FANGZHOU JIANG is the co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Crimson Education, an edtech unicorn serving over 10000 students in more than 20 countries.
'This book captures not only the grit and resourcefulness required to thrive in a competitive global landscape but also the reasons why the struggle is worth it. Fangzhou’s story is a powerful testament to how education, when combined with vision and tenacity, can fuel personal reinvention and unlock opportunities across borders. It is inspirational reading for anyone interested in how education continues to shape the global flow of talent and ideas.' —Dr Nicholas Dirks, 10th Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley; former Executive Vice President for the Arts & Sciences and Dean of the Faculty, Columbia University 'This book brilliantly reframes student life and learning through an entrepreneurial lens. It provides an indispensable toolkit for developing the mental toughness, strategic execution and bold vision necessary to thrive in any field. A powerful guide for any student aspiring to take charge of their own success at school and beyond.' —Dr Tomohiro Hoshi, Head of Stanford Online High School 'This is an action guide written by an entrepreneur for the next generation. Drawing from his own journey and deep insight, Fangzhou charts a path of moving through failure, reinventing oneself and ultimately striving for excellence. He skillfully integrates the spirit of entrepreneurship with the philosophy of lifelong learning, teaching students how to make bold, authentic choices at every critical decision point.' —Dr David Pan, Executive Dean of Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University 'In a world where AI is not only rewriting industries but reshaping the very definition of intelligence, the question is no longer what students learn but how they learn and then create. Fangzhou understands this deeply. From his personal journey to the frameworks he shares, this is a guide for young people preparing to thrive in a world defined by exponential change.' —Apoorv Agrawal, Partner, Altimeter Capital (led investments in OpenAI, Glean and Parloa) 'In this book, Fangzhou masterfully translates his own entrepreneurial experience into actionable insights for today’s students. Through compelling stories and practical insights, he demonstrates how students can adopt an entrepreneur’s mindset. This is exactly what today’s student needs to generate an authentic narrative on their college application and stand out.' —Michele Thompson, Former Director of Admissions, University of Michigan Ross School of Business 'This book couples traditional educational wisdom with modern demands, drawing on the author’s journey from a small Chinese town to the global stage to show how young people can achieve transformative growth through entrepreneurial thinking and leadership.' —Dr Zhiguo He, James Irvin Miller Professor of Finance, Stanford Graduate School of Business 'Having built Crimson alongside Fangzhou for more than thirteen years, I’ve witnessed firsthand his extraordinary drive, discipline and vision. His journey stands as one of the most remarkable examples of entrepreneurial spirit I’ve encountered. Classroom CEO — packed with practical, actionable insights for anyone seeking to shape their own ambitious path — is a powerful case study in how education can transform a life.' —Dr Jamie Beaton, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Crimson Education 'Classroom CEO captures the same spirit of ambition and service that defines Fangzhou’s story. It’s a timely reminder that education and entrepreneurship, when combined with purpose, can change not just individual lives but the trajectory of communities.' —Sir John Key, 38th Prime Minister of New Zealand 'When I advise students applying to the world’s best universities, I often remind them that only one in twenty will get in — so what makes you stand out? In Classroom CEO Fangzhou shows students how to think boldly, act entrepreneurially and differentiate themselves with purpose and depth. Blending wisdom, experience and practical frameworks, this book is both inspiring and actionable — a must-read for any student or parent seeking to unlock true potential.' —Dr David Buisson, Former Pro-Vice- Chancellor of the University of Otago