From Finance to EdTech: The Journey of Judah Karkowsky

EdTech Executive, Judah Karkowsky commits himself to investing, M&A, and impactful finance. He began his career at Boston-based Credit Suisse First and has built a wealth of experience in tech and has since established himself as a trusted thought leader in the emerging EdTech sector. He has served as Senior VP at Amplify and President of Americas at Learnosity. Currently, Mr. Judah Karkowsky is Managing Partner of Leverage Point Group, a firm helping clients make lasting improvements to performance and realize their most important goals.

How did you find yourself as a thought leader in the EdTech sector?

I started my career focused on technology & media at an investment bank and, through that work, became enmeshed in the process of data-driven education. As technology improved and was more available in classrooms, I moved nearly my entire focus into building a better modern education ecosystem to serve the needs of the next generation of learners. As a father, I am completely invested in ensuring the best possible education outcomes for the next generations of learners.

I am, myself, an atypical learner, and I found that teaching or learning based on a “sage on a stage”-led process was not ideal. In order for the U.S. to remain relevant in the realm of education, education institutions across the country, including my alma maters, had to evolve.

What are the top lessons you’ve learned from your experience as an EdTech executive?

There are so many valuable lessons to be learned within the realm of EdTech, and the path to executive is rife with lessons and challenges that have helped me develop. I’ve learned that every person approaches challenges differently, and that means there is no single or “right” way to tackle problems.

Just as perspectives vary, so do learning styles. Everyone learns differently, so a one-size-fits-all approach is unlikely to work for a sizable subset of any population.

Moreover, making a change to an existing process takes time, no matter how much you push or how hard you try. Patience and passion are what is needed to survive any evolution.

What sets you apart within the EdTech sector?

Because of my diverse experience in the EdTech space, I have had the opportunity to meet a number of key leaders both in education and media. As such, I am able to navigate industry nuances while simultaneously understanding where to find the right fit for both companies themselves and the talent within.

What strategy has helped you grow along your career path?

Some of the hardest-won knowledge I have come to know is understanding that successful executives can never be ashamed to ask for word-of-mouth referrals. Clients aren't naturally thinking about expanding your business for you; they're focused on theirs. Good talent is hard to find and collaboration between an in-house and external team is like a marriage –– if it isn't built on clear expectations, lacks open and frequent communication, and has a path to deal with disappointments, it is going to fail.

What do you envision for your professional future?

Collaboration is key in the realm of EdTech, especially as we look to the future. As more distant education becomes popular and on-demand / streaming consumption of media continues to grow, I anticipate a greater need for partnerships, consolidations, and relationships in the media and information spaces. This need to work together points to intervention and support from professionals like myself, and I sincerely hope and expect the purpose-driven areas of my business to grow.

Key Takeaways

• Journey of Purposeful Evolution: Embrace the idea that a meaningful career journey often involves unexpected shifts, driven by a deep passion and a sense of purpose. Your path may take you from one domain to another as you align your work with your values and the needs of the world.

• Learning Beyond Tradition: Recognize that true enlightenment often lies beyond traditional structures and the notion of a single "sage on a stage." Be open to alternative modes of education and the wisdom that can be gained from unconventional learning experiences.

• Wisdom in Diversity: Understand that the diversity of perspectives and learning styles is a treasure trove of wisdom. There is no universally "right" way to solve problems; embrace the richness of varied approaches and adaptability as you navigate life's challenges.

• The Patience of Transformation: Acknowledge that meaningful change and transformation, especially in established processes, require time and resilience. Patience and unwavering passion are the catalysts that can endure and fuel the evolution of systems and ideas.

• The Art of Purpose-Driven Networking: Realize that successful partnerships and collaborations are built on clear expectations, open communication, and resilience to setbacks. In the interconnected world of EdTech and beyond, seek relationships that align with your purpose and contribute to the greater good.

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About Judah Karkowsky

Meet Judah Karkowsky, an experienced ESG and EdTech executive with a passion for creating better learning experiences for students. Leveraging his expertise in directing and overseeing organizational strategies, business planning, operations, management, pipeline development, and transformation, Judah is committed to driving innovation and growth in the industry. He is a devoted family man, raising four children with his wife, who is a special education instructor. Judah holds a degree in Valuation and Finance from New York University.