The Career Pivot That Changed Everything | Alex Waters - Program Labs (Ep. 105)

What does it take to successfully pivot your career and create meaningful impact?

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin sits down with Alex Waters, a leader in the San Diego startup community and a key force behind Program Labs, an organization that designs and operates entrepreneurship programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.

Alex shares the unconventional path that took him from aspiring doctor to philosophy student and ultimately into the dynamic worlds of startups, EdTech, and nonprofit innovation. He reflects on pivotal moments, unexpected transitions, and the lessons learned from failure that shaped his approach to leadership, learning, and social impact.

Whether you are considering a career change, building a venture, or developing programs that matter, this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply right away.

In this episode, we cover:

• Navigating career pivots with confidence

• How philosophy influenced Alex’s leadership style

• Lessons from startup culture and the EdTech sector

• The importance of relationships in long-term success

• Learning from failure and building resilience

• Why constraints can fuel creativity

• The mission behind Program Labs

• Strategies for entrepreneurs building momentum

About Alex Waters: For more than 15 years, Alex has helped support early-stage founders, strengthen institutions, and advance social impact initiatives through thoughtfully designed entrepreneurship programs.

Learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watersalex/

Program Labs: https://www.theprogramlabs.org/

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