Episode 18

full
Published on:

18th Aug 2025

Lynette Gillson on Bridging the Classroom and the Real World

What if school felt less like a building and more like a gateway to the future students imagine for themselves? That vision fuels the work of Lynette Gillson, Community-Industry & AVID Outreach Specialist at Mountain View Los Altos High School District. Her passion and purpose come to life in a recent conversation on the Nomad Futurist podcast with co-hosts Nabeel Mahmood and Phillip Koblence. 

Lynette’s commitment to real-world learning bridges the gap between schools, communities, and industries. Through work-based learning, she empowers students to shape meaningful futures, connecting education to opportunity and revealing possibilities they have yet to discover:  

“I believe in education-business-community partnerships. Bringing all three together is how we build stronger communities.” 

Every day, Lynette connects CEOs with classrooms, organizes data center tours, and sparks introductions that can launch careers. The outdated divide between “college track” and “trade track” is gone. Similar to the Nomad Futurist Foundation, she champions inclusive CTE programs where all students explore their interests together, no matter the career path. 


Lynette’s approach embraces diverse backgrounds and learning styles, proving that both hands-on and academic learners thrive in dynamic environments. For Lynette, college and career aren’t separate paths but opportunities every student should access. Learning becomes truly impactful when it shifts from abstract ideas to real-world experience. She shares stories of students touring data centers, touching servers, and discovering careers they never imagined:  

“Hands-on exposure creates excitement because it’s real and relevant. This relevance turns the tired question, ‘What do you want to be?’ into a journey full of possibility.”  


Reflecting on her own path shaped by curiosity and chance, Lynette now helps students explore, experiment, and even fail safely. By connecting them with digital careers and industry partners, she’s making school a launchpad for success. 

Her message to educators and community leaders is hopeful: students thrive when we reveal what’s possible and support their steps into new worlds: 

“I’m giving people the chance to explore and get a taste before investing time and money in college, certifications, or the workforce.” 


Connect with Lynette Gillson on LinkedIn to follow her work breaking barriers and turning education into a gateway for every student to explore and pursue their future. 

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Nomad Futurist

About the Podcast

Nomad Futurist
The #nomadfuturist show is a true tech podcast phenomenon. The two hosts are technologists and futurists, so they really know their stuff, and following their in-depth conversations feels like you have a backstage pass to a gathering of the best of the
The nomads put a new spin on the tech genre by shining a light not only on technology but also on the human side of the digital age. Tune in if you find yourself thinking about how to integrate into the digital landscape and be a part of the evolving industry.

For over two decades, Phil and Nabeel have provided a powerful catalyst for organizations to create a vision of the future and the will to innovate. As futurists, they deliver a dynamic and entertaining vision of change, blending technology, economics, demographics, culture, and human nature.

With real business experience and a deep understanding of technology, the two nomads know the difference between science fiction and useful forecasting. Rather than focusing on the distant future, they devote themselves to scanning the horizon for emerging technologies and disruptive shifts in human behavior, thereby sharing a compelling vision of tomorrow’s opportunities.