New Year, New Ideas with Google Part 5: Jonathan Katzman on YouTube Learning and Lisa Gevelber on Workforce Training

Jan 17, 2025

Jonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management at YouTube Learning, discusses YouTube's evolution into a dynamic educational platform, emphasizing AI-driven features that personalize learning. He shares insights on the role of content creators in fostering engagement and the Global impact of 'edutubers.' Lisa Gevelber, founder of Grow with Google, highlights the success of Google Career Certificates in transforming workforce skills, stressing the importance of alternative pathways to employment and the integration of AI tools for job readiness.

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ANECDOTE

YouTube Learning's Journey

Jonathan Katzman joined YouTube after Minerva Project, surprised by the quality of educational content.
He saw YouTube as the "modern Library of Alexandria" with organizational challenges.

INSIGHT

YouTube's Educational Power

Despite its passive nature, YouTube's educational content thrived due to high-quality creators.
These creators naturally incorporated effective teaching methods, making content engaging.

ANECDOTE

Global Reach of YouTube Learning

Alex, the interviewer, used YouTube videos to train online professors at Coursera, highlighting creators' effective communication.
YouTube's educational impact varies globally, serving as the primary school in some countries.

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Jonathan Katzman, Director of Product Management at YouTube Learning, drives initiatives that leverage educational content across school, work, and life. Before joining Google, he served as the founding Chief Product Officer of Minerva Project, a pioneering university and ed-tech company offering accredited degrees and innovative curriculum design. Jonathan’s career includes leadership roles in successful startups and major tech companies, showcasing his expertise in education and technology.

Lisa Gevelber, Founder of Grow with Google and CMO for the Americas Region at Google, leads the $1 billion initiative that has empowered over 10 million Americans with skills to advance their careers. She also created Google Career Certificates, which have enabled significant upward mobility for half a million global job seekers. Recognized by Forbes Future of Work 50 in 2022, Lisa is a champion for equity and inclusion, leading efforts like Google for Startups to support underrepresented founders worldwide.

💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:

How YouTube Learning is empowering creators and engaging learners globally.
The impact of Grow with Google and Career Certificates on workforce transformation.
How AI-driven tools are reshaping personalized learning and career training.
Insights into YouTube’s active learning features, including AI tutors and assessments.
The role of global partnerships in creating equitable access to education and jobs.

✨ Episode Highlights:

[00:02:19] Jonathan on YouTube Learning’s global reach and its role as “school” in many countries.
[00:10:11] How active learning tools like AI tutors and quizzes are transforming YouTube’s educational experience.
[00:22:05] Lisa shares the vision behind Grow with Google and its impact on millions of learners.
[00:31:24] Insights into Google Career Certificates as an alternative pathway to well-paying jobs.
[00:41:50] Discussion on AI's role in workforce training and economic mobility.
[00:54:32] The future of education: blending informal learning with credentialed pathways.

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🎉 Presenting Spo

This season of Edtech Insiders is brought to you by Starbridge. Every year, K-12 districts and higher ed institutions spend over half a trillion dollars—but most sales teams miss the signals. Starbridge tracks early signs like board minutes, budget drafts, and strategic plans, then helps you turn them into personalized outreach—fast. Win the deal before it hits the RFP stage. That’s how top edtech teams stay ahead.

This season of Edtech Insiders is once again brought to you by Tuck Advisors, the M&A firm for EdTech companies. Run by serial entrepreneurs with over 25 years of experience founding, investing in, and selling companies, Tuck believes you deserve M&A advisors who work as hard as you do.