Treehouse Wants to Teach the World

My past two days were spent at the offices and in the studios of Treehouse.

Yesterday, they announced a new round of $7 million in funding.

Sure, the timing was pure coincidence, but the teaching by Team Treehouse and their approach to business left me truly inspired.

The official mission of Treehouse is:

"to bring affordable Technology education to people everywhere, in order to help them achieve their dreams and change the world."

It is a lofty mission, but one that if you know me at all, you'll know I appreciate and support.

I was hired to teach some lessons focused on marketing and career advice based on my books. They will be available in the next couple of months and of course I'll let you know when.

The entire E-learning space is rapidly expanding and evolving as quickly as the technology that powers it.

My timing for being in the office was even better because Founder and CEO Ryan Carson was in town and even though he had a busy schedule we carved out some time to chat.

I wanted to ask him about their unique teaching approach that leverages game mechanics and learning adventures. I also needed to know more their commitment to bringing their lessons to high schools in cities like Detroit to expose students to the career opportunities of development and design who might never be given the opportunity.

Everyone knows that I'm committed to making sure that companies embrace a level of social responsibility and give back to the world in a way that works for them.

When I asked Ryan point blank what he says to other business owners who challenge him on why he'd give away what they charge many for, he just smiled and said, "because it is the right thing to do and I know it is going to help so many!"

That isn't some finely tuned talking point. It was from his heart and the more I talked to him and the members of the Treehouse team, the more I realized that everyone there wasn't working so hard simply to get a paycheck. They were working hard and striving to make the company a success because they believed in the work that they are doing.

As more companies begin to redefine value and determine the best ways to improve their communities and use what they have to make the world a better place this will become the norm rather than the exception that it currently is.

Thank you to everyone I worked with. You all were top notch and passionate professionals with just the right mix of fun.

I'm excited to watch as Treehouse grows and thrives. I hope we get a chance to work together again.

Here is a link I found on their site that will give you 50% off your first month if you'd like to take their classes for a test drive.