David Kosbie: Lessons from a Life in Teaching and Technology

David Kosbie is a professor in the School of Computer Science at Carnegie Mellon, where he co-founded and directs the CMU CS Academy—a project that provides free, high-quality computer science curriculum and teacher support to schools around the world.

In this conversation, David reflects on the role of intentional routines, how early life experiences shape our work ethic, and why work-life balance isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity for sustained impact. He shares lessons from his own transition from industry to academia, the ethical tensions he’s encountered, and what it takes to keep students truly engaged in learning. Along the way, we discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, why teaching with purpose matters more than ever, and how success is best measured through character, mentorship, and the difference we make in others’ lives.