In this conversation, host, Jabir McKnight, and Co-Founder and CEO of Assemble, Cortney Woodruff discuss the relevance of higher education, the mission of Assemble, and the importance of bridging the gap between industry and academia. They explore the challenges faced by universities in adapting to changing workforce demands, the role of corporations in shaping educational curricula, and the impact of demographic trends on higher education. 

Cortney shares his entrepreneurial journey, the significance of cultural intelligence, and discusses the evolving landscape of fundraising and investment in diverse startups as well as the challenges and opportunities for individuals seeking to advance their careers within corporate structures. The conversation also touches on the frustrations within the Black community regarding access to opportunities and the importance of democratizing education.

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Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Assemble and Its Mission

03:03 Bridging the Gap in Higher Education

06:05 The Role of Corporations in Education

09:04 The Impact of Demographics on Universities

12:11 The Pandemic's Influence on Education

15:02 Cortney's Entrepreneurial Journey

18:07 Cultural Intelligence and Global Perspectives

20:59 Fundraising Challenges and Opportunities

24:06 Navigating the Investment Landscape

27:07 The Shift in Silicon Valley's Diversity

30:02 Conclusion and Future Outlook

38:19 Navigating Corporate Hierarchies

41:33 Building a Network for Future Executives

44:07 Curating Executive Connections

48:11 Frustrations and Aspirations in the Black Community

51:42 Democratizing Access to Opportunities

54:43 Engaging with Universities

01:00:04 The Future of Education

01:04:34 Future-Proofing Careers for the Next Generation