The CTO Show

What if our education system is training students for jobs that no longer exist? In this eye-opening conversation, bestselling author, film producer, and former venture capitalist Ted Dintersmith shares why decades of math education have missed the mark — and what we must teach instead to prepare for the AI-driven future.

From his years in venture capital spotting disruptive innovation to his current mission as an education reformer, Ted reveals why rote memorization and high-stakes testing are holding us back, how AI changes what skills matter, and why creativity, decision-making, and real-world math will be the new competitive edge.

Whether you’re a founder, tech leader, parent, or investor, this episode will challenge your assumptions about what it really means to be future-ready. 

Key Takeaways

• Why most high school math has little real-world relevance — and what to teach instead.
• How AI changes the equation for human skills and employability.
• Why decision-making and risk assessment should be core to every student’s education.
• The hidden cost of high-stakes testing and standardized curricula.
• How to reconnect students (and adults) with curiosity and creativity. 

What You’ll Learn

• The wrong math we’ve been teaching for decades — and why it’s stuck in the curriculum.
• How venture capital insights shaped Ted’s view on education reform.
• Practical ways to make math and problem-solving relevant in any career.
• The link between AI, workforce disruption, and the urgent need for new learning models.
• Why embracing unconventional career paths may be the best preparation for the future.