Best Josh Chernikoff Podcasts (2025)

1
Busy Isn’t Booked: The Silent Sales Mistake Most Founders Miss 20:29

7d ago20:29

20:29

You’re busy. But you’re not booked. You’re showing up on LinkedIn. You’re attending conferences. You’re tweaking your SEO. You’re following the playbook everyone told you to run. And still—your pipeline’s empty. In this episode of Breaking the Grade, Josh Chernikoff breaks down the silent mistake most education founders don’t realize they’re making…

1
Cracking the Code: How to Sell Education Products in High-Stakes Markets 22:03

14d ago22:03

22:03

Recorded live at IFE in Monterrey, Mexico, this episode features Beatriz Guillen, Executive Director at The Resource Foundation—a leader focused on strengthening education outcomes across Latin America. While her work centers on Latin America, the insights she shares here resonate globally—especially for education companies and founders navigating …

1
From Chaos to Clarity: How One Founder Rebuilt His EdTech Biz from the Ground Up to Revenue Way Up 30:37

21d ago30:37

30:37

Too many education founders build something incredible—only to realize they can’t sell it. They try to figure it out themselves… piecing together advice from free webinars, Twitter threads, and late-night YouTube binges. But without a proven system, the growth stalls—and burnout creeps in. In this episode of Breaking the Grade, I sit down with Nick…

1
Why Most Education Companies Burn Out Before They Scale—And the Fix That Actually Works 25:17

28d ago25:17

25:17

You’ve got the vision. The team. The momentum. So why does it feel like you’re sprinting on a treadmill with no finish line in sight? Here’s the truth: Most education companies don’t burn out because of a bad idea. They burn out because they’re trying to scale without a system. In this live episode of Breaking the Grade, recorded at IFE 2025 in Mon…

1
LinkedIn Connection to Contract: Josh's Proven Six-Step EdSales Method (No Paid Ads/Funnels/Cold Calls) 21:10

1M ago21:10

21:10

You’ve added decision-makers on LinkedIn. You’ve liked a few posts, maybe even commented. You’re showing up… but nothing’s turning into a call, let alone a contract. Sound familiar? That’s what I call the LinkedIn illusion—where activity feels like progress, but the results just aren’t showing up in your pipeline. Here’s the truth: If you're an edu…

1
Struggling to Sell to Schools or Universities? (An Expert in HigherEd Tells You How to do it Right) 20:32

1M ago20:32

20:32

Selling into education institutions—whether K–12 or higher ed—isn’t just about having a great product. It’s about understanding how those institutions work: how decisions are made, what roadblocks slow things down, and how to position yourself as a trusted partner—not just another vendor. In this special live episode recorded at IFE in Monterrey, M…

1
The Conference Playbook: How Education Companies Get Conferences Wrong (And How to Fix It) 29:53

2M ago29:53

29:53

Does this sound familiar? You just spent thousands of dollars flying to ANOTHER education conference, setting up a booth, shaking hands with decision-makers. You collected a stack of business cards, had great conversations, and walked away thinking, this was a success. Two weeks later? It was the kiss of death for their conference strategy—no follo…

1
IFE Conference 2025 (Mexico): Breaking Barriers -- AI and Strategic Partnerships Shaping Education 26:18

2M ago26:18

26:18

The education sector is buzzing with AI, but are schools and EdTech businesses truly leveraging it for sustainable growth? In this live episode, we cut through the hype to explore how AI, combined with strategic partnerships, can drive real impact. In this special live episode of Breaking the Grade, recorded LIVE from the IFE Conference in Monterre…

1
Why Most Startups Get Investment Wrong—and How to Fix It 21:07

2M ago21:07

21:07

Summary When you're growing your education business, one big question always comes up—should you seek investment or bootstrap your way to success? In this episode, Josh Chernikoff breaks down the real challenges behind this decision. He shares lessons from his own journey, the mistakes founders make when chasing investment too soon, and what it rea…

1
Before You Hire a Sales Team...The Steps Founders Can’t Skip 18:33

3M ago18:33

18:33

Summary In this episode of Breaking the Grade, Josh Chernikoff tackles the big question: when’s the right time to bring on a sales team for your education-focused business? He shares why rushing to hire too soon can be a mistake and what you need to do first to make sure you're ready. Josh opens up about his own experiences, talking founder-led sal…

1
Secrets behind unlocking 7-figures in sales...How this seasoned entrepreneur transformed his sales process. 26:23

4M ago26:23

26:23

Summary In this episode of Breaking the Grade, I chat with Ernie, a seasoned leader who's been navigating the ever-changing education landscape since 2001. He shares valuable insights on how he completely transformed his sales system and unlocked 7-figures in proposals before the new school year started. Ernie shares all about staying adaptable, bu…

1
From One-Off Sales to Repeatable Revenue...How Future Makers Transformed Their Business 34:49

4M ago34:49

34:49

Summary Nine years of building a business—and then, overnight, everything changes. Suddenly, you’re scrambling to keep things afloat, unsure of your next move. That’s exactly what happened to Matt Barinholtz, founder of Future Makers. When the pandemic hit in 2020, he had to pivot fast—shifting from offering services to selling products. The truth …

1
Mastering Sales Planning in the Education Space 31:29

5M ago31:29

31:29

Summary: In this episode of Breaking the Grade, Josh Chernikoff and Toni McMurray tackle the challenges of sales planning for education companies as the new year approaches. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the tight sales window or struggling with staying top of mind with prospects, this episode is for you. We discuss the impact of inconsistent ou…

1
Mastering the Education Sales Cycle & Secrets to Staying Top of Mind and Closing Deals 18:07

5M ago18:07

18:07

Summary: Sales in the education space can feel like an endless maze—long cycles, multiple decision-makers, and constant resistance. In this episode, Josh Chernikoff pulls back the curtain on the challenges EdTech founders face when selling to schools and districts. It’s not just about getting through the door; it’s about navigating complex decision…

1
Why Waiting to Sell in the Education Sector Can Cost You...& when’s the right time to start selling 17:30

6M ago17:30

17:30

Summary: Wondering when you should really start selling in the education market? In this episode, Josh Chernikoff dives into the right timing and approach for effective sales in the education space. Spoiler: it’s not just about waiting until you have a perfect offer. It’s about understanding the specific buying cycles and decision-making processes …

1
A Better Approach to Sales Calls for Education Companies… How to sell without being salesy. 19:31

6M ago19:31

19:31

Summary: Are your sales calls feeling like one-way pitches instead of real conversations? In this episode, Josh Chernikoff uncovers a simple yet powerful shift that could change how you approach every sales call moving forward. Spoiler: it’s not about selling harder or pushing your offer more aggressively. It’s about tapping into a skill most sales…

1
The Better Demo Method To Sell More Education Services & Products 31:45

7M ago31:45

31:45

Summary: Selling to schools and districts is more than just having a good product—it’s about really understanding the specific challenges and needs of the education market. In this episode, Special Guest: John Gamba (Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education) and I talk about how to deliver better sale…

1
How This EdTech Company Transformed Their Sales Process And Went From Stagnation to Leads In Just 8 Weeks 31:07

7M ago31:07

31:07

Join me as I sit down with Chris and Corey from Rocket PD to talk about how they revamped their entire sales process to feel more natural and focused on building relationships with their ideal customers. Chris and Cory have years of SaaS experience under their belt and they know a lot about marketing and selling software, but selling to schools fel…

1
How this EdTech Startup sharpened their message & went from struggling to selling! 23:33

8M ago23:33

23:33

Summary Imagine a tool that could revolutionize how students manage their homework—built not by some big tech company, but by a parent and a 12-year-old visionary. Curious? In this episode, we're diving into a startup story that's as unique as it gets. A co-founder whose biggest challenge wasn’t just building the tech but navigating the labyrinth o…

1
How this EdTech founder got clarity on his ideal client & product... making selling easier! 26:29

9M ago26:29

26:29

Summary: Starting a business with the goal of solving complex educational problems is a tall order. But Sam Saarinen, founder and CEO of Edapt Technologies, embraced this challenge head-on. In this episode, Sam shares his entrepreneurial journey—one marked by ambitious starts, hard-learned lessons, and a game-changing pivot that led to remarkable b…

1
3 Powerful Systems To Grow Your Education Business With More Ease 26:57

9M ago26:57

26:57

In this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses the importance of implementing systems in order to scale and grow an education business. He highlights three powerful systems: offer system, lead generation and sales system, and delivery system. He emphasizes the need for a repeatable and scalable offer, a lead generation system to attract and nurture ide…

1
3 Essentials To Grow Your Business: Lessons I Learned From Starting, Scaling, and Selling Flex Academies 21:29

10M ago21:29

21:29

In this episode, Josh Chernikoff shares his experiences and challenges in growing his second business, Flex Academies. He discusses the importance of finding the ideal client, pivoting the business model, and building a strong offer. He also emphasizes the need for a lead generation system and the importance of surrounding oneself with experts. Jos…

1
Kathryn’s Lead Generation Transformation with the EdSales Elevation Experience 27:53

10M ago27:53

27:53

In this conversation, Josh Chernikoff interviews Kathryn Adabonyan, the founder and CEO of Go Pursue, a company that helps high school students explore career options and connect with professionals in those fields. They delve into Kathryn's journey as an entrepreneur, a testament to her resilience in overcoming sales and marketing challenges. Kathr…

1
How to Build A Lead Generation System in 9 Steps 31:45

11M ago31:45

31:45

In this conversation, Josh Chernikoff discusses his nine-step process for building lead generation machines that produce high-quality and high-converting leads on repeat. He addresses the common challenge of not knowing how to get leads and emphasizes the importance of founder-led sales. Josh shares his own experience of starting a tutoring busines…

1
Rose’s Lead Generation Transformation with the EdSales Elevation Experience 26:44

11M ago26:44

26:44

Don’t miss the Catalyst at Penn GSE Innovation Summit on June 21st at the University of Pennsylvania. It’s a must-attend event for entrepreneurs in the education sector, filled with insights on advancing your business. Register now at https://mailchi.mp/gse.upenn.edu/catalyst-summit-2024 Rose, a successful entrepreneur and educator, shares her expe…

1
Slow Burn Methods for Lead Generation in EdTech 17:07

12M ago17:07

17:07

Don’t miss the Catalyst at Penn GSE Innovation Summit on June 21st at the University of Pennsylvania. It’s a must-attend event for entrepreneurs in the education sector, filled with insights on advancing your business. Register now at https://mailchi.mp/gse.upenn.edu/catalyst-summit-2024 Welcome to today’s episode where we delve into the world of l…

1
How to sell to multiple stakeholders in the education space 12:34

1y ago12:34

12:34

In this episode, Josh discusses the importance of identifying the main stakeholders in the education space and how to sell to them effectively. He shares case studies of Brent and Katherine, who faced the challenge of determining who to sell to and how they overcame it. Josh emphasizes the need to focus on the benefits and transformation your solut…

1
Case Study with David Dvorkin 15:42

1y ago15:42

15:42

In this episode, Josh Chernikoff interviews David Dworkin, the CEO and founder of Hire Cause. They discuss David's experience in the Ed Sales Elevation Experience program and the impact it had on his business. David shares the challenges he faced before joining the program, including the difficulty of setting up consistent meetings with potential c…

1
Transforming your LinkedIn profile into a sales page 16:53

1y ago16:53

16:53

In this episode, the host discusses how to transform a LinkedIn profile into a sales page that generates more leads. The importance of having a professional and engaging profile picture is emphasized, as it sets the tone for others to perceive you. The headline is highlighted as a hook that captures attention and showcases how you can help your ide…

1
The most powerful tool to connect with your ideal clients 12:13

1y ago12:13

12:13

Summary In this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses how to confidently start conversations with potential clients that lead to booking more calls. He addresses the challenge of initiating conversations and offers strategies for building rapport and making connections. Josh emphasizes the importance of offering value and following up with potential c…

1
Why you need a signature solution to generate more leads and close more sales! 15:37

1y ago15:37

15:37

Summary In this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses the importance of having a Signature Solution to generate more leads and close sales faster. He emphasizes the need for clear communication of value and the challenges entrepreneurs in the education space face in this regard. Josh explains that a Signature Solution is a clear visual roadmap that ou…

1
How to promote your services and products in the education space without feeling icky or salesy 16:19

1y ago16:19

16:19

In this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses the challenge of promoting oneself without feeling salesy or inauthentic. He shares his personal experience with imposter syndrome and how he overcame it. Josh also addresses common fears and challenges faced by entrepreneurs and provides tips to overcome the fear of self-promotion. He emphasizes the impor…

1
Growing MyOwl: LinkedIn Strategies for EdTech Startup Growth 26:04

1+ y ago26:04

26:04

In this conversation, Josh Chernikoff and Brent Newton discuss the power of LinkedIn for business growth and networking. They highlight the evolution of LinkedIn from a resume platform to a sales funnel and emphasize the importance of improving LinkedIn profiles. The conversation also covers the challenges of consistently posting on LinkedIn and th…

1
How do you use LinkedIn to get leads for education business? 22:53

1+ y ago22:53

22:53

In this episode, Josh Chernikoff discusses how to effectively use LinkedIn for lead generation in the education industry. He debunks common myths about LinkedIn and provides tips on optimizing your profile to attract the right audience. Josh emphasizes the importance of nurturing connections and leveraging social proof through testimonials. He also…

1
Breaking Free from Traditional Goal Setting Methods with Rose Hastreiter 29:44

1+ y ago29:44

29:44

In this episode of Breaking the Grade, host Josh Chernikoff is joined by guest Rose Hastreiter to discuss breaking free from traditional goal setting. They explore the difference between goal setting and achieving goals, the importance of designing the experience of success, and the power of the past tense in goal setting. Rose shares actionable ti…

1
Sher Downing: On Taking Risks, Climbing Ladders and her "Journey" to the Top 35:39

1+ y ago35:39

35:39

Sher Downing has been a successful business owner for over 20 years. She’s become the go-to in the ed-tech space and also hosts her own podcast, “Ed-tech Speaks”. But Sher told us that she never discounts her own humble beginnings as an employee of a music store that really prepared her to climb the ladder in her own career. We were lucky to have S…

1
Erin Dowd: Learning to Love Stories | Sowing Seeds Early in Life 33:41

2y ago33:41

33:41

A fantastic time spent talking with Erin Dowd and how she found her true calling in life! Erin comes from a family of educators, and she always looked up to her father and grandfather as mentors. They were more than just mentors; they were the key to unlocking her true potential. Erin's father, a master storyteller, weaved enchanting tales that mad…

1
Susan Gold: On Creativity, Critical Thinking and Being a Kid Whisperer 41:35

2y ago41:35

41:35

For as long as she can remember, Susan Gold has been the “kid whisperer.” She just gets kids and they get that she gets them. A match made in heaven, especially since she founded her school in 2010. But - that didn’t mean that Susan’s peers in school got her. In fact, her middle school years were packed with bad days and bullying. By listening to o…

1
Keltse Bilbao: On Embracing Change and Staying Curious 34:07

2y ago34:07

34:07

A high-powered personality in the fashion industry decides she wants to move into the education space. And she is successful in her first attempt to create a beautiful space for parents to work and children to learn. But, what happens when our education entrepreneur - Keltse Bilbao - decides she wants to take her concept from California to New York…

1
Eric Nelson: Who You Become is Just as Important as What You Achieve 35:42

2+ y ago35:42

35:42

Eric Nelson has made a habit out of turning setbacks into silver linings. Having grown up in a family of educators, Eric was taught early on to prioritize how to, “learn like a champion”. This lesson served him well as he faced his own hurdles personally and professionally that led to the development of Fanschool; the platform that promotes trust, …

1
Alberto Rossi: Believing IS Seeing 37:35

2+ y ago37:35

37:35

Alberto Rossi always dreamed of being an airplane pilot or even an astronaut. A boy can dream all he wants, but this was a tall order for a young man who couldn’t even drive due to visual impairment. But Rossi, the son of parents from Italy and the Canary Islands, never saw a challenge or an opportunity in life that he didn’t want to drink up and d…

1
Lisa Friedlander: The Bumps and the Bruises That Lead To Brilliance 35:46

2+ y ago35:46

35:46

Lisa Friedlander is that family member, friend, colleague, and mentor that we all want in our lives. She is strong, smart, and super driven, and that has been evident throughout her personal and professional life. But, sharing all of these essential qualities with other people has come at a cost at times for Lisa because she has not always put hers…

1
Oliver Knott on Providing Hope for Diverse Learners 31:47

2+ y ago31:47

31:47

Oliver Knott excelled in school from childhood through university. No surprise there because Knott was lucky enough to attend one of the UK’s prestigious grammar schools, which set him on a path to success. But – his brother, who did not attend the same school and struggled as a student, had a very different educational experience growing up. UNTIL…

1
Brian Zapf: On Loving Numbers, People and Telling A Financial Story That Soars 29:43

2+ y ago29:43

29:43

Brian Zapf has always been good at math. And the strategic CFO has taken those number skills from his start at a community bank to investment banking, to M+A advising, and his strategic CFO business today. But – it wasn’t until an accounting course at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University that Zapf fully grasped how financial statemen…

1
Mike Lawrence: On Putting Students First, an Innovation Index and Ted Lasso 39:53

2+ y ago39:53

39:53

Growing up in California in the 1970's, Mike Lawrence was surrounded by technology. He was a fan of Jobs, Woz, and Apple before they had fans around the world. His love for tech was just a hobby - at first - and once he got older, he stayed in Cali and became an English teacher. But -- Mr. Lawrence - as the cool kids called him in English class - q…

1
Breaking the Barriers of Language Learning with Malcolm Lee 31:01

2+ y ago31:01

31:01

Virtual Reality allows learners to experience an immersive environment where they can play, engage, and explore with real-time feedback. In this episode of Breaking The Grade, we will have an exciting and grade-breaking discussion with Malcolm Lee, CEO and Founder of Gabb Global, on games and VR tech in language learning. He will share with us: How…

1
Breaking and Changing the way we Write and Consume Media with Daniel Stedman 41:39

2+ y ago41:39

41:39

With the rise of disinformation and biased media and content, how can we raise a generation that can sift through and process information in a healthy way? Join us with Daniel Stedman. Founder and CEO of Pressto. And let’s dive into The importance of learning how we can break the manipulations of social media and what it means for the future genera…

1
Breaking The Stigma Against Autism with Dr. Celest Austin 32:03

2+ y ago32:03

32:03

Every child should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential regardless of their uniqueness with their own path. But what happens if neurodivergent children's only option to learn is the same as the norm - a thing that is working against them? Join us with Dr. Celest Austin. Founder and CEO of GoManda. And let's address this and dive int…

1
The New Era of Leadership | Breaking The Grade with Dr. Quintin Shepherd 8:56

3y ago8:56

8:56

In the era of advanced technology and rapid change, what is the role of the leaders in the education space in responding to the challenges it entails? The Breaking the Grade crew, had the opportunity to have a conversation with Dr. Quintin Shepherd to talk leadership as a Superintendent and his new book “The Secret to Transformational Leadership.” …

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Josh Chernikoff Podcasts

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