrative, which began in Taiwan, weaves through a background of finance, integrity, and a growing sense of public duty to the community. Kramer’s campaign, anchored in enhancing public safety, speaks directly to the growing concerns among...
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The Stigma of Mental Illness
Game Changers Silicon Valley
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 the coping mechanisms of many people. My guest believes it's time to remove the stigma and treat mental illness "just like any other disease." Homeless encampments in commercial districts remain a visible and complex challenge. My guest, Dr. Peter Fund, provides insights about the extent of mental illness among the homeless. Government officials appear unable to formulate a plan to address what appears to be...
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Law & Order Silicon Valley
Game Changers 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 attorney running for Judge in Santa Clara County. Join us as we explore the responsibilities and challenges judges face in maintaining fairness, integrity, and public safety. We discuss the correlation between the decriminalization of drugs and the rise in homelessness. Drawing insights from our conversation with Joanne Stebbins, we explore the challenges faced by local governments in addressing this complex problem.
info_outlineSilicon Valley mythology would have you believe entrepreneurs live in a world where every day is an exciting and intellectually stimulating experience.
However, before enjoying any of those positive outcomes, entrepreneurs go through several rites of passage.
The first entrepreneur rite of passage is finding that seed funding round. It's often one of the first major stumbling blocks, engaging with the venture community where you have no track record and where traction is a matter of survival.
No one really wants to talk about this experience. Many entrepreneurs have lived through that sense of dejection, depression, and the embarrassment accompanying the failure to raise that seed round.
But we found an early seed venture capital fund who was willing to be completely transparent about the qualification, key factors to engage, and the process to close a seed round.
My guest is Amit Garg, Co-founder of Tau Ventures, who has a defined focus on early-stage startup companies that provide AI solutions for healthcare and the enterprise sectors.
Amit has been in the venture capital industry for over twenty including experience at two venture capital firms. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience investing in seed rounds, and his insights are invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to navigate this challenging stage.