Educator Spotlight
Peter Foster
Jorge Zavala
Educator Spotlight: Peter Foster & Jorge Zavala
Exploring how schools and startups can prepare young people to solve real problems, embrace failure, and build meaningful lives.
The Speakers
Peter Foster (Australia)
Principal at The Industry School. Moved from leading an elite academic college to a “deliberately different” school prioritizing “will and skill.”
Jorge Zavala (Silicon Valley/Mexico)
Serial entrepreneur and author of “Think like Silicon Valley, being anywhere.” Uses AI to help people create startups and redefine success.
The Industry School Model
Students alternate between blocks of school and blocks of industry (equine, construction, marine). Every student has a personalised pathway.
Student Voices: Charlie & Evie
- Charlie: Grades went from C’s to A’s by combining academics with work in racing stables.
- Evie: Values learning real-world skills like budgeting and mock interviews.
Key: Autonomy to “create my own path” and learning things they will actually use.
Day to Day
Industry consultants work alongside teachers. A wellbeing system with vertical groups and dedicated mentors tracks progress. Phones are banned to force face-to-face communication.
Failure & Service
Failure is expected and treated as learning (e.g., student businesses). Strong emphasis on service and social justice, volunteering locally and abroad.
Disruptive Learning & AI
Jorge Zavala distinguishes teaching (teacher-centered) from learning (student-centered).
Core Principles
- Start from the student’s own problem and curiosity.
- Use AI as a coach, not a replacement for thinking.
- Failure is normal; reflection (post-mortem) is key.
Redefining Success & Value
Jorge warns against chasing “in-premiums” (prizes and diplomas). In Silicon Valley, success is defined by creating value—solving real problems that improve lives.
Critical Skills
- Leadership: Deciding and moving forward.
- Communication: Building messages that land.
- Humility: Admitting “I don’t know.”
Wellbeing
Rejects the myth that entrepreneurs must destroy their personal lives. Focused presence and time off are preconditions for good thinking and creativity.
Shared Themes
- Learning > Teaching: Teach people how to learn and adapt.
- Failure as Feedback: Reflection after failure is essential.
- Purpose: Solve problems that matter.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluate and use knowledge in an AI world.
Main Entities and References
Below are the main organizations and initiatives referenced in this segment.