Education has always evolved alongside society, but few moments have been as transformative as the rise of artificial intelligence. For Fred Cole, however, AI is not simply another technological trend. It is an opportunity to rethink how learning is designed, delivered, and experienced.
As the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bridge Academy, Fred brings decades of international experience spanning military service, higher education, technology, and workforce development into a single mission: creating educational systems that prepare learners for a rapidly changing world. Having worked across the United States, the Middle East, and now Indonesia, he believes the country’s growing digital economy and appetite for innovation make it an ideal place to build the next generation of education.
In this edition of Exclusive List, Fred shares the journey behind Bridge Academy, why Indonesia has become central to its vision, and how meaningful relationships continue to shape both business and community.
Could you introduce yourself and share a little about your professional journey?
My professional journey has taken me through military service, international education leadership, business development, and entrepreneurship. I began my career in the United States Army before earning my degree from Columbia University and moving into leadership roles across education, defence, technology, and workforce development.
Over the past two decades, I’ve worked with organisations including Northrop Grumman, Pearson Education, and Al Rayyan Medical College, leading large-scale educational and training initiatives. Today, I serve as Co-Founder and Executive Director of Bridge Academy, where we’re developing AI-powered educational solutions that improve English language learning and workforce readiness globally. Throughout every stage of my career, one principle has remained constant: creating opportunities that help people improve their lives.
What inspired you to pursue your current industry?
The idea behind Bridge Academy came from observing how artificial intelligence was being used in education. Many educators were adopting AI for isolated tasks, creating lesson plans, quizzes, or presentations, but few were using it to strengthen the entire learning ecosystem.
At Bridge Academy, we’re focused on integrating AI into recognised educational frameworks such as CEFR and IELTS, creating complete learning systems that include curriculum pathways, assessments, multimedia content, teacher resources, and learner support. Our goal is not simply to generate content faster, but to make quality education more accessible, structured, and effective.
As education continues to evolve globally, what opportunities excite you the most?
I’m particularly excited by the growing emphasis on lifelong learning and workforce readiness. As technology reshapes industries, people will need to continuously develop new skills throughout their careers.
Artificial intelligence allows us to personalise education while keeping it aligned with real-world employment needs. I believe the future belongs to organisations that use AI not simply to automate tasks, but to fundamentally redesign how learning is created, delivered, and measured. That’s exactly the future we’re building at Bridge Academy.
Building an international business requires adaptability. What lessons have shaped your leadership?
Adaptability isn’t about changing your vision. It’s about changing your approach when necessary. Throughout my career, I’ve worked across multiple industries and cultures, and every transition taught me the value of continuous learning.
I’ve also learned that resilience matters. Some of my greatest professional growth came from setbacks that forced me to reassess assumptions and find better solutions. Equally important is surrounding yourself with talented people. Building strong partnerships and diverse teams has been essential to everything I’ve accomplished internationally.
How important has networking been throughout your career?
It’s been absolutely essential. Opportunities often emerge through relationships built on trust and mutual respect rather than formal introductions. Whether I’ve been working in the United States, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, or Indonesia, meaningful connections have consistently opened doors that expertise alone could not.
What makes Indonesia such an exciting place for Bridge Academy?
Indonesia combines a young population, a rapidly growing digital economy, and an increasing demand for workforce development. Those factors create enormous potential for educational innovation.
One of the highlights for us was presenting Bridge Academy at a Social Expat pitch event. The response from educators, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders confirmed that there is genuine demand for AI-powered education built around proven learning frameworks. That enthusiasm gives me tremendous confidence in Indonesia’s future as a centre for innovation.
How has living in Indonesia influenced your approach to business?
Indonesia has reinforced the importance of relationships before transactions. Trust, patience, and long-term commitment are deeply valued here, and those qualities have shaped both my leadership style and business philosophy.
It’s also reminded me that successful innovation must always be adapted to local cultures and communities. Technology creates opportunity, but understanding the people you’re serving creates lasting impact.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs and expatriates starting out in Indonesia?
Spend as much time understanding people as you do understanding the market. Build relationships, attend networking events, and think long term.
Indonesia rewards businesses that provide genuine value and contribute positively to local communities. If you approach the market with patience, respect, and a willingness to learn, you’ll discover remarkable opportunities.
What values continue to guide your work?
Integrity, continuous learning, perseverance, and service to others. I’ve always believed that meaningful success is measured not only by personal achievement but by the positive impact we create for others.
Whether building organisations or educational programmes, my focus has always been on empowering people and helping them realise their potential.
What’s next for Bridge Academy?
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Our immediate focus is introducing Bridge Academy’s AI-powered educational technology to schools across Indonesia. Beyond that, we’re working towards an ambitious long-term vision: developing a next-generation school that combines academic excellence, technology, sustainability, and practical life skills into one integrated educational model.
We believe tomorrow’s students need far more than examination success, they need the skills to become innovative, responsible global citizens. That’s the future we’re committed to building.
Where can readers learn more?
To learn more about Bridge Academy and Fred Cole’s work, visit bridgeacademy.online or follow @bridgeacademy.online on Instagram.
