Episode 17 | On Enhancing Humans | A Conversation with Erez Tocker

In this enlightening episode of Engines of Creation, we welcome Erez Tocker, the CEO of Trinity College London, to explore the dynamic world of education and innovation. With a rich background spanning law, education, and leadership roles in various organisations, Erez shares his journey from a career in law to leading one of the oldest exam boards in the world.

We delve into the challenges and opportunities of fostering innovation within organisations of different sizes, from agile startups to large, established companies. Erez provides a nuanced perspective on how to navigate the complexities of digital transformation and internationalisation in the education sector.

He discusses the unique hurdles faced by startups in gaining traction and the resistance often encountered in larger organisations when introducing new ideas. The conversation shifts to the impact of technology in education, highlighting the transformative potential of generative AI in personalising learning and enhancing both formative and summative assessments. Erez emphasises the importance of using technology to augment the human element in education, drawing parallels to the medical field where technology enhances the capabilities of professionals rather than replacing them.

We also explore the broader landscape of the education industry, considering the historical context and the shift towards personalisation and micro-credentials. Erez provides insights into the evolving role of certification and the potential disruption caused by new models of learning delivery.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the qualities of leaders who embrace complexity, focusing on the importance of being comfortable with ambiguity and fostering empathy within an organization undergoing transformation. Join us for this thought-provoking conversation that sheds light on the future of education and the role of innovation in shaping it.

(00:00) Christian: Welcome to Angie's of creation for a talk about education
(02:20) How hard is it to innovate in organizations and what are the difference
(12:18) How do you innovate in an organization like Trinity that's 150 years old

(22:01) What are the opportunities in education? 
(38:02) Formative assessment and summative assessment can help improve student performance
(44:50) I think we need to be very mindful about how we use technology in education
(46:50) Embrace ambiguity as a leader when running through technological change