Imagine a world where learning is as engaging as your favorite movie and as impactful as a life-changing mentor. In this world, Alex Rayon Jerez stands at the forefront, redefining technology education for the modern era. As the Co-Founder and CEO of Brain and Code, Alex’s journey is a blend of early inspirations, bold innovations, and a relentless drive to revolutionize lifelong learning. From a defining childhood moment witnessing Garry Kasparov’s battle with IBM’s Deep Blue to leading a cutting-edge educational enterprise, Alex’s story is one of ambition, creativity, and transformative impact.
Career and Inspiration
Alex’s fascination with technology was ignited by three pivotal experiences in his youth. The 1996 chess match between Garry Kasparov and IBM’s Deep Blue marked the beginning of his interest in artificial intelligence and the potential of machines to mimic human thought. This spark was fanned by his grandfather, a visionary entrepreneur in Palencia, who instilled in Alex the values of innovation and foresight. Finally, the University of Deusto provided a nurturing ground for his academic and professional growth, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to pursue his dreams.
Founding Brain and Code
The founding of Brain and Code, part of Tekpolio, was driven by Alex’s recognition of a significant gap in lifelong learning. Traditional educational structures, particularly universities, were not adequately addressing the needs of individuals beyond their early twenties. With rapid socio-economic changes and an ageing population, Alex saw an urgent need for continuous education that adapts to the evolving job market. Brain and Code emerged as a solution, blending education, entertainment, and communication to offer a unique learning experience. This approach positions the company as a pioneer in the field, addressing the diverse needs of learners in a dynamic world.
Innovating Technology Education
Brain and Code’s approach to technology education is distinguished by its integration of training with entertainment. Alex believes that the dichotomy between education and entertainment is a false one; instead, they should complement each other to create a more engaging and effective learning experience. This philosophy is evident in their academy programs, developed in collaboration with major Spanish companies like Air Europa and Vegalsa-Eroski. These programs provide asynchronous training to thousands of employees, using entertaining videos and practical exercises to ensure high engagement and effective learning. Additionally, Brain and Code’s omnimodal video courses combine podcasting with educational content, offering a flexible and modern approach to learning.
Leadership and Growth
For Alex, the most rewarding aspects of leading Brain and Code are creating jobs and receiving positive market feedback. Inspired by entrepreneurs like Amancio Ortega and Juan Roig, Alex finds immense satisfaction in generating social value through job creation. He believes that the true measure of success lies not just in economic growth but also in the societal impact of providing meaningful employment and contributing to the community.
Fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement within his team is a core priority for Alex. He emphasizes the importance of hiring innovative individuals who thrive in a dynamic environment. Drawing from lessons in Reed Hastings’ book “No Rules Rules” and Donella Meadows’ “Thinking in Systems,” Alex nurtures an organizational culture that values change, innovation, and systemic thinking. This approach ensures that Brain and Code remains at the cutting edge of technology education, continually adapting to new challenges and opportunities.
Future Trends in Technology Education
Alex identifies three key trends that will shape the future of technology education: generative artificial intelligence, the integration of education and entertainment, and globalization. Generative AI is poised to revolutionize education, enhancing rather than replacing traditional methods. Alex envisions a future where education and entertainment are intertwined, recognizing that modern society often values entertainment as much as education. By blending these elements, Brain and Code ensures that learning is not only informative but also enjoyable and engaging.
Globalization presents opportunities for diversity and cross-cultural exchange, with Brain and Code actively incorporating these elements into their programs. With the growing demand for lifelong learning, Alex anticipates significant growth for Brain and Code, driven by the increasing need for continuous education in an evolving job market. Plans to expand into Latin America reflect the company’s commitment to bringing its innovative blend of education and entertainment to a broader audience, fostering a global learning community.
Leveraging Data and Analytics
Data and analytics play a critical role in Brain and Code’s strategy. The company focuses on three key metrics: repeat purchase, recurring revenue, and lifetime value. These metrics reflect the company’s commitment to building long-term relationships with its clients, ensuring that their offerings continuously meet the evolving needs of their audience. By leveraging data to personalize and optimize their programs, Brain and Code enhances the learning experience and achieves better outcomes for their users.
Future Vision
Looking ahead, Alex envisions significant growth and expansion for Brain and Code. With the increasing demand for lifelong learning, particularly in the fields of AI and cybersecurity, Brain and Code is poised to continue its rapid growth. The company plans to expand into Latin America, leveraging its unique blend of education and entertainment to reach new audiences and foster a global learning community. By continually adapting to the evolving needs of learners, Brain and Code is set to remain at the forefront of technology education, driving innovation and transformation in the field.
