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Darin Francis

Managing Partner & CEO Harbinger Lane Consulting

With 20 years of experience at the intersection of higher education and edtech, Darin Francis brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for driving meaningful change in the sector. Having led teams, crafted go-to-market (GTM) strategies, and worked closely with institutions, Darin is uniquely positioned to help edtech companies navigate the complexities of U.S. and Canadian higher education. Darin Francis, based in Detroit, MI, US, is currently a Managing Partner and CEO at Harbinger Lane Consulting.

Counseling Psychology 1990 - 1993
account-executives Account Executives
consultative Consultative Selling
image-1 Strategic Planning
product-manage Product Management
sales-promotion Sales Operations
image-15 Team Leadership

Recent Posts

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Education & EdTech

Flood the Zone: University of Virginia’s New Strategy to Scale Experiential Learning for Every Student

Darin Francis - February 16, 2026

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Education & EdTech

Scaling Experiential Learning at Slippery Rock University with Dr. John Rindy

Darin Francis - February 9, 2026

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Education & EdTech

Work-Based Learning & Career Coaching with Strada Education: Closing the Gap Between Education and Opportunity

Darin Francis - February 2, 2026

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Education & EdTech

Experiential Learning: A Cure for the Medical Worker Shortage with Jason Aubrey of Skilltrade

Darin Francis - January 26, 2026

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Articles Education Technology

A One-Year College Alternative: How Pega6 Is Preparing to Train AI-First, Job-Ready Talent

Darin Francis - January 19, 2026

The traditional four-year college model is facing growing pressure as rising tuition, shifting labor market demands, and new technological realities expose gaps between education and employment outcomes. Confidence in the traditional college pathway is eroding among parents, students, and employers as rising costs and persistent skills gaps collide with the reality that many new graduates require significant on-the-job ramp-up before becoming fully productive.

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Articles Education Technology

Career-Connected Continuing Ed: How Upright Education Helps Colleges Upskill Adult Learners in Digital Skills

Darin Francis - January 12, 2026

Higher education is undergoing a quiet shift. While undergraduate enrollments remain in long-term decline, continuing education has emerged as one of the sectors fastest-growing segments, expanding at more than 11% annually.

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