Broken Education

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, host Joel Di Trapani, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Vygo, sits down with The Hon. Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra, to explore the future of higher education and how universities can better unlock opportunity for all students.Drawing on his background in federal politics and public service, Bill shares the personal experiences that shaped his belief in education as a powerful vehicle for social mobility. Together, Joel and Bill discuss the barriers that still exist in higher education from over-reliance on ATAR scores to limited pathways for adult learners and why universities must evolve to become more flexible, inclusive, and focused on real student outcomes.They also dive into the role universities play in strengthening national innovation, the need for more agile learning pathways, and why supporting equity students ultimately benefits society as a whole.At its core, this conversation asks an important question: how can universities better serve the communities they exist to support?

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Joel Di Trapani and Vygo’s Director of Sales Lyndin Smith-Francis sit down with Professor Nick Klomp, Vice-Chancellor and President of CQUniversity, for a candid conversation about the realities, responsibilities, and untapped potential of regional higher education.With more than five years at the helm of one of Australia’s largest regional universities, Professor Klomp has led CQUniversity with a clear and consistent mission: to unlock the potential of regional Australia through equitable access to world-class education and training. His leadership reflects a deep belief that universities are not just places of learning, but critical infrastructure for social mobility, workforce development, and long-term community prosperity.Together, Joel, Lyndin, and Professor Klomp explore how regional universities like CQUniversity play a transformative role far beyond the classroom supplying skilled workforces for critical industries, driving applied and community-focused research, fueling local economies, and acting as anchor institutions in regions often overlooked by traditional education models.This episode is a powerful reminder that fixing education doesn’t always start in capital cities—and that regional universities may be some of the most important engines of change in the future of learning.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, host Joel Di Trapani, Co-Founder of Vygo, sits down with Renee Leon, Vice-Chancellor and President of Charles Sturt University, for a candid and deeply grounded conversation about equity, regional education, and what it truly means for universities to serve the public good.Renee brings an extraordinary perspective to higher education leadership. A first-in-family university graduate, she has built a distinguished career across senior roles in Commonwealth and state government, including CEO of the Departments of Human Services and Employment. A Menzies Foundation Law Scholar with degrees from ANU and Cambridge, and a recipient of the Public Service Medal, Renee’s journey is a living example of the transformative power of education.From the outset, Renee reframes the role of a regional university as something far bigger than student enrolments or rankings. Under her leadership, Charles Sturt University positions itself as an anchor institution for regional Australia—educating the nurses, teachers, vets, health professionals, and agricultural leaders who sustain regional communities and largely stay to serve them.Joel and Renee explore how CSU’s mission extends beyond individual students to the economic, social, and health outcomes of entire regions. From agriculture and climate resilience to regional health equity, Renee explains how CSU deliberately focuses its research on problems that matter—locally grounded, yet nationally and globally relevant.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, host Joel Di Trapani, Co-Founder of Vygo, sits down with Professor Pascale Quester, Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne University of Technology, for a refreshingly direct conversation about leadership, strategy, and why higher education must let go of nostalgia if it wants to remain relevant.Pascale is one of Australia’s most distinctive higher education leaders. A globally recognised scholar in consumer behaviour and marketing, a former Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Executive Dean at the University of Adelaide, and a recipient of France’s National Order of Merit (twice), she brings an uncommon mix of academic credibility, commercial thinking, and fearless clarity to university leadership.From the outset, Pascale challenges the idea of universities as “vanilla” institutions trying to be everything to everyone. She explains how Swinburne deliberately reclaimed its identity as a university of technology, built around a unifying vision: where people and technology work together for a better world. What followed was not incremental change, but strategic focus—four bold “moonshots,” the courage to say no, and a refusal to invest in work that doesn’t align with Swinburne’s purpose.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, host Joel Di Trapani, Co-Founder and CEO of Vygo, sits down with Professor Rufus Black, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Tasmania, for a deep and unflinching conversation about what’s broken in education and what it will take to fix it.Rufus brings a rare blend of academic depth, ethical clarity, and real-world leadership. A Rhodes Scholar with degrees spanning law, politics, economics, ethics, and theology, his career has bridged elite academia, public policy, and global consulting, including time as a partner at McKinsey & Company. Yet throughout the conversation, one theme is unmistakable: education is not about institutions, it’s about moral imagination, service, and freedom.The episode closes with one of the most provocative moments of the series. When asked what he would say to a world leader in education, Rufus calls for global philanthropic capital—on the scale of the world’s largest fortunes to fund radically new educational models, free from slow-moving bureaucratic constraints. It’s a response that reflects the core message of the episode: real change won’t come from protecting institutions, but from being brave enough to disrupt them.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo Co-Founder & Co-CEO Joel Di Trapani sits down with Professor Alex Zelinsky AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Newcastle. An internationally recognised researcher, leader, and innovator, Alex has built a career at the intersection of technology, higher education, and national impact.Joel and Alex explore his journey from academic breakthroughs to national leadership, and how his vision is shaping the University of Newcastle as a catalyst for social, economic, and community transformation. Driven by a passion for solving big challenges and developing talent, Alex shares how universities can connect research, industry, and community to make a real difference in people’s lives.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Mark Kopec, International General Manager at Bupa, who brings over 20 years of global leadership experience across the insurance, healthcare, and startup sectors. With a background in engineering and a mindset driven by curiosity and impact, Mark shares his philosophy on building people-first businesses that deliver lasting value. He discusses the art of leading cross-functional teams across B2B, B2C, and B2B2C ecosystems, and how customer-centricity and authentic partnerships have powered his journey. 

Recorded at the UA Solutions Summit 2025, this Broken Education Podcast episode features Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Tripani, in conversation with Professor George Williams AO, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University. Starting as the fifth Vice-Chancellor in July 2024, he leads an institution known for expanding access to higher education and driving social, environmental, and economic impact. A renowned constitutional law scholar, barrister, and thought leader, Professor Williams fosters innovation and equity, shaping the sector with his extensive experience in higher education leadership.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Alphia Possamai-Inesedy, Pro Vice-Chancellor Student Success at Western Sydney University. Alphia leads strategic initiatives that enhance student success from pre-admission through to graduation and employment, ensuring a holistic approach to academic achievement, well-being, and career readiness.Beyond her role at WSU, Alphia is the President of the Australian Sociological Association and the inaugural Chair of the Social Justice Network, where she champions equity and social justice in higher education. Passionate about innovative leadership and inclusive education, her work continues to shape student success strategies and meaningful community impact.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Sam Jacob, Chief Executive Officer at Collarts (Australian College of the Arts). With over 30 years of experience in higher education, Sam has held pivotal roles, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Students & VET at Charles Darwin University, as well as other senior positions at Torrens, Deakin, Monash, and Adelaide universities, driving innovative and student-focused strategies.As a visionary in reimagining the future of education, Sam specialises in aligning institutions with evolving student needs, transforming creativity into a powerful force for change. Beyond Sam’s role at Collarts, Sam is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, actively supporting the queer community through board roles and volunteer efforts, and inspiring the next generation of changemakers.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Ray Batra, Co-Founder of Future of Higher Ed. Ray is dedicated to solving complex problems by deeply understanding challenges, connecting innovative ideas, and executing with agility. His work focuses on shaping the future of higher education through transformative strategies and meaningful collaborations, driving impactful change in the sector.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Jamie Fitch, Co-Founder of OnlineMedEd, driving transformative solutions in higher education .Jamie spent nine years scaling OnlineMedEd’s educational platform, enhancing learning methodologies, and streamlining operations to prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals.Now focused on strengthening global healthcare education and infrastructure, Jamie addresses critical challenges in student development, institutional training, and facility enhancements.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Ron Reed, Founder & Former Executive Producer of SXSW EDU. With a background in educational publishing and technology, Ron helped pioneer the use of technology in education funding and later founded SXSW EDU in 2011. The event has since become a leading platform for innovation and collaboration in education, bringing together diverse voices to explore the future of learning. Ron’s work continues to inspire creativity and social impact in the education space.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Kevin Bell Ed.D, Head of Higher Education and Research - ANZ at Amazon Web Services (AWS). A pioneering force in the realm of digital education, Kevin has been an early developer of large-scale online programs and EdTech initiatives. His focus is on leveraging digital innovation to empower learners to showcase their competencies and thrive in a post-COVID world shaped by the 4th Industrial Revolution. As a published author and visionary leader, Kevin is recognised for his collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach to education.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Kai Talas, Co-Founder and Partner at Sparkmind.vc. As a seasoned Edtech VC investor, Kai specialises in pre-seed and beyond investments across Europe. With 20 years of expertise in strategy, business development, venture capital, and M&A, his career spans tech startups to multinational corporations. Driven by a passion for education and entrepreneurship, Kai's deep understanding of the learning industry continues to fuel innovation and growth in the edtech sector.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Justin Downey and Jack Marsh, Co-Founders and Partners at Clearpact. Both experienced investment banking professionals and serial entrepreneurs, founded Clearpact, a next-generation investment bank. With extensive experience advising founder-led and private equity-backed companies in the tech and tech-enabled services sectors, Justin and Jack have guided numerous businesses through early-stage capital raises and late-stage M&A transactions. Their combined expertise continues to shape the future of investment banking.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Joshua Nester, Managing Director of SEEK Investments. With nearly two decades at SEEK, Joshua is on a mission to help millions find meaningful work. His leadership journey spans roles as CEO, Managing Director, and Chief Strategy Officer, where he’s been pivotal in reshaping global education access. Joshua’s strategic mindset and passion for connecting talent with opportunities have driven his impactful work across educational institutions on almost every continent.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo's Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Ryan O'Hare, CEO of Keypath Education Australia & Asia-Pacific. As the Founder & CEO, Ryan has driven Keypath's growth to become the largest Online Program Management company in APAC, specializing in postgraduate education. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Ryan has successfully launched and scaled online programs across multiple regions. Under his leadership, Keypath has formed strong partnerships with top universities in Australia and Asia, expanding their online offerings. In 2019, Ryan was recognized as 'Entrepreneur of the Year' at the Australian Irish Business Awards.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo's Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Seong Kim, Vice President of Corporate Strategy at Chegg. Seong shares his insights on driving corporate strategy for a leading publicly-traded B2C education technology company. With deep expertise in strategic research, growth planning, mergers and acquisitions, and investments, Seong leads global M&A efforts and advises businesses as a board member and observer. He brings a unique perspective, having previously worked in growth equity, private equity, investment banking, and high-yield research.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Chase Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of Pathify. Since 2017, Chase has led Pathify, a company transforming student experiences by connecting them with essential resources. He previously served as Executive Director until 2021, overseeing various functions including Sales, Marketing, and Customer Success. Chase co-founded Pathify while at Monash University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Joe Diamond, the CEO of AllCampus. With over 20 years of experience in higher education, Joe has been instrumental in generating awareness and driving positive student outcomes. Joe's commitment to creating a positive work environment and his dedication to student success have been key to AllCampus’s success. Additionally, Joe has served on the executive board of National Safe Place, a nonprofit providing immediate help and safety for youth in crisis. He holds a degree in Finance from the University of Florida and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Reilly Davis. Reilly is the Co-Founder of PeopleGrove, a company on a mission to connect every student and professional with the mentors, advisers, and networks needed to realize their full potential and find fulfilling careers. PeopleGrove's mentorship and advising platform has been successfully launched at leading institutions worldwide, including Stanford, UMUC, The University of Michigan, Notre Dame, and many more. Reilly's innovative approach and dedication to student success have made PeopleGrove a trusted partner in higher education, helping countless individuals achieve their career goals.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Erin Mayhood. Erin is the CEO of Mentor Collective, a company dedicated to empowering individuals to realize their full potential through transformative mentorship. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and education technology development, Erin has a profound understanding of SaaS, managed services, career readiness, and student success. A veteran Edtech leader and former higher education administrator, Erin previously held executive leadership roles at Interfolio by Elsevier, where she launched the first B2B Enterprise solution and helped establish the Faculty Information System category in US and UK higher education. Erin’s expertise in academic operations, product strategy, and scaled growth has been pivotal in driving Mentor Collective’s mission forward.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Matt Wolfe. Matt is the creator of FutureTools.io and a serial entrepreneur known for his step-by-step approach to solving tasks and improving workflows. With a knack for breaking down complex topics, Matt's intuitive understanding of digital tools and platforms has made him a prominent figure in the tech world.Formerly banking significant passive income through affiliate marketing, Matt has a rich background in web design, WordPress teaching, and high-profile blogging. His ability to uncover and share the hidden gems of digital tools has solidified his reputation as a human algorithm. Prior to FutureTools.io, Matt co-hosted The Hustle & Flowchart Podcast and has been a thought leader in the realms of affiliate marketing and digital optimization.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Professor Martin Betts, Founder of Hedx. With over 40 years of experience in academic and senior leadership roles, Professor Betts has significantly influenced the university sector globally. As the former Deputy Vice Chancellor of Engagement at Griffith University, he led award-winning corporate partnerships and the largest public engagement by an Australian university at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games. Tune in to hear his insights on embracing change in higher education.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Mohsen Shahini, a visionary entrepreneur and founder of Top Hat and Kritik. From his early years in Iran to the forefront of education technology, Mohsen’s story is marked by determination, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of innovation. Known for his ability to pivot and adapt, he created Top Hat, an interactive education platform that empowered both professors and students. His new venture, Kritik, emphasises active student participation and a dynamic, community-driven educational environment. Join us as we explore Mohsen's journey, the lessons learned, and his vision for the future of education technology.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, recorded at the ASU GSV Summit, co-facilitator Martin Betts, Co-Founder and CEO of HEDx, is joined by Candace Sue, Vice President of Academic Relations at Chegg; David Linke, CEO of EduGrowth; and Linda Brown, President & CEO of Torrens University Australia. The discussion centres on how technology supports students in various environments, comparing approaches in Australia and the US. The panel explores how innovation is embraced as a solution, laying the foundations for mutual learning and investment, and examines the roles of private investors, tech companies, and universities in advancing these initiatives.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Rohan Wadhwa. Rohan is the Managing Director and a founding member of Lumos Capital Group, a growth equity firm focused on human capital development, education technology, and knowledge services. He brings over six years of experience in this role, shaping the future of education and workforce sectors.In addition to his work at Lumos Capital Group, Rohan is a Junior Board Member at KIPP NYC, where he has served for over nine years. His dedication to education and investment makes him a pivotal figure in driving innovation and growth in these fields.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcast, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Sevonne Eliyahu. Sevonne is the President of Gravyty, bringing over 18 years of experience in information technology with small and medium international businesses. She is a seasoned professional specializing in sales and marketing, tutoring and education, service optimization, and restaurant management.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Deborah Quazzo. Deborah is the Managing Partner of GSV Ventures, a venture fund investing in education and workforce skills technologies that are disrupting the $7 Trillion global sector. In addition, she is co-founder of the ASU+GSV Summit, the preeminent gathering of leaders in education and workforce skilling. She is a member of the boards of The Common Ground Foundation, New Profit, Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and The Yidan Prize Foundation Advisory Committee.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Yuying Chen-Wynn, Head of AI at Peak 6. Yuying looks to evaluate AI tools, platforms, and solutions for company use as well as AI companies of all stages for investments. She was also Executive Member - Product Leaders, Big Data and AI, EdTech, IWB, Board Readiness at Chief.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Kate Ballinger from Firework Ventures which invests in early-stage tech driving economic mobility. Kate also serves as a board observer for multiple companies, including Mirza and Tilt. Before joining Firework Ventures, Kate was at the Boston Consulting Group and holds an MBA from MIT Sloan.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, sits down with Dustin Ramsdell, who is the creator and host of the Higher Ed Geek Podcast, which features leaders in higher education discussing their work and current events in the field. Dustin strongly believes in the potential of people and the possibilities that technology enables within the community.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani, engages in a conversation with Dave Sherwood from BibliU. Dave is the Co-Founder and CEO of BibliU, a learning enablement platform that empowers higher education institutions to streamline their textbook & courseware workflows. He is a Rhodes Scholar and was also featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 in 2022. Dave is also a board member of Tech Learn Grow, a not for profit organization committed to making a long-term impact on the educational outcomes of students experiencing disadvantage in rural and remote Australian communities. 

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani sits down with Katy Kappler from InScribe. Katy is Co-Founder and CEO of InScribe, a platform that helps institutions scale high-quality academic support for their students. She has spent 20 years in educational technology, creating solutions that serve millions of students and educators each year. Kappler’s work has received multiple CODiE Awards. While at Pearson, it was recognized as one of Fast Company’s Top 10 Most Innovative Education Companies. She graduated from Brown University and has an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. 

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani sits down with Ian Dunn from Coventry University. He is currently the Provost at the University. Ian's responsibilities include student services, the Students’ Union, library, centre for academic writing, registry, and the teaching and learning function at the University. In 2016 he was awarded “Inspiring Leader” of the year in the Guardian Higher Education Awards. Ian led the development of the University’s colleges in Coventry and Scarborough. A Coventry graduate, he is a member of the jobs and skills group of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership. He is a board member of the Midlands Academies Trust and a Justice of the Peace in Coventry and Warwickshire.

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani sits down with Sir David Bell from the University of Sunderland. He is currently the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive at the University. In a career spanning over 40 years, Sir David has held a number of major posts across the education system. Between 2012 and 2018, he was Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading. Previously, he was Permanent Secretary at the Department for Education for six years, serving four Secretaries of State and three Prime Ministers. He also served as Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Schools for nearly four years.Sir David is a trustee and advisory board member of the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), a board member of the Health Innovation Network North East and North Cumbria, a Member of the Aldridge Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) and a governor of the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). He also sits on the Sunderland City Board, the Skills Advisory Panel of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP), and the Remuneration Committee of Universities (UUK).Sir David was made a Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath in 2011. 

In this episode of the Broken Education Podcasts, Vygo’s Co-Founder & Co-CEO, Joel Di Trapani sits down with Prof. Jeff Grabill from the University of Leeds. He is currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Student Education. Professor Grabill leads the overall education strategy, ensuring the University attracts, excites and retains high-quality students from a wide range of backgrounds.Prior to joining the University of Leeds, Professor Grabill was at Michigan State University (MSU) in the United States for nearly 20 years as the Associate Provost for Teaching, Learning, and Technology.  As Director of the Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology, he was responsible for facilitating innovation in learning and educator professional development. As a professor of rhetoric and professional writing, his research focuses on how digital writing is associated with citizenship and learning. He is also a co-founder of Drawbridge Incorporated, an educational technology company.