How I Built This with Guy Raz Khan Academy: Sal Khan
14 snips
Sep 21, 2020 
Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, left a lucrative finance career to create a nonprofit educational platform after tutoring his cousins. His journey from the financial sector to education innovation was fueled by a desire to democratize learning. Sal discusses pivotal moments, including a game-changing $10,000 donation and recognition from Bill Gates. He reflects on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on online education, highlighting how Khan Academy now serves 30 million users monthly, all while upholding the commitment to free, accessible learning.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Unconventional Upbringing
- Sal Khan's parents separated when he was very young, and he was raised by his single mother.
- His uncles, who lived with them, embraced New Orleans culture, leading to a colorful childhood with parties and a belly dancer for his third birthday.
Growing Up in David Duke's Base
- Sal Khan grew up in a community that was the heart of David Duke's political base.
- Despite being the only brown kid in his class, Khan felt supported by the school system and never experienced bias.
Motivations for Success
- Sal Khan's mother instilled strong values in him, including courage and a desire for a better life.
- Witnessing his family's financial insecurity and his uncle getting shot motivated him to pursue a different path.
