Designing Schools

In this week’s episode, Sabba Quidwai and Stefan Bauschard dive deep into the implications of the latest U.S. executive orders on artificial intelligence, particularly in education. They explore how policy is setting a new tone for AI integration from K–12 to workforce development and highlight actionable guidance from states like Nevada. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for leadership, literacy, and learning design to k...

In this week's episode, Dr. Sabba Quidwai and Stefan Bauschard discuss the significant shifts AI is causing across education, particularly higher education. With the release of OpenAI’s latest models, they explore provocative scenarios, including whether universities can survive without radically reimagining their structures, curricula, and roles. Through candid conversations and real-world examples, they challenge the traditio...

In this episode hosts Dr. Sabba Quidwai and Stefan Bauschard explore the cultural and strategic implications of the Shopify CEO’s provocative memo: “Before you ask for headcount, tell me why AI can't do it.” They unpack major updates from Google and OpenAI, offering a compelling case for why AI is redefining collaboration, creativity, and leadership. This isn’t just about new tools, it’s a call to reimagine how we learn, lead, and ...

In this episode, Sabba and Stefan dive into the rapid acceleration of AI technologies, spotlighting how tools like ChatGPT and Claude are transforming the educational landscape. They explore groundbreaking developments like agentic platforms, transparency in AI reasoning, and what it means for today’s students to be the “Class of AGI.” This is a forward-thinking conversation that challenges leaders to rethink how we prepare people ...

LinkedIn just named AI literacy the #1 fastest-growing skill in the U.S., but it’s not just about learning how to use tools, it’s about rethinking how we work, lead, and learn.

In this episode, Sabba sits down with Ryan Findley, Chief Learning Officer at Learn to Win, to explore how AI can actually enhance our most human skills and why design thinking is essential in an AI-everywhere world. They also dive into the mission behin...

In this episode, Sabba and Stefan explore how artificial intelligence isn't abruptly replacing jobs, but instead quietly transforming them task by task. They dive into the capabilities of OpenAI’s new image and video generators, the blurred lines around creative ownership, and the power of AI-enhanced teams. The conversation emphasizes the need for AI literacy, design thinking, and a reimagining of roles in this rapidly evolvin...

In this episode, the hosts dive into a student’s quote about the transformative power of debate and use it as a launchpad to explore what instruction should look like in a world heading rapidly toward Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). They unpack insights from the recent Nvidia GTC keynote, discuss educational failures in preparing for AI, and spotlight Desert Sands Unified School District’s groundbreaking AI guidance, which i...

AI isn’t waiting. Institutions are.

For the past year, schools, governments, and businesses have been stuck in a waiting game, waiting for guidelines, waiting for tools, waiting for certainty.

Meanwhile, AI researchers and tech companies aren’t waiting at all. They have total confidence in what their machines can do. They believe AI will reason, plan, and solve problems better than humans. And they’re building that future, while the ...

What if students had a say in designing the future of education? In this episode, we hand them the mic. High schoolers from Gary Heidt's Innovation Lab are challenging outdated school systems, questioning AI bans, and rethinking what learning should look like. They’re not waiting for the future to happen to them, they’re building it.

What’s Inside:

🎤 What is a Protopian future? (And why students care)

🤖 AI bans? Students share w...

AI is advancing at a pace that is hard to keep up with - ChatGPT, Claude, and others keep releasing updates, and the pressure to “keep up” is overwhelming. But here’s the thing: most people don’t want to believe this is happening. Not because they don’t understand AI, but because they hope it’s not real.

In this episode, we break down:

• Why AI isn’t just about tools—it’s about reimagining what’s possible
• How students and employ...

With AI models evolving at an overwhelming pace, how do you stay ahead without feeling constantly behind?

This week, we break down the latest AI updates—including Claude, Grok, and the upcoming ChatGPT improvements—and share practical strategies for filtering the noise, staying informed, and making AI work for you.

Topics Covered:

• Filtering the AI Overload: How to assess new models with benchmark prompts.
• The Importance of Trust...

This week, we tackle a question everyone is asking - can AI be more empathetic than humans? From studies showing people preferring AI-generated therapy responses to the latest advancements in AI’s reasoning and research capabilities, we explore what this means for education, work, and society.

We also discuss:

• The latest AI model updates, including GPT-4.5 and Perplexity’s Deep Research
• How AI is helping students learn and debat...

AI, Power, and Politics: Who’s Really in Control?

This week, we unpack the growing intersection of AI, politics, and economic shifts. With AI agents evolving into virtual coworkers, Sam Altman’s latest blog post raises urgent questions about the future of work, democracy, and power. We explore how AI is being used for government efficiency, the potential displacement of jobs, and why policymakers are struggling to keep up.

Plus, we d...

In this episode, we explore a troubling paradox - why do AI researchers and developers have such bold ambitions for machines while so many schools and institutions seem to have low expectations for people? We discuss key signals shaping the future of AI, from reasoning models to agents and innovators, and what this means for education, work, and society. Plus, OpenAI’s Deep Research and its potential for redefining how we learn and...

In this episode, we explore the race for AI dominance and the emergence of China’s DeepSeek model, which has surprised many with its capabilities and efficiency. We discuss the shifting landscape of AI development, its geopolitical implications, and what it means for the future of global power. With insights from AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee and recent discussions from Davos, we examine whether the U.S. can maintain its lead or if ...

This episode was recorded on January 21st. In this episode, we discuss the power of writing as a tool for critical thinking and creativity in a rapidly changing world. From TikTok’s brief ban to historical parallels with today’s challenges, we explore how education must adapt to prepare students for an AI-driven future. Hear why schools should embrace current events and foster critical skills to stay relevant.

Resources Mentio...

In this episode we share the breakthroughs and implications of AI in 2025, with a focus on AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and AI agents in the workforce. The conversation highlights how these advancements are reshaping industries, from real estate to education, by streamlining tasks and enhancing human capabilities. You'll gain insights into how collaboration, intentionality, and adaptability are essential skills to buil...

Industries like tech and healthcare are racing to integrate AI, yet education remains hesitant. In this episode, we explore the disconnect, the risks of inaction, and the strategies educators can use to bridge the gap. From student AI adoption stats to practical frameworks like WISE, we share insights that will inspire urgent action in classrooms and beyond.

You can view our webinar here if you want to catch up on the latest AI up...

From handling tech fails during a presentation to Zapier's bold moves to train their team in AI. We explore how educators and professionals can start using AI effectively and rethink their approach to work and learning.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Learn by Doing: Start experimenting with AI tools for small tasks like drafting emails or organizing workflows.
2. Make Time: Block time to learn AI—it’s an investment that pays off in efficien...