We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Slavin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, how does your business help the community?
I have always felt that there was a double meaning to ROI. I created the term Ripple of Impact back in 2012 in response to why I cared so much about the concept that doing good and doing well were not mutually exclusive. When I first started my first company in 2012, it was an uphill battle to convince others why impact was core to connecting with your customer. It didn’t have to be impact in the traditional sense of the word, but I did feel it was imperative that brands had something to say other than just a sales campaign. When social media started to dominate the marketing conversation, (yes I’m that old to remember when it didn’t), brands went from only interacting with your customer when the customer had a question about the product in customer experience departments to having a content strategy to talk to their customers about everything under the moon. After a decade of running an agency, I decided that my background in education with a MA in curriculum and instruction was not being used productively selling fish to everyone, and that I needed to teach people how to fish, and be true to my own word to create impact in the world. I transitioned shortly after from agency to learning platform, and built CatalystU with the intention to teach everyone about the 7 levels of engagement, the methodology in which I used for a decade with brands from small to large as my secret sauce. Why should I keep the very ingredient that would help with the ROI I was so passionate about a secret? While transitioning CatalystCreativ to CatalystU and forming a robust partnership with Hawke Media, I also went back to my educational roots and started LearningFrequency. LearningFrequency is a platform based on the seven levels as well but embodied into a tool that is useful and accessible for the learner. LearningFrequency asks kids about the way they engage with the world around them and visualize their answers into an avatar they mint on the blockchain, so they own their own learning data and a visual representation that embodies the way they like to learn. It also gives them strategies on what to do with this information and can in the near future will be able to into plug into learning environments globally from schools to games, with the intention to validate that learning happens wherever, however for all learners. Now, impact is the main ingredient in my businesses, rather than some flavoring on top.

What should our readers know about your business?
LearningFREQUENCY is an innovative educational platform that stands apart through its unique approach to personalizing learning experiences. By leveraging AI and blockchain technology, we create dynamic learning profiles for students, visualized as NFTs, which empower them to take ownership of their learning journey.

I’m most proud of how LearningFREQUENCY bridges the gap between digital and physical learning environments, providing a truly holistic education experience. The journey to where we are today wasn’t easy. We faced challenges in integrating advanced technology with traditional educational models and ensuring data privacy and security. However, these challenges were overcome through relentless innovation, collaboration with leading educational institutions, and a commitment to our vision of transforming how students engage with their education.

A key lesson learned along the way is the importance of adaptability—being able to pivot and evolve our approach as we encountered new challenges and opportunities. What I want the world to know about LearningFREQUENCY is that it’s not just a platform; it’s a movement towards a more personalized, engaging, and effective education system. We’re excited about the future and the impact LearningFREQUENCY will have on students worldwide, empowering them to succeed in ways that traditional education models have not yet achieved.

Our story is one of innovation, resilience, and a deep passion for education. We believe in creating a learning environment that adapts to each student, helping them unlock their full potential. As we continue to grow, we’re committed to making education more accessible, personalized, and empowering for every learner.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d take them to Tokyo, my favorite city in the world. I probably wouldn’t have an itinerary because the best thing about Tokyo is getting lost in the city, but we would definitely walk a lot, eat a lot and shop a lot. Perhaps, we’d start with a stroll through Shimokitazawa—an artsy neighborhood with vintage shops, indie cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere. I’d definitely take them to Nakameguro, where we’d hang out by the canal, checking out the chic boutiques and grabbing coffee at a hidden gem like Onibus Coffee.

For dinner, we’d explore the edgy eateries in Ebisu or Daikanyama, where you can find everything from modern izakayas to minimalist sushi bars. And for nightlife, we’d head to the speakeasies in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai or the rooftop bars in Aoyama for some of the best views and vibes in the city.

It’s all about those unique, off the beaten path spots that make Tokyo so much more than the typical tourist destinations.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to dedicate this to Laura Burke, Shelli Deaguero, and Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy. Before starting LearningFREQUENCY, we conducted a longitudinal study with CBEA to measure engagement through the 7 levels and see what happened when we gave learners ownership and access of these insights and we saw unbelievable impact not only for the students, but also on the teachers. The teacher’s definition of engagement changed, and the students had an increase of self awareness that helped them want to learn.

Website: https://www.learningfrequency.com

Instagram: ajslavin

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amslavin/

Twitter: ajslavin

Image Credits
Founders Forum.

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