The KITM Way

We recently had a very interesting conversation with Robert Ooghe, Jr., head of Marketing at Duncan Tree Ventures about the power of Kids in the Middle Coaching and Mentoring Scholarship Program. If you're interested in learning more about Robert and his work, visit ooghe.com. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Robert Ooghe, Jr. is a visionary entrepreneur and digital innovator. With over 15 years of experience in interactive entertainment and education, Robert has a proven track record of creating award-winning digital experiences for leading brands like Hasbro and Mattel. He holds a Master's degree in Interactive Telecommunications from NYU and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and History from William & Mary. Passionate about the potential of immersive technologies, Robert has dedicated himself to mastering the art and science of virtual reality and game development. He aims to create research-based, emotionally intelligent educational experiences that empower individuals to lead more fulfilling lives. Robert leads a talented team in crafting thought-provoking games. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episode Summary In this insightful podcast interview, Robert Ooghe, Jr. shares his journey as a digital producer and his involvement with the Kids in the Middle Coaching & Mentoring Scholarship program. Drawing from his extensive experience at Hasbro and Mattel, Robert highlights the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating complex team dynamics and delivering successful projects. Robert discusses his role in the Kids in the Middle program, which focuses on supporting students who fall between the gifted and at-risk categories. He emphasizes the value of the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) assessment in facilitating self-reflection and personal growth conversations. Looking to the future, Robert envisions the Kids in the Middle program collaborating with educational institutions, gathering data to demonstrate its effectiveness, and expanding its reach. He also shares his personal aspirations to continue working in educational technology and exploring opportunities in virtual reality and game development. Throughout the interview, Robert's passion for leveraging technology to support emotional intelligence and educational development shines through. He stresses the importance of establishing trust, being responsive to parents and educators, and creating a supportive environment for both students and coaches. With his unique blend of technical expertise, creative vision, and commitment to social impact, Robert Ooghe is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of education and immersive entertainment. For more information about Duncan Tree and KITM, visit duncantreefoundation.org Audio engineer: Dr. Lemuel "Lefty" Hernandez