Change -we all crave it in our everyday lives. It is a constant force, a relentless current that shapes our world. “I wish this was better. I hope this changes,” people say this often. However, very few of us take that initiative, and even fewer succeed in creating a change. Some people merely drift along with the flow, while others actively steer its course.
Norman Goldstein, CEO of EduNetwork Partners, is one such individual. As a leader with over four decades of experience, he has dedicated his life to catalyzing positive change. His commitment to empowering youth and promoting social responsibility has earned him recognition as one of CNN’s “Ten National Innovators” changing lives in America.
He has developed a proven track record of creating and delivering impactful and innovative solutions that promote social responsibility, academic excellence, and lifelong learning. Norman’s story is one of inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of challenges, a brighter future can be achieved with a commitment to making a difference.
A Catalyst for Change
The story begins in the corporate world, where Norman Goldstein quickly rose through the ranks to become a respected leader. However, a seemingly ordinary moment with his young daughter would ultimately shape the course of his life and career.
Witnessing her struggle with broken crayons and a weakness in writing, Norman was struck by her ingenious solution: repurposing discarded water tubes from roses. This simple act sparked a revelation within him, igniting a passion for empowering children to innovate and develop critical thinking skills.
In 2003, Norman Goldstein co-founded By Kids For Kids with his daughter, a company dedicated to nurturing the inventive spirit in young minds. He sought to provide children with the tools and resources to become the next generation of innovators through innovative educational programs and partnerships.
One of Norman’s most significant contributions was developing a comprehensive inventive thinking curriculum. This curriculum, distributed to thousands of teachers across the country, provided educators with valuable resources to inspire creativity in their classrooms. By equipping teachers with the necessary tools, he aimed to create a problem-solving culture among students.
In addition to the curriculum, Norman Goldstein also created opportunities for children to participate in real-world innovation challenges. Through partnerships with corporations like Mattel, Staples, and Best Buy, he provided children a chance to develop and commercialize their products. This hands-on experience taught children valuable entrepreneurial skills.
These efforts resulted in 26 children obtaining free patents for their ideas and even commercializing some of their creations. The interactive celebrations that accompanied these achievements showcased the undeniable potential of young minds with an opportunity to innovate.
Norman’s journey is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the transformative potential of education. He has inspired countless children to unleash their creativity and become catalysts for change. Through his tireless efforts, Norman’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of innovators for years to come.
A New Era of Innovation
As the world struggles through the uncertain wave of the pandemic, Norman Goldstein saw it as an opportunity for transformation. He recognized the potential to leverage technology and deliver impactful educational experiences as the world shifted towards virtual interactions. With this foresight, Norman transformed By Kids For Kids into EduNetwork Partners.
The company builds upon the legacy of its predecessor while embracing the challenges and opportunities of the digital age. EduNetwork Partners mission is to empower the next generation through innovative educational programs that impact children, families, and communities nationwide. It has adapted its approach to meet the needs of its clients and the dynamic education industry.
Norman’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to social responsibility have been instrumental in the success of EduNetwork Partners. The company’s innovative programs and tailored solutions help businesses demonstrate their commitment to making an impact on society while also providing valuable educational experiences for young people.
A Force for Positive Change
With a key focus on areas such as healthy habits, opioid use prevention, cyberbullying, and teen suicide, EduNetwork Partners offers a unique approach to CSR that combines educational initiatives with community outreach.
One of its most notable projects is collaborating with Warren Buffett’s “The Secret Millionaires Club” animated series and curriculum. This program has engaged students across the nation in financial literacy and entrepreneurship, resulting in over 2 billion media impressions and millions of downloads of educational materials.
Key Products and Services:
| Educational Programs: | EduNetwork Partners develops innovative educational programs that address a variety of social issues, including:Healthy HabitsOpioid Use PreventionCyberbullyingTeen Suicide |
| Corporate Partnerships: | The company works closely with corporations to create tailored CSR initiatives that align with their business objectives and make a positive impact on the community. |
| Community Outreach: | EduNetwork Partners develops innovative educational programs that address a variety of social issues, including: Healthy HabitsOpioid Use PreventionCyberbullyingTeen Suicide |
In addition to financial literacy, EduNetwork has partnered with the American Cancer Society to implement school-wide fundraising campaigns and promote healthy habits among elementary-aged children. The company’s “Social Identity Quest” program, developed with Hard Rock Café and EXPACT, aims to prevent youth sexual exploitation and is expanding its reach to Central and South America.
The company’s commitment to providing free CSR-branded services to schools and families sets it apart in the industry. By offering targeted campaigns and addressing social issues, EduNetwork Partners creates a win-win situation for both businesses and communities.
Its vision centers on making education more accessible and increasing the number of qualified specialists in various fields. EduNetwork Partners aims to nurture a new generation of socially responsible leaders and innovators by bridging the gap between corporate objectives and social impact.
A Vision for the Future
Norman Goldstein continues to look towards the future with resilience and passion. His latest endeavor focuses on empowering the next generation of leaders, particularly in Africa. He is working on a project to support Junior Achievement Africa’s ambitious goal of empowering “10 Million Black Girls” by 2050. This initiative strives to provide young women leaders in Africa with access to technology, communication tools, entrepreneurship curriculum adapted from Warren Buffett, and advocacy training.
Working closely with Simi Nwogugu, President and CEO of Junior Achievement Africa, Norman is seeking sponsors and planning to implement this ambitious project. Despite the challenges, he believes that this initiative is crucial, not just for Africa but for the entire world. As the African population is expected to reach one-fourth of the global population by 2050, addressing the continent’s challenges is essential for a sustainable future. This extraordinary challenge aligns perfectly with Norman’s passion for contributing to a brighter future.
Doing Well by Doing Good
Norman continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s direction. He stands behind his products, his staff, and the company’s mission, embodying the belief that “doing well by doing good” is essential for long-term success.
His leadership style is characterized by a combination of strategic vision, commitment, and genuine care for his team. Norman approaches his role with a sense of responsibility and a willingness to weather any storm, much like a captain navigating a ship through calm as well as turbulent waters.
Drawing on his experience as a Life Coach and Mediator, Norman Goldstein creates teams built on open communication, acceptance, and mutual support. He empowers his team members to take ownership of their work and tackle challenges with creative solutions. This approach enables a culture of innovation and collaboration where everyone feels valued and respected.
By creating a safe and nurturing workplace, Norman has cultivated a talented and dedicated team that is passionate about making a positive impact on the world. The company’s focus on social and societal problems provides a sense of purpose and meaning for the team, strengthening their commitment to the organization’s mission.
A Balanced Leader with Timeless Insights
Norman Goldstein’s success story extends far beyond the boardroom. A firm believer in holistic well-being, he emphasizes the importance of achieving a healthy balance between spiritual life, personal relationships, and professional endeavors. His 47-year marriage, three successful children, and seven grandchildren are a testament to his strong family values.
He embodies these values by encouraging his team to prioritize their families and celebrations. However, Norman’s nurturing spirit extends beyond his immediate family. He actively cultivates deep relationships within his Temple through his life coaching practice and with numerous individuals who seek his guidance and support. He’s even affectionately known as the “Meditation Guru” for the free meditation workshops Norman conducts every Friday at his Temple.
Words of Wisdom for the Next Generation
As a seasoned leader, Norman Goldstein offers invaluable advice for young business leaders aspiring to make a significant impact. His key message is to examine your beliefs and values and let them guide your interactions with others. This philosophy permeates his book, “The Book of Normanisms: Adages and Pictorial Visions to Provide a Fresh Perspective on Daily Living.” The book compiles a collection of the many maxims and lessons that have shaped his life.
One of his favorite “Normanisms” encapsulates his core philosophy: “We were given the gift of life. We need to give something back as a way of passing on our blessings.” This ethos lies at the heart of his success, both professionally and personally.