The Stories Behind the Statistics
When I talk about the 85 million unfilled tech jobs or the 3 billion people lacking digital skills, it's easy for those numbers to feel abstract. But behind every statistic is a real person with a real story — someone who woke up one morning and decided that their current path wasn't their only path.
Today, I want to share three of those stories. These are real people (names changed for privacy) who came to Osage Investment from very different backgrounds but shared one thing in common: the courage to transform their lives.
Marcus: From Assembly Line to Software Engineer
Background: 15 years in automotive manufacturing, no college degree
F.L.O.W. Track: Software Development (8 months)
Current Role: Full-Stack Developer at a Fortune 500 company
Marcus came to us at 38 years old. His plant was automating, and he'd been told his position would be eliminated within 18 months. He had a family to support and no idea where to start.
"I'd never written a line of code in my life," Marcus told me during our first consultation. "I thought programming was for kids who grew up with computers. I grew up with a wrench."
Eight months later, Marcus completed our Software Development track with a portfolio of five production-quality projects. He was hired before graduation.
What made the difference: Marcus credits the Osageomics approach — particularly Ujima (Collective Work). "I wasn't learning alone. I had a cohort of 20 people who were all going through the same transformation. When I wanted to quit — and I wanted to quit at least three times — they pulled me through."
Marcus's advice: "Don't let your age or your background be an excuse. The code doesn't care how old you are. It only cares if it works."
Denise: From Retail Manager to Data Scientist
Background: 12 years in retail management, associate's degree
F.L.O.W. Track: Data Science & Analytics (10 months)
Current Role: Senior Data Analyst at a healthcare company
Denise had always been good with numbers. As a retail manager, she'd built informal spreadsheet systems that outperformed her company's official analytics tools. But she'd never considered data science as a career — she didn't even know what it was.
"A friend sent me a link to the Osage Investment website," Denise recalls. "I took the free assessment and it told me I had strong analytical aptitude. That was the first time anyone had ever told me I was good at something that could lead to a six-figure career."
Denise's journey wasn't easy. The statistics and programming components were challenging, and she had to balance coursework with her full-time job and two children. But the F.L.O.W. Platform's flexible scheduling and mentorship support made it possible.
What made the difference: The investment integration through Osageomics. "Osage didn't just teach me data science — they taught me how to invest the money I'd be making. By the time I graduated, I had a financial plan, an investment portfolio, and a career. That's three things I never had before."
Denise's advice: "If you're good at solving puzzles and you like finding patterns, data science might be your path. Don't let the math scare you — the F.L.O.W. curriculum builds you up step by step."
James: From Unemployed to Blockchain Entrepreneur
Background: 5 years of odd jobs after high school, no formal training
F.L.O.W. Track: Blockchain & Crypto (8 months)
Current Role: Founder of a DeFi startup (3 employees and growing)
James's story is perhaps the most remarkable. At 24, he'd bounced between minimum-wage jobs for five years after high school. He'd been told by guidance counselors that college wasn't for him, and he'd internalized that message.
"I found Osage Investment through a community center flyer," James says. "I almost didn't go to the information session. I'm glad I did."
James chose the Blockchain & Crypto track because he was fascinated by the idea of decentralized finance. Within three months, he was building smart contracts. Within six, he'd developed a prototype for a DeFi lending platform focused on underserved communities. By graduation, he had seed funding.
What made the difference: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination). "Osage taught me that I could define my own future. Not a boss, not a guidance counselor, not anyone else. Me. That mindset shift was worth more than any technical skill."
James's advice: "Don't wait for permission. Don't wait for the perfect moment. Start now, start messy, and let the Osage community help you figure it out."
The Common Thread
Marcus, Denise, and James came from different backgrounds, chose different tracks, and ended up in different careers. But they share three things:
1. They took the first step. The hardest part of any transformation is deciding to begin.
2. They leaned on community. None of them did it alone. The Osage community — cohort members, mentors, and alumni — was essential to their success.
3. They think bigger now. All three describe a fundamental shift in how they see themselves and their possibilities.
Your Story Is Next
If you're reading this and seeing yourself in Marcus, Denise, or James — if you're feeling stuck, undervalued, or uncertain about your future — I want you to know something: you are exactly the person Osage Investment was built for.
We don't require a college degree. We don't require prior tech experience. We don't require anything except the willingness to show up and do the work.
The 85 million jobs are waiting. Your community is waiting. Your future is waiting.
Schedule a free consultation at osageinvestment.com/contact and let's write your story together.
Henry Blount is the CEO of Osage Investment. These stories are composites based on real graduate experiences, with details changed to protect privacy.