PIVOT: Empowering Students Today to Succeed in an Unpredictable Tomorrow
“Hutheesing has created a book that offers hope and reminds everyone it is indeed through education that we can change the world. His message is inspiring.”
– AASA’s School Administrator Magazine
Education is more than just going to school.
How can educators empower students to stay relevant in an ever-changing world? As globalization and artificial intelligence dramatically change the future of work, preparing students for a life defined more by who they are than by what they do is the most important benchmark of a modern education.
Pivot is an inspiring journey of self-discovery that reveals an insightful framework for creating self-directed, lifelong learners who can … pivot.
Born into one of the world’s most politically influential families, Ravi Hutheesing rejected the obvious choices presented to him, and instead, took ownership of his education. He propelled himself to the stage at Madison Square Garden as the guitarist of a world-famous band, to the skies as aviation’s go-to spokesperson for recruiting student pilots, to the complex geopolitical landscapes of Iraq and Russia as a cultural diplomat for the US Department of State, and now to schools and conferences worldwide as a dynamic keynote speaker leading discussions on reimagining education.
Ravi uncovers many ways that traditional schooling, real-world experiences, mentorships, and the arts will equip students with the skills they need to thrive in an unpredictable future. With actionable takeaways at the end of every chapter, Pivot reveals how school administrators, teachers, counselors, parents, and students can maximize their roles … because educating the “whole child” is about much more than just going to school.
“Ravi Hutheesing offers compelling testimony about the importance of pivoting educational institutions toward a combination of traditional and real-world schooling. The book is designed to reach a broad audience—anyone who cares about education—and uses a storytelling approach to engage the reader in thoughtful reflection about public education. Hutheesing has created a book that offers hope and reminds everyone it is indeed through education that we can change the world. His message is inspiring.”
– AASA’s School Administrator Magazine“A journey of self-discovery, noting the need for cultivating and developing one’s strengths, social responsibility, communication skills, and desire for lifelong learning. Ravi’s Pivot makes for a
compelling read with tips for fostering these strengths in youth today.”
— Mary Beth Pelosky, K-12 Principal & Global Education Specialist“A book for parents, students, and educators that also works as a high school and college resource. Students will love the stories that connect music with positive change. Pivot is a fast and easy read
to inspire educators and help parents positively encourage their kids.”
— Philip Levine, K-12 teacher & Parent“We don’t offer children enough opportunities to explore, experience, struggle, and fail—a natural process of learning that helps develop curiosity, self-confidence, grit, and a sense of accomplishment. Pivot has many practical uses for parents and educators, and also thoughtful insights on how to champion
student success.”
— Paul Blanford, K-12 School Superintendent“A particularly good book for educators, including those involved with curriculum and strategic planning of schools. I would also like my own children to read it. It’s a good example of what a successful life in 2020 looks like—today’s world is rarely picking one profession and sticking with it for life.”
— Robert Moje, Educational Planner & Architect
About the Author
Ravi’s journey as a rock star, aviator, cultural diplomat for the US Department of State, and now keynote speaker and founder of multiple educational and cultural enterprises is an inspiring example of how to pivot and “be the change you wish to see in the world” (Gandhi).
He is the first American-born descendant of India’s Nehru-Gandhi political dynasty. However, Ravi pursued his passion for music and in 1997 became the guitarist of triple-Grammy-nominee, Hanson, performing at the White House and Madison Square Garden, on Saturday Night Live and the Today Show, and many more.
Following the global financial crisis of 2008, he pivoted and became a pilot and aviation speaker sharing leadership lessons learned from the cockpit. In 2015, he pivoted again and accepted an invitation to serve as a cultural diplomat for the US Department of State, creating songwriting programs in Russia, Iraq, Lebanon, and Indonesia to unite people from traditionally opposed cultures and religions.
Today, Ravi is a highly respected keynote speaker on education and cultural issues. He is also the author of three books; Co-Founder and Vice President of Celebrating Heritage In the Arts, Inc. (C.H.I.A.)—an initiative recognizing, developing, and celebrating the passion and diversity of culture through music, technology and mainstream media (Canada); advocate for Shanti Bhavan—a residential school exclusively for children born into India’s lowest socioeconomic class (India); and Founder of Ravi Unites Schools—an international network of over 100 schools whose students participate in peer-to-peer cultural interactions online.
Visit Ravi Hutheesing here: raviunites.com