From Caving In To Crushing It

This episode: Why the Traditional College Path Is Failing Our Kids—and What One Dad (Phil Vetrano) Did About It. Here’s what you’ll learn about: Phil Vetrano's Transformation from Corporate America to Education Advocacy (0:00) Host Drew Deraney introduces Guest Phil Vetrano, thanking Gennifer Birnbach for the introduction and discussing the concept of life being a linear path. Drew explains the three types of people: Man Number One who is unaware of adversity, Man Number Two who sees adversity as a barrier, and Man Number Three who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth. Phil Vetrano shares his experience in corporate America, where he faced challenges due to his helpful nature and the authoritarian structure of the organization. Phil discusses his background in strategic management and the lack of feedback and empowerment in his previous job, leading him to seek a new path. Phil's Journey into Education and College Consulting (3:45) Phil talks about his career coach's questions about what he enjoys doing, which led him to help his son with college analysis. He explains the complexity of making informed decisions about college, highlighting the need for over 100 skills and 100 variables. Phil shares his passion for educating students and parents about the college decision-making process, noting the high dropout rates and the lack of support for students. He emphasizes the importance of providing valuable information to students and parents, which they often do not receive from guidance counselors, teachers, or parents. Challenges and Opportunities in College Admissions (9:12) Drew and Phil discuss the limitations of guidance counselors in high schools and the challenges parents face in supporting their children's college decisions. Phil explains the linear mindset of many parents, who expect their children to follow the same path they did, often without considering the individual needs and interests of their children. They talk about the lack of support for trade schools, community colleges, and gap years, and the need for more flexible and diverse educational paths. Phil shares his experience working with students with special needs, highlighting the importance of individualized support and career advice. Networking and Building Community Support (13:44) Phil discusses the importance of networking and the impact it can have on career opportunities and personal growth. He shares his own experience of limited networking in corporate America and the significant opportunities he found after starting his own business. Phil emphasizes the value of helping others and the potential for networking to create a supportive community. He talks about the nonprofit organization he started, Helpipedia, which connects people who care about supporting students and families. Phil's Advice for Parents and Students (19:34) Phil shares a story about Joe Montana and his sons, highlighting the challenges of parental advice and the importance of finding the right mentors and coaches. He advises parents not to be too hard on themselves if their children do not follow their advice and to focus on providing opportunities for career exploration. Phil emphasizes the importance of connecting students wit... Chapters (00:00:00) - Phil Vetrano(00:01:13) - Thanks to the Person Who Introduced Phil Vetrano(00:03:57) - Making a Difference in People's Lives(00:10:14) - Should Parents Know About College Selection?(00:12:51) - What is the role of guidance counselors in our schools?(00:14:44) - Special Needs Students' Career Paths(00:20:04) - How to help a child with special needs get out of the house(00:26:03) - Phil Vetrano on Help O'Oeedia(00:31:49) - Phil Jackson: Two Favorite Questions for Parents(00:35:00) - In the Elevator With 7-Year-Old Phil(00:36:56) - Philanthropist on Advice For Young Entrepreneurs(00:39:18) - Living the Life You Want to Live