Leaders

In a world where progress and innovation are constantly shaping our lives, women entrepreneurs are standing out and making remarkable strides in various industries. One of these remarkable women is Karishma Rodrigues, the visionary founder of Accent French, an institution that is increasing accessibility to quality French language education. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring. From being a teacher to a successful author and now an innovator, she embodies these values and has applied them to shape her own success and that of Accent French. Her vision for the future of Accent French is one that embraces technology for inclusive growth and makes learning French more accessible to everyone. Let's dive into her story and learn more about this amazing woman and her incredible journey.

Could you walk us through your academic history? What motivated you to pursue proficiency and specialization in French?

I still remember the day I stepped into my French class in junior college, feeling nervous and apprehensive. I had always been fascinated by the language and culture, but I never thought I would excel in it. That was until I met my inspiring French teacher, who sparked a passion in me that I never knew existed. I completed a diploma from Pune University and International courses concurrently, which was no easy feat, but I was determined to master the language. My passion for French continued to grow, and I decided to pursue a master's degree in the language after completing my commerce degree. It was a challenging journey, but one that was fueled by my love for the language and culture.

Share with us your previous industry background and expertise. What specific areas have you honed as an educator throughout your professional journey?

Throughout my journey as an educator, I've embraced continuous learning, growth, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From my inception as a teacher to my current venture as the founder of Accent, each phase has contributed to my specialized expertise and profound comprehension of education's dynamic landscape. My initial teaching role underscored the significance of effective classroom management, stressing clear communication and active student engagement. Transitioning from translation work ignited my passion for education, propelling me to empower individuals through transformative learning experiences. With over two decades of teaching experience, I've honed an acute sensitivity to diverse student needs, enabling me to tailor my methods to suit each learner's unique style. My forte lies in simplifying complex concepts, culminating in the creation of the Accent Method, integrating innovative teaching techniques with powerful tools like Accent French Stories and the Grammar Hub. Driven by a thirst for innovation, I continuously explore novel approaches to facilitate my students' holistic development, enriching their educational journey and leaving a lasting impact on their lives.

What inspired the creation of Accent French? Share the foundational concept driving the venture and its primary areas of expertise.

Accent French emerged from my personal journey seeking high-quality French language education. Initially, I was fortunate to have an exceptional mentor during my college years, which laid a solid foundation. However, as I delved deeper into my studies, the absence of guidance became increasingly evident. Facing the challenges of advanced French language studies, I relied on sheer passion and unwavering determination to persevere. It was during this challenging period that the seeds of Accent French were planted. The core mission of Accent French is simple yet profound: to fill the gap in access to quality language education.

What, in your view, are the most pressing challenges facing entrepreneurs in today's business landscape? How do you approach overcoming these obstacles?

As the founder of Accent, operating within the niche realm of teaching the French language, I've encountered hurdles that are both unique and universal. I was driven by a desire to share my love for the language with as many people as possible, breaking down barriers that limited its accessibility. This meant disrupting established norms within niche markets, prioritizing accessibility over niche pricing, and breaking the perception about cost versus quality. This was and is key to the Accent Method. Our success validates the effectiveness of the Accent Method, showcasing the impact of perseverance and innovation. Innovation through the continuous improvement of the teaching process, and the creation of tools like the Accent French Stories book and the Grammar Hub. By focusing on tangible outcomes and refining our approach, we've reshaped French language education standards.

Share insights into the most significant professional milestone you've reached on your journey. What guiding principles have fueled your success over time?

My professional journey is anchored in four guiding principles: passion, perseverance, discipline, and altruism. Passion drives my work, infusing every endeavor with purpose and energy. Perseverance enables me to navigate challenges, emerging stronger with each obstacle. Discipline forms the bedrock of my success, anchoring me amidst the whirlwind of entrepreneurial pursuits. Altruism drives me to add value to others' lives, transcending mere professional accomplishments. Milestones like establishing the Accent French Language learning center and leading French departments at prestigious schools attest to these principles. Notable achievements include publishing Accent French Stories and receiving a patent for the Grammar Hub, showcasing innovation in language education. Success, for me, is measured by the impact on others' lives. I remain committed to these principles, charting a path of growth, innovation, and positive change.

Could you outline your vision and growth strategy for Accent French in the upcoming future?

Our roadmap for growth encompasses two key objectives: increasing accessibility to the Accent Method in classrooms and developing additional educational aids and assets to enhance learning outcomes. To achieve greater accessibility, we are strategically expanding our presence across multiple locations while actively seeking partnerships to extend our reach to underprivileged children as well. Simultaneously, we're enhancing learning experiences through innovative tools like the Grammar Hub and Accent French Stories. Future plans include introducing more original French language resources and exploring mobile app development for wider accessibility. Our growth strategy hinges on continuous learning and development, ensuring the Accent Method remains engaging and effective. Ultimately, our goal is inclusive growth, innovation, and empowerment, equipping learners with linguistic skills for success in an interconnected world.

Karishma Rodrigues, Founder & Mentor, Accent French

Karishma Rodrigues is a visionary educator, an author and an innovator, dedicated to expanding access to quality French language education. As the founder of Accent French, she drives innovation and growth, enriching learning experiences through the Accent Method and pioneering tools like the Grammar Hub and Accent French Stories.