This episode: Why the Traditional College Path Is Failing Our Kids—and What One Dad (Phil Vetrano) Did About It.

Here’s what you’ll learn about:

Phil Vetrano's Transformation from Corporate America to Education Advocacy (0:00)

• Host Drew Deraney introduces Guest Phil Vetrano, thanking Gennifer Birnbach for the introduction and discussing the concept of life being a linear path.
• Drew explains the three types of people: Man Number One who is unaware of adversity, Man Number Two who sees adversity as a barrier, and Man Number Three who sees adversity as an opportunity for growth.
• Phil Vetrano shares his experience in corporate America, where he faced challenges due to his helpful nature and the authoritarian structure of the organization.
• Phil discusses his background in strategic management and the lack of feedback and empowerment in his previous job, leading him to seek a new path.

Phil's Journey into Education and College Consulting (3:45)

• Phil talks about his career coach's questions about what he enjoys doing, which led him to help his son with college analysis.
• He explains the complexity of making informed decisions about college, highlighting the need for over 100 skills and 100 variables.
• Phil shares his passion for educating students and parents about the college decision-making process, noting the high dropout rates and the lack of support for students.
• He emphasizes the importance of providing valuable information to students and parents, which they often do not receive from guidance counselors, teachers, or parents.

Challenges and Opportunities in College Admissions (9:12)

• Drew and Phil discuss the limitations of guidance counselors in high schools and the challenges parents face in supporting their children's college decisions.
• Phil explains the linear mindset of many parents, who expect their children to follow the same path they did, often without considering the individual needs and interests of their children.
• They talk about the lack of support for trade schools, community colleges, and gap years, and the need for more flexible and diverse educational paths.
• Phil shares his experience working with students with special needs, highlighting the importance of individualized support and career advice.

Networking and Building Community Support (13:44)

• Phil discusses the importance of networking and the impact it can have on career opportunities and personal growth.
• He shares his own experience of limited networking in corporate America and the significant opportunities he found after starting his own business.
• Phil emphasizes the value of helping others and the potential for networking to create a supportive community.
• He talks about the nonprofit organization he started, Helpipedia, which connects people who care about supporting students and families.

Phil's Advice for Parents and Students (19:34)

• Phil shares a story about Joe Montana and his sons, highlighting the challenges of parental advice and the importance of finding the right mentors and coaches.
• He advises parents not to be too hard on themselves if their children do not follow their advice and to focus on providing opportunities for career exploration.
• Phil emphasizes the importance of connecting students wit...

• (00:00:00) - Phil Vetrano
• (00:01:13) - Thanks to the Person Who Introduced Phil Vetrano
• (00:03:57) - Making a Difference in People's Lives
• (00:10:14) - Should Parents Know About College Selection?
• (00:12:51) - What is the role of guidance counselors in our schools?
• (00:14:44) - Special Needs Students' Career Paths
• (00:20:04) - How to help a child with special needs get out of the house
• (00:26:03) - Phil Vetrano on Help O'Oeedia
• (00:31:49) - Phil Jackson: Two Favorite Questions for Parents
• (00:35:00) - In the Elevator With 7-Year-Old Phil
• (00:36:56) - Philanthropist on Advice For Young Entrepreneurs
• (00:39:18) - Living the Life You Want to Live