There's something special about sharing empanadas and diving into deep conversations about life, learning, and entrepreneurship with family. Last week, I had the joy of sitting down with Dr. Dawn Eidelman—who happens to be my mother—for an episode of Founders and Empanadas. As we talked about her incredible journey from academia to global education innovator, I couldn't help but reflect on how growing up in a family of educational entrepreneurs shaped my own view of what's possible in our interconnected world.

The Birth of an Educational Vision

What strikes me most about my mother's story is how personal experiences shaped her educational philosophy. As a five-year-old in West Africa, she was the only white child in a French-speaking school, unable to understand a word. Within three months, she was fluent – a testament to children's remarkable ability to adapt and learn through immersion.

This early experience formed the foundation of her educational philosophy: never underestimate what children can achieve, and don't segregate them based on perceived abilities. As she notes, "We need to care about every child the way we care about our own and their education. That's how we have a responsible, educated citizenship."

From Academia to Innovation

After completing her Ph.D. in Comparative Literature and experiencing life as a professor, my mother made a pivotal decision. During a guided meditation, she asked herself, "What would you have to let go of to become everything you came here to be?" The answer was clear: "Professor Eidelman."

This led to the creation of Paragon, an innovative curriculum that would eventually reach students across the globe. The program wasn't just about teaching facts – it was about fostering global consciousness and making history come alive through student-led projects and cultural exchange.

Global Impact and Cultural Understanding

One of the most fascinating aspects of Paragon's journey was its global adaptation. In England, students transformed Victorian theaters into historical showcases. In the UAE and India, the curriculum was modified to reflect local histories while maintaining its core principle of student-centered learning.

This global perspective resonates deeply with my current work at NeoWork, where we bridge cultural gaps between American clients and teams in the Philippines and Colombia. As my mother taught me, there isn't an inequality of talent, just an inequality of opportunity.

Lessons in Educational Entrepreneurship

My mother's journey offers valuable insights for entrepreneurs:

1. Start with a clear vision, but remain adaptable to local needs and cultural contexts
2. Build strong teams and stay in your zone of genius – don't try to build everything yourself
3. Remember that success isn't just about scaling quickly; it's about creating lasting impact
4. Learn from setbacks and be willing to pivot while staying true to your core mission

Looking Forward

Today, my mother continues her work in consciousness and education through ACEP, combining academic research with practical applications to help people find their own genius zones. Her journey from academia to global educational innovation to consciousness work demonstrates how staying true to your mission while remaining adaptable can create lasting impact.

The conversation reminded me that education isn't just about transferring knowledge – it's about creating spaces where every individual can discover their unique genius and contribute to our global community.

Want to hear more insights about educational entrepreneurship and global perspectives? Listen to the full conversation with Dawn Eidelman, PhD on Founders and Empanadas right here: