Introduction:

In a recent interview, we had the opportunity to speak with Dylan, the founder of Next-Gen, a platform that empowers the next generation to succeed in both work and life. Dylan shares his background in entrepreneurship, his passion for problem-solving, and the common thread that has guided his journey. He also discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Next-Gen's live events business and how they successfully adapted to the changing landscape. Furthermore, Dylan delves into the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) in education and the innovative ways Next-Gen is leveraging AI to personalize skill-building experiences for its users.

A Journey Fueled by Problem-Solving:

Dylan's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, marked by his early ventures in trading stocks in middle school and winning competitions. However, what truly drove him was his desire to solve meaningful problems that would also benefit people. From selling lollipops in high school to helping students with their college applications, Dylan's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Next-Gen Summit, an event for young entrepreneurs, which quickly became a prominent platform for entrepreneurial youth. Through Next-Gen, Dylan and his team have worked with thousands of young people, helping them explore their passions, develop essential skills, and make a positive impact.

The Challenge of Embracing Change:

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant challenges to Next-Gen's event-based business model, as in-person gatherings became impossible. Dylan shares the initial struggle of accepting the new reality and the uncertainty it brought. However, instead of giving up, they decided to pivot and explore new opportunities. They recognized the power of technology in scaling their mission and serving a broader audience. By listening to their customers and members, they identified a significant opportunity in skills-based hiring and shifted their focus towards providing e-learning and job tech solutions.

The Transformative Role of AI in Education:

Dylan acknowledges the transformative impact of AI on the education industry. He highlights the example of Chegg, a leading education company, whose stock price was affected by the rise of AI-powered solutions like Chat GPT. While some companies are incorporating AI into their existing processes, Dylan emphasizes the need to reimagine education and create new experiences using AI from the ground up. He discusses Next-Gen's platform, Next-Gen Skills, which leverages AI to personalize skill-building journeys for each user. By creating content specifically tailored to individual users' needs, Next-Gen aims to enhance engagement, improve outcomes, and deliver a truly personalized learning experience.

Looking Towards the Future:

Dylan envisions a future where AI plays a vital role in transforming education and solving societal problems. He encourages entrepreneurs and companies to embrace AI as a tool for innovation, rather than simply augmenting existing solutions. By designing products and experiences that harness the power of AI, it becomes possible to create personalized learning journeys, foster engagement, and address the unique needs of each individual.

Conclusion:

Dylan's entrepreneurial journey and Next-Gen's adaptation to change serve as an inspiration to entrepreneurs and innovators facing challenging times. By embracing technology, particularly AI, and continuously seeking new ways to deliver value, entrepreneurs can navigate uncertainties and create a positive impact. The future of education lies in personalized learning experiences powered by AI, enabling individuals to acquire the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of work. Next-Gen's commitment to empowering the next generation reflects the endless possibilities that arise when entrepreneurship and AI intersect.

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