What happens when a curious kid in New Delhi never puts his hand down?

Gaurav Shekhar, Associate Dean at UT Dallas, reflects on how growing up in India shaped his leadership style, his love of experimentation, and his passion for bridging academia with industry. In this episode of Tech Legacies Podcast, Gaurav shares personal stories of fearless curiosity, supportive teachers, and why he now walks into meetings without a pitch deck… and leaves with a mission.

You’ll hear:

• Why childhood encouragement matters more than we realize
• How to start powerful conversations with just one question
• The value of showing up without a script and leading with purpose

What if college is preparing you for something deeper than just technical skills?

In this episode, Fanny Dunagan sits down with Gaurav Shekhar, Associate Dean at the University of Texas at Dallas, who shares what higher education really teaches and why confidence, independent thinking, and real-world connections matter more now than ever.

We dive into:

✅ The “confidence gap” no one talks about in school

✅ How universities can stay relevant in the age of AI

✅ The power of mentorship and bridging academia with industry

📌 Whether you're a student, mid-career professional, or industry leader, this episode will challenge your assumptions about education, talent, and the future of work.

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Connect with Fanny Dunagan on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fannydunagan/

Connect with Gaurav Shekhar on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/gauravshekhar/

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What if education worked like your smartphone?

In this segment from Tech Leaders Untold, former 7-Eleven and Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes lays out a bold, scalable plan to reimagine American education: an Education Operating System (EOS).

Just like Apple’s iOS unlocked a world of innovation, Jim argues that EOS could create universal access to high-quality learning tools, individualized education for every student, and real-time connections between students, teachers, and edtech providers; all while ensuring privacy, security, and interoperability.

You’ll hear:

• Why 13,000 different school systems create a broken, fragmented experience
• How a national EOS could level the playing field for every learner and educator
• What real personalized learning looks like in an AI-enabled classroom
• How EOS could bridge the digital divide and increase third-grade literacy nationwide
• Why Jim believes we need a modern-day JFK-style moonshot to make this happen

If you care about the future of education, AI in the classroom, or building a more equitable system for all, this conversation will inspire you.