About me
Ryan Kohler – AI in Education Advocate, Entrepreneur, and Speaker
Ryan Kohler is a technology-driven entrepreneur and AI strategist on a mission to empower educators, career services professionals, and students with Generative AI. With over 5,000 hours of hands-on AI experimentation and a deep understanding of business and workforce dynamics, Ryan helps educators and institutions harness AI to enhance learning, career readiness, and instructional efficiency.
As the founder of ApplicantPro, Ryan built one of the nation’s leading hiring software companies from the ground up—scaling to 10,000 clients, 300 employees, and $35M in revenue. His expertise in business processes, hiring trends, and workforce development uniquely positions him to bridge the gap between education and the rapidly evolving job market. Now, through Refer.io and GPT4Work, he focuses on bringing AI literacy and practical application into classrooms, career services, and academic institutions.
AI & Education: Ryan’s Mission
Ryan believes that Generative AI is a game-changer for educators and students alike, but confusion, fear, and misinformation often hold schools back from adopting it effectively. His work is centered on:
Empowering Educators – Helping teachers, professors, and career counselors use AI to save time, enhance lesson planning, and improve engagement
AI for Student Success – Teaching students how to use AI to enhance critical thinking, research skills, and career preparation
AI in Career Services – Equipping career centers with AI-powered tools to help students craft résumés, prepare for interviews, and navigate the job market
AI Ethics & Responsible Use – Ensuring AI is used ethically, transparently, and in a way that fosters learning rather than replaces it
Bridging Education & Workforce – Helping schools align curriculum with the evolving job market so students are prepared for AI-integrated workplaces
Speaking & Training for Educators
Ryan is a sought-after speaker and trainer for college professors, high school teachers, career services professionals, and school administrators. His sessions are interactive, hands-on, and focused on real-world AI applications in education—not just theory.
His practical, no-BS approach to AI demystifies the technology and gives educators the tools to:
Use AI to streamline lesson planning and grading
Integrate AI as a learning tool to foster deeper engagement
Teach students how to use AI responsibly and strategically
Future-proof their institutions by aligning education with AI-driven workforce trends
AI isn’t the enemy of education—it’s an opportunity to enhance how we teach, learn, and prepare students for the future. Ryan’s work empowers educators to embrace AI, take control of its implementation, and lead the next generation into an AI-driven world.
