In this episode of The Blueprint, we dive deep into the art of influence within education and community settings. Guest Leroy Nesbitt shares actionable insights on how positive influencing behaviors can transform student pathways toward higher education and rewarding careers. Discover the crucial role of community influencers and learn innovative strategies to inspire, mentor, and empower the next generation.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to the Blueprint and Guest
• (00:01:13) - Defining Influencing
• (00:02:26) - Influencing vs. Advising in College/Career Prep
• (00:05:30) - Generation Alpha and the Need for Influencers
• (00:07:26) - Skills and Styles of Effective Influencers
• (00:10:11) - Identifying and Elevating Student Influencers
• (00:11:57) - Influencer of the Month and Expanding the Network
• (00:13:31) - Peer Mentoring and Influencing Techniques
• (00:15:40) - Community College Mentors Reimagining Campus Visits
• (00:19:10) - Recognizing Everyday Influencers in Schools
• (00:21:59) - Key Influencing Words and Techniques
• (00:25:15) - Empathy, Listening, and the Art of Influencing
• (00:27:03) - Learning from Social Media Influence
• (00:29:09) - Building the Brilliant Pathways Influencer Toolkit
• (00:31:04) - Closing Thoughts and Sign Off

In this summer reflection episode of The Blueprint, we revisit three essential conversations for educators, families, and anyone committed to student success:
1. Redefining Failure in Education: How students can treat setbacks as feedback, build resilience, and separate a difficult outcome from their identity.
2. Future-Ready Learning: How artificial intelligence is reshaping learning, entry-level work, career readiness, and the human skills students will need most.
3. From Purpose to Practice: Entrepreneurship, Wellness, and the Essential Skills That Shape a Career: Why purpose, wellbeing, initiative, creativity, and durable skills matter in every college and career pathway.
Together, these conversations make one thing clear: readiness is more than grades, test scores, or a single postsecondary plan. Students need the confidence to learn from failure, the judgment to use technology wisely, the courage to take initiative, and the essential skills to adapt in a changing world.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to the Blueprint Summer Series
• (00:00:30) - Selena on Alignment, Agility, and Living with Purpose
• (00:02:43) - Finding What Energizes You
• (00:04:33) - AI and the Future of Work: Introducing James Roth
• (00:06:05) - Teaching Critical Thinking in the Age of AI
• (00:08:42) - Foundational Skills and Humanity Over AI Dependence
• (00:10:36) - Reframing Failure: Introducing Ray McNulty
• (00:12:06) - Resilience, Support, and Learning from Failure
• (00:15:28) - Failure-Framed Classrooms and Growth Mindset
• (00:16:54) - Guiding Students Through Multiple Pathways
• (00:18:34) - Closing Thoughts and Sign-Off

In this conversation, Ray McNulty discusses the importance of embracing failure as a crucial part of the learning process. He emphasizes the need for students to be prepared to face challenges and learn from their mistakes, rather than being shielded from failure. McNulty advocates for a shift in perspective on failure, encouraging educators to coach students in a way that fosters resilience and a growth mindset. He uses the metaphor of traffic lights to illustrate how challenges can either stop us or propel us forward, depending on how we choose to respond to them.

• (00:00:00) - Forward Thinking: The Blueprint for College and Career Success
• (00:00:58) - The Blueprint: The Importance of Failure
• (00:01:58) - Why Failure is Good for Students
• (00:07:17) - The Process of Perseverance in Education
• (00:13:06) - Career pathways and the failure culture
• (00:17:57) - Teachers: Let Students Fail
• (00:21:15) - The Blueprint: How to Make Opportunities

As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, how can students and educators prepare for the new world of work? In this episode, Manny Tejeda talks with James Roth about the growing impact of AI on education, entry‑level jobs, and essential workforce skills. Together, they unpack how technology is redefining what it means to be career‑ready.

• (00:00:00) - The Blueprint: How Is AI Affecting Work?
• (00:01:11) - James Roth on FinTech's Blueprint
• (00:01:54) - Will AI Replace Entry-level Jobs in Finance?
• (00:08:14) - The Future of Learning With AI
• (00:18:01) - On Students' Learning With AI
• (00:21:12) - How to Train an AI-ready Student
• (00:23:28) - The Future of Work Is AI-Driven

In this episode, Manny Tejeda interviews Elena Schneible, Founder of Waverider Wellness, she shares her inspiring journey from Vermont to California to Florida, highlighting how her experiences shaped her career in health and wellness. She discusses the importance of self-reflection, agility, and living in alignment to build a meaningful life and career.

• (00:00:00) - The Blueprint
• (00:01:20) - This woman's journey from Vermont to Florida
• (00:04:00) - Vegetarian Coach on How to Build a Career
• (00:06:18) - Have You Changed Your Life Through Yoga?
• (00:08:22) - The Essential Skills of Success
• (00:11:19) - How to Figure Out What You Want to Do

In this insightful interview, Dr. Angel Perez, CEO of NACAC, shares his personal journey from the South Bronx to leading higher education access initiatives. He discusses urgent gaps in college preparation, the role of community-based organizations, and innovative strategies to support students and professionals in the field.

• (00:00:00) - The Blueprint: Preparing Students for College and Career Success
• (00:01:42) - Bob Burling on His Path to College
• (00:04:30) - Brilliant Pathways: The Need for College
• (00:06:29) - What Do You See as the Most urgent gaps in preparing students for
• (00:10:09) - How Do We Support Admissions Professionals?
• (00:16:23) - Community Based Organizations Help Colleges Open the Pipeline
• (00:20:38) - What would a strong partnership with a K through 12 system look like
• (00:23:09) - Agents of Opportunity: The Need for Human Skills
• (00:27:55) - Bookmark: The Hottest Thing on Campus
• (00:29:06) - The Blueprint: The Hottest Seat on Campus

In this episode, Manny Tejeda interviews Gregory Herman, a former CFES scholar, who shares his journey from high school to becoming a dean at a Harlem elementary school. Greg discusses the challenges he faced during his education, the pivotal role of CFES in his college preparation, and the importance of mentorship and representation in education. He emphasizes the need for more black male educators and the impact they can have on students, particularly young black boys. The conversation highlights the significance of community support and innovative approaches in education.

• (00:00:00) - The Blueprint
• (00:01:32) - Gregory Roberts on CFES and His College Experience
• (00:05:18) - Post-Post-Bachelor's Advice
• (00:06:23) - In the Elevator With CFES Educators
• (00:08:44) - An Impact of African American Educators
• (00:11:57) - Black Educators' Need for Professional Networks
• (00:17:36) - Mentorship programs for black men
• (00:18:23) - Mentorship for Black Men in Education

In this episode, Manny Tejeda and Greg Muccio discuss the critical importance of essential skills in the evolving job market. They explore the challenges students face in developing these skills, the significance of networking, and practical strategies for building and showcasing essential skills. The discussion emphasizes the need for effective communication, adaptability, and resilience, as well as the role of parents and educators in fostering these skills in students.

• (00:00:00) - The Blueprint: Preparing Students for the Future
• (00:01:31) - The Blueprint
• (00:02:13) - Essential Skills in our Future
• (00:04:03) - Exploring Your Career Pathway
• (00:07:53) - What Does the Skills Survey Say About Jobs
• (00:10:08) - Build and showcase the Essential Skills
• (00:12:25) - The Durable Skills of Leadership
• (00:18:22) - Employment Network: Communication Skills
• (00:20:21) - Interviewing Students: Clear Path