From Classroom to CEO: Teaching Ownership Over Employment | The Education Concierge Podcast
After 14 years teaching in NYC, Pasadena, and Oakland, Alfredo Matthew III hit his ceiling. At age 40, he made a decision that changed everything: he left his pension and started fresh as an entrepreneur. The result? ESO Ventures, a business that closed $22 million in contracts. In this episode of The Education Concierge Podcast Season 10: Legacy in Progress, host Benita G. sits down with Alfredo to discuss why we need to teach ownership instead of employment, how hitting your ceiling means you're ready to level up, and why teaching was the hardest (and best) preparation for business.
In This Episode:

Why education must shift from preparing employees to building owners
How school choice and voucher programs are radically changing education
The difference between wages and assets (and why most people only learn about income)
Why being a classroom teacher was harder than being a business owner
How to transition from teaching to entrepreneurship (transferable skills are real!)
The truth about hitting your ceiling multiple times and transitioning UP
Why small businesses need to collaborate to compete for larger contracts

Key Quote: "You are a trailblazer. We need more trailblazers because the path that has been prepared for us is leading nowhere."
Resources Mentioned:

ESO Ventures - alfredomathew.com
School choice/voucher programs (Texas: $10,600 per student)
John Maxwell on leadership
The 33 million business owners in America (28 million are sole proprietors)
Green the Church conference (Oct 13-14, Atlanta)

Connect with Alfredo Matthew III:
Website: alfredomathew.com
LinkedIn: Alfredo Matthew III
About Season 10:
The Education Concierge Podcast Season 10: Legacy in Progress features disruptors who are dismantling traditional education while building something better. These conversations with educators, entrepreneurs, and innovators will inspire you to create meaningful change in your community and beyond.
Subscribe for more conversations that disrupt the traditional, honor the journey, and build what's next in education!
#TeacherEntrepreneur #SmallBusiness #EducationInnovation #Ownership #WealthBuilding #CareerTransition #Entrepreneurship