Ron Roberts

Overview (From ronroberts.me)

Ron Roberts describes himself as driven by a mission to "help reprogram our world" towards an equitable, boundless future free from limiting beliefs. He positions himself as a "bridge between worlds," stemming from his upbringing in South Central LA and Compton, which cultivated deep empathy and made him a natural translator and unifier. His work focuses on operational clarity, cultural fluency, and innovation through alignment, often advising senior leadership.

Recent Developments (2026)

• Schoolhouse Pilot: Going "1000%" all-in on a residential mansion-based "library of the future" model for education. Targeting a $1M opex for a one-year pilot in Austin.
• Fundraising: Currently raising a round (likely targeting $1M+ "Like M" round) while traveling through Europe.
• European Trip: Spending time in Paris and Romania (early Jan 2026) while managing Schoolhouse strategy remotely.

Background & Experience (From ronroberts.me)

• Early experience volunteering on Skid Row at Union Rescue Mission (age 12), where he initiated community engagement projects and served on the board.
• Volunteered in Watts post-high school, focusing on educational disparities.
• Immersed himself in the Venice creative/tech scene, developing a thesis around leveraging cultural figures as "cultural diplomats" for social change.
• Participated in Scooter Braun's youth activism fellowship at 18.
• Experience advising tech companies, fashion brands, and other ventures on communication strategy, consumer psychology, and cultural nuance.
• Currently Group Executive Director at Curia Regis International, a global advisory and venture firm focused on institutional design, capital formation, and cultural innovation.

Personal Background (from 2025-05-19 conversation)

• Dropped out of high school in sophomore year and got a job at Whole Foods.
• Attended Montessori, independent learning, and Catholic schools, but felt education "wasn't for me."
• While working at Whole Foods, helped kids with homework in the projects in LA.
• Connected with Scooter Braun after working with a center that received a donation from the Kardashians but lacked programming.
• Helped implement educational programming for the center, which led to his entry into entertainment.
• Has experience with executive function coaching after being diagnosed with executive dysfunction around sequencing.
• Underwent extensive therapy for executive function challenges, particularly with sequencing and knowing "what comes next"
• Initially saw executive function issues as "partially dehumanizing" disability but learned to view them as "double-edged sword" providing creative freedom
• Through intentional work, transformed perceived weakness into strength: "now I'm really good at sequencing"
• Currently in a relationship with someone in DC (Silver Spring), has been together for almost three years.

Specialties (From ronroberts.me)

• Intersection of innovation strategy, internet economies, and cultural enterprise.
• Translating inputs (time, tools, talent) into actionable strategy.
• Designing systems for sustainable success (audience growth, monetization, product development, content engines).
• Providing cultural fluency and operational clarity to senior leadership.
• Operates through first principles thinking, cultural foresight, original business frameworks, and rapid execution.

Personal Advisory Role (2025)

• Trusted Confidant: Serves as safe space for Gary Sheng's processing of complex identity, authenticity, and strategic challenges
• Racial Dynamics Understanding: Demonstrates deep comprehension of challenges facing Black professionals in America
• Spiritual Alignment: Shares spiritual framework with Gary for decision-making and authenticity assessment
• Identity Navigation: Provides support for code-switching challenges and maintaining authenticity while achieving professional success
• Strategic Personal Reflection: Facilitates Gary's processing of family history, personal growth feedback, and leadership development
• Foundation Building Mentor: Guides Gary on establishing solid foundations before taking on risky collaborations
• Timing and Sequencing Coach: Helps Gary understand his timing deficiencies as both liability and faith-building opportunity
• Principle-Based Advisor: Emphasizes universal principles of choices, consequences, and character assessment
• Vulnerable Teaching Style: Uses his own executive function challenges and therapy journey as teaching tools
• Strategic Relationship Counselor: Advises on the importance of working with foundationally solid people vs. charismatic but unreliable partners

Relationship with Alpha Scale

• Head of Strategy + Co-Director alongside Gary Sheng.
• Partner in developing and executing strategic initiatives for Alpha Schools' scaling.
• Offered to create "a playbook that is handed to the kids that could check their audience growth and best practices for how they develop community as they're building their product"
• Planning to collaborate with Chloe Belvin on student audience-building strategies
• Scheduled to return to Alpha School the following Monday (after May 12th) to coordinate with Chloe
• Provided insights into audience development based on experience with best practices
• After the 2025-05-19 meeting, positioned to join Tasha Arnold's operational team to help with Alpha's marketing and expansion efforts, particularly in New York

Alpha Labs Strategy (from 2025-05-24)

• Co-architect of "Alpha Labs" embedded agency concept with Gary Sheng
• Advocates for complete ownership of marketing/sales: "We cannot own part of it. We have to own all of it"
• Proposed two-hour learning sales funnel targeting "complaining parents" who want to homeschool
• Physical schools positioned as "high ticket offer" after initial two-hour learning engagement
• Emphasized need for routing team to direct different customer segments
• Strategic insight: "Joe fucking loves pitches" - advised creating agency-style presentation
• Would lead billionaire relationship management team ("10,000 hours managing billionaire relationships")
• Movement growth expertise: Gary says "No one in the world is better than us at that"
• Wants audit to ensure proper credit: "I just wanna make sure we get all the credit"
• Plans to present to Joe/MacKenzie potentially Monday 4 PM

Professional Network & Insights

• Close friend of Greg Eisenberg, a community-building expert with a "founder first, community first" approach
• Familiar with successful audience-building case studies (e.g., "good girl snacks" - "a pair of girls who built a pickle company")
• Understands content strategy frameworks for audience building, including:
  • Cadence posting schedules
  • Content module development and testing
  • A/B testing for social content
  • Identifying and amplifying successful content angles
• Provided practical advice about engaging with target communities (e.g., suggesting Cruce's running app would benefit from direct engagement with Austin's running clubs)
• Has experience building celebrities "from nothing" - claims to have taken NessBit "from like zero"
• Experience in working with high-profile entertainment figures through Scooter Braun (Ariana, Justin)
• Knows Tyler the Creator - suggested he would "clean out" Ari's record collection
• Familiar with music estates and catalog investment world
• Connected to Andre 3000 through Lex Poetic ventures

Alpha Strategy & Perspective (from 2025-05-19)

• Recognizes need for high agency people to support school expansion
• Views the organizational structure as problematic - "this entire organization... has a planning and prioritizing dysfunction"
• Believes Alpha School should function as different types of educational institutions (e.g., "this is a trade school, this is a religious school" - "26 different flavors of cereals")
• Wants to focus on helping existing schools succeed rather than rapid expansion
• Open to spending time in New York to help with Alpha NY launch when needed

Writings & Recognition (From ronroberts.me)

• Published articles in Office Magazine and academically via Cal Poly U.
• Keynote speaker and panelist at various leadership academies and conclaves (Google, Nike, etc.).
• Received RYSE Award and commendations from US Congress, Senate, and California State Legislature.
• Named a Scooter Braun Fellow ('19).

Connection Points

• Shared vision with Gary Sheng for transformative change and leveraging cultural influence.
• Expertise in strategy, operations, and cultural dynamics relevant to Alpha Scale's mission.
• Involvement in student parent event planning with Gary (potentially June 7th or 14th)

Interactions

• 2026-01-02: New Year's video call while Ron was in Paris. Ron shared his "1000%" commitment to the Schoolhouse pilot, envisioning it as a "library of the future" hosted in a residential mansion. Gary updated Ron on the Texas TEFA timeline and lottery system. Ron planned to meet Tim Dort-Golts for breakfast in Paris the following morning. Gary committed to following up with Kelly Smith (Prenda) regarding ESA compliance for the Schoolhouse "wrapper" model.

• 2025-05-12: Participated in Alpha High staff meeting. Offered insights on audience building, community development, and content strategy. Proposed collaborating with Chloe Belvin on creating an audience-building playbook for students. Referenced Greg Eisenberg's work and successful case studies like "good girl snacks."

• 2025-05-18: Met with Gary Sheng, T'ziah Wood-Smith, and Nick Porter in New York City. Discussed Alpha Schools' educational model, potential high-profile parent recruitment, and shared personal background.

• 2025-05-19: Joined Gary Sheng for a meeting with Ben Gordon-Sniffen (Alpha NY). Discussed Alpha organizational structure, strategic priorities, and potential collaboration on marketing and expansion. Collectively identified the opportunity to work with Tasha Arnold's operational team rather than through Arthur Michel. Expressed willingness to spend time in New York as needed to support the Alpha NY launch.

• 2025-05-20: Participated in GODWAVE collective strategy meeting (as "RJ"). Contributed to defining the faith-based youth movement's identity, vision, and organizational structure.

• 2025-05-21: Met with Tasha Arnold and Ben Gordon-Sniffen alongside Gary Sheng. Discussed strategies for Alpha New York enrollment. Reinforced his role in identifying opportunities and connecting the right people. Highlighted the positive reception Alpha receives when he and Gary introduce it in their networks. Emphasized the importance of curating "spark plug" families, such as those connected to private wealth and real estate, for the New York school. Stated, "Ever since Gary and I have like cared about alpha Every conversation that we have, Alpha comes up. And every single time we have a conversation with someone and we tell them about Alpha, they match our energy completely."

• 2025-05-24: Alpha Labs strategy session with Gary Sheng and Dallas Klein. Co-architected complete takeover of Alpha Schools' marketing and operations through embedded agency model. Proposed sales strategies, emphasized movement building expertise, and planned agency-style pitch to Joe Liemandt and MacKenzie Price.

• 2025-05-25: Alpha Labs strategy session with Gary Sheng and Jozef Gherman. Deep dive into Alpha's marketing failures and funnel rebuild strategy. Key insights:

  • Identified broken funnel from MacKenzie's content to enrollment ("Her profile picture sucks ass. Everything sucks ass")
  • Proposed market segmentation: "Pissed-off broke parents, go here. Pissed-off middle class, go here. Pissed-off rich parents, go here"
  • Projected $5M revenue in one quarter from proper funnels
  • Advocated for lean "dictator" model with clear ownership
  • Criticized $26M spent on vanity metrics (10M follower goal)
  • Emphasized need for diversity in schools: "You need a fucking immigrant. That's going to fucking bust their ass"
  • Plans to fire 50-70 underperforming engineers/marketers
  • On excellence: "You know how like, good it feels to be just like around smart guys? So fucking great. So mentally liberated."

• 2025-05-22: Attended meeting with Gary Sheng and Ari Crane in Austin:

  • Participated in discussions about music NFTs and rare record digitization
  • Connected over shared Compton/LA background
  • Suggested connecting Ari with Tyler the Creator for record collection
  • Discussed music estates and catalog investments through his cousin Sharice Clark
  • Participated in strategic discussions about "connector architect" business model
  • Emphasized desire to spend 80% time on Alpha, 20% on deal brokering

• 2025-05-27: Met with Jay Lyons and Sofia Lyons at Alpha Schools alongside Gary Sheng. Connected over shared LA/Venice Beach background and basketball community. Discussed unified marketing funnel strategy for Alpha Schools and Mackenzie Price's content. Emphasized importance of qualified audience targeting over viral reach. Participated in strategic planning for June 14th parent event.

• 2025-07-14: Deep philosophical conversation with Gary Sheng at restaurant/bar covering racial identity, authenticity, and personal reflection. Served as trusted advisor and active listener as Gary processed complex thoughts about:

  • Racial Identity Challenges: Gary's analysis of extra burden on Black Americans requiring being "way smarter and stronger in every way"
  • Code-Switching Struggles: The psychological toll of presenting different versions of oneself for professional success
  • Family History Discovery: Gary's recent learning about his great-grandfather being a pastor in China before Christianity was banned
  • Lael Alexander Psychology: Gary's insights about Lael being "still a prisoner to validation" and needing validation from his childhood
  • Strategic Relationship Choices: Gary's decision to primarily work with white collaborators in near term as "easier mode"
  • Spiritual Framework: Discussion of divine authenticity vs. false idols and validation systems
  • Personal Growth: Gary processing feedback about pride/arrogance from his brother Ron demonstrated deep understanding of racial dynamics and provided supportive space for Gary's vulnerable self-reflection and strategic thinking.

• 2025-08-03: Pivotal foundation building and strategic mentorship conversation where Ron provided crucial guidance on Gary's patterns of naive optimism and the importance of solid foundational relationships. Key themes included:

  • Foundation Philosophy: Ron's teaching about foundation as "sturdy, reliable, predictable, systemized" and the core upon which everything is built
  • Personal Vulnerability: Ron shared his own executive function challenges and therapy journey as teaching tool: "I had a very hard time sequencing, knowing what comes next. And I had to go to therapy for a long time for that shit"
  • Divine Deficiencies Framework: Teaching that personal weaknesses can become strengths through intentional development and divine timing
  • Choices and Consequences: Emphasized universal principles: "nobody's above the consequences of their actions" and "how you do one thing is how you do everything"
  • Strategic Relationship Assessment: Advised Gary to work with foundationally solid people rather than charismatic but unreliable partners
  • Boundary Setting Support: Validated Gary's new approach of saying no to most opportunities and building from solid foundation first
  • Lael Alexander Strategy: Counseled patient, friendship-based approach rather than business dependence
  • Spiritual Integration: Seamlessly wove spiritual discernment with practical wisdom throughout the mentorship Ron demonstrated sophisticated mentorship combining vulnerability, principle-based guidance, and spiritual wisdom to help Gary transition from reactive optimism to strategic foundation-building.

• 2025-08-17: Sunday spiritual brotherhood check-in covering Arthur Michel's LinkedIn harassment, spiritual growth, and cultural observations. Key themes included:

  • Arthur Michel Analysis: Ron diagnosed Arthur's 5 AM LinkedIn message to Gary as scapegoating behavior from organizational underperformance: "Well, it's because everyone's underperforming severely... So he's looking for a bellow. Out, scapegoat"
  • Attention as Currency Philosophy: Ron shared profound insight from homeless shelter volunteering: "I realized. That's when I came to the conclusion. Attention is a currency... And as soon as you look at them or make eye contact and they realize they have your attention is when they come alive"
  • Spiritual Independence Teaching: Guided Gary away from validation dependency toward divine sufficiency: "Is it good enough? For you to think it's good enough. Or for God to download it. In you"
  • Innovation and Misunderstanding: Counseled on pioneer isolation: "Especially your innovative person innovators. Are always misunderstood largely... But know when you need feedback and know when you need to just be confident. And trust God"
  • Solitude as Discipline: Demonstrated mature relationship philosophy emphasizing quality over quantity and intentional alone time for spiritual development
  • Cultural Critique: Engaged in frank discussion of racial dynamics, beauty standards, and late-stage American empire patterns through spiritual framework
  • Alpha Situation Update: Maintained strategic steadiness amid organizational chaos while preparing for potential Super Builder pivot
  • Moral Flexibility Concept: Validated Gary's term for white corporate culture toxicity, promising to use it "20 years from now" Ron continued serving as spiritual mentor, cultural analyst, and strategic advisor while processing Gary's spiritual maturation and professional transitions.

• 2025-08-24: Strategic mentorship conversation over Korean BBQ hotpot at Soupleaf in Austin, providing comprehensive guidance on relationship discernment and character assessment. Key themes included:

  • Character Assessment Methodology: Shared sophisticated framework for reading people based on "life or death" experience: "You have your own AI model for characters... People always show you the best version of themselves... little things mean bigger things because those are the... people are masking"
  • Relationship Discernment Teaching: Guided Gary away from idealistic projections onto others: "There's no rush to risk, you don't have to risk it" and emphasized quality over quantity in connections
  • Zack Honarvar Case Study: Identified his high school mentor as exemplar of character consistency and business success: "He's been so fucking normal. He's consistent" - demonstrating model for successful relationships with wealthy individuals who maintain integrity
  • Village Philosophy: Articulated mature friendship standard: "Who is going to be this village that's going to impart things into your children? Those are your friends"
  • Elite Corruption Analysis: Provided sophisticated framework for understanding systemic compromise: "When you get to a certain level, you can't escape. Certain dynamics" and "it requires a certain compromise"
  • Foundation Building Emphasis: Used construction metaphor to emphasize character development timing: "When you build the house, you can't go fucking go back and build the foundation"
  • Prayer Wisdom: Shared King Solomon's approach: "King Solomon, only ever pray for wisdom. Wisdom is the foundation of everything"
  • Cultural Critique: Frank discussion of racial dynamics, elite manipulation tactics, and American political system corruption through spiritual warfare lens
  • Sam Character Analysis: Diagnosed validation-seeking behavior and provided framework for distinguishing character flaws from skill weaknesses Ron demonstrated masterful mentorship combining street-level character assessment skills with spiritual wisdom, helping Gary develop sophisticated discernment for navigating complex relationships while maintaining integrity.

• 2025-12-19: SCHOOLHOUSE AGENCY FORMATION - Pivotal multi-hour session where Gary and Ron committed to 50/50 partnership building "Schoolhouse" education agency. Ron declared "I'll be done with alpha tomorrow." Critical pivot mid-conversation: Gary rejected matching system ("liquidity problem is gonna be fucking massive") in favor of agency model helping teachers start microschools. Core strategy: capitalize on Texas TEFA subsidies launching February - "We're basically creating an agency to milk government dollars" while state promotes demand side. Lawyer contingency model: "If we win, we take thirty percent." Prenda as platform partner (only need 2 kids to start school). Designed Ron's personal brand: "Building the future of education in public" with day-by-day POV content using Meta Ray-Bans. Core value: "We are in the arena. The advice comes from the arena." Parents as primary customer: "Who is our main customer? Parents. Fuck the schools." Joe FOMO strategy: "When you're outside of his orbit he wants to be in your orbit. He moves fast when he feels FOMO." Discussed T-Mobile education partnership through Ron's coach, teacher conversion conferences featuring Ida, and Airbnb wraparound services analogy. American Education Summit at South By as launch moment. Gary referenced Vitalik: "There's nothing more scarce than legitimacy. And Alpha has zero legitimacy."

• 2025-12-17: Strategic catch-up where Gary shared Kelly Smith/Prenda call insights, contrasting with Alpha's struggles. Ron suggested partnership model for Alpha to pass price-objection clients to Prenda: "If you have price objection, just funnel them down." Discussed Gary's Christian "Freemason society" vision funded by wealthy mentor; Ron referenced similar "New Bible Belt" project by designers lacking operational skill. Ron taught discretion principle: "At a certain level, the only thing they give a fuck about is discretion. They'll sacrifice competency for discretion. If you can shut up, you can stay in the room longer." Gary validated on forecasting: "My intuition around growing microschool movement is pretty good." Ron ending year strong in NYC, pursuing studio apartment, first time living alone. Both reflected on year-end progress with Gary noting blessing of older mentors dedicating time to him.

• 2025-10-25: Deep philosophical conversation about navigating corrupt systems while maintaining integrity. Key themes included:

  • Dragon Slaying Philosophy: Ron shared powerful metaphor from Black CEO friend: "You slay a dragon, and now there's a bigger dragon to slay" - framing challenges as preparation for greater battles ahead
  • World As It Is vs As We Wish: Ron's framework for evaluating reality: "I've been evaluating the world as it is, versus the world as I wish it to be" - essential for innovation and bridge-building
  • Jensen Huang Leadership Model: Praised Nvidia CEO as exemplar of ethical success: "He doesn't fire anybody, he invests in them... he built a world as he wishes it to be, that's very contrary to the world as it is"
  • Scripture Weaponization Analysis: Critiqued prosperity gospel and misinterpretation: "Scripture has been used as a weapon of oppression... when you have people under the assumption God is going to magically do something for you... you become less productive member of society"
  • American Education System Critique: Exposed systemic oppression through debt: "The American school system says you need credentials... the poor stay poor, and the game was designed to ensure that"
  • Free Will and Agency Discussion: Supported Gary's conclusion to embrace agency rather than waiting for signs: "Just do it, my boy" while emphasizing importance of understanding scripture in context
  • Integrity vs Strategic Compromise: Wrestling with dilemma: "Do I rip the bandaid off in the name of being myself... or do I just not give a fuck and understand that you can't help people?"
  • Bold Honesty Rewards: Shared how standing up to powerful people earned respect: "I've always been honored... respected by people in power for my honesty... I've always been rewarded for my boldness"
  • Alpha Misalignment Acknowledgment: Openly stated values conflict: "Do I give a fuck to give more white people... rich, super rich white people, some kind of luxury product? Fuck no, I don't at all"
  • Character Building Through Adversity: Framed working with "terrible people" as muscle-building: "What I do care about is overcoming these insidious characters, and building the muscle to deal with terrible people" Ron served as philosophical sparring partner helping Gary process lessons from recent betrayals while wrestling with maintaining integrity in corrupt systems.

Contact

• Updates shared via X (Twitter).
• Contact details presumably available via direct outreach (as per website).
• Cousin Sharice Clark: Founder of Harborview Equity Partners, manages billion-dollar music catalog investments, former Morgan Stanley MD

Personal Preferences

• Favorite cuisine: Mediterranean / Halal

Venice Beach Basketball Connections

• Nick Ansel (Venezuela): Known since age 8, captain of Venice basketball team
• Deep knowledge of Venice Beach basketball scene and characters
• Connected to streetball culture and community

Transcripts

Transcript ID	Date	Summary
2026-01-02-ron-roberts-schoolhouse-strategy-paris	2026-01-02	Schoolhouse pilot strategy (mansion-based "library of the future"), Europe trip (Paris/Romania), and Prenda ESA coordination
2025-12-19-ron-roberts-education-ecosystem-mvp	2025-12-19	Pivotal session forming 50/50 Schoolhouse agency partnership to help teachers start microschools and capitalize on TEFA subsidies
2025-12-17-ron-roberts-prenda-alpha-christian-society	2025-12-17	Strategic catch-up on Prenda vs Alpha analysis and Christian "Freemason society" vision
2025-10-25_ron-roberts_navigating-integrity-corrupt-systems	2025-10-25	Deep philosophical conversation about navigating corrupt systems while maintaining integrity
2025-08-24-gary-sheng-ron-roberts-strategic-mentorship-hotpot	2025-08-24	Extended mentorship conversation over hotpot covering relationship discernment, character assessment, and spiritual warfare
2025-08-17-gary-sheng-ron-roberts-sunday-check-in	2025-08-17	Weekly spiritual brotherhood check-in covering spiritual growth and cultural observations
2025-08-03-gary-sheng-ron-roberts-foundation-building-mentorship	2025-08-03	Foundation building and strategic mentorship covering naive optimism patterns and relationship standards
2025-07-14-gary-sheng-ron-roberts-identity-authenticity-reflection	2025-07-14	Deep philosophical discussion about racial identity, code-switching, family history, and Lael Alexander psychological analysis
2025-05-28-werner-meeting-christofuturism-alpha	2025-05-28	Meeting with Jon & Cherie Werner discussing Christofuturism, Alpha Schools, and community building
2025-05-26-gary-ron-bernhard-hiring-strategy	2025-05-26	Strategy discussion with Bernhard on hiring approach, CCAT requirements, and founder-in-residence candidates
2025-05-25-gary-sheng-ron-roberts-jozef-gherman-alpha-labs-strategy	2025-05-25	Alpha Labs strategy session with Jozef Gherman covering complete Alpha Schools marketing overhaul and funnel rebuild strategy
2025-05-24-summary-sheng-roberts-klein	2025-05-24	Alpha Labs strategy session with Gary and Dallas planning complete takeover of Alpha's marketing and operations
2025-05-23-summary-sheng-mackenzie-price-samuel-armes-ron-roberts-ari-crane	2025-05-23	Alpha marketing overhaul strategy meeting with MacKenzie Price, Samuel Armes, and Ari Crane
2025-05-22-alpha-schools-family-fair-planning	2025-05-22	Planning meeting for Alpha Schools family fair event with Gary, Beef Jones, Brooke Emerson, and Nakia Booth
2025-05-22-ari-crane-meeting	2025-05-22	Deep dive meeting with Ari Crane covering rare vinyl records, China education deals, Alpha Schools expansion, and strategic ventures
2025-05-19-meeting-with-ben-gordon-sniffen-and-ron-roberts	2025-05-19	Meeting with Ben Gordon-Sniffen and Ron Roberts (Alpha NY)
2025-05-14-tim-joo-ron-roberts-alpha-strategy-discussion	2025-05-14	Tim Joo and Ron Roberts Alpha Strategy Discussion
2025-05-14-dc-breakfast-mccarroll-strategic-connections	2025-05-14	DC Strategic Breakfast with James McCarroll
2025-05-21-gary-tasha-ben-ron-meeting-summary	2025-05-21	Meeting focused on strategizing top-of-funnel marketing and enrollment for Alpha New York, plus discussion of Yeshiva opportunity