Episode 17: Getting Uncomfortable with A.J. Merlino

Written By Kathryn Sandoe

On this episode, I chat with the super cool Dr. A.J. Merlino, Executive Director of Learning Innovation & Workforce Solutions at Thinking Through AI. A.J.'s got an impressive background in professional music, endurance athletics, and higher education. 

We dive deep into getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. Need a blueprint? A.J.'s got you covered: reframe failure, don't take things personally, stay curious, appreciate your growth, and find your flow state. It's a fascinating convo about pushing limits and celebrating the messy journey of learning and growth. 

Tune in to discover actionable steps to thrive through discomfort and continuously spark something new in your life.

Episode Chapters

00:30 Meet A.J. Merlino

01:57 Embracing Uncomfortability

04:05 The Power of Community and Practice

07:02 Navigating Cultural Expectations

10:43 Addicted to Achievement or Challenge?

13:03 Learning from Failures

18:15 The Role of Social Media and Community

26:36 Embracing Curiosity and Individuality

27:07 Reflecting on Personal Growth

28:38 Reframing Failure and Embracing Challenges

32:37 Finding Your Flow State

41:41 The Importance of Wandering in Career Paths

46:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode Resources

Episode Guest

About A.J. Merlino

A.J. specializes in bridging the gap between academia, government, and private industry to drive workforce and economic development. His career has been dedicated to creating innovative solutions that align educational programs with industry demands, fostering opportunities for individuals and delivering measurable impact for organizations and communities. Here are some cool things about A.J.:

Things That He Thinks Are Cool

  • Racing in Ironman events and epic endurance cycling races.

  • Exploring AI, digital literacy, and workforce solutions...turning innovative ideas into real-world partnerships.

  • Finding creative ways to connect the arts, experiential learning, and career pathways so students build skills that actually matter.

  • Mentoring athletes and seeing others thrive in triathlon, cycling, and endurance sports.

  • His daughter and wife adventuring with him wherever he goes.

Things That Other People Think Are Cool

  • Earning five GRAMMY nominations as a music educator and performing professionally at venues like the MGM Grand and Bellagio.

  • Winning the 2024 Educator of Note Award from the Central, PA Music Hall of Fame for making a big impact in music education.

  • Touring the world as a musician in places like Thailand, Argentina, Greece, and Croatia.

  • Partnering with organizations like Amazon, Live Nation, and Atlantic Records to create opportunities for students.

  • Securing millions of dollars in funding to initiate projects that improve education, workforce development, and technology.

Things That Are Actually Cool

  • Designing transportation programs with bikeshare systems, e-bikes, and free bicycles that make getting around easier and greener.

  • Leading programs that put experiential learning and workforce alignment front and center for students’ success.

  • Transforming higher education with innovative policies, impactful partnerships, and programs that get results.

  • Balancing leadership, mentorship, athletics, and the arts while staying connected to the community.

  • Starting the Reading Samba School, a non-profit that gave free music education to people of all ages.

Kathryn Sandoe https://www.lightecho.co
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Episode 18: Becoming Your Best & Truest Self with Carrie Johnson
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Episode 16: Choose Your Hard