About This Episode
In this episode of Edu Unlocked, Takeo Suzuki reflects on his inspiring journey, defined by resilience, curiosity, and a passion for education.
Growing up in Japan, Takeo's life was deeply rooted in tradition, but the devastating Kobe earthquake sparked his desire to explore the world beyond his borders.
This pivotal moment led him to the U.S., where he faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language, experiences that shaped his approach to international student recruitment.
Now a leader at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Takeo's dedication to global education has driven decades of success in international student recruitment.
His work is deeply personal, as his own transformative educational journey fuels his commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds.
Takeo shares insights into navigating cultural transitions and adapting to new environments.
He reflects on the evolving landscape of higher education and its impact on students worldwide.
Takeo emphasizes the importance of creating meaningful connections with students and their communities.
Join us for an inspiring conversation on how a single moment of upheaval set Takeo on a path of discovery, shaping his life and the lives of countless students.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about education, resilience, and the power of global connections.
Host & Guest
Takeo Suzuki
GuestTakeo Suzuki serves as the Executive Director for the Center for Global Education and Senior International Officer at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where he leads the university’s internationalization strategy, global partnerships, and student engagement initiatives. With more than two decades of leadership in international education, Suzuki is recognized for advancing institutional growth through innovative programming, strategic collaboration, and global vision.
At UTC, Suzuki has developed and implemented comprehensive internationalization strategies that integrate study abroad programs, international student services, and faculty exchanges, aligning them with the university’s mission to prepare globally competent graduates. His leadership has resulted in expanded international partnerships, increased student participation in global learning opportunities, and enhanced cross-cultural engagement across campus.
Suzuki also serves as a Primary Designated School Official (PDSO) and Responsible Officer (RO), ensuring institutional compliance with federal immigration regulations. He has established strong crisis management and student safety protocols, building institutional resilience and trust among international students, faculty, and global partners.
Beyond his administrative leadership, Suzuki is a respected educator, researcher, and thought leader in the field of global education. He has contributed to publications, research collaborations, and international conferences, promoting intercultural competence and global citizenship as cornerstones of higher education.
A lifelong advocate for cross-cultural understanding, Suzuki continues to shape the global education landscape through policy engagement, professional mentorship, and collaborative innovation.
Key Highlights:
1. Leads internationalization strategy and global engagement at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
2. Over two decades of experience in international education leadership and program development.
3. Expertise in immigration compliance, crisis management, and student safety.
4. Proven record of securing funding from federal agencies, donors, and alumni.
5. Frequent presenter and contributor to international education conferences and forums.
Ashish Fernando
HostFounder & CEO, EDMO
Ashish Fernando is the visionary founder and CEO of EDMO, a revolutionary educational technology platform that's transforming how people learn and grow. With over 15 years of experience in education and technology, Ashish has dedicated his career to making quality education accessible to learners worldwide. Before founding EDMO, Ashish held leadership positions at several prominent EdTech companies and worked as an educational consultant for Fortune 500 companies. He holds an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Master's in Computer Science from MIT. Ashish is a frequent speaker at educational conferences and has been featured in publications such as EdTech Magazine, Learning & Development Today, and TechCrunch. He's passionate about the intersection of technology and human potential, believing that the right tools can unlock extraordinary learning outcomes for everyone. Under his leadership, EDMO has grown to serve over 100,000 learners globally and has partnerships with leading educational institutions and corporations. Ashish continues to drive innovation in personalized learning, adaptive assessment, and educational analytics.
Key Achievements:
1. Founded EDMO in 2019, now serving 100,000+ learners globally
2. Named 'EdTech Innovator of the Year' by Learning Technology Awards 2023
3. Featured speaker at Global Education Summit 2024
4. Published researcher in educational technology and learning analytics
5. Advisor to multiple EdTech startups and educational initiatives
Show Notes
- 1 0:00 Opening: Believing in the Student Journey
- 2 5:32 Building Trust Around AI and Technology
- 3 12:10 Streamlining Admissions
- 4 18:45 Personalized Student Engagement
- 5 26:20 Data-Driven Decision Making
- 6 34:05 Overcoming Barriers to Adoption
- 7 45:58 Closing: The Future of AI in Education
Key Quotes
"When educators truly believe in the paths they create, students feel it — and that belief shapes their entire journey"
"Personalized engagement is no longer optional; it's what makes every student feel seen and supported."
"The future of AI in education isn't about replacing people, but about expanding opportunity and shaping brighter futures."
Resources
Supercharge Your University CRM