A Tale of Two Continents, One Vision
- When Worlds Collide (Virtually)
Picture this: It’s 2020, and the travel industry is in complete chaos. While most professionals were drowning in uncertainty, two curious minds on opposite sides of the world were about to spark something extraordinary. Dave, sipping his morning flat white in Sydney’s bustling tech scene, and Rohit, navigating the fast-paced hospitality landscape of New York City, had no idea their paths were about to cross in the most serendipitous way. Enter the matchmaker, a mutual friend in the travel industry who had a hunch that these two would hit it off. “You guys need to meet,” they said, setting up what would become one of the most impactful introductions in travel tech history.
The Spark That Started It All
- From their very first video call, something magical happened. Despite the 15-hour time difference and being separated by 9,000 miles of ocean, Dave and Rohit discovered they shared an infectious curiosity about technology and its potential to transform travel. What started as a casual industry introduction quickly evolved into regular brainstorming sessions, late-night (for one of them) conversations about emerging trends, and a genuine friendship built on shared passion. Dave, with his laid-back Australian charm and keen eye for innovation, became Rohit’s biggest cheerleader. “Keep digging, mate,” he’d say during their weekly catchups. “Your curiosity is going to change everything.” Meanwhile, Rohit’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and his ability to spot trends before they hit mainstream kept Dave constantly inspired.
The ChatGPT Moment
- • Then came November 2022, the moment that changed everything. When OpenAI released ChatGPT to the world, both Dave and Rohit felt like they were witnessing the future unfold in real-time. Their regular conversations shifted from casual industry updates to urgent strategy sessions. “This isn’t just going to change travel,” Rohit exclaimed during one of their calls, his excitement palpable even through the screen. “This is going to revolutionize how we live, work, and think.” Dave nodded enthusiastically from his Sydney office. “The question isn’t whether AI will transform our industry, it’s whether we’ll be ready for it.”
The Lightbulb Moment
- As months passed and AI technology evolved at breakneck speed, both friends noticed something troubling. While technology was advancing rapidly, most people including seasoned professionals in their own industry were either completely overwhelmed or dangerously uninformed about AI’s capabilities and implications. “We’re moving so fast that we’re leaving people behind,” Rohit observed during one of their regular calls. Dave leaned forward, his eyes lighting up with that familiar spark of inspiration. “What if we could change that? What if we could build something that makes AI accessible to everyone?”
The Call That Changed Everything
- It was a Tuesday morning in Sydney (Monday evening in New York) when Dave picked up his phone with unusual excitement. “Rohit, I’ve got it!” he practically shouted into the receiver. “We need to stop talking about this and start building it. Let’s create a platform that teaches people how to use AI strategically and responsibly, no technical jargon, no intimidation, just practical, human-centered learning.” Rohit didn’t hesitate for a second. “When do we start?”
Birth of AI Crash Course
- And just like that, AI Crash Course was born, not in a garage or a boardroom, but in the space between two continents, fueled by friendship, curiosity, and a shared mission to democratize AI literacy. Their vision was beautifully simple: creating a platform that would demystify artificial intelligence and teach people how to harness its power without getting lost in technical complexity. They wanted to build something that would help professionals, entrepreneurs, and curious minds everywhere to navigate the AI revolution with confidence and responsibility.
A Friendship 25 Years in the Making
- But this story has deeper roots. Long before Dave and Rohit connected across oceans, another friendship was quietly shaping the future of AI Crash Course. Twenty-five years ago, at the University of Delaware, a young hospitality professional named Rohit crossed paths with Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu, then a rising star in hospitality technology education. Two curious minds drawn together by a shared appetite for learning and discovery, they piled into a car and drove all the way from Delaware to Chicago to attend HITEC, talking the entire journey about technology, hospitality, and the future they both wanted to shape. That road trip became the first of countless memories.
From Coast to Coast to Across the Pacific
- Over the decades, Rohit and Cihan’s friendship never faded, it simply evolved. As Rohit built his career and Cihan rose through academic ranks from Delaware to Florida and eventually to California, they kept the conversation going. Whether crossing paths at international conferences from Istanbul to Orlando, meeting in person when life brought them together, or picking up a conversation as if no time had passed, they continued to exchange ideas. Cihan brought the lens of empirical research, academic inquiry, and global educational perspectives. Rohit brought the practical realities of hospitality operations, guest experiences, and industry transformation. Together, they explored the intersection where theory meets practice, where research informs action, and where learning becomes lasting.
- When AI Crash Course began taking shape, Rohit knew exactly who needed to be part of the journey. “Dave, there’s someone you need to meet,” Rohit said during one of their trans-Pacific calls. “He’s been my friend for 25 years, he’s one of the most respected minds in hospitality education, and he believes in the same things we do.” That introduction brought Dr. Cihan Cobanoglu into the fold, connecting California to New York to Sydney, and turning two continents into a truly global team.
Why Academic Leadership Matters
- In an industry crowded with AI certification programs, AI Crash Course stands apart because it’s guided by someone who understands that education is about human transformation. Cihan ensures that we don’t just teach AI concepts, we cultivate genuine understanding and lasting capability. His global network, academic excellence, and commitment to human-centered learning guarantee that AI Crash Course remains deeply rooted in educational best practices while staying accessible and practical. This 25-year dialogue, spanning the American coasts, countless conferences, and thousands of conversations, has shaped how AI Crash Course approaches education. It’s not about lectures. It’s about genuine exchange, the kind that happens when people who respect each other’s perspectives keep asking better questions.
The Journey Continues
- • Today, Dave leads from Sydney, Rohit drives strategy from New York, and Cihan anchors academic excellence from California. Together, they continue their mission, proving that the best partnerships aren’t limited by geography, they’re powered by shared vision, mutual respect, and the kind of friendships that turn late-night conversations into world-changing ideas. Their story reminds us that in our hyper-connected world, the most powerful innovations often come from the most human connections. Sometimes, all it takes is people who believe in the power of curiosity, the importance of accessibility, and the magic that happens when great minds meet, whether they’re three time zones apart or fifteen.
