The Blueprint: Guiding Students as They Draw Their Future

Brilliant Pathways

A forward-thinking podcast that explores the evolving challenges and opportunities in preparing students for college and career success. The show offers expert insights, actionable strategies, and real-life stories to help listeners better support young people.

Episodes

  1. The Vital Role of Entrepreneurship in Education

    JAN 14

    The Vital Role of Entrepreneurship in Education

    In this conversation, Manny Tejeda and Dr. John Fortune discuss the significance of entrepreneurship, especially for the younger generation. Dr. Fortune shares his journey from being a trauma surgeon to becoming an entrepreneur in medical simulation. He emphasizes the importance of identifying problems, taking risks, and the essential skills needed for success. Mentorship plays a crucial role in navigating the entrepreneurial landscape, and Dr. Fortune reflects on the lessons learned from his ventures. The discussion also highlights ways to foster an entrepreneurial mindset in youth through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Blueprint(00:01:23) - John Fleming on Starting a Business and His Challenges(00:05:33) - Starting a Business(00:07:12) - In the Elevator With Entrepreneurs: The Essential Skills(00:09:38) - In the Elevator With John Feist(00:11:01) - Your First Venture and Second(00:13:02) - Blitzech: Encouragement and Support for Entrepreneurs

    19 min
  2. First Gen Playbook

    12/10/2025

    First Gen Playbook

    Listen in as host Manny Tejeda is joined by Shameka Shoemaker, CFES (Brilliant Pathways) alumna, who shares her inspiring journey from being a first-generation college student to pursuing a PhD in educational leadership. She discusses the challenges she faced in navigating college, the importance of community support, and her passion for giving back. Shameka emphasizes the role of perseverance and open-mindedness in achieving success and encourages others to challenge the status quo. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Blueprint(00:01:37) - First-Generation Students at the Blueprint(00:06:13) - St. John's alumnus on her path to a Ph(00:09:24) - CFVs in the Community(00:11:34) - Inspiring Students: Perseverance(00:13:03) - The Blueprint: College and Career Readiness

    14 min
  3. College ROI: Beyond the Numbers

    11/12/2025

    College ROI: Beyond the Numbers

    In this conversation, Colgate University President, Brian Casey, discusses the shifting dynamics of higher education, emphasizing the historical context of renegotiating the relationship between society and colleges. He highlights current challenges, including demographic shifts, rising costs, and a growing skepticism about the value of a college education. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Blueprint: College and Career Success(00:01:51) - Higher Education: The Valor of Colleges(00:09:10) - Late Decision on Colleges(00:15:58) - The role of the liberal arts in the future(00:20:57) - The Blueprint: A Special Thank You for Colgate University

    22 min
  4. Where Have All the Young Men Gone?

    10/08/2025

    Where Have All the Young Men Gone?

    In this episode, host Manny Tejeda and Kyle Dodson dive into the growing concern of fewer young men enrolling in college and pursuing higher education. We examine the societal pressures, educational barriers, and personal challenges driving this decline, and how these factors shape career opportunities, workforce readiness, and the future economy. Our conversation also explores solutions—emphasizing the role of supportive learning environments, mentorship, and skill-building opportunities that can reignite passion for education and help young men thrive in school, work, and life. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Blueprint: Why Men Are Not Going to College(00:01:26) - Why Are Few Men Choosing College?(00:01:49) - Why Are Men Not Committing to College?(00:03:55) - On Men and Toxic Masculinity(00:07:13) - On college choice for boys(00:10:59) - What Can Schools Do to Increase Male Student Participation in Education?(00:11:55) - The Need for a More Connective Education(00:16:36) - Passion in the Military(00:21:56) - The Opportunity Gap for Young Men(00:23:42) - Crisis with Males on The Blueprint

    25 min
  5. Is College Still the Golden Ticket?

    09/17/2025

    Is College Still the Golden Ticket?

    In this episode, host Manny Tejeda and Bob Seaberg dive into the shifting landscape of higher education and ask the big question: Is a college degree still the golden ticket in today’s economy? They unpack the decline in enrollment, rising doubts about the return on investment, and the growing appeal of alternative paths like trade schools and community colleges. More than just credentials, the conversation highlights the real keys to success—skills development, adaptability, and a growth mindset—helping students prepare for a job market that’s changing faster than ever. Chapters (00:00:00) - The Blueprint(00:01:16) - Is College Broken or Even pointless?(00:05:40) - Enrollment cliff for colleges(00:09:33) - Not Ready to Give Up on College Degrees(00:10:42) - WSJD Live: How to Win in the Future(00:14:30) - The Future of College: Alternatives

    20 min
  • 5 Episodes

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A forward-thinking podcast that explores the evolving challenges and opportunities in preparing students for college and career success. The show offers expert insights, actionable strategies, and real-life stories to help listeners better support young people.

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