Meet Amanda Slavin

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Amanda Slavin. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Amanda, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

I discovered my purpose very early in life. From a young age, I knew I had an undeniable passion for helping kids. My first job, when I was just thirteen, was coaching soccer. After that, I babysat for my neighbors and became a camp counselor for nearly ten years. I was captivated by learning from kids—seeing the wonder in their eyes, how deeply connected they are to the world around them. They have so much to teach us with their creativity and openness, but too often, as adults, we try to mold them into something they’re not, instead of nurturing who they truly are.

This passion led me to a lifelong commitment to working with children and, ultimately, to pursue a master’s degree in education. My thesis focused on the Seven Levels of Engagement because I wanted every learner to be acknowledged and celebrated for their unique way of learning. I believed then—and still do—that every child’s uniqueness is their superpower. Engagement is nuanced, and rather than forcing kids into a one-size-fits-all approach, we should allow them to flourish as their best selves.

That thesis became the foundation for my book, and it sparked the creation of several companies focused on education and engagement. Through it all, my core belief has remained the same: each child’s unique way of learning should be embraced, not penalized. Their differences are what make them extraordinary, and by understanding the complexity of engagement, we can create environments where they thrive.

Today, I’m taking that mission even further with my work at LearningFREQUENCY, where we’re helping learners understand themselves in deeper, more meaningful ways. We have created a learner-centered approach that empowers kids to see their individuality as a strength, giving them ownership of their learning journey. This is what drives me every day—to help children recognize that they are dynamic, powerful, and exactly who they’re meant to be.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’ve always felt at my core that I’m an educator, even though I’ve been an entrepreneur for over fifteen years. My background in education shapes how I see the world and how I’ve built multiple businesses. It’s also why I’m incredibly excited about the work we’re doing with LearningFREQUENCY.

LearningFREQUENCY began with the Clara Brown Entrepreneurial Academy as part of a longitudinal study. Our goal was to explore whether we could measure engagement in a more nuanced way and what would happen if we gave learners ownership of that information. The results were transformative. Not only did learners feel more confident and intrinsically motivated, but they also became stronger advocates for themselves. This shift didn’t just change the learners—it fundamentally altered how teachers viewed both learning and their students. It created a new dynamic between teacher and learner, empowering students to take control of their own learning journey. As a result, we saw significant improvements in both engagement and academic performance, with statistically notable increases in test scores.

We’re now building out a full engagement curriculum for parents, teachers, and learners, focusing on a holistic approach that helps each learner understand themselves through metacognition. It starts with a questionnaire based on the seven levels of engagement, which visualizes the learner’s preferences into an avatar representing how they like to engage with learning. This avatar serves as a starting point for the learner to continuously develop their own strategies, turning feedback into something interactive and dynamic, rather than something intimidating like a final grade. We’re showing learners that feedback can be fun and empowering, and that they have the tools to shape their own educational paths.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

The three most impactful skills or areas of knowledge that shaped my journey are hard to pinpoint because they developed gradually over time, but reflecting on them has given me insight. First, I’d say it’s the ability to be malleable and dynamic—to constantly iterate, evolve, and not get stuck in one way of thinking or operating. It’s important to embrace change and be adaptable.

Second, I believe in lifelong learning. Staying curious, asking questions, and seeking knowledge across industries, topics, and experiences has been essential. I’ve never limited myself to one area of focus, and that openness has allowed me to grow in unexpected ways.

Third, giving back has been core to who I am—whether it’s building relationships, helping others, or introducing people to opportunities. Supporting others and asking, “How can I help?” has always been a guiding principle for me.

For those early in their journey, I’d advise embracing learning, especially with the tools available today like AI and platforms like ChatGPT. You can easily create a personalized curriculum, connect with people who inspire you, or volunteer for causes aligned with your passions. It’s also important to recognize your value early on and offer it where you can. And remember, in every exchange, aim to bring value—it’s never just about “picking someone’s brain.” Instead, think about what you can give and contribute to the relationship.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

A book that has been incredibly important in my development is *Delivering Happiness* by Tony Hsieh. I was fortunate enough to call Tony a mentor, guide, and business partner for nearly a decade, and his book was transformative for me. Tony had this remarkable ability to see the world differently, long before many others did. He deeply understood the power of connection, community, and investing in people—whether they were internal team members, customers, or even someone you just met. His approach to caring about people was truly magical. He believed in the importance of treating every interaction with genuine care, whether it was with a colleague, a customer, or even someone you meet briefly at a coffee shop. That perspective really shaped how I approach both business and life. Tony showed me that fostering meaningful connections and creating a sense of community are not just important—they’re essential. I think we can all learn from his example and strive to bring that same level of care and authenticity to all of our relationships and interactions.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.learningfrequency.com/about
• Instagram: ajslavin
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amslavin/
• Twitter: ajslavin