Entrepreneur Perspectives

The Truth About Admissions, Debt & AI’s Role in the Future of Higher Ed

College costs are soaring, mental health struggles are rising, and the path to success looks more uncertain than ever.

In this conversation, Eric Kasimov talks with Senan Khawaja, Co-founder and CEO of Kollegio, an AI-powered platform helping students and universities rethink the college admissions process.

They explore the question that so many students and parents are asking: Is college still worth it?

Together they unpack how higher education, entrepreneurship, and technology are colliding in real time.

What You’ll Hear
  • Why student debt is becoming a startup killer for young professionals
  • The mental health toll of college admissions — and what schools are missing
  • The rise and fall of the “test optional” movement
  • Why SATs and ACTs are making a comeback
  • How grade inflation and participation trophies distorted the system
  • What resilience really looks like in education and entrepreneurship
  • How AI can democratize opportunity — not just automate it
About Senan
Senan Khawaja is the Co-founder and CEO of Kollegio, an AI startup rethinking college admissions and guidance. A Stanford grad, he’s focused on making higher education more accessible and data-driven. Learn more about kollegio.ai

About Entrepreneur Perspectives
Real conversations on business, creativity, and life—hosted by Eric Kasimov. Founder of KazSource.

More from the KazSource Network
About that Em-Dash That Everyone Now Seems to Hate — KazCM
21% of College Students Use Financial Aid to Bet on Sports — SportsEpreneur
AI Security and 15M in Series B Funding — Deep Sentinel interview

Entrepreneur Perspectives is produced by QuietLoud Studios — part of the KazSource network.

Get in touch with Eric Kasimov:
X | LinkedIn

Credits:
Music by Jess & Ricky — SoundCloud

What is Entrepreneur Perspectives?

Entrepreneur Perspectives is a podcast about leaders think right now. No prep. No rehearsed answers. Just real conversations about what’s on their mind when the mic goes on.

Hosted by Eric Kasimov, founder of KazSource and creator of QuietLoud Studios, the show features founders, creatives, operators, and curious minds — all sharing what they’re working through, building toward, or rethinking in real time.

I’m Eric, and I ask people what they’re seeing from where they stand — in this moment.