From spearheading an educational revolution to achieving meteoric success, Gunjan Aggarwal’s emergence as a key figure propelling transformative change in the vast expanse of India’s education sector is certainly noteworthy. Playing the role of a catalyst in bringing forth a paradigm shift and reshaping the educational landscape, Aggarwal now stands at the forefront of educational innovation as the Co-founder of Learn with Leaders. Her initial training as a Chartered Accountant, a notable achievement within India’s educational framework, did little to stop her from committing to Learn with Leaders and facing challenges head-on. In a remarkably brief three-year period, Learn with Leaders has witnessed exponential growth, with a staggering increase in monthly income that surpassed expectations by over 100 times. Aggarwal’s brainchild has transcended borders, spreading its reach to students across 80 countries, and has strategically partnered with more than 850 schools and educational providers. This rapid ascent solidifies Learn with Leaders’ position as a rising star in the educational domain.

The accelerated success of Learn with Leaders not only reflects the surging demand for innovative educational models in India but also highlights the resonance of a fresh, impactful educational framework sought after by today’s education consumers. Aggarwal’s visionary leadership and Learn with Leaders’ trajectory weave a compelling narrative, shedding light on the future of education. Now, let’s get more insights from the mind behind this educational revolution.

Could you shed some light on your educational background and the role that your alma mater, ISB, played in shaping you as a business leader?

I attribute a significant part of my educational growth to my alma mater, the Indian School of Business (ISB). ISB delivered beyond my expectations with a rigorous curriculum that instilled a solid foundation of business fundamentals and honed my skills. It has played a vital role in shaping my path to donning the hat of a business leader. ISB gave me the requisite practical orientation, coupled with exposure to real-world scenarios, which in turn made me feel empowered to navigate challenging situations.

A pivotal aspect of my ISB experience was the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse cohort of peers and esteemed faculty members. Being in that collaborative environment helped significantly broaden my perspectives and underlined the paramount importance of cohesive teamwork in achieving shared objectives.

Another key enriching aspect of my time at ISB was the mentorship from seasoned faculty and industry professionals. Their insights deepened my understanding and encouraged me to explore innovative methods to achieve goals. Unknowingly, they became my driving force, inspiring me to push boundaries and discover my potential, which has ultimately culminated in Learn with Leaders.

Please guide us through your extensive industry background and the journey that led you to entrepreneurship.

My entrepreneurial journey has been both dynamic and purpose-driven. Initially, my career path unfolded in Finance, and this trajectory reached its pinnacle with my MBA from ISB, propelling my ambitions within that domain. I had a deep-seated passion for education, which drove me to quit my job, and my entrepreneurial journey took root with the co-founding of E-Squared, a digital marketing firm specializing in collaborations with educational institutions. Over a fourteen-year span, I worked in several capacities as a consultant and executive, progressively expanding networks and refining my expertise in the educational sector.

I witnessed the gaps in the educational system first-hand, and that’s when I shifted my attention to transforming education, breathing life into a vision centered on overhauling the global educational scenario, especially for the youth. At the heart of this vision was the goal of creating a global network that offered updated education at low costs.

Enter Learn with Leaders, where our success story unfolded through strategic partnerships with influential leaders and major brands in the global education industry. Our approach centers around providing students with short courses and meticulously crafted custom packages designed to address specific needs, marking a substantial shift in the educational experience.

What are some of the key challenges you encountered as an entrepreneur in the education sector? How do you navigate these obstacles?

Even with the pandemic opening up the scope of borderless education, the field in itself poses inherent challenges, and as a woman entrepreneur, navigating these hurdles meant putting my acumen to the test. We had to establish credibility in a traditional field like education, which required showcasing the value of our offerings amidst skepticism. Adaptability became the key to maneuvering this dynamic field. We had to innovate and quickly adapt to new technology to meet the demands of our evolving learners. Measuring impact in a sector that values intangible outcomes is complex, highlighting the need for effective evaluation tools to manage reputation and secure funding. Our approach to overcoming these challenges involved the implementation of thorough evaluation tools, continuous feedback gathering, and refinement of our educational offerings. Our networks with Ivy League universities helped us stay ahead of the curve with value-added courses curated for high school students worldwide.

We emphasize the distinctive value of our educational products for learners and stakeholders, ensuring a clear explanation of its benefits. These tools have proven instrumental in steering through the complexities of the education sector, ultimately playing a key role in our success and creating a positive impact on learners.

How do you position yourself when it comes to aligning with emerging industry trends?

Learn with Leaders has strategically aligned with emerging industry trends, harnessing the power of EdTech to revolutionize education. We focus on delivering personalized learning experiences to high school students globally, steering them towards rewarding career trajectories. In response to India’s growing demand for skill-based education, our programs offer vocational training, certifications, and industry-relevant skills, empowering students for diverse and lucrative pursuits.

Our integrated approach to our programs allows for beyond-classroom learning, blending experiential education with extracurricular activities. That, in turn, adds to students’ versatility, giving them opportunities to explore their interests at an early age and building their skills in tackling the challenges of the contemporary world.

How has Learn with Leaders progressed since its inception, and what principles guide your success as a leader in the education sector?

Learn with Leaders was conceptualized and brought to life during the initial stages of the pandemic. We were able to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the widespread shift to online learning during school closures. As students actively sought alternative avenues for knowledge acquisition and upskilling, Learn with Leaders emerged and has steadily expanded since.

Our commitment to transforming the educational landscape stems from the vision of connecting high school students with experienced faculty and thought leaders globally. In just three years, we have achieved a global presence spanning over 80 countries, attracting 20,000 students across our diverse portfolio of 40+ programs—an impressive feat accomplished with minimal marketing costs.

My team and I embraced a success mantra that centers on exhibiting resilience and a growth mindset when faced with challenges. Learn with Leaders actively fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability, always prioritizing student needs and well-being through our educational initiatives. We forge robust partnerships to establish a supportive and comprehensive learning environment and continue curating meaningful programs befitting the demands of the evolving world.

Gunjan Aggarwal, Co-Founder, Learn With Leaders

As a Co-Founder of Learn with Leaders, Gunjan Aggarwal leads groundbreaking initiatives in the education sector. Her visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s rapid rise, serving a diverse student community exceeding 20,000 from 80 countries.