Episode 303 | Charles (CJ) Palma Jr | CJ101 Tutoring | The Knowledge Entrepreneurs Show

Episode Description

In this episode, CJ Palma, founder of CJ 101 Tutoring, reveals how his unique combination of degrees in Marine Science, Computer Science, and Psychology—plus his experience as a first-generation American—shaped his empathy-driven approach to test prep. Drawing from personal experience taking the SAT without preparation (thinking it was an IQ test), CJ explains his mission to democratize information about standardized testing for families without privileged access. He discusses his human-first philosophy where AI handles test bank generation while tutors focus on what technology can't replicate—gathering information about students faster than their underdeveloped frontal lobes can articulate. CJ shares his unconventional path from software engineering to tutoring after his father's illness, and explains why he prioritizes building a small business over scaling, advocating for accessible information without paywalls so parents can make informed decisions regardless of economic background.