Kumar Garg is the President of Renaissance Philanthropy, where he leads thesis-driven philanthropic funds focused on major global challenges. Previously, he worked in the Obama White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and helped build Eric Schmidt’s science and tech initiatives.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How AI is projected to impact jobs, with forecasts suggesting modest but meaningful workforce contraction
Why community colleges and skilled trades may see rising demand in an AI-driven economy
How “superforecasters” are being used to predict labor market shifts more systematically
What policymakers and educators should track to prepare for AI-driven disruption
How Renaissance Philanthropy is rethinking how capital flows into big, thesis-driven ideas

✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:02:34] The origin of Renaissance Philanthropy and its thesis-driven funding model
[00:07:00] Why Kumar Garg built the Labor Automation Forecast Hub
[00:10:30] The role of super forecasters in predicting AI’s impact on jobs
[00:13:00] Key projections: job displacement, slower growth, and shifting career paths
[00:15:30] Community colleges vs. four-year degrees in the AI economy
[00:17:45] Why the future of work is a “big dislocation,” not a collapse
[00:21:00] How forecasts evolve and why trend direction matters more than exact predictions
[00:23:30] Reactions from policymakers and what data matters most
[00:26:18] The growing importance of regional workforce forecasting
[00:26:49] Kumar’s outlook on the future of philanthropy and deploying capital at scale

😎 Stay updated with Edtech Insiders!

🎉 Presenting Sponsor/s:

Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

Tuck Advisors was founded by entrepreneurs who built and sold their own companies, frustrated by other m and a firms, they created the one they wished they could have hired but couldn't find. One who understands what matters to founders and whose North Star KPI is the percentage of deals closed. If you're thinking of selling your ed tech company or buying one contact Tuck advisors now.

Cooley LLP is the go-to law firm for education and edtech innovators, offering industry-informed counsel across the 'pre-K to gray' spectrum. With a multidisciplinary approach and a powerful edtech ecosystem, Cooley helps shape the future of education.

Innovation in preK to gray learning is powered by exceptional people. For over 15 years, EdTech companies of all sizes and stages have trusted HireEducation to find the talent that drives impact. When specific skills and experiences are mission-critical, HireEducation is a partner that delivers. Offering permanent, fractional, and executive recruitment, HireEducation knows the go-to-market talent you need. Learn more at HireEdu.com.