Connect The Dots

About Connect The Dots

This podcast explores the path to success and the dots that are connected along the way. We are curious about the stories of successful people and the journey that took them from A to here. Hosted by Geoffrey Klein, our aim is to share these stories in the hope that you will learn from them to help others...connect the dots.

Publisher

nine dots

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

23 Sept 2017

Latest episode

17 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

66 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Sept 2025

   S7E9: Siya Rajpal | Accessible Education

   In this energizing conversation, host Geoffrey Klein sits down with Siya Rajpal—author, investor, and member of OpenAI’s education team, where she explores the evolution of tech-enabled learning and drives adoption of ChatGPT Edu across higher-ed and K-12 institutions. Siya recounts her journey from aspiring engineer to ed-tech pioneer. She shares behind-the-scenes stories as an early employee at Udacity and Springboard, and an investor at GSV Ventures. Siya explains how ChatGPT Edu is reshaping classrooms at Wharton and beyond. You’ll learn why AI is the ultimate co-founder, coach, and creativity amplifier, plus practical ways teachers and learners can level up by treating the model as a thought partner. Previously, Siya authored Engineering America—a call to close the nation’s STEM skills gap. Her mission: create pathways that lift learners into new socioeconomic opportunity. Siya shares: How to prompt ChatGPT to “think like a Nobel laureate” for strategy breakthroughs. Real-world use cases from K-12 classrooms to Georgia Tech’s online master’s. A 40-year horizon mindset removes early-career anxiety. Actionable teacher tips and resources for lesson planning, grading, and personalized tutoring. As an education strategist, Siya reveals how today’s AI tools unlock bigger thinking, faster upskilling, and greater economic mobility for students and professionals alike. Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or simply AI-curious, this episode will help you connect the dots between today’s tools and tomorrow’s opportunities. Resources & Links Connect with Siya on LinkedIn. OpenAI Academy free courses for educators Engineering America book by Siya Rajpal Book mentioned: 7 Rules of Power Emoji: Connect with Geoffrey: Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn E-mail Geoffrey Keynote Speaker nine dots

2. 

   10 Sept 2025

   S7E8: Tesäen “T” Chavis | Take Up Space

   On this episode, Geoffrey chats with Tesäen “T” Chavis, Product Manager, Music Promotion and Gen AI Video at YouTube, who shares how generative video tools are empowering artists—and why she measures success by kindness and naps. From starting college at 15 to leading zero-to-one products (focusing on building something unique and valuable, rather than copying current solutions) at YouTube, T Chavis has always chased possibilities. In this powerful conversation, T details her journey through pharma comms, data-driven marketing at L’Oréal, and product roles at Spotify and Uber before landing at YouTube to revolutionize music promotion with generative AI video. T explains how creators can treat AI as a “sous-chef,” speeding post-production and unlocking visuals never seen before, while still valuing human craft. She also opens up about imposter syndrome, advocating for yourself in boardrooms, and redefining success around mental health, inclusion, and—yes—epic naps. T shares: How Unlock AI video workflows you can try today—no prompt engineering PhD required. The inside story of building zero-to-one products at tech giants like Google, Spotify, and Uber. How to combat imposter syndrome To Redefine success around peace, kindness, and sustainable creativity. By episode’s end, you’ll have practical tips for leveling up your AI literacy and a fresh perspective on purposeful innovation. T is passionate about harnessing emerging tech to empower artists, as she champions diversity, inclusion, global travel, karaoke, and the restorative power of a good nap. Resources & Links Connect with T on LinkedIn Google One AI Plans (Ultra & Pro) – try Gemini & more free for 30 days Flow – T’s favorite Gen AI video playground Book mentioned: The Courage to Be Disliked Favorite Emoji: Connect with Geoffrey: Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn E-mail Geoffrey Keynote Speaker nine dots Instagram The Content Beast (book)...

3. 

   3 Sept 2025

   S7E7: Brandon Krakowsky | Yes Always Opens a Door

   On this episode, Geoffrey Klein chats with Brandon Krakowsky, Lecturer at Penn Engineering and Director of Data Science & Research at the Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative. Brandon leads data/AI projects and experiential learning with industry partners. Brandon tells his story of a winding path from dreams of being a hotdog vendor at baseball games, to being a communications major and gigging bassist, to a computer programmer and educator. This all shaped his approach to AI education. Brandon breaks down how experiential learning with real company data accelerates student growth, why saying “yes” opens unexpected doors, and practical ways anyone can get AI-literate fast. He unpacks the student-built projects from Wharton’s week-long HackAI competition, plus the teaching tactics he uses to demystify Python, Java, and data science for diverse learners. Brandon shares: What effective AI education looks like in practice—projects, scaffolding, and tools you can use today. A playbook for experiential learning with real stakeholders and real data. A no-fluff starter kit for AI literacy—from prompts to “vibe coding.” Career advice that balances craft, curiosity, and family without chasing titles. You’ll leave with concrete steps to experiment with tools, analyze data, and stay current without overwhelm—all while keeping creativity and career fulfillment in view. Resources & Links Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn Wharton AI & Analytics Initiative Podcast: Learn the Technology with Brandon Krakowsky Book/Magazine: Rolling Stone Connect with Geoffrey: Connect with Geoffrey on LinkedIn E-mail Geoffrey Keynote Speaker nine dots Instagram The Content Beast (book) Sponsored by the AIQ newsletter for snackable AI content for the busy professional. Music produced by Sam Miller. Enjoyed the episode? Subscribe to Connect the Dots and leave a quick review—it helps more listeners connect their own dots with AI insights!

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.